Tell us about yourself and your company:
Emma Wood Interiors is a group of talented female interior designers specialising in transforming homes and businesses in Sussex, London, and abroad.
We are passionate about working closely with our clients to bring their dream spaces to life - a cosy family home, a chic city apartment, a bustling restaurant, or a luxurious hotel. Our services are end-to-end, which means we can help commercial clients create their brand from their interiors to their website and signage and we can manage a whole residential project from design to final installation.
We are also busy Mums, which makes us experts in understanding the demands of an active home from a functional and aesthetic point of view. We believe every space should be beautiful and practical, and we strive to make that a reality for all our clients, which can often include little ones and four legged ones!
My early career in fashion has given me an excellent eye for colour, fabric, and visualising spaces. As a fashion buyer, I developed the skills to seek unique suppliers, and the world of interiors is no different. I am passionate about making sustainable choices when buying products, and I work with my clients to explore options for reusing and repurposing items and finding unique pieces through auctions and markets. I love to mix old and new because it adds character and provides an instant narrative to a space.
We were really happy that you recently used Loomlight fixtures for the Riverside Project. Tell us about the brief this project:
This beautiful warehouse apartment is on the River Thames, near the renowned Borough Market in London. Although the property had a solid architectural foundation, complete with London brick and spacious loft windows, it required some modernisation to cater to the needs of my client's bustling city lifestyle. He needed a private space that he could securely leave while travelling for work, and he wanted it tailored to his requirements. I designed different zones for cooking, dining, entertaining, relaxing, and admiring the stunning view of the London skyline and riverside.
What was your inspiration?
The inspiration for this project was drawn from the building itself and the surrounding industrial and nautical heritage of life on the river. For the kitchen, we chose a colour palette incorporating watery green tones on the vintage tiles, brass highlights in the lighting, black quartz granite in the bespoke kitchen island, and exposed pipework to create a stylish and trendy bachelor pad. The custom-built Crittall screening allowed us to create an additional space for the client to play pool and chill with friends.
How did you find Loomlight? Why did you choose the particular lights from Loomlight?
I have previously used Loomlight for a scheme and was impressed with the quality and finish of their products. For this project, I selected the large Brass Dome Ceiling Lights to be installed above the zinc dining table. The size and reflective qualities of the lights were perfect for making a statement in that area.
I also chose the Wiska 3 Pendant Ceiling Light above the kitchen island, as its scale was perfect in proportion to the handcrafted piece.
Lastly, I chose a Vintage Brass Edison LED Ceiling Strip Light above the pool table.
This light looks impressive at night and creates a fantastic atmosphere. As an interior designer, paying attention to craftsmanship and details when selecting lighting fixtures is essential.
How closely did you work with the client?
Every client has unique needs and preferences. Some clients prefer an active role in the design process, while others prefer to leave everything to us. In the case of this particular client, we had a combination of both. Although he was happy to let us oversee the entire project, he also wanted to enjoy the design decision-making. As a result, we arranged several shopping and art-buying trips together - perks of the job!
What is your approach to new clients?
When it comes to new clients, our team and I follow the same approach as we do with all clients. We are here to help with as much or as little as you need. For clients new to working with us, we offer a free initial design consultation, ideally at the project's site. Designing restaurants or private homes is a creative process that requires a good level of trust and chemistry. Therefore, this meet and greet session is about discussing the project parameters and seeing if the chemistry will work between us and the client. Once we establish a good rapport, we provide a detailed work schedule and investment breakdown. After which, the design process can begin. We encourage our clients to share any inspiration they have gathered. We then conduct a full measured survey before producing a presentation complete with floor plans and visuals.
Are there any common design aesthetics running through your projects that are synonymous with Emma Wood Interiors? Or is each project a fresh start?
Every project deserves a fresh perspective and a unique approach. As a designer, it's essential to tell the client's story while incorporating playfulness into the space. This is especially crucial for business projects, where the design should reflect the brand rather than my personal style. I don't get easily influenced by trends, preferring to mix old and new to create an instant narrative of a space. My absolute guilty pleasure will always be a stripe!
What are you working on at the moment?
We have several exciting projects underway, including a new restaurant design for Gatwick Airport, a neighbourhood bar in Sussex, a Victorian ground floor living space, and a Grade II listed cottage overhaul.
A big thank you to Emma Wood Interiors for the insight into their business. You can see more of their projects at emmawoodinteriors.co.uk
]]>In the realm of interior design, the steampunk aesthetic and steampunk lighting has captured the imagination of enthusiasts, bringing a unique blend of Victorian-era charm and futuristic innovation. One of the most captivating elements of steampunk design is its industrial-style lighting, which seamlessly combines form and function to create a visually striking and functional ambiance.
Here at Loomlight we specialise in reclaiming and restoring industrial lighting many of which fit the steampunk aesthetic. In this blog post, I'll highlight the best industrial style steampunk lights we offer; the origins of steampunk, key features, and how it can transform any space into a captivating and otherworldly environment.
Our Top Pick of Steampunk Wall Lighting
This steampunk lamp is made up of a reclaimed industrial iron & copper cage pendant light which has been repurposed into a bespoke swing arm wall lamp using copper pipe. The length of the copper swing arm fixture can be customised to suit. We have a workshop where we complete all our restoration work and the design and manufacture for our bespoke projects.
This steampunk outdoor lighting, £325, in brass features a brass wire cage and isolator switch. Ideal to use with copper conduit to complete the steampunk aesthetic, indoors or out.
Explosion Proof Cantilever Wall Light, £375
A beautiful copper and brass cantilever wall lamp which oozes industrial steampunk style. This is an original explosion proof industrial lamp refurbished as a wall lamp with a copper pipe wall fixture.
A versatile fixture, this small steampunk wall sconce can be used alone or in multiples. Ideal to use with electrical metal conduit to enhance the steampunk aesthetic and hide electrical cable.
Small Kokosha Wall Light, £295
To view a wide range of industrial style steampunk lights visit our shop
Our Top Pick of Steampunk Ceiling Lighting
Steampunk Ceiling Light by Kokosha, £825
This solid aluminium steampunk ceiling light in aluminium is 75cm wide, full of industrial style features such as the protective cage. Ideal over a kitchen island or dining table if you are looking to recreate a steampunk kitchen aesthetic.
Bronze Steampunk Ceiling Lighting, £425
A reclaimed industrial lamp made in bronze by Kokosha.These ceiling fixtures are robust and have a visible manufacturers plate which gives them character. Ideal for commercial or private interiors where you want robust fixtures with industrial steampunk edge.
Wiska 3 Pendant Ceiling Light, £1265
This fixture is made up of three original industrial copper and brass pendants fixed to a copper bar to create bespoke steampunk track lighting. Made to a length to suit your interior. A fantastic light fixture for a steampunk kitchen island.
View our full range of steampunk ceiling lights.
Our Top Pick of Steampunk Floor Lamps
This steampunk aluminium floor lamp, £1625, was originally found in the engine room of cargo ships hanging from the ceiling. Refurbished in the UK by our team at Loomlight, we have extensively modifed them by removing the old fluorescent electrics and replacing them with Edison LED tubes which are dimmable and creating a floor stand for the original lamp. Now a stunning steampunk floor lamp.
Shop our full range of floor lamps.
The Steampunk Table Lamp
The steampunk table lamps we restore have mainly started out life designed for industrial use as either a wall or ceiling lamp. We refurbish and repurpose them into robust steampunk table lamps suitable for any dark corner! See our top pick below.
The Aluminium Steampunk Lamp, £350
An ideal steampunk table lamp for illuminating a dark corner. This is a robust solid aluminium steampunk lamp which looks best with an Edison LED filament light bulb for full industrial steampunk style. Originally an industrial explosion proof wall fixture, this steampunk lamp still features all the original castings which highlights its industrial credentials.
Morio Denki Steampunk Lamp, £450
Solid bronze industrial lamp repurposed as a steampunk table lamp and fitted with a red glow on/off switch for maximum steampunk appeal. Use with an Edison LED filament light bulb for dramatic effect. The original manufacturers plate is still intact making this a truly characterful industrial lamp.
See all our steampunk table lamp ideas here
What is Steampunk Design?:
Steampunk design draws inspiration from the 19th-century Victorian era, infusing it with fantastical elements and a futuristic twist. The term "steampunk" itself is a fusion of "steam," representing the steam-powered machinery of the Industrial Revolution, and "punk," reflecting the countercultural and rebellious spirit of the movement. Steampunk design celebrates craftsmanship, intricate details, and a sense of adventure, with a particular emphasis on repurposing industrial elements.
Key Features of Industrial Style Steampunk Lighting:
Raw Materials: Industrial style steampunk lighting often incorporates raw and unfinished materials, such as exposed metal pipes, gears, and rivets. The use of materials like iron, brass, and copper adds an authentic industrial feel to the fixtures, creating a visual narrative that speaks to the machinery of a bygone era.
Edison Bulbs: The iconic Edison bulb is a staple in steampunk lighting design. With their exposed filaments, these bulbs evoke the nostalgic charm of early 20th-century lighting. The warm, amber glow emitted by Edison bulbs enhances the vintage ambiance of steampunk spaces, casting a soft and inviting light.
Gear and Clockwork Motifs: Steampunk design often features intricate gear and clockwork motifs, symbolizing the intricate machinery of the Victorian era. These elements can be incorporated into lighting fixtures, creating a sense of movement and complexity. Pendant lights with visible gears or wall sconces resembling old-fashioned clocks are popular choices in this style.
Pulleys and Chains: Industrial style lighting often includes pulleys and chains, mimicking the mechanisms found in factories and workshops. These functional elements not only add authenticity but also allow for adjustable lighting, enabling users to customize the illumination of their space.
Vintage Filigree and Ornate Details: Steampunk lighting fixtures often feature intricate filigree and ornate details reminiscent of Victorian design. These embellishments add a touch of elegance to the industrial aesthetic, striking a balance between rugged and refined.
Transforming Spaces with Industrial Style Steampunk Lighting:
Whether used in residential spaces, commercial establishments, or themed events, industrial style steampunk lighting has the power to transform any environment. Here are some ideas for incorporating this captivating style into different settings:
Home Interiors:
Commercial Spaces:
Events and Weddings:
Industrial style steampunk lighting offers a captivating journey through time, blending the rugged aesthetic of the Industrial Revolution with the intricate elegance of Victorian design. With its emphasis on raw materials, exposed mechanics, and vintage-inspired details, this lighting style adds a touch of nostalgia and adventure to any space. Whether you're a steampunk enthusiast or simply looking to infuse your surroundings with a unique and visually striking aesthetic, consider embracing the allure of industrial style steampunk lighting for an atmosphere that transcends the ordinary and transports you to a world of imagination and craftsmanship.
Here at Loomlight we design and manufacture bespoke lighting projects, so please get in touch if you'd like to talk to us about anything specific
]]>Prior to the invention of electricity, natural day light with candlelight coupled with well positioned mirrors was the main illumination for surgery, which had massive limitations. The operating theatres were positioned, facing south east often with windows in the ceiling to allow as much sunlight into the room as possible. Surgery was limited to daylight hours.
The discovery of electricity in 1879 inevitably led to huge improvements to how hospitals were run. Electrical lighting was introduced into hospitals and at the start of the 20th century the main light source was the filament bulb which had issues. This evolved towards the use of halogen light bulbs in the 1960's and then again replaced in the 1990's by the Light Emitting Diode or LED, an energy efficient option.
The large round circular antique surgical lamp which are sought after by collectors to this day is called the SLS or Surgical Lighting System which was and still is the most common type of surgical lighting used. It is made out of metal and consists of a large central light with additional lamps around it. The various lamps can be independently adjusted to eliminate shadow during surgery. They were usually suspended to a wall or ceiling, via a two-arm fixture, capable of rotation. These large medical lamps were designed to offer bright and shadow-free lighting, allowing surgeons to work with precision and accuracy.
Surgical lighting has changed dramatically from relying purely on the natural environment in the 1870s, to the use of specialised lighting to operate on microstructures. As technology in medicine and surgery has progressed, the potential for surgical lighting has closely followed.
Due to their historical significance and unique design, vintage surgical lamps are sought after as collector's items. They are appreciated not only for their functional aspects but also for their contribution to the history of medical equipment.
Here at Loomlight, we have reclaimed and refurbished a few different types of vintage surgical lamp, sourced from decommissioned hospital ships which served The Royal Navy. We fully replace all electrical elements and replace any broken parts ensuring it is fully operational (excuse the pun) once again. At present there are none listed on our website as they are a work in progress, but if you are interested in seeing one, please do get in touch. Here is one below we actually sold to a retired Surgeon. How apt!
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Victoria & Andy reclaim light fixtures originating from all sorts of industrial settings around the world. Everywhere from old factories, decommissioned ships, mines and airports. Their vintage lights are used in TV & film productions, hotels, bars, restaurants and homes all over the world.
In this guide, Andy answers questions about what to look for when buying vintage lighting.
Is it safe to buy Vintage Lighting?
Generally buying vintage lighting from a reputable or trusted seller means there shouldn’t be any problems. However there are things of which you should be aware to protect yourself from buying a money pit or something unsafe. Below I’ve outlined areas to think about.
What is classed as vintage?
If it between 20-100 years old, then it is classed as vintage. Anything older than this is then classed an antique. At Loomlight, most of our lighting is mid-century, manufactured between 1930-1970.
What to look out for when buying vintage lights?
There are so many different vintage design eras to explore from Art Deco, Mid-century Modern or Industrial, so pick something that suits your aesthetic or personality. We reclaim vintage industrial lights because we love them! They are high quality fixtures which were designed and built for harsh conditions so their life cycle is very long and because they are manufactured from metal they are easily recyclable. Some industrial features we like in light fixtures are:-
Determine the functionality you need from your lighting. Are you looking for ambient lighting, task lighting or decorative accent pieces? Consider the type of light emitted, whether it's adjustable, and if it meets your specific lighting needs. There’s no reason you can’t use LED light bulbs with a vintage light. Nowadays there is a fantastic range of LED light bulbs with a range of colour temperatures and light outputs to suit. Check out our blog on LED light bulbs for more information. We use Edison filament LED light bulbs because not only are they very efficient, but they have a vintage aesthetic about them which suits the style of our light fixtures.
Has the light fixture been restored & rewired?
With anything electrical it is always best to buy from a reputable or trusted seller. Some vintage & antique sellers don’t restore their items. Always check with the seller whether it has been restored & rewired, so you know what you are taking on. It is expensive to restore lighting and if you can’t do this yourself, you will need to find an electrician willing to take on this specialist project. Consider the cost implications of purchasing a light that needs restoration & rewiring.
At Loomlight, we strip all the old electrical components out of our lights and replace everything with CE approved or UL listed components so they meet modern safety standards and are ready to use.
Assess the condition of the light fixture. Vintage items often show signs of wear, but it's crucial to determine if any damage is reparable or if it significantly affects the functionality or aesthetics of the piece. Scratches and dents can add character and charm to the light. But missing parts may decrease usability and increase the cost of the restoration. We love some of the scuffs that come with old lights. It makes each light fixture individual and adds a layer of authenticity to a room.
Can I just change the plug?
Any desk light with a plug must undergo an Electrical Safety Test or PAT test. If the light is not from the UK then the wiring and plug would need to replaced. We always recommend using a qualified electrician to undertake any rewiring.
We factory test all our fixtures prior to them leaving our workshop and wire our fixtures correctly for UK, USA and the rest of the world.
When to walk away from vintage lighting?
As professional restorers with pride in selling high quality items, we have our reputation to uphold so only offer the very best to our customers. However, for a personal purchase you may be more flexible on some of these points. But be aware of the cost implications if you want to get your light restored. Below are some of the things that make us walk away from buying vintage light fixtures.
For us buying vintage is all about the quality of the item and the character that comes with age. The metal vintage lights that we find, have been designed and built with such high quality that it would be a crime for them to be scrapped. We actively move away from items that have been made from cheap materials and quickly disposable and strive to keep well designed vintage items in circulation for as long as possible.
]]>Tripod-mounted binoculars were primarily used for long-range observations, such as birdwatching, stargazing, wildlife observation, or even military purposes. These binoculars were designed to be mounted on a tripod to ensure stability and provide a steady platform for extended viewing sessions. The tripod mount eliminated hand-held shakiness and allowed users to focus on the details with enhanced clarity and precision.
Tripod mounting allowed for more comfortable and extended viewing sessions, especially important for military use, when observing stationary subjects or tracking celestial objects. The tripod head provided smooth panning and tilting capabilities, enabling users to easily follow moving targets without straining their arms or neck. The stability offered by the tripod ensured minimal vibrations, resulting in a clear and steady view even at high magnifications.
Owning a pair of vintage tripod-mounted binoculars today not only grants you the opportunity to experience the past but also provides a functional tool for appreciating nature and the world around us. While modern binoculars offer advanced features and technology, the vintage counterparts hold a unique charm and a sense of connection to a time when observation and exploration were pursued with passion and curiosity.
Whether displayed as a conversation piece in a study or actively used in the field, vintage tripod-mounted binoculars continue to captivate and inspire. Their fusion of form and function represents an era when craftsmanship and attention to detail were highly valued, reminding us of the enduring beauty and utility of these timeless optical instruments.
The 1950's Fuji Meibo 15x80N binoculars were primarily designed for military and surveillance purposes. During this time, Japan was recovering from World War II, and the country's defence forces required reliable and high-performance optical instruments for various applications.
The Meibo 15x80N binoculars feature a magnification power of 15x and an objective lens diameter of 80mm, providing excellent long-range capabilities. This allowed users to observe distant targets with enhanced detail and clarity. The high magnification was particularly advantageous for military reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, where identifying and monitoring targets from a safe distance was crucial.
The large objective lens diameter of 80mm enabled the binoculars to gather ample light, even in low-light conditions or during dusk and dawn. This was essential for military operations conducted in low-light environments, ensuring that users could maintain visual clarity and target identification during critical situations.
The optical design of the Meibo 15x80N binoculars incorporated high-quality glass lenses and prisms, ensuring optimal light transmission, image sharpness, and contrast. The lenses were typically coated to reduce glare and improve image quality. These optical features were vital for military personnel, as they allowed for clear and precise observation of targets, terrain, and potential threats.
Today this fantastic set of binoculars can be used for birdwatching & wildlife observation, astronomy or a collectible with huge historical significance and wonderful vintage aesthetic. They represent a piece of optical technology from the mid-20th century that can be enjoyed by enthusiasts or collectors of vintage binoculars.
The Nikon 15x80 binoculars were made in Japan in 1943 by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optiucal Company) as an instrument for wartime battleships predominantly used by the Japanese Navy who were more reliant on optics for surveillance rather than the developing radar detection systems.
These binoculars were manufactured by the renowned German optics manufacturer Carl Zeiss Jena during WW2 marked as BLC. The binoculars were primarily designed for military use, specifically for anti-aircraft artillery (Flak) operations. In 1942 the German Armaments Ministry assigned three letter code marks to the companies that manufactured military hardware to use instead of their normal trademark. This was so that their factories could not be identified and bombed by Allies.
These binoculars were designed to be used in conjunction with a 4-meter-long range finder for directing heavy Flak guns and were engineered to be tripod mounted.
Here are some details about these binoculars:
Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter: The "12x60" specification indicates that these binoculars have a magnification power of 12x and an objective lens diameter of 60mm. This combination allows for a relatively high level of magnification and good light-gathering capabilities.
Prism System: The BLC Flak binoculars employed a porro prism design, which provides excellent image quality and light transmission. Porro prisms were commonly used in high-quality binoculars of that era.
Coatings: These binoculars were likely uncoated or had simple single-layer coatings on the lenses. Advanced multi-coatings that improve light transmission and reduce reflections became more prevalent in later decades.
Construction: The Carl Zeiss BLC Flak binoculars featured a durable and robust construction, suitable for military use. They were typically built with metal bodies, including aluminum or steel, and designed to withstand rough conditions.
Rangefinder: Some versions of the BLC Flak binoculars might have incorporated an integrated rangefinder. This feature allowed users to estimate the distance to the target, which was crucial for anti-aircraft artillery operations.
Weight and Handling: The BLC Flak binoculars were relatively large and heavy due to the combination of high magnification and larger objective lenses. As a result, they were often tripod-mounted for stability during prolonged use.
Read all about the history of Carl Zeiss, one of the most respected names in optics.
The Vintage Tripod
At Loomlight we specialise in the restoration of vintage lights, clocks and large binoculars. We mount our binoculars with a vintage tripod of a similar era to create the perfect set of vintage tripod mounted binoculars. We source wooden military tripods and make a bespoke part so that the binoculars and tripod fit together perfectly.
For more information on any of these binoculars please visit the product pages. If you are looking for something in particular please get in touch, as we may be able to source it for you.
]]>If you're looking for inspiration for a home bar then look no further. We've collated an extensive number of industrial style home bar ideas and home bar lighting inspiration from our range of vintage & industrial style light fixtures.
1. The Garage Home Bar
Adding a bar area to your garage is a great idea. Tinkering with your motor over the weekend with a beer from your garage home bar sounds like perfect relaxation. This reclaimed and repurposed example below was designed and built by The Nailormade.
The industrial style home bar shares a corner of a garage with a Porsche 911. The bar top is made of reclaimed wood and the lighting is all vintage industrial metal light fixtures. Light fixtures includes footlights under the bar, a vintage wall strip light modified with LED Edison Filament tubes, metal nautical ceiling pendants and in the main garage area there are some large green enamel factory pendants by Thorlux. A great variety of lighting options for this multi purpose space.
Edison Flameproof Wall Strip Light, £790
Green Enamel Drum Factory Light by Thorlux, £310
2. Home Bar Feature Lighting
Making sure you have enough light over your bar is essential. Hanging multiple feature lights low over your bar area will not only give your home bar character but also the right amount of ambience.
Explosion Proof Brass Cage Ceiling Pendant, £185
3. Basement Home Bar
Got an empty basement? Why not turn it into a home bar. It'll be dark down there so adding ceiling lighting, wall lighting, foot lights and floor lamps is the way forward. Don't skimp on lighting!
Oval Aluminium Prismatic Bulkhead Wall Light, £208
4. Outdoor Garden Home Bar
Not all of us are lucky enough to have such an amazing space like this outdoor garden bar below, which doubles up as an outdoor kitchen. Using reclaimed industrial lights for a space like this is ideal. They are robust and can often withstand extreme conditions so you won't need to worry about leaving them outside in inclement weather.
Large Vintage Industrial Engine Room Light, £495
5. DIY Home Bar
Handy with a screwdriver? Then this is a great idea for a DIY home bar using reclaimed wood. With a fold down bar top and built in storage for all your bar paraphenalia this compact bar could be mounted to the wall indoors or out.
Small Industrial Wall Spot Light, £85
These small wall spot lights can be used alone or in multiples to create a lovely light effect. They can be used either indoors or outdoors. Neaten up any electrical cables that you're unable to hide with metal conduit to complete the industrial vibe.
6. Rustic Home Bar
The corrugated roof in the example below is an inexpensive way to cover a home bar. So if you're on a budget lean into the rustic home bar style, by sourcing reclaimed and repurposed materials.
Reclaimed rustic green ceiling light, £58
7. Miami Vice Home Bar
Ok, so this pink home bar is not exactly industrial themed.....more Miami Vice. But if you're looking for pink fittings and fixtures to brighten up your home bar, then look no further. In our workshop we can take bespoke requests for most of our light fixtures. We paint our fixtures all sorts of colours and different finishes. Whether pink, blue, green, orange...you name it, we can do it.
Pink LED Edison Strip Light by Daeyang, £870
8. Monochrome home bars
If you love the simplicity of a black and white interior, then check out this small monochrome home bar which uses a black metro tile and industrial cage wall light. Simple and effective, this home bar has got everything you need.
Brass Wall Cage Light by Industrial Rotterdam, £260
9. Shiny Industrial Home Bars
Using mirrors is a great idea not only to help make a small space seem larger, but as with the example below also gives the bar a sophisticated edge. This shiny look can be paired with industrial fixtures and fittings to balance the design and not make it overtly slick. Here they have used multiple industrial style cantilever wall lamps high up on the wall alongside modern LED strips along the edge of the bar shelves. The mirror helps to bounce the light around the space making it feel really well illuminated.
View our range of custom industrial style cantilever wall lights. Choose which metal finish you want for the wall arm fixture and also what length you want it to be. Then customise the colour of the lamp shade to suit your home bar interior.
See more cantilever wall lighting
10. Small Home Bar
This industrial style bar below can be translated into a small home bar by creating a small wall mounted table top with over head light, creating a cosy place to enjoy a glass of red. This cantilever wall light is a clever solution when you don't have the option of ceiling lighting. It's also a good way of extending lighting low over a table to create cosy "private dining" style ambience. You can hide cables inside the electrical conduit to keep everything neat.
Industrial Style Copper & Brass Cantilever Wall Light, £530
These lamps can be used with a dimmer to keep lighting levels low. They can also be used with or without the copper shades. Please get in touch for custom projects.
11. Exposed Features Home Bar
If you have exposed industrial style features in your home bar, don't hide them! Like the example below with exposed conduit on the ceiling and open metal shelving. Make a feature out of them. Expand on the theme by adding more industrial fixtures & fittings.
Brass Explosion Proof Cage Light by Wiska, £235
12. Industrial Style Home Bar
Metal bar stools, corrugated sheet metal repurposed into a bar and reclaimed strip lighting all comes together to create a very cool industrial inspired bar. Soften the look for a home bar with wooden flooring or a rug.
4ft Aluminium Strip Light by Aqua Signal, £905
13. White & Copper Home Bar
This white and copper bar is great inspiration to translate into a home bar space. Grown up and stylish with hints of black in the leather bar stools and on the floor tiles.
If you love this theme then this is the perfect wall light for your home bar.
White Copper & Brass Cantilever Wall Light, £270
14. Dark home bars
Are you looking to create a dark atmosphere for your home bar? Then take inspiration from this bar / restaurant which uses minimal lighting and dark wooden furniture to maintain a moody feeling.
Black Edison Flameproof Strip Light, £870
15. Traditional Pub Home Bar
What does every traditional pub have? A beer pump! You'll be the most popular host if you install one of these. Combine it with authentic fixtures and fittings to create true character. No reproductions allowed!
Here's our favourite authentic industrial light fixture to go in the traditional pub environment.
Vintage Industrial Brass Ceiling Light, £705
16. Warm Copper Home Bar
If you want to create a cosy home bar then using warm materials and colours is the way forward. Copper has a lovely red undertone making it the perfect metal for a cosy bar environment. Pair copper with wood to soften the aesthetic.
Copper Ceiling Light by Wiska, £465
17. Eclectic Style Home Bar
Do you love to collect unusual things? There will always be a good use for them at some point right? Well what better place to display your unusual collection of found and salvaged items that an eclectic style home bar. Mix and match your pieces to really make this design aesthetic come to life, the crazier the better. Bring this look together by having one constant thread running through out. This could be wooden floor, wooden table and wooden chairs. Or metal lighting, metal bar top and metal bar stools. Everything else around that can go crazy.
Green Enamel Factory Light by Thorlux, £245
Orange British Military Wall Lamp, £270
These reclaimed British military lamp shades can be painted any colour. Customise your lamp shades as you wish.
Verdigris Ceiling Light by VEB, £395
This bespoke verdigris finish is applied by hand in our workshop. It is applied to the aluminium light fixture using our tailored rusting technique using copper powder and an accelerated oxidization process.
18. Explosion Proof Home Bar
Solid surfaces and solid fixtures are a practical approach for a bar area. Who knows where the night will take you! And they can also look the business too. Explosion proof lighting typically reclaimed from decommissioned cargo ships not only look cool, but are well designed, robust, waterproof and fit perfectly with a pub / bar aesthetic. Combining metal light fixtures with a marble effect workshop like Quartz or Corian will provide balance to your look & feel.
Brass & Copper Explosion Proof Cantilever Wall Light, £375
19. Industrial Drinks Trolley Home Bar
The drinks trolley is the perfect option for a portable home bar. This industrial style drinks trolley is an ingenious use of reclaimed materials to create the perfect place for your tipple of choice. Make sure you have adequate lighting so you can make the perfect Mojito. A floor lamp is a good choice to pair up with your industrial drinks trolley. Wherever you position your trolley the lamp can come too! All you need is the plug socket. This reclaimed steampunk style floor lamp complete with LED Edison tubes is the perfect combo for a drinks trolley. This lamp can be used with a dimmer switch to create the perfect ambience.
Steampunk Aluminium Floor Lamp, £1,625
For more lighting inspiration take a look at our extensive range of reclaimed, vintage & industrial style lighting.
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The Chestnut Bakery in Belgravia London serves decadent pastries and wholesome sourdoughs in a rustic style interior. Vintage industrial rusted ceiling lighting by Loomlight adds warmth, texture and character alongside simple wooden furniture.
The rusted finish is achieved using a powder coat of iron or copper which is then oxidised to create the rust or verdigris finish. It's a bespoke process applied by hand and as such each light fixture will be unique. This process can be applied to any of our vintage industrial lighting.
Verdigris Rust Ceiling Light by VEB, £395
Rusted Industrial Ceiling Light by VEB, £395
The Marks & Spencer bakery uses industrial style cage lights in white to add character to their bakery section. We have a range of cage lights for wall and ceiling which are all reclaimed, restored and ready to be used in modern interiors. Browse our range of cage lighting.
Vintage White Industrial Ceiling Pendant by Killark, £365. This authentic industrial ceiling light will be sure to add real character to any interior. It can't be found on the high street, so if you're looking for something unique buying vintage or reclaimed is a great way of designing your interior.
The Pump Street bakery is set within a 15th century building making the interior very quaint. With low ceilings they have cleverly used the wall space to add bulkhead wall lights which not only remains in keeping with the style of the building but also creates a practical space for customers to browse and enjoy the beautiful breads and chocolate on offer by the father / daughter team that run the bakery. Read all about this beautiful bakery in Suffolk here.
The Vintage Oval Bulkhead Wall Light, £208 has a decorative prismatic glass cover which softens the light output, making it the perfect wall light to mount at any height. These bulkheads are compatible with LED light bulbs.
If your bakery has exposed ducts and concrete walls or exposed bricks, build on this industrial theme and add strip lighting which is eponymous with industrial environments.
The 4ft Aluminium Flameproof LED Strip Light by Aqua Signal, £905 is a large and very cool strip light however if you prefer something smaller, browse our entire range of strip lighting where you will find twin tube strip lights and strip lighting that can be wall mounted with decorative Edison filament LED tubes which becomes a stunning feature light.
The Hotel Praktik Bakery in Barcelona is the first hotel / bakery in Spain. The use of exposed black metalwork and brickwork with the large black industrial pendants creates a modern industrial bakery interior which carries through the hotel.
One of our largest vintage industrial pendants is the Extra Large Stainless Steel Vintage Searchlight, £999 which is a fantastic feature light to draw attention and create a talking point. We are able to powder coat our light fittings any colour to suit your interior.
Here at Loomlight, we are lighting specialists that work on both commercial and private projects with our customers. For advice on lighting for your project or bespoke requests please get in touch with us for a chat. We ship internationally.
You can browse our entire range of lighting here.
]]>Loft conversions can be tricky spaces to light, but with the right planning you can illuminate your room perfectly giving you a practical, bright and stylish loft conversion. Whether your new loft conversion will be a bedroom, attic office, bathroom or lofty living room the lighting should be one of the most important considerations.
Whatever the practical use of the loft conversion the theory of lighting is the same. Wherever possible it’s a good idea to have a mix of light for maximum practicality. A good lighting scheme consists of a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting which includes natural light and feature lighting.
Low ceilings, lack of light and odd angles are some of the issues that might arise with a loft conversion making lighting the space difficult. So what’s the best kind of lighting for a loft conversion?
Ceiling lighting for a loft conversion
Ceiling lighting generally provides the overall ambient room lighting. If you have space for ceiling lights in your loft conversion it can be a great opportunity to add character and style with feature light fixtures. Perhaps you have a large space to light up and you can go big! Opening a loft space to include with the room below creates a large vaulted or pitched roof ceiling. Make sure you add enough light fixtures to spread light through the entire space.
Copper & Brass Explosion Proof Pendant, £205
Read about how much light you need per square meter in our article “Which Light Bulb to Choose?”. If you have low ceilings then use flush light fixtures. All of our bulkhead lights can be used on the ceiling or walls and provide a flush lighting option.
Our range of vintage & industrial style ceiling lighting are available in a variety of sizes, styles and materials and are fantastic feature lights for creating authentic style.
Creating ambience with wall lighting
If ceiling lighting is not an option because of a pitched roof then carefully consider wall lighting options as the main source of ambient light. Adding multiples can provide the additional lighting levels you need.
Using different styles of wall lighting will help make the most out of the space. Cantilever lighting is good to use for tasks such as working on a laptop or reading where directional lighting is required. Cantilever lights sometimes have extendable arms fixtures which mean the lamp can be pulled out or pushed back, making this an incredibly useful lamp to have where space is limited and you want to be able to move light around. Wall mounted cantilever lamps or 90 degree wall lamps are a good option for bedside wall lighting, especially if there’s no space for bedside table lamps. Check out our range of cantilever lamps.
Ivory Cantilever Wall Lamp, £290 This beautiful ivory lamp has a ball joint which means the lamps shade can be rotated in all directions. A fantastic directional light source which can be painted any colour.
Flush wall sconces or bulkhead wall lights don’t take up much space and are great for spreading light, especially useful when there is no option for ceiling lighting.
When wall lighting is in addition to ceiling lights, consider positioning the wall fixtures so that darker corners are illuminated which will help make the space feel larger. We have a wide range of wall lighting options, large and small to cover every eventuality.
Vintage style floor and table lamps for authentic loft conversions
Adding floor and table lamps are flexible lighting options that can be moved around your space wherever there is a plug socket. Always useful! And a great option for adding low level lighting when you want to relax. If you are lucky enough to have a large space to fill then consider adding a large feature floor lamp. Check out our bespoke floor lamps and reclaimed table lamps which can all be fitted with LED light bulbs.
Miletich Tripod Floor Lamp, £1375
Turn Lighting Practicalities into Features
With any light fixture, including a dimmer switch if you can is a great idea. This will give you an extra layer of lighting options for different occasions.
Installing electrical cables behind the walls might not be an option. If walls have already been plastered or because of budget constraints consider adding metal conduit to run electrical cable along the surface of walls in a safe way. Why not make the conduit into an industrial style feature. You can use galvanised conduit or copper conduit depending on your colour preference. Use industrial style light fixtures to complete the look.
Industrial Micro Spot Wall Light, £82
To view our full range of vintage and industrial style lighting for your loft conversion project please visit our shop and get in touch with any questions.
In a farmhouse interior you are likely to find natural materials such as exposed brick or stone, wooden flooring and timber framework. Original industrial environments are characterised by concrete, exposed steel beams and ducting, metal lighting and exposed copper or galvanised electrical conduit.
Industrial style interiors tend to be dark, or have dark elements throughout. This could be in the form of dark walls, soft furnishings or through the use of fixtures & fittings such as black lighting, door handles or black metal furniture frames.
Industrial Style Fixtures
Choosing industrial style fixtures is a great way to bring this aesthetic to life. Lighting is one of the most important elements in any room. There are many different styles of industrial style lights available. Reclaimed industrial lights have an abundance of authentic character, usually made with solid metal and glass. Look for industrial features such as cages, manufacturer plates or vitreous enamelled shades if you love authentic industrial character. These features are used to maintain the safety and life span of the products and mean the light fixtures are incredibly hard wearing and robust.
Cantilever lighting is commonly found in industrial or workshop settings as task lighting. When used in the home not only do they add industrial chic but can also be very practical allowing you to move illumination around. Often cantilever lighting can be pulled out and pushed back to the wall again which makes them suitable for bedside lighting or as vanity table lighting.
Industrial Cantilever Wall Light, £550
Red adjustable wall lamp, £300
Add a colour pop with industrial lighting. These lamps can be painted any colour to suit your interior. The lamp shade is on a ball & socket joint so the shade can be moved for directional lighting which is perfect for bedside wall lighting.
Hang large industrial style lighting on your ceiling to create the perfect feature in your farmhouse style bedroom, like the bright bedroom below which is a lovely combination of exposed brick, wooden furniture and metal fixtures alongside soft furnishings to create a simple industrial farmhouse style bedroom.
Large Aluminium Ceiling Light, £645
Using metal is a key feature in creating an industrial style bedroom interior.
The beauty of choosing to use metal is the range of finishes and colours available. There is something to compliment all interior styles.
Warmer metals such as brass, bronze and copper have become more popular over the last few years due to changes in interior colour trends.
However if you prefer silver / white tones then aluminium, stainless steel or chrome industrial style fixtures and fittings look fantastic, especially when using reclaimed and original fixtures which add much more character than new or reproduction fixtures. In the bedroom ensuite bathroom below the use of reclaimed aluminium cage lighting adds character to this space. See Loomlight's full collection of vintage industrial light fixtures
Industrial Farmhouse Style Ensuite Ideas
Here are two of my favourite industrial style bedroom ensuite designs making use industrial style materials. Exposed brick, concrete and metal then using natural fabrics and materials such as wood, wicker and hessian to soften it. This interior aesthetic would perfectly suit the industrial farmhouse vibe.
Aluminium bulkhead wall lights, £220
A popular choice that has been on trend over recent years is black fixtures & fittings. This can be in the form of black iron or a black powder-coated metal.
Our top pick of black industrial style light fixtures: -
Industrial Black Steel Ceiling Light, £405
Black industrial style wall light, £265
Matte Black Edison Strip Light, £870
Using electrical conduit is an authentic industrial feature which can be used for both practical and aesthetic purposes. If you are unable to hide electrical cables in walls then metal conduit is a safe way to maintain your cables on the walls surface. Take this opportunity to make it into a feature as can be seen in the examples below.
Galvanised conduit can be used for creating practical bedside wall lighting.
Use the conduit to create unique lighting solutions in difficult spaces.
Small industrial spot light, £85
Or incorporate copper conduit as part of the furniture as a shelving option in your bedroom. Visit Steel Roots Design for bespoke copper pipe and reclaimed wood shelving.
This unique take on using copper conduit to create a beautiful industrial style bathroom / bedroom ensuite is both practical and stylish.
For reclaimed wooden and steel bedroom furniture ideas visit Shabby Bear Cottage.
Visit Loomlight to see the full collection of vintage industrial lighting which are all sold professionally restored, rewired and are compatible with LED light bulbs.
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Edison Screw Cap (EC)
You can check what you need, by either looking at the light bulb that comes out of a light fixture that you want to change. Or if you look at the lampholder inside the light fixture, you can see whether it takes a screw in lamp (EC) or a push & twist lamp (BC)
How to choose the best light bulbs for your home?
Choosing the correct light bulb for your home is a combination of science and art. Essentially you’ll need to determine what you need for sufficient illumination and how you want it to look aesthetically.
How much light do I need?
This is the science part, or quantitative consideration. Each room will be different and, in some cases, will serve multiple functions. For example you might use your kitchen for all sorts of activities. Your kitchen may not only be a space for cooking, but also for entertaining, watching tv, doing homework and eating. So the lighting in this room will need to be multi-functional. You will need bright white lights throughout for when completing tasks such as cooking or homework, plus low level or warmer lights for evening meals & entertaining. These light fixtures can be a combination of functional ceiling spotlights, characterful feature lighting and wall lights on dimmer switches which provide added flexibility.
The kitchen above combines functional task spot lighting throughout the ceiling space with a feature light hung lower over the island which provides ambient lighting for entertaining and dining when the spot lights are turned off.
Bedroom lighting will be much the same. You will need a good general bright light for getting up and ready as well as some low level lighting for bedtime. This could come in the form of a lovely ceiling feature pendant light plus some table lamps.
As a general rule of thumb you would need between 70-100 lumens per square meter to read comfortably. Therefore, multiple the square meter size of your room by 70-100. If your eyesight is less good than it used to be, multiple your room size in sqm by 100! So a 3x3m office will need 900 lumens. You could get all 900 lumens from one light bulb or spread the lumens over multiple fixtures.
Once you have decided how many lumens and light sources you need, the next consideration is the colour temperature of the light bulb. Do you want your light bulb to be warm or cool? Warm being more orange and cool being a whiter light. Colour preferences can be very personal and there is no exact science to it.
Colour temperature is measured in kelvins which range from 1000 – 10,000. The higher the kelvins the cooler the colour. Below is a kelvin chart to assist. The colour on this chart can be thought of like natural sunlight during the course of a day. Very bright blue sunlight of 6000k can be measured at midday whilst at sunset temperatures might be lower than 3000k emitting a low orange light. Generally colour temperatures for home lighting fall anywhere between 2500k and 5000k.
Warm light is typically anything under 3000k. 4000k and above is considered cool white. 3500k is considered the neutral temperature and can look either warm or cool depending on the environment it is lighting.
Something else to consider when considering the colour temperature of your room, is the furniture materials. For natural wood furniture a warmer colour around 3000k might compliment the room better. Whereas a more modern room with white gloss cabinets might work better with cool light bulbs around 4000k. Task lighting is generally whiter light, so ideal for kitchens, workshops and your home office.
Ultimately it is your personal choice and this is just a guide but this kelvin range is good to keep in mind:
2200-2700K: produces a warm light that’s best for low-light areas where ambient lighting is needed – similar to an incandescent bulb.
3000-3500K: produces a soft white light that’s crisper than 2700K, similar to halogen lamps.
4000-4500K: produces a bright white light that’s ideal in kitchens, home offices and places where detail-oriented tasks are performed.
5000K and up: produces a bright white/blue hue of light, common in commercial environments.
At Loomlight we are lighting professionals and have tried and tested many light bulbs over the years and use only the best with our industrial & vintage light fixtures. Our lights are reclaimed, restored vintage & industrial lighting so LED filament style light bulbs look best with our fixtures. We send a 6w warm white 2700k LED filament bulb. If this isn't suitable however please let us know what you would prefer.
If you purchase a strip light from us the tubes are included with your order. The Edison strip light tubes are 2100k and the T8 strip lights take a 3000k T8 tube.
If you have any questions relating to light bulbs please get in touch. Shop our full range here.
]]>WALL LIGHTING
Our top picks are chosen because they are both robust and decorative which we think is the perfect combination for garden room wall lights.
Vintage Oval Prismatic Aluminium Bulkhead - £208
This vintage industrial aluminium wall light is interior lighting and provides a soft decorative illumination.Brass & Frosted Glass Wall Light - £370
A stunning looking brass wall light with a decorative glass cover. This wall light can be used for both garden room interior lighting and outdoor lighting.Italian Flameproof Wall Sconce - £296
Reclaimed from cargo ships, this robust aluminium wall sconce can't be found on the high street. So if you're looking for something unique this is the one. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.INDOOR CEILING LIGHTING
Use ceiling lighting to create character in your garden room. By using ceiling lights in conjunction with wall lights and table lamps you'll have maximum flexibility for creating the right mood and illumination for whatever you want to do in your garden room.
Green Enamel Factory Ceiling Light by Thorlux - £245
These small ceiling pendants are based on the original 1930's factory light designs manufactured by Thorlux a British company. Thorlux still make the Heritage range of pendants today using the original steel spinning techniques which is all done by hand. They are finished with vitreous enamel making them incredibly hard wearing. This is the smallest ceiling light in the heritage range. A laidback rustic style interior ceiling light perfect for a summer house or garden room.
OUTDOOR CEILING LIGHTING
Perhaps you want to light up a dining area or an outdoor kitchen which is partially covered by a pergola. If so, you'll need to use ceiling light fixtures which are suitable for the outdoors. Below we have picked out some characterful outdoor ceiling pendant lights also suitable for indoors use.
Vintage Industrial Aluminium Ceiling Light by Ito Denki - £270
This fantastic industrial style outdoor kitchen uses reclaimed materials and lighting to create a practical bohemian style space for outside cooking. The reclaimed cage ceiling lighting are weather proof, robust and add industrial character. Here are our top pick of reclaimed industrial cage lights suitable for outdoor use.
Brass Cage Lighting by Kokosha - £395
Steel Explosion Proof Cage Ceiling Pendant - £307
You can find more inspiration for garden room or summer house lighting here. If you need any advice or guidance about the type of lighting required, we are experience lighting professionals and would be happy to help, please get in touch.
]]>But what about the lighting?! It’ll be the first thing you notice if you haven’t got it right and often difficult to rectify when it’s wrong. Here are some very cool lighting ideas for a man cave that will get everyone talking. You can't find these on the high street, there's no plastic involved and once these bad boys are installed, you'll never have to buy another light again!
Here are some of our favourite ceiling lights which will do the business.
CEILING LIGHTS
1. Industrial Edison Flameproof Strip Light - £790.00.
This 1970's lamp by South Korean manufacturer Daeyang was originally a fluorescent tube light salvaged from the engine rooms of cargo ships. It has been extensively modified by Loomlight and replaced with LED Edison filament tubes which are dimmable.
Or perhaps you'd like to hang multiple light fixtures to spread the light around a larger space like the games room below. If so then the Heritage Range by Thorlux are a great understated choice with both form and function. The timeless 1930's factory design ceiling light range is finished in vitreous enamel in green or ivory in three different styles. Two are below or click here for the full range
Or something slightly larger at 41cm the "Traditional" Heritage enamel factory ceiling light by Thorlux - £300.
3. White Enamel Cage Light by Killark - £355
Adding original fixtures into your interior makes the space feel authentic. These original vintage cage lights by Killark have been reclaimed from decommissioned supertankers. We have retained the patina and signs of wear & tear to maintain the character, but all electrical components have been replaced and this fixture is sold with chain and ceiling hook ready to stick straight up on your ceiling!
Consider adding a dimmer switch to your man cave which will provide options to lower the light levels to create a relaxing atmosphere.
4. Three Pendant ceiling Light - £1295.00
A great lighting solution for spreading light from one electrical point. Perfect for a games table, bar lighting or a kitchen island. The bar can be made to bespoke measurements upon request.
5. Small Marine Pendant Light - £235
A smaller pendant light solution at 27cm diameter. Packing punch with industrial style perfect for the man cave.
6. Engine Room Pendant Light - £495
A true investment, this larger ceiling pendant light is reclaimed from engine rooms of cargo ships. At 18kg you'll need a good support for hanging it. A thing of beauty which can be kept a lifetime and will increase in value over time.
7. Large Explosion Proof Pendant Light - £750
At 43cm diameter this is a great aluminium lighting option for creating impact. An 18kg beast.
WALL LIGHTING
Use wall lighting to create ambience. Use a warmer light bulb for a cosy feel. Using a colour temperature of 2700k or lower will provide a warmer light. Alternatively If you have no space for ceiling lighting then the wall lights become your main source of illumination. Here are our top pick
1. Copper Industrial Style Cantilever Wall Light - £300
This copper cantilever wall lamp will direct the light downwards creating a lovely addition alongside your ceiling lighting helping to make the space feel bigger. Or use them on their own for mood lighting. Also available in different finishes and colours.
These small wall lights can be used in multiples on the walls near the floor like a passageway light to create a moody evening atmosphere for drinks with friends. At only 13cm diameter they may be small but made in solid cast aluminium they pack a punch.
3. Small Aluminium Trio Spot Lighting - £245
If you want some quirky lighting, this row of three cast aluminium industrial wall spot lights look great above a bar area. For full industrial effect run electrical conduit up to it to hide any cables.
4. Brass Bulkhead wall light - £360
For something larger this oblong shaped brass wall light with decorative frosted glass disperses the light beautifully creating a decorative yet functional wall lamp. 28cm tall.
5. Cast Aluminium Bulkhead Light - £210
These original marine bulkhead wall lights can be used both indoors or outdoors. Perfect for a garage, games room or man cave. Tough industrial grade fixtures that'll take anything you can throw at them. Featuring a frosted glass that disperses the light.
6. Eastern Bloc Industrial Aluminium Bulkhead
A truly hard wearing and robust bulkhead wall light, reclaimed and professionally restored for both indoor and outdoor use. This wall lamp can do it all!
Old bulkhead wall lights with clear glass, restored and ready for the modern man cave. 24cm diameter and compatible with LED light bulbs.
8. Brass Bulkhead Light - £230
If you want the golden touch, then a brass fixture will add a bit of warmth. At 25cm diameter these can be used alone or in multiples depending on the size of your space.
There are plenty more lighting options available here industrial ceiling lights & pendants and wall lighting. If you're not sure on how many ceiling lights to install then here is a fantastic guide to help you calculate what you need. All our suggestions are original industrial fixtures which are reclaimed and restored by hand in our Leicestershire Workshop. You are welcome to visit us by appointment.
We design & manufacture bespoke lighting, so if there is something specific you need then please get in touch.
]]>We've selected a variety of new and reclaimed lighting for both wall or ceiling use, all with stacks of industrial style, charm and character.
1. Copper & Brass Cantilever Wall Lamp
A vintage British army lamp shade fitted to a bespoke copper and brass cantilever arm fixing which can be made to any length and features a ball & socket joint meaning the lamp shade can be tilted in all directions. Plus the lamp shade can be painted any colour making this bespoke wall light not only functional but pretty too. A perfect industrial style lighting solution for your bedside.
Based on the original 1930's factory lighting design, these are brand new fixtures coming straight from the Thorlux factory in the West Midlands. They are hand spun steel fixtures with a vitreous enamel coating which is incredibly durable making these perfect rustic ceiling lighting for a kitchen. You can read how these fixtures are hand made in England here.
3. Steel Explosion Proof Pendant by Kokosha
This fixture is explosion proof and has a cage to protect against hazards, both key features of industrial style lighting. This metal pendant is by Kokosha a Japanese manufacturer of industrial grade fixtures & fittings. It is an original which has been reclaimed from decommissioned cargo ships. These ceiling lights look fantastic hung in multiples above bars or in restaurants. They are extremely robust industrial style fixtures making them perfect for public spaces.
4. XL Stainless Steel Searchlight Pendant
At 40cm diameter, this is by no means a beast, but is large enough to look fabulous in tall ceilings and large rooms. This reclaimed searchlight has bags of industrial style with the functional wing nuts on display and shiny metallic surface. Perfect to hang in tall Victorian living rooms or a vaulted ceiling. Truly authentic lighting that will create a talking point.
5. Small Copper Conical Pendant
Finally a small copper conical industrial style ceiling pendant. A brand new light fixture based on reclaimed British Army festoon shades. Perfect low level dining ceiling lights or use where space is at a minimum. Use with an Edison filament LED light bulb for full vintage industrial effect.
Here at Loomlight we specialise in original industrial & vintage lighting as well as having a range of new industrial style lighting. Not only do we source, reclaim and restore vintage industrial light fixtures which have been specifically designed and built for hazardous areas, but we also manufacture and source new lights based on popular industrial & heritage designs. We are a small team of restoration lighting experts, experienced in design & manufacture.
Please get in touch with bespoke lighting requests.
To browse the full range of industrial style lighting please visit our shop.
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Some of our most popular light fixtures are the original factory style Thorlux enamel ceiling pendants, which are getting harder to source thanks to the growing popularity of these high-quality, timeless products, designed and made here in England.
So we are thrilled to be partnering Thorlux, a move which enables us to offer iconic pieces from their Heritage range on our website and means quantity will no longer be an issue.
A recent tour of the Thorlux factory in Redditch was the highlight of our month. Getting out of the workshop and home office, travelling to meet people face (mask) to face (mask) felt like a novelty. We are already huge fans of Thorlux, having salvaged and restored many of their fixtures in the past. But what we learnt during our visit confirmed our view of the brand as a world-leading example of British craftsmanship.
This is a family firm steeped in history and tradition. From 1936 when Frederick Thorpe founded Thorlux, up to the present day, the Thorpe family has remained central to the management of the company. The key to a great business is its people and during our tour, we spoke to scores of staff members proud to describe themselves as true ‘lifers’, having been with the company for 20, 30 even 40 years. Several directors had joined the company at the age of 16 as apprentices, learning their trade on the factory floor then rising through the ranks, carefully mentored to become senior managers. Their people know the business inside out and are like gold dust. That speaks volumes about Thorlux and its values.
We were particularly fascinated by the variety of manufacturing techniques on show. In one part of the factory, large, highly technical Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines were cutting out the parts robotically as staff members busily transported large volumes of them to the relevant departments for assembly. Thorlux has a huge turnover of modern luminaires for commercial purposes but the firm remains closely in touch with its roots. Walking just 20 metres into the Spinning Department where the Thorlux Heritage range is made felt like stepping back in time - a jaw-dropping experience for anyone interested in historical manufacturing methods. Here traditional spinning techniques are still part of the Thorlux culture and an integral part of the process. The pendants are made using the original 1936 tools, physical embodiments of the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. In the Spinning Department, steel and aluminium components are still produced by hand, using traditional spinning machines, cutting machines and lathes. The craftsmen working here look as though they too are made of steel, creating the ceiling pendants in time-honoured style.
We watched, mesmerised, as the metal was rotated on the spinning machine while the expert spinner wielded a long metal rod to push, mould and shape it, transforming it within a few minutes from a flat sheet of steel into the perfect ceiling pendant. At first sight, the process seemed smooth and apparently effortless, but at close quarters it was soon clear that this demanded huge reserves of strength and stamina from the spinner himself. One, with over 20 years’ spinning experience – and the muscles to prove it - revealed that he could turn out around 20 pendants in an hour. No wonder he looked a bit like Iron Man.
We are enormously proud that the products in our new Thorlux lighting range will come straight from the Thorlux Spinning Department, handcrafted, using the same timeless British design and techniques as the 1930s originals. Loomlight can then customise the lighting in our workshop, painting the pendants in a range of colours as required.
We believe that this partnership will prove fruitful and satisfying, giving many more lovers of historic craftsmanship and industrial art the chance to acquire some of the most distinctive examples of Midlands manufacturing genius, and enhance any setting.
Please get in touch with us directly for large quantities and trade order quotes.
]]>What is a vaulted ceiling?
Vaulted ceilings are architectural arched or pitched forms in your ceiling. Originally used in cathedral architecture, they offer the interior a sense of grandeur by providing large amounts of space and beautiful architectural lines.
A vaulted ceiling can be the most beautiful architectural feature in a large living space such as a kitchen, lounge or dining area; often found in barn renovations or schools and churches with exposed beams that give the space rustic style. Vaulted ceilings can provide vast amounts of ceiling space, so there is an opportunity to hang large feature lights to create a wow factor.
Consider architectural style lighting over domestic style lighting to ensure you achieve the right balance in the space. We have selected our top pick of architectural style feature lighting for vaulted ceilings.
Pendant Lights for a Vaulted Ceiling
Large vintage copper cargo ceiling Light, £975. These beautiful cargo ceiling lights were made by Wiska a German manufacturer of industrial grade fixtures and fittings. We reclaim them from decommissioned cargo ships and fully restore and rewire them, making them compatible with LED light bulbs. They can be tilted making them practical directional lights to illuminate any darker areas or decorative wall space that you want to highlight.
Large EOW Aluminium Explosion Proof Ceiling Light, £565 also available in black.
Large Aluminium Explosion Proof Ceiling Light, £635
Or the X-large aluminium searchlight pendant, £989 compatible with LED light bulbs.
Rustic Vintage Lighting for Barn Conversions
Often barn conversions will have a tall or vaulted ceiling. The conversion below uses reclaimed copper pendants suspended on very long chains which are beautifully in keeping with the overall rustic vintage look and feel of the converted barn.
These reclaimed pendants can be suspended to any length and have characterful rustic appeal, fully rewired and restored.
Copper Cage Ceiling Light, £205
White Cage Ceiling Pendant by Killark, £355
Vintage Cast Steel Explosion Proof Cage Pendant by Kokosha, £325
Light Fitting for Sloping Ceiling
Sloping ceilings or a pitched roof can be a tricky customer to contend with especially where space is limited. If your bedroom or bathroom has a sloping ceiling, it can be tricky to design the space to include the furniture whilst ensuring there is enough light. This is where smaller functional wall lighting might come in really handy instead of using pendant lights for sloped ceilings. These reclaimed industrial aluminium micro spot wall lights are great to mount on walls where space is tight and they are waterproof as well, so can be used in bathrooms or outdoors.
They can be mounted next to each other in multiples as can be seen in the bathroom below, or spread around the room as singles. The aluminium spot light has been painted (powder coated) black to match the black fixtures & fittings throughout the bathroom. If you're looking for unique lighting that can't be found on the high street then using vintage or reclaimed lighting is a great option for creating a characterful interior.
Industrial Style Spot Light Trio, £245
Inject Character with Feature Lighting
Love them or hate them, a vaulted ceiling or pitched roof is an opportunity to add some fantastic feature lighting to make the most of the lofty space and stamp your character on the space. With the extra space of a vaulted ceiling comes the challenge of illuminating it perfectly. Using a standard ceiling pendant typically used in a room with a 8-9 foot ceiling height might not work very well. The room could dwarf the pendant and make it look tiny in the space. This is a great opportunity to inject your personal style into the room by using large statement or architectural ceiling light fixtures whether it’s a rustic, industrial or contemporary style interior décor you want to achieve.
Ever thought about using a retro strip light? The 4ft flameproof aluminium tube lights by Aqua Signal are uber cool. At 145cm long they are a great idea for spreading light and ooze bags of original industrial character to boot.
Vintage Industrial Edison LED Strip Lighting
Hang in multiples
If you have the opportunity to hang multiple light fixtures in a row, not only is it a good way to spread the light throughout larger spaces but a great way of making an impact with feature lights. This reclaimed rusted aluminium ceiling pendant mimics the shape of a vaulted ceiling creating a lovely design aesthetic. Perfectly placed over a kitchen island in a row of two or more.Include Industrial or Rustic Features
A vaulted ceiling is a lovely excuse to incorporate reclaimed beams or industrial style conduit and metal brackets to round out your look, too. If you love the authentic industrial look or rustic farmhouse appeal then a large cage light is a great feature light to create the character you're after. This bronze cage ceiling pendant by Kokosha will make that necessary statement and those wooden ceiling beams will make the perfect hanging spot for them.Explosion Proof Steel Cage Light by Kokosha, £297
Tips for Hanging Lights in Vaulted Ceilings
Your goal is not only to provide adequate lighting but also to create visual interest, by adding a layer of style into an otherwise empty space.
We have plenty to offer so browse our full range of vintage & industrial light fixtures and don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions
]]>Sir David Attenborough’s documentary “A Life on Our Planet”, which was aired on Netflix October 2020, was a powerful witness statement about the negative effects of human consumption on the planet and it’s wildlife. If you have not seen it, I recommend watching it.
Although most of us nowadays are aware, at some level, of the effects of our daily life on the world around us, this documentary was still a real eye-opener. Seeing the damaging effects of climate change and mass deforestation on wildlife is heart breaking.
However, the closing message from David Attenborough was one of hope. The actions to rewild our planet are, thankfully, still possible. We are the first generation to know that we are destroying our planet, so we can do something about it. Perhaps we will be the last generation that can do anything about it. We just need to get everybody on board, working to the same goal. It is that which will be the biggest task.
How Can We Help?
“A Life on Our Planet” was inspiring and made me question everything I do. Everything about my personal day to day existence is questioned; how we feed our children and teach them about living responsibly, what to throw away, where to throw it and what to reuse.
Also, in my professional life, how can we improve the operation of our business from how we travel to work, to where our supplies come from, all the way to how we deliver our end product.
So much to think about, it can be mind boggling, even off putting. But to make it less daunting I choose to look at one thing that can easily be changed. Start somewhere. Once this becomes habit, I can move on to the next thing to tackle. It can’t happen overnight, but if we all start making gradual changes for the better today, it will set us on the right track.
Eliminate Waste - Recycle, Refurbish, Reuse, Repair…
I am a Co-founder of Loomlight. We are in the business of reclaiming and restoring high quality vintage and industrial lighting ready to be repurposed by modern folk for contemporary interiors. A circular process aka good old-fashioned recycling!
You may have heard of a “Circular Economy” which might have become a bit of a buzz word over the past few years. But the theory and practicality behind this buzz word makes total sense.
The theory of an ideal circular economy is where we use resources sparingly and recycle endlessly. There is no waste. Waste is a design flaw. Use less, keep things longer, recycle. Essentially trying to emulate a natural ecosystem which operates in cycles - plants grow in soil and get eaten by animals, animal’s poo goes back into the soil and replenishes it - simple.
With the backlash of the decades of our over-consumption looming over us like the grim reaper the vision of a circular economy is exciting, refreshing and feels like a breath of fresh air cutting through the smog we have created. Why couldn’t we see this before? A bit like the realization that cigarette’s actually kill us rather than having the health benefits that the 1930’s doctors would have us believe.
The success of the circular economy will have a great deal to do with how consumer products are designed. The most sustainably and environmentally conscious product designers think cleverly about a product's life cycle and what happens at the end it's "life", so that there is no waste, ensuring the product can be recycled, repurposed or reused.
Why is industrial lighting design so good?
The light fixtures we salvage have originally been designed for use in military, marine or industrial settings where the design intent required they withstand the most unaccommodating environments. These light fittings are therefore highly robust. The quality is outstanding and unlike anything you could purchase from the high street.
The designs are unique and timeless. You see countless inferior replications on the market, but the build quality and materials used are not comparable.
My partner and I saw this as an opportunity. Fantastic quality lighting that can be restored to look good as new, with modern electrical components whilst retaining the character or patina of age that comes with a vintage light that in some cases we don’t want to polish away.
I understand industrial style lighting is not for everyone, some people prefer something more modern, but our customers are often interested in great design and engineering or looking for something unique and characterful with some industrial chic. Something which our light fittings have in bucket loads!
We reclaim metal lighting in the most part - copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminium. Copper is a perfect circular material because it can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality.
Our restoration process can be arduous in some cases. But there is always a hidden gem underneath the rust or scuffed old paint work. Metal lighting is truly satisfying to restore because it comes back to life so beautifully.
And so the circular life cycle can continue.
The salvage and reclamation industry doesn’t come without any issues of course. There are always things that can be improved in terms of reducing waste associated with the restoration process, and the materials used. Something which we are constantly striving to improve.
However today the positives we can take is that we, along with our customers, are keeping these beautifully designed and well engineering lights in circulation. Creating and closing the circle.
Shop our collection of Reclaimed Lighting.
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The family home of our Bangladeshi friends' is part of an eye catching pink apartment block. On arrival my contact, lets call him Benoy to respect privacy, sounds the horn and a man came and opened the gate, which is a heavy tubular steel grid which slides across the opening.
We get out of the car and Benoy parks in the garage, as he leaves the garage he looks at one of his workers and gives a sweeping arm signal, no words, his worker swiftly came along and closed the garage door.
It was at this point I first noticed that he only has one hand, this perhaps explains his grand theft auto driving style? Benoy unfortunately lost his hand at work by absence of health and safely protocol, personal protective wear and maybe a little common sense. Something which is a huge problem in the ship breaking industry in Bangladesh. His hand was subjected to an exploding Xenon bulb that he attempted to remove from a large searchlight back in 1996. These pressurized Xenon gas filled lamps go off like grenades when not handled correctly. Back in my days as a concert lighting engineer we would never tour these lamps fitted inside the unit, and only ever remove or fit them wearing full upper body leathers, arm length leather gloves, and full face mask. His hand took the full force of the explosion, lacerations from the glass shards would have been the first shock, then the Xenon would have frozen the wounds in an instant causing frostbite. After 3 days of treatment the doctors decided to amputate.
The second garage door was open and I instantly recognized the polishing shop from the images they had sent previously. One of the workers was just finishing his days work and there were a few polished examples of the lights on my ever increasing list! The quality of the polishing was very good and the people are friendly and genuine, there's no doubt about that.
My confidence in this venture is growing by the minute. Benoy then lead me upstairs to the 2nd floor where they lived, which was a lovely apartment filled with grand handmade hard wood furniture which they had made themselves.
The first new face I met here was Rakib the eldest son of Benoy and brother to Rafi, we instantly made a good connection, his English was good with great sense of humour.
Next I was ushered to sit down for dinner, here comes the first experience of the local cuisine. I have heard only good things. The first meal was basic, chicken legs, perfectly seasoned, and shallow fried accompanied by vegetable rice, I could not have wished for anything more. It was perfect. Only myself, Benoy, Rafi and Rakib sat at the table, there were women in the kitchen which I had not met as yet. I would go in there and introduce myself but I was happy to roll with how things were progressing for now.
My next Bengali words were ready to broadcast. I had been learning some basics on the flight over. (All my spelling of Bengali words here and through this blog is how the words are said phonetically).
Decca hewi kushi holam! - I am pleased to meet you!
The response was fantastic and without doubt helped to break the ice and bond with my new friends. We talked about Bengali words and most importantly we all laughed and rubbed along well.
After dinner Benoy gave me the tour of the apartment and then we all sat down in the room I was staying in, it was large enough to have two big square lounge chairs and a coffee table which made for a great place to socialize. I gifted Benoy the finest bottle of Givency perfume that Heathrow airport had to offer and thanked him for inviting me into his home. He was very pleased to accept my offering and later on I learnt that his two favourite things are cars and perfumes.
He soon after retired and left Rafi and Rakib with me, I opened my suitcase and handed Rakib the contraband along with 3kg of cadbury's chocolate and a large re-sealable bag of Hero's... big smiles!
Rakib and I poured some Whisky, Rafi passed on this occasion, we sat down and talked until 4am then went to bed.
The next morning I met their mother. She has a lovely warm face and great smile. I gifted her a typically English floral pattern ceramic pot for keeping tea which she quickly took to the kitchen. We sat down for a breakfast of eggs, small chapatis with a little side of chicken curry followed by a local fruit which I had never seen before... a breakfast I could get used to!
Seeing all the businesses processing salvage in daylight for the first time was a lot to take in. That same road we travelled last night became even more interesting.
Benoy tackled a car travelling down the wrong side of the motorway ( their equivalent of the M1 without speed limit). My right foot was desperately trying to find a brake pedal in the passenger seat foot well, the car whipped past and then we pulled over outside Benoy's shop.
The first stop was the unit next door to the shop. This was where they disassembled the lights to be sent for polishing, the fixings and other parts were kept in a tray on the floor. No workbenches here. The floor is more than satisfactory for Benoy's workers. I can't quite understand why they don't have work benches, the compound next door was stacked out with stainless steel tables from ships kitchens and are perfect for workshop use.
The shop space itself was just like any other typical antique shop, being quite small (appx 7m x 5m) and stacked out with items on offer. Four of us in the shop was crowded. After three or so laps I had seen all the items of interest.
Then the dealing started...
-'is this solid brass?'
-'Yes all brass how many you want?'
-'how many do you have?'
-'What's your target?'
-'kotota' I said!
-‘Haha kotota, kotota! You speak bengali! It's Eighty pounds'
-'I pay less in the UK, I don't travel to Bangladesh to pay more!'
So this is how it goes, Rakib is the young business man going high and netting somewhere that's still hugely in their favour. Then there is Benoy, 'the old school', I get him on his own and the price is right for me first time. Honest from the off. He knows what he needs to make and so do I. Happy days, if only he could speak more English, maybe it's down to me to speak Bengali.
We spent about 3 hours there then headed back for lunch, fish curry with a side of plain rice and a plate of very thin sliced, skinned cucumber, every mouthful was lush! I went straight to the kitchen after our meal to find mother Benoy and her friend sitting on the kitchen floor eating their lunch. Why are they not included at the table, it's certainly big enough?
'Duunobarr! I said, they returned with what I think must have been 'your welcome', they smiled, looked at each other and laughed in conversation. A good vibe!
To be continued......
Click here to see our range of reclaimed lighting professionally restored to modern lighting standards.
Photo by Niloy Biswas on Unsplash
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August 21st - by Andy iliffe
Today started in such a way (more about that later) that I thought now would be a good time to write some words about my time so far.
My arrival in Chittagong was a knee deep introduction into how insane this place is compared to our lifeback home in the sticks.
Passport control was the first hurdle into the country. Approaching the officer felt much the same as any other country I have entered, until the word visa was put forward to me!
My reply of course was 'no I do not have one', however I was ready and willing for the process that ensued. When asked why I was visiting Chittagong I replied
-'for business'
and continued to assure the passport control officer that I did have an invitation however not in written format!
He then passed me the relevant documents to fill out and sent me through to the visa banking desk.
On route to the visa payment window I found a convenient place to fill out the forms required, which located me just in front of baggage reclaim and the X-ray for exiting travelers. The forms were relatively simple to complete, luckily I had already filled out the landing card which was handed to me during the flight.
The second form seemed much the same in terms of the information required to obtain the all important entry Visa.
-'Excuse me sir, excuse me! What is your name?'
This I thought must be my secret pass through customs control.
A man with typically Bengali skin and frame approached, his fantastically died orange hair was work of absolute genius. Then three armed military personnel flanked left and right and the third in direct eye sight and before I had time to respond to answer the question, they were all within sniffing distance.
Of course a chap with a wealth of experience like myself knows how not to appear phased in such situations and I simply replied 'my name is Andrew' the man with such striking orange hair said
-'From USA?'
-'No Sir I am from the UK'
The military chaps drew closer and having focused on the finer details of their artillery the situation felt somewhat prickly and my next breath was very slightly deeper than the previous.
-'You know Mr Begum?'
I had no clue of the name but felt it beneficial in this situation to reply with a very confident
-'Yes!, I am here for a business meeting'
Pleased with my response I immediately focused back on the visa document and attempted to complete the date and signature...
-'Mr. Begum! He wants to see you!'
The tone became uneasy and I was now officially focused on re-calling the British Embassy phone number that I had memorized earlier after reading some rather concerning travel advice from the .gov.uk guidelines for travelling in Bangladesh.
Another man arrived with us, I could only assume this was Mr. Begum.
- 'What is your name?'
He was rather well presented...
-'My name is Andrew iliffe of Loomlight, may I help in any way?'
- 'how many bags do you have?'
- 'just one back pack and one suitcase in the hold'...
- 'Ok you take your suit case'
- 'Shall I complete my visa first?'
- 'No take your suitcase first'
- 'I have not seen it on the carousel yet'
- 'Ok pay your visa, then come back to me'
Wow, tension! The soldiers and Orange Head escorted me to the visa desk... I felt now would be an appropriate time to test my first Bengali words!
- 'Nomoshka, ek visa pleese'
It worked well! The man processing Visa seems slightly amused by my Bengali, and he tells me its going to cost fifty US dollars. The guards eased off a little and Orange Head turned his gaze from my wallet towards eye contact...
Visa complete! Back to passport control!
After a light talking to about the fact I was here for business without an invitation Mr. passport control stamped my paper with an extended window for a extra 5 days, is this a sign that I could (unintentionally) be here slightly longer than scheduled!
As I passed through to baggage reclaim my soldiers rejoined me along with my new friend, Orange Head.
Baggage collected I was then directed towards the baggage x-ray machine where I was instructed to put both of my bags on to the belt.... Hhmmm this is not good, the contraband will undoubtedly be revealed!
Orange Head called for the x-ray operator to take his post! Sure enough...
'How many bottles??!! How many!??!'
Cripes! This is not good! Soldiers poised for a strip and search...Shit the bed!!!!!
'You can only bring ONE bottle into Bangladesh, just one bottle!'
His finger waving, I was becoming extremely worried that I was about to lose the two bottles of Johnny Walker Double Black, one Gold Reserve and the most painful being the 12 year Aberfeldy and of course the token bottle of pressed Elderflower cordial, god knows what happens when they find the 100grams of English Mustard.
Oh yeah, there's also two bottles of Vodka in my back pack and one hip flask in my cargo shorts!
Buggar!!
Why did I ever agree to bring this in for my contacts here! They said they would see me though the airport. Their uncle is the airport manger of course. Everything OK they said!
More shouting from X-ray man.
'Hey! What is your name?' It's Mr. Begum returning...
'Andrew' I say...
'You go, you go!'
I only need a split second to respond to that. I turned on a five pence piece and headed directly for the sliding door! I could feel soldier men's eyes burning my temple as I walked calmly but with enough speed to see me through the airport door without any repercussions!
continued.....
The air is hot, muggy and a bit smelly outside, Orange Head has a smile on his face, Mr Begum patted me on the back and we made introduction without the professional edge involved!
My contacts came over and after months of contact via SMS only, we made our first face to face introduction, which went extremely well.
We all jumped into their LPG Toyota Allion and drove into what can only be described as absolute motoring chaos. The roads were like dry river beds through which metal rails snaked. Rickshaw death traps and pedestrians (if it's possible to call them that) steering and stepping in front of buses and trucks. It sounds like anyone in control of a vehicle spends more time using the horn than the steering wheel or any of the controls for that matter. My contact was driving like he had just stolen the car. It only took about 10 minutes to realise that this was completely normal for all road users.
Through the city all this became more intense. With elephants, naked people walking the street and random welding with Oxy-Acetylene on the pavements all thrown in for good measure.
It soon became clear that this city's economy is built on scrap, salvage and not much else.
An hour journey on the motorway revealed thousands of corrugated tin roof sheds full of everything you could possibly salvage from a ship. Huge super tanker engines, kitchen equipment, mountains of anchor chains, furniture, sheet metal, stacks of life boats, piles of fabrics, toilets, steel stair cases, thousands of miles of cables, and of course lights. Stacks and stacks of lights! Bingo...
to be continued....
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Quality products that you only buy once.
Timeless products that don't cost the earth in more ways than one.
Buying reclaimed vintage industrial lighting provides all these benefits
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"They don't make them like this nowadays"
So who are "They"?
Well there is a wide range of lighting manufacturers ranging from high street brands which churn out lighting made using plastic parts from China, which look OK but are unlikely to stand the test of time (or force). But they are cheap.
There are the commercial lighting manufacturers that design and build good quality fixtures but aren't very pretty looking.
Then there are the high-end luxury lighting designers using all sorts of beautiful materials that, of course, cost a pretty penny too.
When you look back at the light fixtures designed and built to supply the military and marine industry pre-1990, this is where beautifully engineered light fixtures can be found. Lighting that has gone through a range of metal work processes to create robust often waterproof lighting tested to withstand the harshest conditions. These lights are built by the likes of Wiska, Daeyang, Aqua Signal, Crompton Lamps, Thorlux, Rotherham's of Coventry to name a few.
And you can look at them and own them, because they still exist in fantastic form, often being broken off decommissioned cargo ships. The ships have become wrecks, but the lights are still fine! All they need is some tender loving care in the form of professional restoration, which is where we come in...
These reclaimed lights are full of character often with aged patina and manufacturers marks to highlight their authenticity. To buy these lights brand new from the manufacturer is really tricky because 1. they only deal directly with trade (being large industrial companies) and 2. the cost of each fixture is astronomical.
But by buying reclaimed lighting you gain all the benefit of a well-engineered industrial lighting product at a fraction of the cost whilst doing good for the planet by purchasing second hand. What could possibly make your belly warmer and your pockets deeper.
Here is a quick run down of the metalwork processes involved to create metal light fixtures: -
Metal Spinning (aka Spin Forming)
In order to get the dome-like shape that you see on metal ceiling pendants and metal light shades, a piece of sheet metal must go through a very fast spinning process where the shape is formed. A CNC lathe is used to turn the metal and as it spins at high speed, force is then applied to the sheet metal which causes it to flow over a shaped block. The force is usually applied via various levered tools. These tools can be used to create different patterns and decorative shapes in the metal if required. Virtually any metal can be formed, from copper to brass and stainless steel to aluminium. The advantages to building metal light shades and fixtures using the spin forming process is that you produce parts without seams. Without seams, a part can withstand higher internal or external pressure exerted on it.
The dome of this light fixture is spun aluminium. The top section is cast aluminium.
Cast Metal
Where you need to create more complicated shaped metal lighting parts, the process used is metal casting. In its basic form it's a process in which a liquid metal is poured into a mold that contains a negative impression of the required shape. There are many different methods for creating the mold depending on what you want to produce. For example if it is a one off piece or mass production piece, the methods of casting would differ.
This outdoor industrial wall light is made from cast bronze. The cage is brass with heavy duty tempered glass.
Machined Metal
Unlike metal spinning where no metal is removed to create the shape, machining is a process in which metal is cut into the required shade by a controlled material-removal process also known as subtractive manufacturing. A CNC machine is often used nowadays to carry out this process, however most vintage industrial lights were made before the CNC had become fully established, so the machined parts were created using a milling machine.
On this Korean copper strip light, the brass parts where the electrical cable enters are machined metal.
Pressed Metal
Another metal working process known as stamping or pressing is the process of placing flat sheet metal into a press where a tool and die surface forms the metal into a shape. Stamping includes a variety of sheet metal forming manufacturing processes and can be a single stage operation where every stroke of the press produces the desired form on the sheet metal or could occur through a series of stages.
This is a large Japanese stainless steel searchlight ceiling pendant which has a spun stainless steel dome with a pressed metal frame securing the tempered glass in place.
Nowadays we are more aware of the damage that fast retail and mass production causes to our environment and because of this there is a new customer who demands something more from their products.
Quality products that you only buy once.
Timeless products that don't cost the earth in more ways than one.
If you are interested in reclaimed vintage and industrial lighting with superior build and design quality browse our range of light fixtures and we'll be happy to talk to you about bespoke requests.
Industrial lighting is often designed and built to be explosion proof, flameproof or IP rated. This means they can withstand conditions in hazardous environments such as the oil and mining industry.
Reclaimed from shipbreakers yards, we professionally re-wire and restore each fixture ready for modern interiors and outdoor spaces.
On this page is a small selection of lighting ideas ideal for pub interiors. Our full range can be found on our website. We have lighting for all occasions. Table lamps, wall lighting, cantilever lights, pendants, striplights...you name it. Our workshop are technical design wizards so can create additional components and parts to customize light fixtures. We are experienced lighting designers & installers, so if you need assistance or advice with installation we'd be happy to help.
If you like the industrial style utilitarian look then matching up your door handles and light switches throughout your interior is a great way to achieve a succinct and finished design. We have a range on our accessories page. The door handles are custom made for your doors, just tell us the dimension you require and we'll make the handles to order.