Style Guides

A season for hosting

Nowhere catches the spirit of the season more than the dining table and considered lighting design makes these gatherings more memorable. As we wind down towards the close of another year, it’s natural to want to reflect and share; an intimacy best enjoyed by the glow of candlelight or a roaring hearth. Creating a setting to host in is an essential part of this season, and with Jim Lawrence you can weave warmth into every corner.

With the right lighting scheme you can effortlessly create lovely layers of light to set the mood and bring warmth and an inviting atmosphere to the table. Here we show you how to incorporate layered lighting in your dining space, where each layer has a purpose.

FIRST, WHAT IS LAYERED LIGHTING?

There are three elements of lighting - ambient, task and accent.

Ambient lighting refers to the primary lighting source in a room that provides overall light to the space. Traditionally achieved through a central ceiling light, it can also be created by spotlights, pendant sand flush mounted ceiling lights.

Task lighting provides more concentrated lighting, focusing on specific areas where daily activities take place such as cooking, reading, dinning and general tasks. These lighting sources are often adjustable so you can direct the light where you need it, creating the perfect balance.

Accent lighting, otherwise known as mood lighting, is more decorative, drawing attention and adding depth to a room to create an interesting visual space.

To find out more, see our Lighting the Home Guide in the Jim Lawrence Knowledge Base.

THE MORSTON PENDANT

Ambient
Our handsome Morston Fluted pendant is a perfect addition to a dining room setting where its bold glass shades are bound to make a statement and become a talking point. A contemporary take on traditional oil lamps, the Morston is a design classic. With its handblown glass shades and sweeping swan neck arms, it effortlessly fills the room with style and warmth - the perfect example of ambient lighting.

THE WESTBOURNE

Accent
Wall lights are a great addition to any space, especially in a dining room where you might want to supplement the main light with accent lighting to add layers of light and balance the scheme. Designed to refract light beautifully along its fluted lines to create a soft, hazy glow, our tubular Westbourne glass will bring a touch of textured, art deco flair to your dining room without interrupting the sense of space.

THE PENFOLD

Our striking Penfold Hurricane Lamp is hand forged from high quality steel and finished in our bold dark metallic tones to bring a dash of heritage charm to your dining table. Use it to house one of our natural beeswax Charles Farris pillar candles to evoke a sense of warmth and for the perfect accent lighting in any dining room.

THE SUFFOLK COMPANION SET

There's something undeniably warm and comforting about the glow of a roaring fire this time of year, and Our Suffolk Companion Set offers the perfect fireside tools for keeping your fire working well and your hearth clean and well maintained. Hand forged by our skilled blacksmiths using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for generations, it adds to the perfect dining room setting.

ACCESSORIES TO SET THE SCENE

To complement the season, lean into more relaxed styling with layers of fabric and candlelight, and thoughtful touches of linen for tablescaping. Our European Waterford linens are spun from pure, natural linen for a soft, relaxed feel that is lightweight yet tough, and lends a fresh, informal feel in any style of home.

ELLIS NAPKIN RINGS

Using handcrafted fittings in your home gives it a personal touch and lovely ‘lived in’ feel. Our solid brass Ellis Napkin Rings, available as a set of x 2, from our range of handcrafted tableware will suit any table arrangement. Taking inspiration from our magnificent, Baroque Montgomery Pendant - we plucked an Acanthus leaf from the design and turned it into a stunning napkin ring that is perfect for keeping your napkins neat and tidy.

LUXURY TABLE LINEN

For the perfect tone to your winter dining table, try our fabulous range of table linen in a selection of dusky tones that will lend your table a fresh, informal feel. Our European Waterford Linens are spun from pure, natural linen for a soft, relaxed feel that is lightweight yet tough. This set of 2 napkins in Elephant lends a charming simplicity to your dining table, perfect for creating a fresh, informal feel and sense of understated chic.

DOLLY SWITCHES

Dont forget the importance of switches and sockets to your dining room lighting scheme as even the most functional fittings can be made wonderful with a handcrafted touch. Our ranges of dolly, toggle and button switches have an ageless charm that will complement any interior, while rotary dimmer and dolly dimmer switches are a great choice if you wish to have more control over your lighting levels. All our switches are made with hidden screws to keep the look flawless and in durable finishes to ensure they remain in good condition.

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home this season, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page and browse the Jim Lawrence website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.