Candle sconces have a long history, going back many centuries.
Candle sconces provide a different kind of light in a room than their electric counterparts do. The light from a candle sconce burns soft, adding a gentle ambient light to the space. These decorative accessories work with many different decorating styles and sizes, making it possible for you to find a candle sconce set regardless of the decorating scheme you've chosen for a room. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The candle sconce enjoys a history that spans many centuries. Its precursors were the torches that featured oil-soaked rags that lit up the trails followed by ancient man. The candle sconce later became fixtures in the hallways of old monasteries and Medieval castles, illuminating the stone halls of these buildings for many centuries long before the electric sconce had been invented.
Historically, candle sconces were made from iron. However, modern candle sconces come in a number of different materials and styles, including sconces that modern sconce-makers create from molded plastic, ceramic or carved wood.
Uses
Although the basic use of the sconce is light, the candle sconce enhances a decorative display rather than being primarily a source of light. Many home decorating accessories feature sets, which include artwork, mirrors and candle sconces that have been made to match one another. These sets might include a picture with an ornately carved frame and a candle sconce that features the same ornate carvings as the frame in addition to a glass lamp to hold the candle.
Considerations
Iron still is still a common material for candle sconces, especially in decorating styles such as Tuscan, and these decorative elements very heavy. If you've chosen a set of candle sconces for a wall gallery that will include pictures, hanging tapestries or floating shelves, make sure that you position all of the pieces on the wall's studs. This will prevent the pieces from falling, and in the case of the candle sconces, also prevent the possible fire that could result from a lit candle hitting the floor or a piece of furniture sitting below the display.
Mirrors and Candles
Mirrors offer you one way to augment the soft light of the candle sconces without adding extra light fixtures to an area. Mirrors will reflect the light that's already in the room. To make the most of this type of set up, position the sconces near the mirror so that the mirror catches their light. If you hang the candle sconce just below a mirror and choose tall candles for the sconce, the burning candles and their light will easily reflect in the mirror and lighten the room.
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