Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a sconce?
1 Answer
A light that hangs on a wall is called a sconce due to its linguistic history. The term originated from the Old French term esconce, which means "lantern" or "hiding place." In turn, the word sconce has its roots in the Latin root word for "to hide," abscondere. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of sconces.
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
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Shop for Wall Lights and Sconces on 1stDibs
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a clean and timeless mid-century design. Each sconce features a gently curved brass arm extending from a circu...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Hollywood Regency Wall Lights Circa 1970s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Hollywood Regency Wall Lights Circa 1970s
- Price is for the pair
- Each light takes 1x E27 fitting bulbs
- Brass body with opaline glass globes
- Wires directly into the wall/ceili...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Hollywood Regency Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Artistic Vintage Patinated Metal Wall Lantern Sconces
Located in Delray Beach, FL
funky pair of vintage wall sconces/ lanterns. Their design is a beautiful blend of period styles, featuring a captivating, highly unusual profile with a distinctively crenellated or ...
Category
20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
1950s Italian Pair of Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by elegant proportions and a light, sculptural silhouette typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each sc...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1930s
Located in Oslo, NO
Rare and charming ceiling light fixture, designed and made in Sweden during the late 1930s. The fixture features a hand-painted glass shade that is elegantly mounted on a polished ch...
Category
Vintage 1930s Norwegian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Modernist Hand-Blown Smoked Rose Murano Fluted Glass Sconces with Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This pair of modernist hand-blown Murano fluted glass sconces in smoked rose, accented with brass fittings, is an exquisite example of contemporar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
