Vintage Candle Sconce Mirror
These vintage candle sconce mirror pieces combine reflected light and branching candle arms, offering both practical illumination and decorative depth to a room.
Vintage Candle Sconce Mirror
A vintage candle sconce mirror, often referred to as a girandole, is designed to hang upon a wall while holding candles on projecting arms. When you search for this phrase, you encounter wall-mounted pieces intended to amplify candlelight through mirrored glass.
The selections span various forms including twin-arm girandoles, oval wall mirrors with candle brackets, and bronze wall lights. Most examples date from the nineteenth century through the early twentieth century, encompassing Victorian, Edwardian, and Regency periods.
Origins vary across European and international traditions, featuring Florentine, French, and North Indian pieces. The most frequent formats are paired wall sconces and grand girandoles framed in giltwood, brass, or bronze.
Materials and construction methods
Frames are constructed from woods such as mahogany and carved gesso or giltwood, alongside cast metals like brass, bronze, and gilt brass. Artisans applied thin layers of gold leaf or gilt finishes over gesso and wood substrates to create reflective surfaces.
Mirror glass is set into the frames alongside articulated or fixed metal candle holders and twin arms. Many pieces incorporate velvet mounts or polychrome details to accent the central reflective plate.
Some mahogany cheval mirrors feature tiny articulated candle holders, proving that even footwear reflection required proper task lighting.
Distinguishing quality in design
The standard of carving in the wood or gesso frames separates standard items from exceptional ones. Finer pieces display deeply undercut foliage, scrollwork, and crisp detailing that hold their definition under close inspection.
The casting quality of the bronze or brass arms and candle sconces dictates the overall integrity. Substantial weight, secure mounting of the candle branches, and well-preserved original gilding indicate superior manufacture.
E.G Paris
The Vintage Candle Sconce Mirror Glossary
- Girandole
- A branched candleholder that incorporates a mirror to reflect and multiply the light. These fixtures often feature intricate carved frames.
- Giltwood
- Wood that has been coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint. This technique provides a durable and brilliant metallic finish.
- Gesso
- A plaster-like mixture applied to wood frames and carved before gilding. It allows for intricate moulded details and relief decoration.
- Regency
- A style period dating from the early nineteenth century known for classical revival motifs. Pieces from this era often display clean architectural lines and gilded surfaces.
- Arts and Crafts
- A design movement prioritising handcrafting and natural materials over mass production. Items from this tradition often feature exposed joinery and simpler mounts.
Vintage Candle Sconce Mirror: Frequently Asked Questions
Were these mirrors meant for candles or electricity?
Original pieces were designed exclusively to hold wax or tallow candles on their projecting arms. The reflective glass served to bounce the flickering candlelight further into the room.
While some examples have been adapted for modern wiring, many retain their original configuration for candles. Check the sockets and arms to determine if any alterations have been made to the original setup.
How do I tell a Victorian piece from an Edwardian one?
Victorian pieces often lean towards heavier ornamentation, deep gesso mouldings, and formal Regency or Rococo revival styles. The materials frequently include dark mahogany or rich giltwood.
Edwardian examples tend to introduce lighter framing, simpler mahogany surrounds, or Arts and Crafts velvet mounts. Comparing the intricacy of the carving helps point toward the correct era.
Can I burn real candles in the sconces?
Burning candles is possible provided the drip pans and metal arms are secure and stable. Keep a close watch on the open flame near vintage frames and old glass.
Using appropriately sized candles prevents wax from spilling onto the giltwood or mirror surface. Extinguish the candles before they burn down close to the metal holders to protect the fixture.