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Home
Spotlight On
Beautiful Homes
Meet The Team
Behind the Name
Our Showrooms
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Made By Us
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet The Team
  • Behind the Name
  • Our Showrooms
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Made By Us
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Spotlight On

Stylish Switches & Sockets: Luxury In Every Detail [Updated for 2023]

Handcrafted stylish switches and sockets are the perfect finishing touch to any period or contemporary home. Our range of colourways and designs allow you to think creatively so you can highlight your wiring accessories instead of hiding them. When decorating a room it is sometimes easy to miss the little extras that can add the design flare your room was missing. A white plastic switch is a sight I’m sure we are all familiar with. But, switches and sockets don’t have to be boring or unoriginal!

When we’ve got hundreds of hand finished switches and sockets to choose from, it can be hard to pick which combination is right for you. We thought we’d make it a little bit easier by highlighting a few of our favourite designs…


From traditional antiqued metal effects, to bold contemporary paint colours, our products are available in a fantastic variety of hand crafted finishes to perfectly suit your home’s style.

Our hammered edge is where the switch plate is cut with a sloping, or chamfered edge that is hammered to produce a subtle, rustic aged look. Our bevelled edge is where the switch plate is cut with a straight, slightly sloping or chamfered edge for a slimline, contemporary look.

A beautiful, hand forged double plug socket made from solid natural brass and lightly antiqued for a classic, aged look. This Antiqued Brass Bevelled Plug Socket combines a 2 gang, 13 amp switched, slimline design with black inserts and antique brass rocker switches to create a simple sleek look to suit modern and traditional homes.

Though it’s a bathroom essential, a shaver socket might seem like an afterthought when you’re dreaming up your desired bathroom décor. Wall colour and lighting may come first, but our Shaving Sockets are a practical AND pretty solution to make sure every element of your bathroom is up to scratch.


We have found that making a feature out of the quirks of period homes is often the best way to enjoy them. A hinged design that fits into the floor, this 2 Gang Floor Socket is the dreamy modern rustic detail you might not have thought of, but now know you need! A great solution when you don’t want wires stretching around the room or have limited wall space, you can enjoy floor or table lamps in more central spots around the room, or use them for other portable accessories. Our range of colourways and designs allow you to think creatively so you can highlight your wiring accessories instead of hiding them.

Take a look at our 2amp and 5amp round pin sockets for something a little different…

The go-to for vintage-inspired homes: the dolly switch. Shown here in our beautiful Heritage Copper, a dolly switch is perfect for capturing the spirit of your period home whilst taking advantage of modern wiring. Copper lends a subtle blush warmth to any interior, creating a lovely aged look that will darken naturally over time, much like our Antiqued Brass finish. Our dolly switches (also known as toggle switches) refer to the toggle-like button you use to turn the switch on or off. Ours are all 20 amp, 2-way.

The antithesis of the standard white light switch: a slick matt black rocker switch or ‘Modular Grid’ Switch. This is a more modern looking sloped button that ‘rocks’ backward or forwards to turn a switch on or off. All ours are 20 amp, 2-way, 240V. This design adds a modern industrial look, or works wonderfully paired with other black ironmongery and accessories in a contemporary country home.

A dimmer is a button that pushes in and out to turn your lights on or off and rotates to dim the lights. You can choose from beautiful Dolly or Rotary Dimmers. Our dimmers are Varilight V-Pro 250W push On/off trailing edge dimmers. Jim Lawrence dimmers incorporate 120w trailing edge modules that are suitable for good quality dimmable LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs and dimmable CFL bulbs. They are also compatible with good quality dimmable electronic transformers. The minimum load on the dimmer module is 10w. Each dimmer switch is 2 way which means it can be used for switching lights from either one or two places. Higher wattage dimmer modules are available on request. Please call our sales team for more information.

Want to learn more? See our full guide to Dimmer Switches on the Knowledge Base.

This is the plastic connector box that sits behind the metal front plate that connects your switch or socket to the mains wiring in your home.


Blank plates are useful for covering unused back boxes that may remain in your walls as they are not currently required in that location.

A 1 way switch is the most common found in the home and means that only one switch is used to govern one light. All our switches are two way which means they can be used to operate lights from more than one location, such as the operating a stairwell light from the top and the bottom of the stairs or from either end of a room. If you need to operate your lights from a third location, you will need to fit your switches with an intermediate module.

An intermediate switch or module allows you to operate your lights from three locations, so from a landing as well as from the top and bottom of the stairs in the example given above, or from either side of the bed as well as by the door in a bedroom. Intermediate switches are ideal for rooms where there are multiple entrances.

 

These are just a handful of our stylish switches and sockets that we have constructed to make sure the smallest details can still be the most beautiful. All Jim Lawrence products are made using traditional metal working techniques and are hand finished to the very highest standards here at our Suffolk workshop, so every part of your room will exude quality no matter how big or small. In need of advice on how to wire your switches and sockets? Our detailed knowledge base will guide you through all you need to know on installing our lovely switches and sockets. Please read these instructions carefully before you start work.

To view all of our home accessories and lighting visit our website. For even more home interior ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes!

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Style Journal.

We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, ironwork and home furnishings from our Suffolk workshop.

This is where we share ideas that we love, show sneak peeks behind the scenes of our brand and offer a unique insight into classic design.

jimlawrencemade

Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home
Set within a Grade II listed home dating back to t Set within a Grade II listed home dating back to the 1600s, each space from @_our_housetohome_ blends historic character with timeless design.⁠
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Nat captures a range of our designs at their best. Showcasing the warmth and elegance of our lighting from mid-century chandeliers, more subtle sconces, and statement glass, her styling choices are a true reflection of how lighting transforms a house into a home.⁠
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Visit her profile to indulge in more imagery, and visit us at jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop each look.
We are holding a lampshade making workshop in our We are holding a lampshade making workshop in our Suffolk showroom, giving you the rare opportunity to create your own lampshade to take home.⁠
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Join us the 15th October and create your own timeless piece by hand whilst guided by our expert makers.⁠
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Places are £65 per person for groups of up to 8 people and include:⁠
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-A 35cm wide cylinder shade in a fabric of your choice (excluding faux silk)⁠
-Jim Lawrence workshop tour.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day⁠
-Refreshments⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces⁠
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Tap the ‘Tickets’ button via the link in our bio to secure your place today.
Last week, we welcomed our friends and family to c Last week, we welcomed our friends and family to celebrate the opening of our new London showroom on Pimlico Road.⁠ It may not be big, but it holds everything you need to understand our passion for quality and design.⁠
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To visit and browse our collection in person, find us at 94 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PL. If you want to chat to us in advance about what’s on display, please call us on 01473 826945.⁠
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We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Based in Henley-on-Thames and working across the H Based in Henley-on-Thames and working across the Home Counties and London, Anna Moss is the founder of @mosslivinginteriors, known for creating elegant, timeless spaces with personality. ⁠
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Her love of interiors began in childhood, trailing through antique shops and soaking up inspiration from her family studio. After a decade in marketing, she took the leap and launched her own practice in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. Today, Anna’s designs blend classic foundations with contemporary touches, always tailored to the lives and stories of her clients.⁠
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Tap the blog link in our bio to see more.
We are holding two lampshade making workshops in o We are holding two lampshade making workshops in our Suffolk showroom, giving you the rare opportunity to create your own lampshade to take home.⁠
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Choose from the 15th October or the 20th November to join us and create your own timeless piece by hand whilst guided by our expert makers.⁠
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Places are £65 per person for groups of up to 8 people and include:⁠
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-A 35cm wide cylinder shade in a fabric of your choice (excluding faux silk)⁠
-Jim Lawrence workshop tour.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day⁠
-Refreshments⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces⁠
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Tap the ‘Tickets’ button via the link in our bio to secure your place today.
There's nothing like a crackling fire to make a ho There's nothing like a crackling fire to make a house feel like home. Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk using traditional ironwork techniques: simple, elegant, and made to last.⁠
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Explore our fire place accessories and companion tools by tapping this image in the link in our bio.
Whether it’s a row of wall lights casting soft p Whether it’s a row of wall lights casting soft pools of light, a statement pendant drawing the eye upward, or layered accents that highlight architectural details, good hallway lighting serves as a welcoming invitation to the rest of the home.⁠
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@coopersofsurreyltd has featured both our Morston wall lights and Conway pendant in matching Antiqued Brass to add warmth to this calming, neutral space. ⁠
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Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to get the look.⁠
When thoughtfully placed, a mirror does more than When thoughtfully placed, a mirror does more than reflect: it amplifies natural light and creates a sense of space. Our collection is designed to transform any room, with a range of styles and finishes to suit every interior.⁠
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The Hepworth, as featured by @southernhomesuk, was made with dressing tables in mind. Crafted from solid steel and powder painted in matt black, metallic bronze, or plain ivory, this adjustable mirror with frame brings an elegance to every day routines.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse more designs.⁠
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Easy to fit without the need for internal wiring, Easy to fit without the need for internal wiring, plug-ins are a flexible solution for quick-fix fittings that have the same quality as a traditional light.⁠
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The vintage-style flex can be draped where you desire, with the in-line switch just in reach when you need it.⁠
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Our Carrick Light, pictured here, is thoughtfully designed and made in several beautiful iterations, offering a versatile option to suit a range of spaces and styles.⁠
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Discover more plug-in designs at jim-lawrence.co.uk.⁠
By hugging the ceiling, our collection of flush mo By hugging the ceiling, our collection of flush mount ceiling lighting offers a refined version of our most popular pendants, whilst maximising your existing ceiling height. Designed to provide even, ambient light without taking up too much space, they’re ideal for hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms like this one from @katherinetaylorinteriors.⁠
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The Shotley glass is handblown in Suffolk, and gently coaxed into its fluted form with a sweetly scalloped edge, available for flush mounted designs like this, or as wall and pendant lighting throughout the rest of the home.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to shop more flush inspiration for your daintier spaces.⁠
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Never underestimate the power of a well-placed tab Never underestimate the power of a well-placed table lamp. Whether it’s adding a warm glow to a reading nook or enhancing a hallway console, table lamps play a key role in restoring balance, and bringing a warmer atmosphere into your home.

The secret to a truly polished look is finding the perfect lampshade. Too big, and it overwhelms the base. Too small, and it will skew proportions.

Our simple guide to sizing your shades will help you get it just right, ensuring your table lamps feel in tune with the space around them. Tap this reel via the link in our bio to read more.
Nautical lighting design remains a popular choice Nautical lighting design remains a popular choice for outdoor spaces thanks to its blend of timeless coastal charm and practical durability. Originally crafted to withstand the harshest maritime conditions, these vintage-inspired looks offer both style and substance for enhancing exterior settings. ⁠
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Our award-winning Boathouse Light strikes this balance effortlessly. With its classic bell-shaped shade and curved swan neck arm, it brings a refined yet robust presence to any outdoor space, ensuring that it's an enduring favourite for all kinds of properties.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse our full outdoor collection.
Celebrating the hints of September sun in our Bath Celebrating the hints of September sun in our Bath, London, and Suffolk showrooms.⁠
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If you find yourself in Walcot, Pimlico, or Hadleigh, enjoy a glimpse into our collection of lighting and home accessories, with thoughtfully curated displays to suit each unique sapce.⁠
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For individual opening times, please visit our website for more details.
Rich brown hues in the home are earthy, timeless, Rich brown hues in the home are earthy, timeless, and can serve as a 'neutral', allowing other materials to sing against a grounded but luxury-looking backdrop.⁠
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This en-suite from @karlylouise_x exudes comfort and calm with its coffee-toned palette. Paired with brass details that blend in beautifully, the space proves that thoughtfully layered dark tones elevate instead of overpower.⁠
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Swipe to see Karly's lighting choice in further detail: our Cheltenham lights in softly antiqued brass.
Designed and made by us, Jim Lawrence multi-pendan Designed and made by us, Jim Lawrence multi-pendant lights are carefully crafted to leave a lasting first impression.

Elevate your home entrances, hallways, and stairwells with our luxury collection of multi-pendant ceiling lights, available in striking cluster, track, and cascade designs. ⁠Aysa of @thehighlandhome has selected the Barbican Five Pendant Rose in Antiqued Brass. Expertly crafted from solid, natural brass and gently antiqued to create a beautifully aged finish, this piece brings warmth, character, and a bold statement to her contemporary home.

Tap the reel via the link in our bio to shop the look.
Basking in the natural light of our Pimlico Road s Basking in the natural light of our Pimlico Road showroom 💡 

We’re drawn to unique architecture that perfectly showcases our craftsmanship, and with lofty ceilings and expansive glass frontage, our latest showroom is flooded with beautiful light to highlight every detail at its finest.

To visit, find us at 94 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PL. If you want to chat to us in advance about what’s on display, please call us on 01473 826945. 

For easy access, the interior is all on one level and the nearest Tube is Sloane Square. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
At Jim Lawrence, we design and craft almost everyt At Jim Lawrence, we design and craft almost everything you need to make the living room just right. Starting with our range of wall lights, pendants, floor and table lamps, you can go on to browse our extensive collection of fabric shade to finish off the look perfectly.⁠
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By thoughtfully layering ambient, task, and accent lighting, you have a space that can adapt for intimate evenings or larger gatherings.⁠
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Tap this image of our gorgeous Grantham light via the link in our bio to shop our edit for the living room.⁠
Perfect for brightening up a seasonal tablescape o Perfect for brightening up a seasonal tablescape or supplementing the glow of the hearth, a hurricane lamp like our Penfold adds further charm to autumnal interiors.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to find yours in a bronze, matt black, or polished finish.
From rather rustic roots to a refined living space From rather rustic roots to a refined living space, this barn kitchen is the heart of @bijoubarn 's 1800's home renovation. ⁠
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Glass pendants are a timeless choice that complement any space, no matter the size, shape, or colour palette. The Lansdown pendants may be large, but their lightweight look allows the room to breathe, whilst falling in effortlessly with their modern country style. Tap the image via the link in our bio to explore more handblown designs.
Set the tone for relaxed, elegant gatherings with Set the tone for relaxed, elegant gatherings with our collection of linen tablecloths, available in a range of dusky, natural tones that bring understated charm to any dining setting.⁠
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This is our latest addition in waterford green, available as a table runner and set of 2 napkins as well as made to measure curtains and blinds, and a cushion cover should you wish to embrace the full look.⁠
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Crafted from pure linen, this timeless weave is lightweight yet durable, creating a beautiful drape and a natural character that only improves with age.⁠
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Tap the New Arrivals button via the link in our bio to shop.
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