Old School Electric is a British lighting brand built on a simple belief: that the best spaces are illuminated not only by light, but by the character and craftsmanship behind it. Designed in the UK by founder and creative lead Mark Holloway, every Old School Electric piece balances heritage influences with a refined, contemporary sensibility. The result is lighting that feels authentic, beautifully made, and genuinely at home in any interior.

At the heart of the brand is an enduring respect for traditional design principles. Many of the shapes that define the collection — domes, opal globes, schoolhouse forms, prismatic shades — draw on early and mid-20th-century lighting, when pieces were designed not only to illuminate but to endure. Each Old School Electric light nods to this heritage, yet never feels nostalgic or pastiche. Instead, silhouettes are re-imagined with clean proportions, updated finishes, and thoughtful technical details for modern life.

Every product begins with form and purpose. A wall light that tilts and turns for precise reading illumination. A pendant that shifts from functional brightness to a mellow evening glow with a simple dimmer. Glass shades that soften light gracefully, complementing the warm atmosphere of kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces. Surface, purpose and light quality all come first.

The materials at play are chosen for their inherent honesty: solid metal; fine, mouth-blown or pressed glass; carefully selected finishes that develop character but never compromise performance. Shades are made from opal glass to deliver diffused, flattering light; clear or prismatic surfaces are used when brightness and sparkle are desired. The fittings feel reassuringly weighty and dependable — pieces to be lived with and enjoyed for years to come.

Metalwork is available in a curated palette of eight finishes, from the timeless warmth of Antique Brass and Satin Brass to the crisp clarity of Polished Nickel and Polished Chrome, and the depth of Dark Bronze and Matt Black. These finishes allow each light to take on a distinct personality, harmonising with both calm, understated interiors and bold, expressive schemes. Because every detail matters, components such as cable, rose, armature and shade rings are thoughtfully considered to present a unified whole.

Old School Electric is designed to be lived with. The majority of the range uses standard E27 lamping, making it easy to personalise light quality through bulb choice — whether that’s a warm filament, a cool modern LED or a low-glare opal lamp. Nearly all pieces are dimmable, offering flexibility for changing moods and varied tasks throughout the day. Many designs are also available in both switchable and unswitchable wall formats, accommodating new-build wiring and retrofit alike.

One of the defining strengths of the collection is versatility. Designs range from delicate scalloped shades, like the Tulip, to relaxed schoolhouse domes, crisp prismatic glass bells, and bold cylindrical forms such as Parker. A space can be quietly cohesive or playfully layered — but either way, a unified design language ties rooms together beautifully. Pendants above kitchen islands can be echoed by coordinating wall lights in the adjacent dining space; bedside adjustable arms can speak the same design language as hallway swan-neck fixtures. Throughout, the range is guided by clear, thoughtful purpose: light where you need it, and atmosphere where you want it.

For bathrooms, a wide selection of lights are available with IP44 protection, suitable for Zones 2 & 3. These fixtures deliver stylish continuity across the home, allowing bathroom lighting to be as beautiful and considered as lighting elsewhere. Elegant silhouettes, soft glass glow and finely finished metalwork create serene spa-like environments. These lights demonstrate the brand’s belief that function should never exclude refinement — and that the most practical spaces deserve beauty.

Underlying it all is a commitment to quality, longevity and good design. There is no unnecessary ornament; everything reflects a respect for balanced proportion, good materials, and everyday usefulness. These are pieces intended to enhance the experience of living: to illuminate meals and conversations, late-night reading and morning rituals; to provide structure and ambience; to bring beauty and clarity to daily life.

Old School Electric remains focused on what matters most — honest materials, soft but capable light, thoughtful details and timeless form. They make lighting that feels familiar yet fresh, humble yet quietly luxurious. Lighting that looks as good in ten years as it does on the day it’s installed.

Whether selected as a single accent or part of a whole-home scheme, Old School Electric pieces bring warmth, purpose and beautifully made simplicity into every interior. They encourage a slower look: at quality, at craft, at the small details that make a home feel welcoming and complete. In a world of fast design, Old School Electric stands for care, clarity and enduring style.

FAQs

Where is Old School Electric designed?
Every product is designed in the UK by founder and creative lead, Mark Holloway.

Are the lights dimmable?
Yes — the full range is dimmable with a suitable bulb and dimmer.

What bulbs do the lights take?
Most fittings use a standard E27 bulb, making them easy to customise.

Do you offer bathroom lights?
Yes — many pendants and wall lights are available in IP44 bathroom-rated versions for Zones 2 & 3.

Can finishes be coordinated across products?
Absolutely — all designs can be specified in a choice of eight complementing finishes, allowing full-home consistency.

Find out more about Old School Electric.