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Why is it called a sconce?
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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
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


