Jim Lawrence Knowledge Base header

Our Backplates explained

Flush fitting or Raised Backplate?
Double Cottage wall light
Flush Fitting Wall Light
Chester wall light
Wall Light with Raised Backplate
Georgian Ceiling Rose
Georgian Ceiling Rose (flush)
Divider

What is a flush fitting backplate?


When you browse through our wall light range, you may notice that we offer two styles of back plates; flush fitting and raised.

Wall lights with flush fitting backplates

In order to retain the classic look of a traditional wall light, many of our designs have a flush fitting back plate enabling them to sit neatly up against the wall. However, in order to achieve this, the plastic connector box will need to be housed within a cavity in the wall as there is physically no room within the light fitting itself.

This means that if you do not already have such a cavity, need to consult a qualified electrician about fitting a mounting box into your wall. This is generally not a problem if you have plasterboard walls but may be more difficult if they are solid brick or lath and plaster.

We supply a range of mounting boxes in different sizes for our switches and sockets but suggest that for wall lights you consider our Architrave Box (3031) and Reducer Lid (3034) as these offer the smallest and neatest solution for non-cavity installation.

Alternatively, you can opt for a light with a raised back plate.
Double Smuggler's wall light
Divider
Grantham wall light

What is a raised backplate?


Our raised back plates are a much deeper and more practical option if you are not too keen on going into your wall.  They have the capacity to house the connector box and wires within the light fitting itself so eliminates the need to create a cavity within the wall. 

For many people it is question of personal preference, but for some it may be that your home can only  accommodate one option.

If you need any further help or advice then please do give our friendly sales team a call on 01473 826978. Alternatively, your electrician will be able to advise which option is best for you.

Wall lights with raised backplates

LIGHTING PATTRESSES



WHAT IS A PATTRESS?


Our lighting pattresses screw onto your existing Jim Lawrence ceiling rose or backplate to give it extra space to house the connections and wiring where no other space is available, or where external wiring is required. If you live in a property with solid walls in stone, old brick or plaster and lathe that will not tolerate being dug into, our pattresses might be the ideal solution to give you additional space.

GEORGIAN LIGHTING PATTRESS


The majority of our pendant lights are supplied with our flush-fitting Georgian Ceiling Rose. If you do not have room in your ceiling to hide the wiring, you could consider using our clever Georgian Lighting Pattress which screws onto the Georgian rose to give it more depth. For more information, please see our Pattress Fitting Guide >
Georgian Lighting Pattress

CLUB/HOLT/FISHER PATTRESS


If you are interested in our flush-fitting Club/Holt/Fisher/Salthouse Wall Lights, we have designed a special lighting pattress to give these backplates added depth. For more information, please see our Pattress Fitting Guide >
Club Holt Fisher Lighting Pattress

CEILING ROSES WITH EXTRA DEPTH


FORDHAM CEILING ROSE


If you don't want the fuss of removing your existing ceiling rose, or you need a deeper rose, you can use our Fordham ceiling rose to fit over the top. This ingenious ceiling rose is designed to screw over the top of your plastic rose for any size up to 8cm in diameter.
  • It is available with, or without, a chain hook.
  • It has an internal depth of 2.5cm to cover existing roses/wiring up to this depth.
Fordham Ceiling Rose

GIFFORD CEILING ROSE


The Gifford as another of our deeper ceiling roses that is designed to fit over an existing plastic rose, or can be used as an alternative to our flush fitting ceiling roses where required.
  • It features a 'C' shaped mounting plate to easily retrofit over your existing rose.
  • It has an internal depth of 4.5cm to cover your existing rose/wiring up to this depth.
Gifford Ceiling Rose




SURFACE MOUNTING BOXES FOR SWITCHES & SOCKETS

Single Surface Mounting Box
Single Surface Mounting Box



If you are unable to make a wall cavity to hide your wiring, try our useful single and double surface mounting boxes that will conceal your electrical wiring.

These boxes are 35mm deep and come in a range of finishes to match your existing fittings

Shop now
Double Surface Mounting Box
Double Surface Mounting Box