When renovating or decorating your home, the details can really add to or detract from the overall look. A period feature in a contemporary setting can stick out like a sore thumb, and a contemporary feature in a period or vintage setting can do the same.
Sockets and switches are a common feature throughout properties, and often appear in very visible places, so if the plan is to have a consistent style throughout the room, then the faceplates need to match the décor style.
What is contemporary décor?
Contemporary décor styles tend to not only suit homes but also commercial spaces like offices too. As a style, it is defined by simplicity, clean lines and subtle sophistication. These interiors often focus around the space, rather than particular focal points (statues etc.)
Neutral colours are the most common colours in contemporary design. Mainly blacks and whites. Strong visible lines are key to creating a contemporary look. These lines don’t necessarily need to be straight, as curves can be used, but they need to be strong and clear. Lines can be found in the architectural detailing, colour blocks and wall art.
What sort of socket and switch finish suits contemporary properties?
When looking at contemporary sockets and switch finishes and styles, consider the characteristics, compared to the characteristics of contemporary décor.
Neutral colours are blacks and whites, so you may want to choose either a white metal or a black metal finish. If you have mainly white features and appliances, and lighter colours then white is likely to be a safer bet, but if you have slick, shiny black appliances or a large black television, then a reflective, yet deep coloured Black Nickel finish is likely to complement its surroundings.
Brushed Chrome is also a versatile finish, which can work well for contemporary sockets. This is one to consider. Polished Chrome may fit in, but this tends to work well with more of a vintage or art deco style.
What sort of socket and switch plate style suits contemporary properties?
Whilst there are plenty of different plate designs on the market, the two key options are traditional (raised) plate and flat plate. Flat plate does tend to fit in with a contemporary style much better, however traditional plate can work too. Flat plate only suits walls that are completely flat, however flat walls tend to be common in ultra-modern and contemporary properties.
The other options for plate types are screwed or screwless. Screwed sockets are sockets that have the screws visible at the front, and screwless have concealed fixings so have a completely flat front.
What sort of switch type suits contemporary properties?
Our article Rocker Switch Vs Toggle Switch covers the differences between rocker and toggle switches. Appearance-wise the three main types are rocker, toggle and dimmer switches. Toggle switches tend to suit period properties, however a toggle switch in white metal or black nickel can still look contemporary, but offers a unique twist.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]When renovating or decorating your home, the details can really add to or detract from the overall look. A period feature in a contemporary setting can stick out like a sore thumb, and a contemporary feature in a period or vintage setting can do the same. Sockets and switches are a common feature throughout properties, […]
Incandescent light bulbs are currently being phased out, with more energy efficient alternatives becoming the norm. There are still a number of options available though including CFL, LED and Halogen, so when choosing a bulb, it is useful to know which type is most suitable for your needs.
The type of bulb is not the only consideration you need to take into account. You also need to think about the cap size, the bulb shape, the lumens and the colour temperature. You can read more in our bulb buying guide. In this article however, we will look specifically at incandescent, halogen, CFL and LED bulbs and their pros and cons.
What are incandescent bulbs?
Incandescent light bulbs are the classic light bulbs that have been used in homes for years. The light comes from the heating up of a wire filament in the centre. Electrical current is supplied to the wire, and as it heats, it glows.
Whilst they offer a traditional look, incandescent bulbs are inefficient. Less than 5% of the energy they use it converted into visible light. The remaining energy is lost as heat, hence why these are often hot when they have been switched on for some time.
What are CFL light bulbs?
CFL stands for compact florescent lamp, and these light bulbs are one of the more common types of energy saving bulbs. They typically use less energy than incandescent and were the first widely available energy-saving alternative bulbs on the market.
These light bulbs use an electric current to excite gases within a bulb, causing a phosphorous coating on the inside of the glass to glow. The efficiency of these bulbs is due to less of the energy being expended on heat.
CFL light bulbs typically use between 60% and 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
What are halogen bulbs?
Halogen bulbs are made like incandescent bulbs but consist of a tungsten filament, sealed into a compact glass casing that contains a mixture of inert gas and a halogen (this could be iodine or bromine). These operate at a higher temperature and produce a light with higher lumens than a like for like incandescent.
Halogen bulbs typically use 20-30% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
What are LED light bulbs?
LED bulbs produce light with one or more light emitting diodes. These diodes work with direct current (DC) electrical power, so the bulbs contain a driver that converts the commonly used alternating current (AC) to the current used by the LEDs.
These are currently the most efficient, commonly available option on the market and typically use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
LED vs Incandescent
The main benefits of LED bulbs compared to incandescent bulbs focus on energy efficiency, cost to run, longevity and environmental impact. As previously mentioned, LED bulbs typically use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can turn 70% of their energy into light. The energy efficiency of LED makes them far better for the environment, as less energy needs to be produced to power them.
Whilst incandescent bulbs were often cheaper than LED bulbs, this is changing as LED technology becomes more and more common, and the overall cost, when taking into account the energy costs over the lifetime of LEDs compared to the energy costs of incandescent bulbs makes LED far more cost effective.
Incandescent bulbs have a far shorter lifespan than LED bulbs, so whilst the one purchase of an incandescent may be cheaper, LEDs will not need to be replaced so often.
LED Vs CFL
CFL bulbs were widely available before LEDs really took off, but LEDs have now covered all bases. With more attractive designs of LED bulbs, they look far better than CFL bulbs and CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so need to be recycled or disposed of properly and handled carefully. This isn’t an issue with LED bulbs.
Perhaps the most common complaint about CFL bulbs is that they take some time to reach full brightness, so when you first switch them on, they can appear dim. This again is not an issue with LED bulbs.
LED vs Halogen
Halogen bulbs are technically a form of incandescent lighting and are far less efficient than LED bulbs, but are, as mentioned earlier 20% to 30% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Halogens offer the look of a traditional bulb, and are often marketed as eco alternatives to incandescent bulbs but a no match compared to the energy efficiency and longevity of LEDs.
Incandescent vs CFL vs LED vs Halogen
Incandescent bulbs are less efficient than other types of lighting, with just 5% of their energy used converted into visible light. They typically have a luminous efficacy for 120V operation is 16 lumens per watt, compared to 60 lm/W for a compact fluorescent bulb or 150 lm/W for some white LED bulbs.
Whilst halogen downlights can be initially cheaper, the ongoing cost savings in the form of energy saving makes LED downlights a far more cost-effective option.
The cost of running a light bulb varies on the bulb type. LED bulbs are cheaper to run than CFL, incandescent and halogen. On average 15W LED bulb costs around £0.002 per hour to run, a 20W CFL bulb costs round £0.003 per hour, a 70W halogen bulb costs around £0.008 per hour and a 100W incandescent bulb costs around £0.012 per hour.
If you have had issues with LED bulbs burning out, it could be one of a number of reasons. You may be trying to dim non dimmable LED bulbs (not all LED bulbs are dimmable), or you could be using dimmable LED bulbs with a non-LED compatible dimmer. In this case, switch to using a trailing edge dimmer switch.
If you find yourself burning through multiple LED bulbs quickly, the mains in your house might be too high. In UK homes, the electricity should fluctuate around 230V at 50 Hz. If this is the problem, you should contact an electrician to test, and your electrical provider to correct the issue.
LEDs can sometimes overheat if used with a fixture that isn't LED compatible. This can cause them to burn out. If none of these reasons are the cause, then you could have used a bad batch of LED bulbs. In which case, contact the manufacturer.
Incandescent light bulbs are currently being phased out, with more energy efficient alternatives becoming the norm. There are still a number of options available though including CFL, LED and Halogen, so when choosing a bulb, it is useful to know which type is most suitable for your needs. The type of bulb is not the […]
Copper, brass and bronze are all popular metal finishes in interior design. They all offer a warmth and a distinct style in their own way. They are often used for features around the home like door handles, lighting, sockets and switches and can really add to the overall appearance of their surroundings.
Whilst the differences between them are quite clear when they are all displayed next to each other, it can sometimes be difficult to choose which one is best for a particular interior design project, so in this article we will look at each metal, what it looks like and when you might prefer to use it.
What is Copper?
This is a beautiful and popular metal finish that works well in both classic and modern décor styles. Whilst it looks similar in may ways to rose gold and can be used in similar surroundings, there are slight differences in the colour. To find out more, read our guide: Rose Gold Vs Copper.
This is a common finish for sockets and switches, lighting and even pots, pans and kettles. Copper has appeared in many kitchens recently and can really shine (literally and metaphorically) in a Victorian home.
Copper is an element, as opposed to an alloy and has a pinkish – orangey colour. It works well with pastille colours like blues, greens and a soft turquoise, but equally complements white, black and grey. As a natural metal, it looks beautiful with grey stone worktops.
What is Bronze?
Bronze is a beautiful a metal alloy made up of copper and tin, but often with other elements such as aluminium, manganese, silicon or phosphorus. It tends to be darker than copper, but still carries the red-ish colour.
Again, this is popular as a finish for socket and switches but has a much more classic and period look to it. This can really add a touch of class to a room, and doesn’t overbear. Bronze can surprisingly go together really well with brass.
Bronze goes well with white, but also fuchsia, teal and black.
What is Brass?
Brass is commonly available in a number of finishes including antique brass, brushed brass, satin brass and polished brass. Each of them offer a different shade, and a different feel, however brass as a whole tends to suit period properties.
With a muted yellow colour, brass often looks similar to gold, but with a dulled, muted yellow tone. Much like bronze, this is an alloy that includes copper. But unlike bronze, this is made up of both copper and zinc.
Brass works particularly well with pastille blues and greens, but also black and white.
All three of these beautiful finishes can add a real warmth and character to a room when used to accentuate the overall décor.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Copper, brass and bronze are all popular metal finishes in interior design. They all offer a warmth and a distinct style in their own way. They are often used for features around the home like door handles, lighting, sockets and switches and can really add to the overall appearance of their surroundings. Whilst the differences […]
When it comes to choosing lighting fixtures for your home it can sometimes be a daunting experience. Where do you start? What lighting is required for different rooms? Will it suit my decor? What type of lighting do I go for?
There are many different considerations to make when choosing the right lighting fixtures for your home. The good news is that armed with the right information it can be a seamless buying experience.
This guide will help you to select the right type of lighting fixtures for your home.
Wall Lights
Wall lights are a great way of helping to divide up a room. In a hallway, wall lights are a great supplement to a ceiling or pendant light through layer lighting as they can help to create a much softer ambience.
Wall lights should not be overlooked, but instead used as a component with your other light fixtures.
In a small bedroom where space is limited, a wall light on either side of the bed would be a much better alternative than a lamp. In a bathroom they could be positioned on either side of a mirror as opposed to spotlights. The symmetry creates visual balance and provides better depth of lighting for the tasks that need it such as applying makeup and shaving.
Our luxury, stylish indoor wall lights come in a variety of finishes and shapes to suit multiple decors and situations. They can help to add character to any room.
Ceiling Lights
If you're looking to make a statement, a stunning ceiling light will create a focal point and presence in a hallway. Whilst also helping to brighten up what can be a dark space in a home.
Ceiling lights are great alternatives to pendant lights in the bedroom for a main overhead light fixture.
But if you're looking to make a statement, then a chandelier is a ceiling light that will fill your chosen space with presence. Chandeliers come in a wide range of styles these days, so you can easily find one to suit your chosen space.
Downlights
Downlights are a fully versatile light fixture that can be used throughout a home. In kitchens, they're great for providing brightness for food prep areas.
All of our LED downlights are fire rated and have a front-facing CCT easy switch enabling you to quickly change between 3000K (warm white), 4000K (daylight white) and 6000K (cool white). This means you can change the level of light to suit your mood and requirements.
This is what makes downlights such an incredibly versatile and useful asset to any home.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights look great when grouped together in a kitchen or dining space. They work so well above breakfast bars or dining tables as they help to define the space. They can also provide excellent task lighting for areas that need it most, such as over a breakfast bar or dining table.
However, don't think pendant lights should just reside in the kitchen. Pendant lighting can add an unusual and gorgeous focal point in other areas you may not have considered.
Light up a reading nook, position them on either side of a bed in the bedroom, or over a coffee table. Whilst pendant lights work perfectly when hung above a target option, you can be creative with their positioning too.
Outdoor Lighting
When choosing outdoor lighting you need to ensure that they are suitably IP rated. IP stands for Ingress Protection. An IP rating helps to advise how well protected the light fitting is against moisture and other foreign bodies such as dirt.
For outdoor lighting, you need to opt for lighting that is IP-rated 45 and above. This will protect the light from dirt, moisture, and weather conditions.
Wall lights are a popular choice for outdoor lighting, typically for entranceways, sheds and garden spaces. Our Hopkin Polished Solid Brass wall light is truly stunning. With an IP rating of 66, this vintage style light is perfect for adding ambience to your garden space. As it is also made from real solid brass, this light will not corrode when exposed to the elements. This is also a suitable light for bathrooms.
The right lighting fixtures can make or break a room. Our recommendations will help you to carefully consider your lighting options next time you have a revamp in your home.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]When it comes to choosing lighting fixtures for your home it can sometimes be a daunting experience. Where do you start? What lighting is required for different rooms? Will it suit my decor? What type of lighting do I go for? There are many different considerations to make when choosing the right lighting fixtures for […]
Traditionally composed of copper and tin, bronze is characteristically known for its dull, metallic gold colour. This metal is a beautiful addition to a home when used wisely. Just like copper, when used sparingly it can look classic and understated in the home.
By way of an example, in a kitchen, a classic way to incorporate metals such as bronze is with tap fittings, sockets and switches, and lighting. Bronze downlights add a subtle touch of class without being overbearing.
Bronze can be combined efficiently with a number of different colours. Generally speaking, it is a perfect match for white and ivory, this is known as a classic combination for weddings. Whilst neutrals pair the best with this eye catching metal, it's definitely not one to shy away from if you're looking to incorporate darker colours into your home.
What Colours Go Well With Bronze?
Bronze fixtures are definitely not a one size fits all when it comes to colour. Pair it with the wrong colour and it can become an eye-sore. Pair it with the right colour and it can completely transform the interiors of your home.
White & Ivory
As previously mentioned, white and ivory are a match made in heaven for bronze, and a traditional colour scheme that is commonly adopted for weddings.
This can look beautiful in a kitchen space where cabinetry is white, with bronze accents dotted throughout the kitchen, through handles, lighting and sockets and switches.
However, neutrals as a whole work incredibly well with this versatile metal. Next to a pure white object, the underlying brown and gold tones in bronze will jump out. This is why it's important to use this metal sparingly.
Image: Pinterest
Black & Charcoal
But you don't always need to play it safe... Be daring with darker hues such as black and charcoal and they will complement the metals glint for visual clout.
We are seeing more adoption of these darker colours in living room and office spaces for a bold look that can be dressed up and finished to perfection with metals such as bronze. Commonly adopted through cabinetry handles and decorative elements such as ornaments and vases.
Teal
It's one of those, so wrong, but so right combinations. Don't knock it until you've tried it! A blue-green shade, teal pairs wonderfully. Especially when interwoven through wallpapers.
The orange hues of bronze work perfectly with both teal and brown as pictured below.
Image: Pinterest
Bronze & Brushed Brass
How about mixing metals? All design rules are thrown out of the window when it comes down to this duo.
Mixing metals and finishes can be a fabulous enhancement to an exciting interior when done with tight precision. You should only mix 2-3 types of metals and choose one dominant metal type. This dominant metal type will probably already be in use throughout your home by way of lighting, switches or kitchen accessories.
Still not sure? You can see the fusion of these two metals in our brand new bronze and brushed brass range of sockets and switches.
As you can see, the result is a sumptuously rich, dark finish for a classic and elegant finish.
Dark Green
Dark green is another colour on the rise in popularity. Especially when used as a feature wall in a living or dining room.
Dark green works seamlessly with bronze as the green brings out the subtle shine of the metal. Mossy or forest green shades are highly desirable with bronze as they take their cue from nature.
Burgundy
Bronze with reddish hues work perfectly with deep red colours such as burgundy.
Not as commonly seen throughout home interiors, burgundy and bronze are depicted as a classic Christmas combination throughout decorations.
Bronze can make a home when mixed subtly and sparingly. Wondering how you could also work copper into your home? Take a look at our what colours go with copper blog for more inspiration.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Bronze is a fantastic metal to use sparingly in your home for maximum impact. We discuss what colours go well with bronze in your interiors.
LED lighting continues to play a huge part in reducing the carbon footprint of the UK and the rest of the world.
It has been growing in popularity year on year due to their environmental impact and all of the other benefits that LED lighting can bring to your household.
However, there is much more to LED lighting that should play a deciding role when you next select the lighting for your home.
What is LED lighting?
LED lighting has been hailed as the lighting choice of the future. There's no surprise with the many environmental and cost savings that can be accumulated over time.
LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting can produce up to 90% more efficiently than your traditional incandescent light bulbs.
The way that LED bulbs produce the light itself is also very different to those that are just classed as 'energy saving bulbs'. Light is produced in an LED bulb when an electrical current passes through a microchip. This then illuminates the tiny light sources known as LEDs.
What Are The Pros of LED Lighting?
Environmental
On a large scale, LED lighting provides a huge environmental impact on the world we live in.
According to studies, reported by the BBC, making products more energy efficient makes a positive impact in cutting CO2 emissions and, along with other factors has been more effective than renewable energy.
In addition to this, fewer LED bulbs need to be produced because they last that much longer than their counterparts so do not need to be replaced as often. Less is more when it comes to helping the environment. As fewer LED bulbs are needed this means, less packaging, less manufacturing and less transportation. Every little bit really does help.
Energy efficient
LED is a highly efficient lighting source if you hadn't guessed it already. LED lighting can use up to 70% less energy than traditional bulbs.
The main reason LED lighting uses less energy is because they produce light in a different way to other lighting sources. Incandescent bulbs pass electricity through a filament that needs to be extremely hot for its atoms’ and electrons to produce light. For this reason, most incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of the electricity they consume as heat, this makes them incredibly inefficient light producers.
Long Life
A massive pull of using LED lighting is their long life. As pictured below, there is a huge jump in the average lifespan from LEDs traditional counterparts.
Offering 25,000 + hours for their average lifespan, LED is undoubtedly the leader in the future of lighting.
For example, if an LED bulb was used for 6 hours a day (much more than the average daily usage), then your LED bulb would last for a whopping 7.6 years without the need to be changed. In comparison to a standard incandescent bulb which would only last for 3 months!
Save Money Over Time
Due to the long lifespan of an LED bulb, joint with not having to worry about changing the bulbs so often, you can enjoy the cost savings over time too.
But because LED bulbs use far less energy in comparison... LED saves over 70% of energy vs traditional incandescent or halogen lighting. This reduces your energy usage which also means, you make savings on your overall energy costs too.
Less energy, less costs and much fewer purchases of bulbs.
What Are The Cons of LED lighting?
Initial Cost Is Higher
It could be said that a major drawback of LED lighting is that the initial cost is higher. The reason being is because LED bulbs are more complex than halogens, both the technology employed into the bulb and manufacturing process.
Having said this, the price of LED light bulbs is falling year on year due to their high demand.
Not Always Dimmable
LED lighting can pose possible compatibility issues with your existing dimmers when retrofitting. This is because they are dimmed in a different way to traditional bulbs. However, this is more of an issue with more generic, off the shelf LED bulbs.
All of our bulbs at Elesi are fully dimmable so will not pose any problems with your setup.
They Can Look Ugly
The classic, plastic based LEDs are not the most aesthetically pleasing. This can be a problem when used in lighting where the bulbs are exposed.
At Elesi, we offer an extensive range of LED bulbs that definitely won't cause an eyesore in your interiors. From golfball, teardrop to candle bulbs, there is so much more advancement and availability for LED bulbs nowadays.
Dimmer Incompatibility
There have been reported issues of LED bulbs flickering. The main culprit for this is dimmer incompatibility. This has been more of an issue with old style dimmers, it is better to use trailing edge dimmers where possible.
LED lighting still remains the main player in the way we choose to light our homes nowadays. They're good for the environment and those purse strings too!
FAQs
All of our dimmers are Trailing Edge dimmers, and many of them can be switched between Leading Edge and Trailing edge with a simple click of a button.
LED lighting continues to play a huge part in reducing the carbon footprint of the UK and the rest of the world. It has been growing in popularity year on year due to their environmental impact and all of the other benefits that LED lighting can bring to your household. However, there is much more […]
Integrating copper into your décor, be it a modern style or period, can add a warm and welcoming tone whilst bringing in mood accents. Much like bronze and gold, this warm metal can add a subtle glow and fits with many different colours.
Copper is a colour that is usually used sparingly through decorative elements to enhance a room, rather than crowd it. It's a colour that is commonly used for kitchen utensils like kettles, pots and pans. A splash of this beautiful finish can come in the form of a pendant light fitting, that reflects the soft tone. Copper downlights show off a modest amount of metal, and copper sockets and switches can be dotted throughout a home.
Copper tends to go well with similar colours and styles to rose gold as both share that distinctive red tint. Rose gold is an alloy - a mixture of copper, yellow gold and silver, so (depending on the ratio) tends to have a much softer appearance. Although these two finishes look similar, and can be interchangeable, it is better to stick to one when decorating your room, rather than using both. Read more about the differences between copper and rose gold in our blog: Rose Gold Vs Copper.
What Colours Go Well With Copper?
This is a fairly versatile finish, as it can go with a lot of different interior design styles, however there are certain colours that this metal really works well with.
As a general design rule of thumb, don't mix copper with bold colours like bright red or yellow as they will clash with the finish. Pastel colours are usually a perfect complement.
Blue
There are a number of shades of blue that work really beautifully alongside copper. Cobalt blue stands out and really creates a centrepiece. You could try a blue rug, or sofa alongside copper plant pots, tables or floor lamps.
Navy blue brings an even deeper tone. This complements many warm metal finishes, and can be more subtle.
Image: Pinterest
White
If in doubt, there is always white. White still remains a popular finishing colour in a home as it provides bare foundations to bring colour into your home, be it living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens, through furnishings. Pops of copper against white creates a striking and modern finish.
You don't need to stick with a classic, pure white on your walls. More of an off-white colour would work perfectly, just like the colour of our clay white lighting.
Grey
Much like white, grey offers a more neutral alternative to other colours, whilst still complementing the warms and glow of the finish. Grey is a smart choice if you're wanting the copper finishes to make more of an impact in your home.
A grey painted wall looks wonderful with a brushed copper socket or switch, however, a surface that displays a mixture of grey tones, for example a stone kitchen worktop, can look great underneath copper utensils.
Green
Much like blue, darker tones of green tend to go well alongside this versatile metal. This presents a very formal or professional appearance, which can work well in small offices.
Pops of copper against some luscious greenery provides a gorgeous combination. Perfect for kitchens, home offices or living rooms.
Wood
As well as different colours, this stunning metal can look beautiful surrounded by wood, for a really rustic, natural style.
Marble
It's the millennial combination that has littered the boards of Pinterest over the last few years. Marble pairs beautifully with this rich metal. This is something commonly seen throughout kitchens and home offices.
Copper is an incredibly versatile metal that complements a wide range of colours. Think less is more, a few subtle touches will the lift the colour in any interior.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Copper is an incredibly versatile metal that complements a wide range of colours. We explore what colours go well with copper for your interiors.
In our Kitchen Lighting Guide we explored all of the different key considerations you need to make when choosing the right kitchen sockets for your space. With the lighting to hand, let us turn our attention to the interior hardware choices.
Sockets and switches offer functionality and service, time and time again. It could be argued that your sockets and switches are one of the most used, appraised and touched items in your kitchen.
The offering of sockets and switches reaches far further than plain white plastic these days. It's time to treat your interior finishes in your kitchen.
Matching The Finish To Your Kitchen Decor
Letting your interiors lead the way and inspire your socket and switch combinations will help to achieve a seamless look to match your interior design. Be it modern, traditional or period.
Your interior hardware fittings can make or break the finished look, whilst they might be small, the impact they have overall can be huge.
It goes without saying that white plastic and white metal are perfect for modern interiors. They are practical and hardwearing. Most of our range comes with screw caps included, this means you can achieve that almost screwless like appearance for that streamlined look when in situ. For something a little bit trendy and sleek, Black Nickel sockets and switches are well suited to modern kitchens.
For period and rustic homes, both Antique Brass and Brushed Brass are design assets. Matching them with other interior fittings such as kitchen taps will help to create that styled finish throughout.
Brushed chrome is well suited to contemporary homes. With Polished Chrome generally considered to work well with the style of most homes. Polished Chrome mimics a mirror like effect and can be stunningly aesthetic once in place.
Whilst functionality should be a key factor, letting the design type become the major deciding factor will ensure that your fittings work seamlessly and become a design asset, rather than an eyesore in your kitchen.
Sockets And Switches Functionality
Functionality is still key when it comes to sockets and switches. They're going to be used multiple times per day so they need to be able to do what you need them to do.
Switches
How you choose to light your kitchen will also help lead your choice with switches.
If you're wanting to create an ambient lighting setup then a dimmer switch will help you achieve this. Dimmer switches give you the opportunity to dim or brighten the lighting in your home. They look stylish when in situ too.
For period style properties, toggle switches are perfect for a more traditional look. Our toggle switches ooze luxury and style, match them with the sockets in the range for a streamlined look.
Sockets
If your kitchen is one that often doubles up as a work station, then opting for sockets with USB ports is a practical choice. Integrated USB ports are a great way to streamline device charging by removing the adapters. It also allows you to double up what you charge if required.
Our sockets with USB are available across all metal finishes.
Take a look at our extensive range of sockets and switches to fuel your interior inspiration.
FAQs
We have a guide to help you place your sockets and switches safely in your kitchen. Read our guide here to find out more, but always consult an electrician if you're unsure.
Your interior hardware fittings can make or break your kitchen. Whilst they might be small, the impact they have overall can be huge.
Pictured: Kettle Kitchens Co
A kitchen is the heart of any home. A place where a lot of time can be spent together socialising, eating and even, working!
There's no denying it's the functional hub of a home. Lighting your kitchen effectively is so important. Combining practicality and style, whilst creating the right atmosphere.
Here are some key considerations to make when choosing the right lighting for your kitchen.
What Are The Different Types of Kitchen Lighting?
It's important to know the different types of kitchen lighting. This will enable you to make the right lighting choice based on what it will mostly be used for.
Task Lighting
Task lighting refers to lighting that illuminates onto a target object that will help you to carry out a particular task. In a kitchen, task lighting is a popular choice on main working areas such as a hob or kitchen worktop.
Bright, focused task lighting will make your life much easier in a kitchen. This can be achieved with carefully placed LED downlights, especially tiltable downlights which allow you to focus the beam on the working surface.
Downlights are fantastic for creating effective task lighting. In addition, LED strip lights above worktops are a great alternative for lighting up the areas that need it most.
Lieber GU10 downlights are a great lighting choice for a kitchen. Available in a wide range of different metals and in both square and circles. Fire rated to 60 and 90 minutes, and robustly built with 2 connector clips for easy installation.
High CRI Kitchen Lighting
Colour rendering index is a measurement that shows how colours look under a light source, when compared with sunlight. CRI ranges from 0-100 and can have a significant impact on the representation of the room and objects in it.
This is especially important for kitchen task lighting, as you will need to clearly see what you are doing, as well as the colour of the food you are preparing.
Many downlights on the market have a CRI below 90. In 2020 it was estimated that over 90% of domestic downlights available on the UK market provided a CRI of less than 82. In 2021, Soho Lighting launched their range of High CRI LED Downlights.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the foundation layer of lighting in a room that makes a room usable. If you have a kitchen island, this could be created easily with a row of pendant lights. Appropriately placed downlights will also help to complete your ambient lighting scheme in your kitchen.
Adding a dimmer switch to your ambient lighting is a perfect idea. This allows you to adjust the lighting to meet the mood. Dimming lights is the perfect way to set the mood for a relaxing dinner.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is all about reigning in your creativity and having some fun with your kitchen lighting plan. Accent lighting can also help to create ambient lighting, especially through the use of hanging pendant lights or a sconce. Adding pops of different colour to your kitchen with accent is a great addition to a lighting scheme in a contemporary kitchen.
A contemporary technique for adding accent lighting, is using LED strip lights above and underneath cabinets to accentuate their outline.
Accent lighting is designed for that bridge between functionality and style. There is more of a design factor that comes with this lighting style than task and ambient, but still a very important addition to a kitchen.
What Is The Best Colour Temperature For Kitchen Lighting?
Colour temperature is a really important deciding factor when choosing lighting for your kitchen. There are three main colour temperatures to choose from when selecting lighting for a room. These range between a warm white that can be orange in appearance up to the closest match to natural lighting.
In a kitchen, a bright white/cool light colour temperature, around 4100 Kelvin is a desirable choice. Close to daylight, this cool light will give the kitchen a whiter, more energetic feel. Creating a light, airy and social space.
However, colour temperatures do vary depending on the type of kitchen lighting style that you opt for.
Task lighting uses between 4000K to 5000K colour temperature for that natural day light setting. This is the ideal type of lighting when being used to work in.
When creating an ambient lighting setup in your kitchen, a colour temperature between 2800K to 3500K will help to set the mood. Whilst accent lighting uses between 3000K to 4000K for a warm to cool white colour transition.
What Is The Rule of Odds?
When it comes to lighting a kitchen, it's all about odds. The rule of odds is a design concept which proclaims that positioning an odd number of lights is more attractive than an even amount.
There's more science behind it than just hearsay though. In the example of a breakfast bar, you would normally hang a set of three pendant lights. The placement of three pendant lights creates space and air around the lights. As opposed to two lights which create a boxed in and divided area, closing off the room.
The symmetry a row of 3 or 5 pendants creates allows for a harmonious, and well balanced area between the spaces, rather than subjects.
With a bit of direction, you can select the perfect lighting for your kitchen that will fulfil functionality, style and practicality.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]A kitchen is the heart of any home. In our kitchen lighting guide, we take a look at why choosing the right kitchen lights is so important.
If you’re currently looking into which sockets and switches you need for your home, you’ll know that there are plenty of different options available. This can make choosing the right ones a bit confusing. When choosing light switches, you’ll no doubt have seen that as well as different amounts of gangs and finishes, there are 1 way, 2 way and intermediates too.
What Are Gangs on Switches?
The number of gangs is fairly simple to understand when it comes to light switches and power socket – this is the number of switches or socket inlets. So a 2 gang light switch has two switches on one plate, and each controls two different lights. If you are struggling to choose the right finish for your switches and sockets, read our blog: Matching Switch and Socket Finishes to Interior Design Styles.
1 Way and 2 Way Switches
1 way, 2 way and intermediate is related to the number of switches used to operate a light. So, if you have a light and a 1 way switch, you can just have that one switch controlling that light. This works well is you have a small room with one entrance or door way, as often one switch is ample.
If you have two entrances to a room or want to control a light from a second position, ie:
- By the bedroom door and next to a bed, or
- By an internal kitchen door and an external back door,
then you will require a 2 way switch. A 2 way switch enables you therefore to have 2 switches controlling the operation of one light.
The cost difference between 1 way and 2 way switches in minimal and a 2 way switch can operate readily as a 1 way switch. As such, for ease, most electricians and architects often only specify or fit 2 way switches. As a result, 1 way switches are not very common.
Intermediate Switch
An Intermediate switches (also known as a 3 way switch) is used when you need to operate a light fitting from more than two locations, ie you may went to control a landing or stairwell light from the ground floor, second floor and halfway in between such as a first floor landing.
Why would you use a 1 way light switch?
These switches are slightly less common than 2 way light switches, so most people tend to just use 2 way instead of 1 way, as these often cost the same, or even less than 1 way switches. You would use a 1 way switch if you had a light you wanted to switch on and off using just 1 switch.
Why would you use a 2 way light switch?
These the most common types of light switches, especially in small to mid-sized homes. If you have a light and need to control it with two switches, you can use a 2 way switch. This is commonly used around stairs. For example, if you have a light at the top of your stairs, you may wish to control it with a switch at the bottom of the stairs and at the top of the stairs so you don’t have to walk back down to switch it off at night.
2 way switches work for up to 2 switches operating a light, so are often used in place of 1 way light switches.
Why would you use an intermediate switch?
You would use an intermediate switch when you need to control a light with more than 2 switches. A common example for this is when you have a staircase with a landing in the middle and a switch on the bottom floor, the landing and at the top, all controlling a light on the landing. Again, this is so you don’t need to walk all the way downstairs to switch off a light at night.
Intermediate switches can be used in place of 1 way and 2 way light switches if needed, however they are often more expensive than 2 way switches, so it is more common to only use them when needed.
Intermediate switches, like 1 and 2 way switches can come in the form of rocker or toggle switches. They are sometimes available as dimmer switches, but these are actually intermediate dummy dimmers.
To find out more about intermediate switches read our guide: What is an intermediate switch.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]If you’re currently looking into which sockets and switches you need for your home, you’ll know that there are plenty of different options available. This can make choosing the right ones a bit confusing. When choosing light switches, you’ll no doubt have seen that as well as different amounts of gangs and finishes, there are […]