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
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951
A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Fantastic pair of Murano Glass Tube wall sconces - 13 wisteria rust alabaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 13 large wisteria rust albaster glass tubes in a star shape...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Blown Glass
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964
In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Fan-Shaped Wall Sconces - Art Deco Style - 1970s
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pair of Fan-Shaped Wall Sconces in Gilded Metal and White Glass Paste, 1970s
A rare and exquisite pair of handcrafted wall sconces in the Art Deco style, dating from the 1970s. Thes...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces manufactured in the 1950s, featuring slender angular brass arms supporting tapered satin opaline glass shades. The minimalist asymmetric structur...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of Glass Paste Wall Sconces - Art Deco Style - 1970s
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pair of Wall Sconces in Gilded Metal, White glass paste, 1970s
A rare pair of handcrafted wall sconces in the Art Deco style, dating from the 1970s, originally shaped, composed of...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
