The Logbook: Vol. 3
Our latest logbook showcases our brand new Loer Pendant, favourite seasonal designs, continued improvements on our sustainability policies and our edit of unique steam bent, giftable designs.
Welcome to the Logbook
What a year it's been so far. Like every business we’ve faced the highs and lows of 2020, but with the dedication of our small, creative team we've been resilient in the face of change, keeping our practical skillset and unique offering close. It's been a challenging time and we're thankful more than ever to you, our customers, for your continued support.
This volume of the Logbook feels very special and showcases some of the designs and projects that we're most proud of to date - ones that despite a lot of uncertainty and change going on in the world, are some of our most spectacular. Ones we will celebrate and cherish. Staying true to our roots, there are brand new lighting designs inspired by our fascination and appreciation of the natural world, sustainable accessories to transform any space and striking chandeliers that capture simplicity and beauty.
We're seeking the positives, feeling optimistic and looking forward to embracing the seasonal changes and cosy nights that lie ahead.
Thank you, Tom and team.
Our values and history
About Us:
At Tom Raffield we create contemporary wooden lighting, furniture and accessories that blend ecological and traditional techniques with modern design to break new ground - from our steam bending origins right up to our pioneering range of products and projects today. With integrity, sustainability and innovation at the forefront of everything we do, we handcraft heirlooms of the future that pushback against modern throwaway culture.
Our History
Since discovering the traditional, age-old technique of steam bending wood whilst studying his degree in 3D Sustainability & Design, Tom has been on an incredible self-taught journey of developing and understanding the process to become one of the world leaders in his craft.
Tom’s fascination with the ecological technique allows him to create intricate curves and twists, mimicking organic shapes and celebrating the very thing that inspires him - nature.
Tom Raffield is one of a new generation of designers and makers, using his craft in innovative and contemporary ways. Leading the charge in sustainable design, he is driven to forge a path to excellence and cause as little environmental impact as possible along the way.
His passion and skill are now shared with our talented team of craftspeople, together they create objects that symbolise nature, tell a story and will last a lifetime, all whilst protecting the natural world that surrounds us.
Introducing our Loer Pendant
We've added three brand new designs to our bestselling Skipper Lighting Collection:
Where pared back design meets our signature curves, the Skipper Lighting Range leads the charge.
Handcrafted from sustainably sourced European timber and assembled using a dry construction process by our skilled team of makers, our Skipper Range showcases responsible design at its very best.
Sustainable ash, oak or walnut wood is hand-shaped to create an open lampshade that casts out bright, bold contrast of light and shadow.
Now available as a flush-fitting ceiling light in two sizes and a striking wall light, the Skipper’s clever design has been adapted to suit rooms with lower ceilings without taking up too much space.
Embrace simplicity. Make a statement.
Smart Storage
Our exclusive collection of steam bent storage and accessories celebrate the strength, versatility and unique tones of sustainably sourced ash wood. Contemporary wooden shelving, mirrors and wall hooks, inspired by the sculptural tree canopies that surround our Cornish studios, combine function and elegance whilst showcasing our signature twists and pared-back functional design.
Give the gift of nature
Our collection of curvaceous, space-saving, wooden gifts and homeware are guaranteed to put a smile on your loved ones' faces this season. From versatile indoor planters and plant pots to practical, portable mirrors, our designs are handcrafted with care to become heirlooms of the future.
Our steam bending craft...
Steam bending drives our passion for sustainable design and enables us to interpret the very thing that inspires us...nature.
Using this age-old traditional process to create objects with complex curves, bends and twists we celebrate our deep appreciation of and connection to the natural world.
We use steam to manipulate wood and bend it into beautiful and functional structures in the form of our lighting, furniture and home accessories. Our low energy, ecological and hands-on approach means each design we create is unique and has sustainability at the helm.
“Having such a good understanding of the natural materials and the steam bending process allows for a new way of creating and making beautiful and useful objects - marrying both design and workmanship together.”
- Tom Raffield, Founder.
Evoking a murmuration of starlings sweeping across the sky, our Flock Chandeliers cast shapes and shadows at every turn. One of our most recognisable and iconic lighting designs to date, it really is a show-stopper - that's why we've decided to expand the collection and handcraft not one, but three sizes, of our nature-inspired chandelier.
Designed to suit a range of spaces and property styles, our statement wooden chandeliers are steam bent by hand and come in a variety of sizes and wood types to create a spectacle in any room.
OUR MATERIALS:
We’re committed to using sustainably sourced timber from responsibly managed forests, weighing up credentials, carbon footprints and woodland techniques to inform what we buy and where.
Our furniture pieces are upholstered using 100% natural, recyclable fabrics – mainly high-quality wool from free range, pasture fed and ethically reared sheep from independently run UK businesses.
Our packaging is 100% plastic free, designed in-house and using sustainable cardboard, paper and labels – all of which are widely recyclable and compostable.
PROCESS:
Environmentally friendly processes are our driving focus. We use natural air dried timber, dry construction techniques that minimise the use of glue in our products and produce everything by hand using the low energy, low waste and ecological process of steam bending.
PEOPLE AND PLACE:
We work with small, expert suppliers whenever possible. This helps the local economy and allows us to find the most sustainable, highest quality materials.
We partner with an award-winning social enterprise that supports thousands of people with disabilities and disadvantages move into employment each year.
Our BREEAM excellent workshop and studio in Cornwall, UK, is run using renewable solar energy.
Our team take part in local beach cleans and tree planting activities, working alongside other like-minded businesses to create a greener local environment.
RECENT PROGRESS...
Our journey to generate positive change for our planet and communities is ongoing, here’s some of our recent updates…
We are proud to be one of 6,000 employers across the UK who have volunteered and committed to pay a Real Living Wage to our team, independently circulated to be enough for employees, and their families, to live on.
We’re a climate positive workforce, partnering with Ecologi to offset our employees' entire carbon footprint, including emissions from their home, personal travel, holidays, food, hobbies and more. This helps Ecologi to plant trees and fund the world’s best climate crisis solutions.
Four years after Tom and Danielle's distinctive wavy steam bent home captured the hearts and imaginations of many when aired on Channel 4's Grand Designs, we've returned to the ancient Cornish valley on a rainy July day (!) to discuss the highs and lows of the build process, how the house has evolved since completion and future plans for the property.
Win a Tom Raffield Tilner Mirror...
Inspired by the swooping bend of a flexing bow and arrow, the arching wooden base of the Tilner features a nestled, gently curving round mirror guaranteed to create the illusion of space in any setting.
To enter:
Send an email to us at competitions@tomraffield.com and tell us which iconic Tom Raffield Table Light the Tilner Mirror shares it’s steam bent oak base with:
A) Artus Table Light
B) Hanter Table Light
C) Archer Table Light
The Tilner Mirror competition closes at midday on February 19th 2021. The winner will be chosen at random and emailed via the address they have provided. Please visit for more information and full T&Cs.
Ten with Tom: 2LG Studio
Known for their signature use of colour, creative flair and expert design advice, Jordan and Russell have well established their name within the interior design community. With a focus on creating a space that is suited to your personality and championing British designers (both rising and established), 2LG design studio is built on transparent, honest principles that consider people and the planet.
Having long been admirers of Jordan and Russell's eye-catching projects, and recently featured in their new book 'Making Living Lovely' we caught up with the creative couple as part of our #tenwithtom series to learn more about their journey so far and how nature inspires their work…
Indoor planters that invite nature inside...
Discover our exclusive new range of innovative, steam bent indoor planters that celebrate the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and biophilic design. From Ceiling to Wall and Floor Standing designs that summon nature inside, there's something to suit every space.
Posted: 29.10.20
Updated: 16.02.24