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Why is it called a sconce?

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Why is it called a sconce?
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
Shop for Wall Lights and Sconces on 1stDibs
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

Mid-20th Century Cast Iron Wall Lights with White Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast Iron wall light White opaline glass, brass top. Height of wall piece up to the glass: 36 cm / 14.17 inches Diameter cast iron wall piece: 10.5 cm / 4 inches 2 holes to secure...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Iron

1960s Italian Modern Wall Sconces in Black-Enamelled Brass, Brass and Glass
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1960s, characterized by a bold and architectural mid-century modern design. Each sconce features a cylindrical brass wall mount co...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

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

Mania Model Single Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
'Mania' Model Single Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s, Italy Very nice high quality wall lamp. Lamp is in very good vintage condition. This lamp work with 2x E27 ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

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

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