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 Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a sculptural composition in brass with contrasting material details.
Each sconce features tw...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
$2,600 / set
English Frosted Square Reeded Glass Brass Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
English sconce, wall lamp
Square reeded frosted glass.
Brass wall piece and arm
diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm, 3 holes to secure
Weight: 0.65 kg / 1.4 lb
E14 bulb holder. Price...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Ivory Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces
A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Black Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces
A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of cocoon sconces with pine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Cocoon wall sconces, designed and crafted in Italy during the 1970s, epitomizes Italian design innovation. Hand-applied resin over a metal structure creates a captivating coc...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Pine
$1,741 / set
Rare Carl-Axel Acking '5017' Wall Light with Organic Shades in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall light, model ‘5017’, brass, lacquered brass, Sweden, 1940s
Elegant and constructively decorative, these wall lights a...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
