Essential renovation advice
The questions first-time renovators most need help with, answered by our in-house experts.
Updating or renovating a property can be both exciting and daunting, particularly if you've never done it before. It's the opportunity to turn your space into your space, but the options are seemingly endless and there are so many details to get to grips with.
Well, details are something we're pretty good at, and it's not just our products that'll help you get the results you want.
Our expert advice can help too.
So, after asking you to submit the questions you most wanted answered, we turned to some of Corston's resident experts for their thoughts.
Well, details are something we're pretty good at, and it's not just our products that'll help you get the results you want.
Our expert advice can help too.
So, after asking you to submit the questions you most wanted answered, we turned to some of Corston's resident experts for their thoughts.
What is lux in lighting?
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
When you begin looking into lighting solutions for your home, the output measurements of lumens and lux will frequently crop up. But what's the difference?
A lumen is the unit used to measure the total light emitted by a light source, while a lux is the unit used to measure the amount of light output within a given area. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre.
If a certain lux is needed in a room (bathrooms usually need to be slightly brighter, at around 150 lux) then calculations can be made to determine how many lights are required and where. The lumen output of the bulbs (we state this on our website) and the m2 of the room help you calculate this.
For example, if a light source emits 500 lumens and illuminates a surface of 10m2, the lux will be 50.
Discover more about lighting and bulbs here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/lighting-and-bulbs-explained
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
When you begin looking into lighting solutions for your home, the output measurements of lumens and lux will frequently crop up. But what's the difference?
A lumen is the unit used to measure the total light emitted by a light source, while a lux is the unit used to measure the amount of light output within a given area. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre.
If a certain lux is needed in a room (bathrooms usually need to be slightly brighter, at around 150 lux) then calculations can be made to determine how many lights are required and where. The lumen output of the bulbs (we state this on our website) and the m2 of the room help you calculate this.
For example, if a light source emits 500 lumens and illuminates a surface of 10m2, the lux will be 50.
Discover more about lighting and bulbs here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/lighting-and-bulbs-explained
What do IP ratings mean when it comes to lighting?
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
All lights are given a universal IP (ingress protection) rating to let you know if they're safe to use around dirt and water and, if so, how much of each they can withstand.
The 'IP' rating essentially consists of two numbers: the first refers to protection against solid objects like dust, the second to protection against water. The higher these numbers are, the better each level of protection. This is the main way of giving customers reassurance that products are safe to use in bathroom and outdoor settings. A rating of IP44 is the minimum requirement for lighting that can be used in outdoor and zone one bathroom settings.
Learn more about IP ratings here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/ip-ratings-explained
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
All lights are given a universal IP (ingress protection) rating to let you know if they're safe to use around dirt and water and, if so, how much of each they can withstand.
The 'IP' rating essentially consists of two numbers: the first refers to protection against solid objects like dust, the second to protection against water. The higher these numbers are, the better each level of protection. This is the main way of giving customers reassurance that products are safe to use in bathroom and outdoor settings. A rating of IP44 is the minimum requirement for lighting that can be used in outdoor and zone one bathroom settings.
Learn more about IP ratings here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/ip-ratings-explained
How do I clean light switches and sockets?
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
Dan Carey, technical support analyst
The answer to this one depends on the finish of your products.
We've included answers relevant to our antique brass, bronze, polished nickel products, as well as our clear polycarbonate switch and socket plates.
For solid brass
Antique brass: our restoration kit is designed to gently remove the top surface of the finish, allowing the ageing process to start again. Brasso can also be used but it'll take it back to a much brighter finish.
Bronze: use a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
Polished nickel: use a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
Please don't use water or cleaning products as these will damage our finishes.
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
Dan Carey, technical support analyst
The answer to this one depends on the finish of your products.
We've included answers relevant to our antique brass, bronze, polished nickel products, as well as our clear polycarbonate switch and socket plates.
For solid brass
Antique brass: our restoration kit is designed to gently remove the top surface of the finish, allowing the ageing process to start again. Brasso can also be used but it'll take it back to a much brighter finish.
Bronze: use a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
Polished nickel: use a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
Please don't use water or cleaning products as these will damage our finishes.
For clear polycarbonate
To give our clear switch and socket plates a spruce up, we recommend using a damp cloth to buff away any marks.
You could also use a mild soap or cleaner with a damp cloth to keep the surface clean and free from marks. Stay away from any harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs and cloths, as they'll damage the plates.
Our front plates are slim and flush fitting, but if you work carefully, they can be cleaned in situ. To avoid getting any moisture on your walls, we'd recommend removing them whenever possible.
To give our clear switch and socket plates a spruce up, we recommend using a damp cloth to buff away any marks.
You could also use a mild soap or cleaner with a damp cloth to keep the surface clean and free from marks. Stay away from any harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs and cloths, as they'll damage the plates.
Our front plates are slim and flush fitting, but if you work carefully, they can be cleaned in situ. To avoid getting any moisture on your walls, we'd recommend removing them whenever possible.
Can light switches be painted?
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
Our paintable switches are prepped, primed and ready to coat in your chosen paint colour. The etch primer we use has been developed by us in-house and eats into the brass plate to create a good base for the paint to adhere to.
This is our best option for painting switches, but if you want even more protection, then you can use a switch from our clear range and paint the paper template. This will protect the paint from finger marks.
Find out more details about our paintable and clear ranges here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/a-custom-finish-our-clear-and-paintable-products.
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
Our paintable switches are prepped, primed and ready to coat in your chosen paint colour. The etch primer we use has been developed by us in-house and eats into the brass plate to create a good base for the paint to adhere to.
This is our best option for painting switches, but if you want even more protection, then you can use a switch from our clear range and paint the paper template. This will protect the paint from finger marks.
Find out more details about our paintable and clear ranges here: https://www.corston.com/blogs/news/a-custom-finish-our-clear-and-paintable-products.
Are light switches a standard size?
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
In general, yes. All switches on a single and double plate will fit standard back box sizes, but those boxes will need to be 35/47mm deep to allow for a flush fit. Our 6G and 8G switches are the exception to the rule. They need to be used with our bespoke back boxes (we just weren’t happy with the proportions of other standard back boxes).
Stuart Meredith, product design & development engineer
In general, yes. All switches on a single and double plate will fit standard back box sizes, but those boxes will need to be 35/47mm deep to allow for a flush fit. Our 6G and 8G switches are the exception to the rule. They need to be used with our bespoke back boxes (we just weren’t happy with the proportions of other standard back boxes).
How do I clean brass door handles?
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
Dan Carey, technical support analyst
Like our switch and socket plates, our door handles are crafted from solid brass, so the advice is similar.
Antique brass
If you want to reverse the ageing process, you can use a metal polish. As with our other products, our own antique brass restoration kit works best. Brasso can also be used, but again it'll take it back to a much brighter finish.
Bronze
You shouldn't use metal polish on bronze, or anything else for that matter. Any kind of chemical or acidic solution will damage the finish. All you need is a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth to clean it.
Polished nickel
As with our bronze finish, this is best buffed off with a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
Dan Carey, technical support analyst
Like our switch and socket plates, our door handles are crafted from solid brass, so the advice is similar.
Antique brass
If you want to reverse the ageing process, you can use a metal polish. As with our other products, our own antique brass restoration kit works best. Brasso can also be used, but again it'll take it back to a much brighter finish.
Bronze
You shouldn't use metal polish on bronze, or anything else for that matter. Any kind of chemical or acidic solution will damage the finish. All you need is a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth to clean it.
Polished nickel
As with our bronze finish, this is best buffed off with a damp (but not wet) lint-free cloth.
Are door handles universal?
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
No, and what type of handle you'll need depends on the door, lock and market.
Currently, our door handles are primarily designed to be used on interior UK residential doors, although some handles might have the ability to fulfil other functions such as operating bathroom privacy locks or accommodating lock profiles.
Multipoint locking doors (exterior doors with a lock that runs up and down the complete length of the door) require a door handle that has a different style of mechanism to allow the handle to move up and down.
At what height should I fit a door handle?
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
For accessibility, the general rule of thumb for this is around 900-1000mm (as outlined in UK and European building regulations).
However, when you're installing a handle in your home, it's really up to you. There may be doors that have decorative features that prevent you from installing the handle within this range, and in this case, it's about fitting the handle somewhere that's comfortable for frequent use.
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
No, and what type of handle you'll need depends on the door, lock and market.
Currently, our door handles are primarily designed to be used on interior UK residential doors, although some handles might have the ability to fulfil other functions such as operating bathroom privacy locks or accommodating lock profiles.
Multipoint locking doors (exterior doors with a lock that runs up and down the complete length of the door) require a door handle that has a different style of mechanism to allow the handle to move up and down.
At what height should I fit a door handle?
James Duffy, product design & development engineer
For accessibility, the general rule of thumb for this is around 900-1000mm (as outlined in UK and European building regulations).
However, when you're installing a handle in your home, it's really up to you. There may be doors that have decorative features that prevent you from installing the handle within this range, and in this case, it's about fitting the handle somewhere that's comfortable for frequent use.
How do I choose the right materials and finish for my project to ensure it remains timeless?
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
All our architectural details have been designed with exactly this in mind. We strive to craft simple, contemporary designs that have a few traditional details. We let the material do most of the work when it comes to giving the product character.
This balance allows our products to withstand the trends, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles in homes and hospitality spaces.
Connor Fox, product design & development engineer
All our architectural details have been designed with exactly this in mind. We strive to craft simple, contemporary designs that have a few traditional details. We let the material do most of the work when it comes to giving the product character.
This balance allows our products to withstand the trends, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles in homes and hospitality spaces.
Published on 20th March 2025