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How To: Mix and Match Different Designs

12 July 2024

Our guide to creating lighting harmony, whilst boasting character...
mix and match tom raffield

Is your wishlist full of Tom Raffield pieces from varying ranges? The key to curating a home that is harmonious yet individual is combining pieces that you love to gaze upon, that all share a common feature. Whether that's combining a leather flourish in the same room that homes a leather sofa, or ensuring all your lighting features include wooden materials, there is always a method that can help craft a cohesive yet characterful space. Read on to discover how to pick and mix with our wooden lighting designs.

Create Harmony with Character

Mixing different lighting designs from Tom Raffield collections allows for a personal touch while ensuring that your interior remains cohesive. Here are a few beginners tips to achieve harmony with character:

Consistency in aesthetic. Stick to a consistent aesthetic, whether it’s sculptural, contemporary, or industrial. This ensures that even with varied designs, there is a unifying theme.

tom raffield verso and shore
With our passion for using sustainably sourced wood for our hand formed pieces, it is hard to find two Tom Raffield designs that don't work beautifully together. 

Consider the space. Consider the size and function of the space. Larger rooms can handle more dramatic contrasts and multiple focal points, while smaller spaces benefit from more subtle pairings. Rooms that have high footfall can also feel easily overwhelmed, so be cautious about how much you are introducing to the space.

A double sculpture feature

Sometimes, more is more, and a space will benefit from having two or more designs that showcase organic form and intricate craftsmanship. When introducing sculptural designs from different ranges, consider the following tips:

tom raffield mixing designs
Warm minimalism is the idea of owning fewer pieces, but letting every design brought into the home shine boldly with personality. 
tom raffield mixing designs
Keep wandering eyes entertained with an enthralling display of light and shadow,  

Balance in form and scale. Choose pieces that complement each other in size and shape. For example, the fluid curves of the Neap Wall Light can harmonise beautifully with the complex curves of the No. 1 Pendant. The contrast in shapes creates dynamic visual interest while maintaining a balanced aesthetic.

Harness harmony. Even if the shapes differ wildly, ensure the materials and finishes are cohesive. An Arame Wall Light with its sequential bent wood design pairs seamlessly with the natural beating form of the Butterfly Pendant, creating a unified look.

tom raffield mix and matching range
Double, no trouble. Whilst it can be daunting introducing designs that boast different aesthetics, the results are often breathtaking. 

Layers of light. Utilise the different heights and placements of sculptural lights to add depth to your space. Hang the Butterfly Pendant low over a dining table while placing the Urchin Wall Light in an adjacent living area. This not only distinguishes different zones within open plan living but also layers the lighting, adding to the room’s ambiance.

A perfect match

Drum lighting designs, with their clean lines and understated elegance, provide a perfect counterpoint to the more elaborate sculptural pieces. Here’s how to pair them effectively:

Contrast for impact. Use the simplicity of a drum light to highlight the complexity of a sculptural piece. For instance, the Urchin Pendant, with its bold geometric design, can be complemented by the straightforward Kanna Drum Pendant. The contrast draws attention to the uniqueness of the sculptural piece while the drum light offers a grounding presence.

mix and match tom raffield
Keeping table top lighting playful is a great way to ensure you always have wooden works of art on display - adding both form and function to a space. 
mix and match tom raffield
Using differing forms allows you to control exactly which areas are enhanced with golden beams of light. 

Creative control. Ensure that while the designs differ in character, there’s an underlying link that unifies them all. Both the sculptural Seya Pendant and the Stem Wall Light share a minimalist approach and allowing the natural wood shine, creating a sense of cohesion despite their different forms.

Purposeful placement. Position the sculptural light as a statement piece in a prominent area, such as over the bed or in the center of the living room room. Use the drum light in a supporting role, perhaps as accent lighting in a corner or as a complementary ceiling fixture. This hierarchy ensures that each piece shines in its own right without overwhelming the space.

mix and match tom raffield
Multiple drum ceiling lighting designs can help draw focus to particular spaces, whilst the sculptural lighting flourishes add joy and character.

Posted: 12.07.24
Updated: 16.07.24

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