A sconce is an old-fashioned candlestick with a handle , designed to easily carry a candle . Sconces were especially popular before the invention of electric lighting and were often used to move around the house at night.
Features of a candlestick
- Handle → Makes it easy to move the candle.
- Wide, flat dish → Catches candle wax and prevents spills.
- Candle holder → Holds the candle firmly in place.
- Sometimes with extinguishing cap → Some sconces have a small candle snuffer to safely extinguish the flame.
Types of candles
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Classic brass or copper sconce
- Commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries .
- Gives a nostalgic, antique look .
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Wall sconce
- A wall-mounted candlestick , often with a mirror behind it to reflect the light.
- Typical for baroque and classical interiors .
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Modern decorative sconce
- Used as mood lighting in interiors with a vintage or rural character .
- Often made of iron, wood or ceramic .
Why use a sconce?
✔ Atmospheric and nostalgic → Perfect for classic, rural or vintage interiors.
✔ Functional → Handy as a candle holder without candle wax dripping.
✔ Sustainable → No electricity required, fits an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Sconces are primarily used for decoration today, but they remain a timeless symbol of traditional lighting .