Period Wall Sconces
Period wall sconces bring structural illumination and reflective depth to a room, spanning brass, bronze, and giltwood forms from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Period Wall Sconces
Period wall sconces encompass candle and early electric wall lights designed to illuminate interiors through reflected or direct light. The pieces on this page range from compact single-arm brackets to large matched pairs.
French and English examples dominate the selection, crossing styles from Regency and Victorian to Art Deco and French Rococo. Brass, bronze, and silver-plated metals form the backbone of the lighting fixtures.
Alongside standard wall lights, the category includes wall mirrors fitted with candle arms, known as girandoles, as well as glazed brass and copper half lanterns intended for interior or porch use.
Materials and Techniques
Metalwork forms the primary structure of these fixtures, utilising cast brass, chased bronze, and silver plating. Workshops shaped these metals into detailed arms, backplates, and decorative mounts following classical or revivalist designs.
Gilding appears frequently, applied as gold leaf over gesso on wooden mirrors or as fire gilding on bronze and brass components. Glass components, including chrome-paired shades and convex mirror plates, provide reflection and diffuse illumination.
Several mirrors come equipped with attached candle arms to help nineteenth-century diners spot missing peas.
Assessing Quality
Quality rests upon the crispness of the casting and the depth of the hand-chasing on bronze and brass components. Superior examples retain sharp leaf and floral motifs rather than smoothed, mass-produced outlines.
The integrity of the surface finish dictates value, whether original gilding on a giltwood frame or patinated bronze on an arm. Elements such as heavy glass plates and robust structural fixings distinguish finer production.
The Period Wall Sconces Glossary
- Girandole
- A wall mirror featuring attached candle sconces or arms designed to multiply the reflection of light in a room.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze, where finely ground gold is amalgamated with mercury and applied to cast bronze through heat.
- Gesso
- A plaster-like mixture applied to wood frames as a base for subsequent gilding.
- Convex mirror
- A round mirror with a curved glass plate that provides a wide-angle reflection of the interior space.
- Half lantern
- A wall-mounted lighting fixture enclosed in glass on three sides, sitting flat against the wall.
Period Wall Sconces: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install vintage wall sconces?
Most period wall sconces require mounting to standard wall junction boxes using existing backplate fixing points. Rewired examples simplify connection to modern household electrical supplies.
Consult a qualified electrician to ensure proper anchoring and compliance with current wiring regulations, particularly with heavy cast bronze or brass fixtures.
Can these sconces use modern light bulbs?
Many rewired period sconces accommodate standard modern screw or bayonet bulbs, though original fittings often require small-cap candelabra bulbs. Check the socket type specified in individual listings.
Low-wattage LED candle bulbs provide a warm light output while matching the scale of historical shade and arm arrangements.
How do I clean antique brass sconces?
Dust regularly with a dry, soft cloth to prevent particulate buildup on metal surfaces and glass components. Avoid abrasive metal polishes that strip historical patina.
Preserve the aged surface by applying a microcrystalline wax to bare brass or bronze if protection from atmospheric moisture is necessary.