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
Iron Metal Spider with Murano Glass, Sconce Wall Light Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Italian “Spider” Wall Lamp with opaline Murano Glass, 1970s
Striking and sculptural, this mid-century Italian wall sconce—often referred to as a “spider” lamp—features a...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition.
Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, featuring a round brass wall plate, gently curved brass arms, black lacquered metal elements, and white opaline glass shades. The design is light ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s
These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Art Deco Glass and Brass Sconces Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful pair of vintage Art Deco wall sconces, featuring elegant amber-toned glass shades mounted on sculptural brass fittings. The combination of softly colored glass and warm b...
Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of large French gilt metal 5 armed wall lights
Located in London, GB
Stunning pair of large five armed gilt metal wall lights reminiscent of Jean Royere. Bespoke shades, rewired & Pat tested.
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
