With simplicity at its core, rustic design uses raw materials, natural textures, and muted tones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rustic design has gained popularity in recent years, walking hand in hand with sustainability with its emphasis on locally sourced, handcrafted materials, but finding the right sockets and switches can be a challenge.
Breaking up this design with white plastic only serves to draw the eye away from your carefully balanced design. However, making conscious choices about the kinds of sockets and switches that will help you to strike a balance between function and aesthetic, and even enhance your interior to create a cohesive design throughout.
The Basics of Rustic Interior Design
Inspired by rural and countryside settings, rustic design is inspired by a natural aesthetic, embracing raw materials and handcrafted simplicity.
Incorporating natural beauty in the form of roughly cut wood and natural materials such as suede, fur, and rough-spun cotton or wool into your design elicits a cosy atmosphere. Combining these rugged assets with a neutral colour palette of stone greys, beiges, and creams, you can achieve a harmonious rustic interior that evokes comfort and luxury.
Choosing the Right Finish
So, which sockets and switches go with a rustic interior? Time-worn metals offer their own unique appeal while bringing an industrial touch, and a socket and switch with a weathered finish will work best to keep the overall theme your rustic interior cohesive.
For the most weathered appearance, a finish like Vintage Brass works beautifully to strike a balance with dark woods and rough-spun fabrics for a cosy interior. This distressed finish elevates that authentic time-worn aesthetic perfectly, creating a wonderful rustic charm.
Consider contrasting this unique finish with a soft pebble paint to highlight your switches, or alternatively, pair with a darker colour to blend with the darker, cosier elements of your interior design.
A brighter finish can serve as an eye-catching focal point to really elevate your interior. Old Brass adds a vibrancy while still adhering to the rustic aesthetic. Using this finish infuses a rustic interior with a touch of subtle elegance, contrasting the raw wood and fabric details of the space.
One striking alternative worth considering for your rustic interior is Antique Copper. This sumptuous finish offers a brighter tone with a rich vibrant pinkish hue that works particularly well in rustic kitchens. Reminiscent of copperware pots and pans in period larders and pantries, Antique Copper transforms an interior to a rustic farmhouse aesthetic with ease, serving as an eye-catching finish that enhances the overall ambience of the home.
No matter the finish that you ultimately choose, rustic sockets and switches allow you to personalise your space according to your preference, be it rustic elegance or industrial chic. By choosing a time-worn finish that is cohesive to your interior, you can strike a balance to create a seamless flow throughout your space, achieving a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal style.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]With simplicity at its core, rustic design uses raw materials, natural textures, and muted tones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rustic design has gained popularity in recent years, walking hand in hand with sustainability with its emphasis on locally sourced, handcrafted materials, but finding the right sockets and switches can be a challenge. […]
The current cost of living crisis has us all looking for ways that we can save money, and one expense that is taking a particular toll on our wallets is our electricity bills. Lighting is an essential aspect of our lives, but it can also consume a significant amount of energy.
By implementing energy saving lighting solutions, we can not only save money on our electricity bills, but we can also make a positive impact on the environment in the process.
In this blog, we will explore several practical tips and tricks that can help lower your energy bills, as well as your carbon footprint.
Transition to LED Lights
One of the most effective ways to save money and energy in lighting is to switch from traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs to LED lights.
LEDs, or Light-emitting diodes consume significantly less energy while providing the same level of brightness as their older counterparts. LEDs are also much more durable and have a longer life span, making them a smarter choice all around. We have a large range of beautiful LED light bulbs to choose from.
Optimize Natural Lighting
Make the most of natural light during daylight hours by keeping windows unobstructed, using light-coloured curtains or blinds, and using mirrors to reflect as much natural light as possible.
Using natural light in place of artificial light not only cuts the cost of your energy bills, but also creates a pleasant and productive environment.
Install Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights according to your needs. Using a good quality dimmer with your LED bulbs can conserve energy while creating a cosy ambience.
Consider installing dimmer switches in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas, and keeping the light level low enough to see, but bright enough to avoid eye strain.
Utilise Task Lighting
Instead of relying solely on bright overhead lighting, add task lighting to any workspace for specific activities. Task lights such as desk lamps or under-cabinet lights direct light to a desired area, reducing the need for overall room lighting.
Embrace Motion Sensor and Timers
Motion sensor and timer-based lighting systems are ideal for areas that are frequently unoccupied or where lighting is only needed for short periods of time, automatically turning lights on as you move through a room or as part of a schedule, and switching off when the area is vacant.
These are especially effective in homes where forgetting to turn lights off is a common occurrence and eliminates the possibility of lights being left on unintentionally.
Cleaning Your Shades
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your lighting fixtures are essential for the best light output. Gathering dust can reduce light output on light shades and even bulbs, forcing you to turn up the brightness just to see.
Cleaning your fixtures and replacing outdated or inefficient bulbs will ensure maximum brightness while consuming less energy. Please clean lights safely and ensure you turn lights off at the mains before removing shades or bulbs, and do not allow any water to make contact with bulbs or wiring.
Making the switch to energy-efficient lighting is a simple yet impactful step toward reducing your energy bills. By following these tips, you can save money by reducing your energy consumption, and lower your carbon footprint in the process!
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]The current cost of living crisis has us all looking for ways that we can save money, and one expense that is taking a particular toll on our wallets is our electricity bills. Lighting is an essential aspect of our lives, but it can also consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing energy saving […]
When it comes to interior design, attention to detail is key. Every aspect of a space, no matter how small, contributes to the overall aesthetic.
One often overlooked element is the choice of sockets and switches, which can result in a missed opportunity to enhance your homes unique style. Opting for period sockets and switches can add a touch of elegance and charm to any interior design scheme.
In this blog post, we will explore the beauty and functionality of period style sockets and switches, and how they can elevate your home's interior.
Defining Period Style
Period style is associated with the architectural and decorative expressions of a broad historical era, typically ranging from the Georgian period through to Art deco, with each span of time bringing its own unique charm and character.
Soft, muted colours, white painted wood, and rich, flocked textiles are all common features in period styles spanning the era, and it is down to personal taste whether you choose a cosier ambience with warmer, richer colours and textures versus a bright and spacious design that relies on lighter colours to bring vibrancy to the room.
When choosing period style assets, it’s best to begin by considering the architectural design of your home and select designs that complement the overall theme. This attention to detail adds a touch of sophistication and authenticity to your interior.
Period Sockets and Switches Finishes
Period style sockets and switches are not simply one design. Depending on your interior there is a wide range of finishes to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect match for your design vision.
Pay attention to the overall colour palette, textures, and furnishings in your space, ensuring that the sockets and switches harmonize with the rest of the design elements. Use them as subtle accents or focal points, depending on your desired effect.
Brushed Brass
To complement a chic and luxurious interior, we recommend brushed brass. This classic choice pairs well with almost any wall colour, and offers a clean and bright touch, not to mention the brushed metal hides fingerprints particularly well!
Antique Brass
For a classic and elegant look, antique brass is a popular choice. This darker tone of metal works beautifully with rich interiors, blending seamlessly with dark woods and earthy wall colours. Not only is this brushed metal in a softer hue than its brighter counterpart, brushed brass, but it also does a fabulous job of hiding fingerprints.
Bronze Period Sockets and Switches
Bronze is popular choices, evoking a sense of elegance and luxury. Softer, and with an aged appearance, bronze is a wonderful addition that brings a real sense of authenticity to a period interior.
Antique Copper
Bringing vibrancy and depth, Antique Copper emulates well-used copper pots and pans, adding a stunning dimension that will enhance any period kitchen or pantry.
Vintage Brass
Vintage Brass is a dark and aged metal with a weathered patina transported through time from an authentic period home, a perfect choice for any period country house.
Old Brass Period Sockets and Switches
Boasting rich golden tones, the mature and well-worn patina of old brass brings time-worn warmth to spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, pairing beautifully with rich patterns and colours.
Try mixing metals for an added touch of authenticity to these beautiful assets.
Toggles Vs Rocker Switches
Period style toggles can elevate the overall aesthetic of your space. Removing the contemporary style of a rocker switch and replacing it with intricate detailing, such as knurled and turned styles such as a Victorian toggle aligns more closely with a period interior ensures a cohesive look throughout your space.
Incorporating period sockets and switches into your interior design is a small but impactful way to add character and elegance to your space. By paying attention to the design and finishes, you can seamlessly integrate these functional elements into your overall aesthetic.
Feeling inspired? Check out our wide variety of sockets and switches, and find your perfect addition today!
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]When it comes to interior design, attention to detail is key. Every aspect of a space, no matter how small, contributes to the overall aesthetic. One often overlooked element is the choice of sockets and switches, which can result in a missed opportunity to enhance your homes unique style. Opting for period sockets and switches […]
Travelling can be complicated, there are so many things to keep in mind, but one of the most confusing topics is which types of sockets you need for the country you are travelling to. We all travel with things that need regular charging, phones, laptops, earbuds, and trying to figure out what sort of plug we need has always been a challenge.
Knowing the types is extremely important, particularly for safety, as some countries policies require a grounding pin in their sockets whereas some do not.
With so many sockets, and with some countries using multiple sockets as standard, we have kept our list simple, and focused on the most popular sockets worldwide.
Types of Sockets
- Type A is a two flat pin ungrounded socket with one pin slightly wider than the other to prevent being plugged in the wrong way. Some smaller volt plugs have equal size pins. Compatible with Type A plugs.
- Type B is similar to Type A but includes a grounding pin hole. Compatible with Type A and Type B plugs.
- Type C is a two round pin grounded socket. Compatible with Type C Plug.
- Type D is a three pin grounded socket used only in India, considered extremely unsafe due to uncovered pins.
- Type E is a two pin socket with a male grounding pin on the socket itself. This socket is compatible with Type E, Type C, and Type F plugs.
- Type F (Schuko) is a two pin socket with conductive clips at the top and bottom for grounding the plug. This socket also features clips at either side to secure larger plugs in place. Compatible with Type F, Type C, and Type E plugs.
- Type G is a regular three pin socket with a triangular formation, commonly used in the UK. The central pin is often an earthing pin for larger appliances.
- Type I is a three flat pin socket that can accommodate a two or three pin Type I plug. The two pin plug will be unground and the three pin will be grounded.
- Type L has three round slots in a row that are compatible with Type L Plugs. This socket is grounded.
Sockets by Country
USA and Canada - Type A and Type B
Australia and New Zealand - Type I
China - Type A, Type C, and Type I
Japan - Type A and Type B
India - Type D
Europe
With there being many countries within Europe that use their own combination of sockets, we have narrowed this list down to the most commonly visited countries.
France - Type C and Type E
Germany - Type C and Type F (Schuko)
Spain - Type C and Type F (Schuko)
Italy - Type C, Type F (Schuko), and Type L
Ireland - Type G
Iceland - Type C or F
Greece - Type F
Cyprus - Type G
Turkey - Type F
Croatia - Type F
Please ensure that you check all voltage and frequency requirements for each country, and each plug before use. These can vary significantly between countries and regions, and it is important to use plugs and sockets safely when travelling.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Travelling can be complicated, there are so many things to keep in mind, but one of the most confusing topics is which types of sockets you need for the country you are travelling to. We all travel with things that need regular charging, phones, laptops, earbuds, and trying to figure out what sort of plug […]
Whether your home contains cosy living spaces or a sprawling open floor plan, your home relies on lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. There are so many ways to use light to draw in ambience, and different fittings will influence how the light layers within each room.
You likely already have the locations of your ceiling or wall lights wired into your home, so unless you are undertaking a major refit, or perhaps overseeing your very own new build, chances are you will have to make do with the light placements you have. But no need to worry, with so many gorgeous lights to choose from, this won’t be a problem.
Both wall and ceiling light fixtures add style, but each have distinct differences that can affect how they are used, as well as change the effect they have on a room. So let’s explore the varieties of wall lights and ceiling lights, and which type of light will benefit different situations.
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights encompass a wide variety of styles and designs. Pendants can come in any size from ultra-modern, minimalist bulb holders to vast and impressive chandeliers, and everything in between. Whether used as a single statement piece or clustered together to make a full light display, ceiling lights really enhance your décor.
Ceiling mounted lights are a space saving option for lower ceilings or rooms with high surfaces. Perfect high traffic areas as well as bathrooms and utility rooms, this style of light sits flush to the ceiling and helps to avoid accidentally knocking or touching the light.
Spotlight bars are a great way to add a multitude of directional lights, great for task lighting or illuminating wall art or walkways. These handy lights are both functional and stylish, as well as being customisable for your space.
Downlights are the ultimate minimalist design, and with their recessed profile, as well as a large range of different finishes, downlights can pair with almost any interior design. Great for task lighting, downlights add a dimension of light to utility spaces such as kitchens and hallways.
Suspended designs such as pendants and chandeliers create a more formal aesthetic for the design conscious. With so many different styles, the pendant is by far the most popular choice for most rooms in the home. With shades made from wood, fabrics, metal, glass, leather, and plastic, a pendant can direct light, create patterns of light, or simply draw the eye to an impressive statement light display.
Wall Lights
While walls lights may not have quite as many options as ceiling lights, wall fixtures come in many stunning designs. Not just great space savers but also practical, serving as great task lighting for living rooms and bedrooms, particularly in rooms where wall space is ample.
Depending on the design that you choose, a wall light offers great background ambience and combined with ceiling lights, the humble wall light can add a dramatic light layering effect to any room.
Decorative wall lights such as lanterns and sconces are a gorgeous design feature that adds depth to a space, so consider a bulb that emits a warm light for these designs, or even a soft, decorative bulb that emits a lower light. This will enhance the ambience of your room while layering light to complement your more functional lighting.
Spotlights look incredible in pairs when framing a window, doorway, or a fireplace, and especially above bedside tables to replace a table lamp, not to mention clearing precious surface space. These handy lights can work as task lighting for a reading nook, or above a bedside table, and with the right bulb can create stunning layers of light. Consider using these to accentuate artworks or decorative wallpaper.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Whether your home contains cosy living spaces or a sprawling open floor plan, your home relies on lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. There are so many ways to use light to draw in ambience, and different fittings will influence how the light layers within each room. You likely already have the locations of your […]
Knowing how many lumens a bulb emits is important for lighting a space. Understanding the difference between lux and lumen, especially how these two measurements work together can really help you to make the most of your room, while literally and figuratively brightening your home.
What is lux level?
Lux (commonly known as ‘foot-candles’) is a unit of measurement for natural and artificial lighting that reaches a surface. If lumen is the amount of light emitted, lux is the amount of that light that falls on a surface.
Simply put, one lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. (lm/m²), meaning that if one lumen of light is emitted from a bulb, and that light falls evenly on a surface of one square meter, the illuminance on the surface would be equal to one lux.
A typical living room can have anywhere between 100-300 lux of natural light. This depends how large your windows are, and which direction your windows face. To put this into perspective, the recommended illuminance level for reading is around 500 lux, outdoor daylight can range from anywhere between 10,000 on an overcast day and upwards of 100,000 lux with brilliant sunshine.
When dealing with large commercial or industrial spaces, lumen doesn’t necessarily always indicate a lux level. The further away a light source is from a surface, the more light will disperse, meaning less lux than lumens. A torch, no matter how bright it is, will appear dimmer the further away it is.
However, calculating lux from lumens when lighting your home is relatively simple, and choosing lights based on lumens will give a fairly accurate measurement of lux inside the home.
We hope this guide helps you to understand lux level and how to use this in your home. Check out our range of LED light bulbs to light your home effectively.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Knowing how many lumens a bulb emits is important for lighting a space. Understanding the difference between lux and lumen, especially how these two measurements work together can really help you to make the most of your room, while literally and figuratively brightening your home. What is lux level? Lux (commonly known as ‘foot-candles’) is […]
When it comes to wiring your home, it isn’t quite as simple as just sockets and switches. There are many types of power outlets, switches, and different sockets to consider. One type of socket that causes a little confusion is the flex outlet socket. So, why would you need one?
A flex outlet is a type of electrical socket that allows you to wire high-powered appliances straight into your walls. Boilers, water heaters, and other electrical unit that require a continuous power source, would be wired through a flex outlet. Flex outlets are often used in a situation where a plug socket would be difficult to access. Or with appliances that do not come with a 13A plug socket as standard.
Let’s look at the different types of flex outlets that we stock, and why you would consider using them.
Flex Outlet
The most basic type of flex outlet has no switch and is designed for relatively low-powered appliances that don’t require isolating from the mains. For example, you could have your table lamp, or even a hairdryer hardwired into the wall in a specific location, if you knew that you were unlikely to need to move these again.
Double Pole Switched Flex Outlet
A 20A double pole switched is used to safely isolate an appliance by isolating both the live and neutral simultaneously. This ensures that the appliance is completely disconnected from the power source when the switch is turned off. A double pole flex switch is a safer way to control the power supply to an appliance, providing an extra layer of protection against electrical shocks.
Unswitched Fused Connection Unit (FCU)
An unswitched fused connection unit (FCU) flex outlet is used to protect a hardwired appliance which develops a fault. Excessive electrical draw/leakage will blow, or melt, the fuse first, which helps keep your appliance and your home safe.
Switched Fused Connection Unit (FCU)
A switched fused connection (FCU) flex outlet works in the same way as the unswitched FCU, the only difference being that you can switch the hardwired appliance on and off at the wall. This switch is useful for appliances that might occasionally need to be switched off from the wall.
Switched Flex outlet sockets have the option for a neon light to indicate when power is reaching the switch, and it's up to you if you require neon or not, however this is a great safety feature for any appliance that requires switching off before you interact with it.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]When it comes to wiring your home, it isn’t quite as simple as just sockets and switches. There are many types of power outlets, switches, and different sockets to consider. One type of socket that causes a little confusion is the flex outlet socket. So, why would you need one? A flex outlet is a […]
Chandeliers have always been considered the most luxurious way to light a space. Be it large or small, chandeliers are designed to be the centrepiece to a room. As trends move throughout the years, we have found ways to incorporate this wonderful light into different aesthetics.
Styling a contemporary home with a modern chandelier comes with a few considerations. Firstly, how large your space is will play a big part in the kind of chandelier you choose. If you have high ceilings then you will have much more room to play with. However if your ceilings are relatively low, then you will need to find a lower profile chandelier for this space.
Next, think about where this modern chandelier is going. Is this for above a dining table, for example? Then consider a wider chandelier that won’t interfere with the table. If you’re choosing a light for a mezzanine, then a taller chandelier will work well for this space. Using a chandelier that is too small or large for your room will throw off the ambience of your space. So, measure twice, choose once!
Modern chandeliers tend to be linear in design, focusing on minimalistic form and shapes. Materials such as metal or a high-quality plastic form the framework and use LED strips to create smooth and fascinating shapes. This makes them great additions for minimalist, industrial, or even brutalist spaces, adding a design element to the room without cluttering the aesthetic.
If you are choosing for a chic or Scandi space, glass, woods, linens, and even paper add a sophisticated element to these more decorative focused interiors. Be mindful of the aesthetic you wish to cohere to; an ultra-minimalist LED chandelier will detract from the comfortable ambience of your carefully designed Scandi living room.
Modern chandeliers offer a great way to add that touch of design and elegance to any contemporary space. By selecting a chandelier that is complements your interior, balances your space, and coheres to your tastes, you can create a truly stunning focal point that will only enhance the ambience of your home.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Chandeliers have always been considered the most luxurious way to light a space. Be it large or small, chandeliers are designed to be the centrepiece to a room. As trends move throughout the years, we have found ways to incorporate this wonderful light into different aesthetics. Styling a contemporary home with a modern chandelier comes […]
Lighting in open plan spaces such as a bedroom or a dining room is relatively straight forward when you consider the purpose of a room. Especially if each room has a different style or theme.
But lighting an open plan space has a few design elements to consider. While it’s easy to see where a kitchen ends and a living room begins, knowing how to light each area for different tasks or atmospheres can be a bit tricky.
Let’s look at how we can create ambience without sacrificing design. In this blog we explore the different ways you can light your open plan space to define areas and moods.
Downlights
While it may seem easier to simply light an entire open space using downlights, you risk interrupting a cosy ambience. Relying only on downlights creates shadows and removes the glow that comes from a well-placed pendant or floor light.
However, downlights certainly have their place. They are fantastic task lights and are best saved for the kitchen. Not to mention this is a great way to define specific areas of an open plan kitchen dining space.
By using downlights, particularly CCT downlights you can separate the space between kitchen and dining room. This means using a cooler task light for the kitchen, and a much warmer ambience light for the dining room.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights are a great addition to downlights. They offer a warm glow from a different height, something that complements the light given by a downlight. Hung above a dining room table, a pendant light defines the dining room space by adding a focal point.
Furthermore, since wall space may be short supply in larger open plan space, pendant lights also eliminate the need to find space and add fittings to walls.
Floor lights and table lamps
As we move from the dining room through to the living room, we should look at a new way to light a space and define the living room from the dining area.
Using floor lights and table lamps is especially effective in areas where wall space is limited. This means you can light specific areas without lighting the entire open space.
Floor lights work beautifully in living rooms and even open plan bedrooms, not to mention these handy lights can be moved wherever and whenever needed and add a cosy element to the relaxing space of a living room.
Pairing table lamps around the sofa or side tables allows for another dimension in your lighting, lighting from lower down than the high pendants and downlights of the more task-based areas of the space. This gives further definition to the areas within your open plan space and create a more cohesive and relaxing living room.
Ready to create the ambience in your open plan space? Check out our lighting by types to find the perfect lighting for your home and design a perfectly balanced space.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Lighting in open plan spaces such as a bedroom or a dining room is relatively straight forward when you consider the purpose of a room. Especially if each room has a different style or theme. But lighting an open plan space has a few design elements to consider. While it’s easy to see where a […]
Mixing metals has been a growing trend in recent months. It is still gaining popularity as we experiment with the ways that different metals match or contrast with one another.
Copper has been a firm favourite for chic interiors for some time, with brushed copper being the go-to choice. This finish gives a bright warm accent to modern bedrooms and living rooms and adds a beautiful pop of colour.
So, what is antique copper? Let’s look at the two side by side to understand the key differences.
Antique Copper vs Brushed Copper
Brushed copper is typically machine manufactured for a uniform finish that is closer to rose gold in colour. This bright metal with a pinkish hue seamlessly complements rich jewel tones and modern geometric patterns.
Antique copper boasts an aged finish that is well suited to traditional or rustic homes due to its unique patina. With a warmer burnished gold lustre, it lends a time-worn warmth to a space. And with its hand-crafted finish, no two pieces are alike.
The satin finish has the appearance of having been used for many years while also hiding fingerprint marks extremely well, meaning that you will never need to polish your antique copper switches or sockets.
Styling with Copper
Copper is a beautiful colour in its own right and works particularly well with navy blues, forest greens, black, whites, and creams. With the burnished warmth that comes with antique copper, styling with this rich metal is very easy.
This finish works beautifully in rustic kitchens that uses mixed metals in all of its accents, matching copper pots and pans. Country living rooms that boast raw wood, chunky knit throws, and a cosy lived in aesthetic also benefit from this rich finish.
Pairing antique copper with a brushed chrome really allows the warmth of the copper to stand out, and this works particularly well in homes that welcome a modern twist in their interior design. Mixing metals is growing in popularity, and matching a cooler toned uniformly brushed metal with a warm, hand-finished metal adds a sophisticated dimension to your assets.
Take a look at our range of Antique Copper switches and sockets to discover which is your favourite.
Mixing metals has been a growing trend in recent months. It is still gaining popularity as we experiment with the ways that different metals match or contrast with one another. Copper has been a firm favourite for chic interiors for some time, with brushed copper being the go-to choice. This finish gives a bright warm […]