Quayside Lights Guide

Quayside Nautical Lights
UK Handcrafted – Industrial Look

Where nautical heritage meets industrial strength. Hand-spun aluminium pendant and wall lights inspired by historic British dockside lighting.

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Pendants & wall lights | 5 powder-coated colours + raw aluminium | UK handmade by J D Burford

The Quayside Design Story

Quayside lights bridge two worlds: the robust functionality of industrial dock lighting and the refined character of maritime fixtures. Originally developed to illuminate working harbours and commercial waterfronts, these lights combine protective metal guards with classic glass domes, essential for surviving harsh coastal conditions while providing clear, dependable illumination.

Our UK-handcrafted Quayside collection honours this heritage, offering authentic industrial-nautical character for contemporary homes, commercial spaces, and properties seeking distinctive lighting with genuine maritime roots.

What Makes Quayside Lights Distinctive

Protective Cage Design

The signature metal cage guard protects the glass dome while creating distinctive shadow patterns. This working design element—essential in dockside environments—adds industrial character to any space.

Glass Dome Illumination

Unlike fully enclosed industrial fixtures, the clear glass dome provides bright, diffused light distribution. Perfect for task lighting in kitchens and workspaces while maintaining decorative appeal.

Versatile Scale

Larger than fisherman’s lights, more refined than barn fixtures. The 32cm pendant and 26cm wall light provide substantial presence without overwhelming residential spaces.

Quayside Pendant Lights

Our Quayside pendants bring authentic dockside character to kitchens, dining areas, and commercial spaces. Hand-spun from aluminium at J D Burford’s UK workshop, each pendant combines industrial durability with refined maritime styling.

Technical Specifications

  • Size: 32cm diameter, 38cm height
  • Bulb Fitting: E27 screw fitting (standard Edison screw)
  • Construction: Hand-spun marine-grade aluminium
  • Finish: Professional powder coating, baked at high temperature
  • Included: Matching ceiling rose (8.5cm diameter), glass dome, nickel securing nuts
  • Cable: Black flex, 100cm drop standard (200cm available on request)
  • Usage: Internal use only
  • Recommended Bulb: 6-9W LED (60W equivalent)

Perfect Applications for Quayside Pendants

Kitchen Islands: The 32cm size provides excellent task lighting over work surfaces while creating industrial-chic focal points. Use singly over compact islands (120-150cm) or in pairs for larger islands (180cm+).

Dining Tables: Substantial enough for tables seating 6-8. The protective cage and glass dome combination creates ambient dining light with character.

Commercial Spaces: Restaurants, cafés, and retail environments benefit from the authentic dockside aesthetic. Particularly effective in brewery taprooms, seafood restaurants, and coastal hospitality venues.

Home Offices & Workshops: Industrial styling suits practical working spaces. The clear glass dome provides excellent downward task lighting.

The Quayside Nautical Pendants

Quayside Wall Lights

Quayside wall lights deliver the same industrial-nautical character in a weather-resistant format suitable for both outdoor and indoor installation. IP44 rated for British weather, these fixtures bring authentic dockside lighting to entrances, patios, and garden walls.

Technical Specifications

  • Size: 26cm diameter, 40cm height, 40cm overhang
  • Weather Rating: IP44 (suitable for outdoor use under eaves, porches, covered locations)
  • Bulb Fitting: E27 screw fitting (standard Edison screw)
  • Construction: Hand-spun marine-grade aluminium
  • Finish: Professional powder coating, baked at high temperature
  • Features: Nickel securing nuts, protective glass dome, weather-sealed construction
  • Backplate: 11cm diameter
  • Installation: Requires qualified electrician
  • Recommended Bulb: 6-9W LED (60W equivalent)

Perfect Applications for Quayside Wall Lights

Entrance Porches: The substantial 40cm projection creates welcoming pools of light at doorways. Particularly effective flanking double doors on properties with generous proportions.

Covered Patios & Verandas: IP44 rating suits sheltered outdoor locations. The industrial-nautical aesthetic complements coastal properties and barn conversions beautifully.

Garage & Outbuilding Entrances: Robust construction and protective cage design suit working buildings while adding character that standard security lights cannot match.

Garden Walls & Boundaries: Use along boundary walls to define outdoor spaces with distinctive lighting. The substantial overhang illuminates pathways effectively.

Commercial Exteriors: Hotels, restaurants, breweries, and retail spaces seeking authentic maritime-industrial character. Particularly suited to waterfront locations and converted industrial buildings.

The Quayside Coastal Wall Lights

Available Colours & Finishes

All Quayside lights feature professional powder coating baked at high temperature for chip-resistant, weather-proof durability. Choose from five classic colours or authentic raw aluminium finishes:

Powder-Coated Colours

Chalk White: Clean, contemporary brightness perfect for modern coastal homes and light-filled spaces. Creates striking contrast against dark walls or natural timber cladding.

Seaspray Blue: Authentic coastal colour evoking seaside heritage. Ideal for beach properties, harbour-front homes, and interiors embracing nautical themes without maritime cliché.

Traditional Cream: Warm, timeless elegance suited to period properties and country homes. Complements honey stone, red brick, and natural materials beautifully.

Satin Matt Black: Industrial sophistication for contemporary properties and barn conversions. Creates dramatic architectural statements against light-coloured render or exposed brick.

Slate Grey: Versatile neutral bridging traditional and modern aesthetics. Works across all architectural styles and complements most colour schemes effortlessly.

Raw Aluminium Finishes (Wall Lights – Indoor Use Only)

Plain Aluminium: Authentic metallic finish showcasing the hand-spun construction. Develops natural patina over time, creating unique character in each fixture.

Brushed Aluminium: Directional brushed texture catches light beautifully. Perfect for industrial-chic interiors and contemporary loft spaces.

Polished Aluminium: High-shine reflective finish for maximum visual impact. Dramatic option for statement lighting in modern interiors.

💡 Note: Raw Aluminium for Indoor Use Only

Plain, brushed, and polished aluminium finishes are available for Quayside Pendant & Wall Lights (suggested for indoor use only). For outdoor wall lights, choose from our five powder-coated colours which provide essential weather protection.

See the finish options & how they look.

UK Handcrafted by J D Burford

Every Quayside light is individually hand-spun from aluminium at J D Burford’s UK workshop, using traditional metalworking techniques refined over decades of British manufacturing excellence.

Why British Craftsmanship Matters

Hand-Spun Construction: Each metal shade is individually shaped from flat aluminium sheet. This traditional spinning technique creates seamless, one-piece construction without weak welded joints—essential for long-lasting durability.

Marine-Grade Aluminium: We use premium aluminium specifically chosen for its rust-proof properties. Unlike steel fixtures that corrode in coastal environments, aluminium remains structurally sound indefinitely—crucial for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Professional Powder Coating: Colours are applied through multi-stage powder coating processes and baked at high temperature. This creates chip-resistant, fade-proof finishes that maintain their appearance year after year, even in harsh British weather.

Made to Order Quality: Because we craft each light individually for your specific order, you receive a fixture built to your exact specifications—not pulled from warehouse stock. Lead time: 10-15 working days.

Supporting British Manufacturing: Choosing UK-made lighting supports skilled artisans, maintains traditional metalworking expertise, and ensures quality control throughout production.

More on J D Burford and how Burford Lights are made

Styling Quayside Lights

Nautical-Industrial Interiors

Quayside lights bridge industrial and maritime aesthetics beautifully, making them perfect for:

  • Converted Warehouses: Authentic industrial fixtures that honour the building’s heritage
  • Waterfront Properties: Genuine dockside design suited to harbour-front locations
  • Brewery Taprooms: Robust character matching craft beverage aesthetics
  • Coastal Restaurants: Maritime heritage combined with commercial durability
  • Modern Loft Apartments: Industrial styling softened by glass dome illumination

Pairing with Other Lighting Styles

With Fisherman’s Lights: Use Quayside pendants in kitchens while coordinating Fisherman’s wall lights at entrances. The shared maritime heritage creates cohesive design language.

With Barn Lights: Quayside wall lights on main building, barn lights on outbuildings—both industrial in character but visually distinct.

With Bulkhead Lights: Combine Quayside features with practical bulkheads for utility areas. Coordinating finishes create unified outdoor lighting schemes.

Material Pairings

Quayside lights complement:

  • Exposed Brick: Industrial fixtures enhance original brickwork character
  • Concrete & Render: Contemporary materials suit the refined industrial aesthetic
  • Reclaimed Timber: Maritime metals contrast beautifully with weathered wood
  • Painted Shiplap: Coastal cladding pairs perfectly with nautical fixtures
  • Natural Stone: Traditional materials balance industrial metal elements

Installation & Maintenance

Professional Installation Required

⚠️ All electrical installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with UK Building Regulations (Part P). Outdoor installations require particular expertise in weatherproof connections.

Pendant Installation Notes

  • Ceiling Support: Ensure ceiling joists can support fixture weight (approximately 3kg including bulb and glass)
  • Cable Length: Standard 100cm drop suits 2.4-2.7m ceilings. Request 200cm cable for higher ceilings at time of order
  • Height Above Tables: Hang 75-90cm above dining tables or kitchen islands for optimal illumination
  • Multiple Pendants: Space 75-85cm apart for coordinated installations over long islands

Wall Light Installation Notes

  • Mounting Height: 1.5-2m above ground for optimal coverage and visual proportion
  • Wall Fixings: Use appropriate wall plugs for your building material (different for brick, stone, render)
  • Weatherproofing: Electrician must seal all cable entry points to maintain IP44 rating
  • PIR Sensors: Compatible with standalone PIR motion sensors in matching colours. See our PIR guide

Maintenance

Quayside lights require minimal maintenance:

  • Quarterly: Wipe fixtures with soft, damp cloth to remove dust and debris
  • Glass Cleaning: Clean dome inside and out with standard glass cleaner for optimal light transmission
  • Annual Check: Verify mounting remains secure, seals intact on outdoor installations
  • Bulb Replacement: Use 6-9W LED bulbs for energy efficiency and long life (15-25 years typical)

Explore the Complete Quayside Collection

Authentic British dockside lighting for contemporary homes and commercial spaces. Hand-spun aluminium construction, professional powder coating, and genuine maritime-industrial heritage.

Shop Quayside Pendants & Wall Lights →

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