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A sconce (the word is derived from the late Latin via Old French) is a lamp-holder – either a candlestick or lantern with a handle, or a lamp fixed to a wall. In the latter case the light is usually, but not always, directed upwards and outwards, rather than down. The sconce is a very old form of fixture, historically used with candles and
down in one
.
A sconce (the word is derived from the late Latin via Old French) is a lamp-holder – either a candlestick or lantern with a handle, or a lamp fixed to a wall. In the latter case the light is usually, but not always, directed upwards and outwards, rather than down. The sconce is a very old form of fixture, historically used with candles and oil lamp
An oil lamp is a lamp used to produce light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. The use of oil lamps began thousands of years ago and continues to this day, although their use is less common in modern times. Th ...
s.
Such modern wall fittings are more often called wall lights or wall lamps. They can provide general room lighting, and are common in hallways and corridors, but they may be mostly decorative. A sconce may be a traditional torch
A torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source. Torches have been used throughout history, and are still used in processions, symbolic and religious events, and in juggling entertainment. I ...
, candle or gaslight, or a modern electric light source affixed in the same way.
Usage and history
Sconces can be placed on both the interior and exterior walls of buildings. In pre-modern usage, these usually held candles or gas flame, and torches respectively. Historically, candle sconces were often made of silver or brass from the 17th century, with porcelain andormolu
Ormolu (; from French ''or moulu'', "ground/pounded gold") is the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold– mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln le ...
coming into use during the 18th century. The light of the candle flame was often intensified by a reflecting backplate. Using brackets, the candle or gas flame would be kept at safe distance from the wall and ceiling.
Modern electric light fixture sconces are often used in hallways or corridors to provide both lighting and a point of interest in a long passage. Sconce height in a passageway is generally 3/4 of the distance up the wall as measured from the floor to the ceiling, and the distance between sconces on the wall is generally equal to the distance of the sconces from the floor, often alternating sides of the passageway.
Sconces are typically installed in pairs or other multiple units to provide balance. They can be used to frame doorways or line a hallway. Swing-arm sconces are often placed next to a bed to provide task lighting
Often task lighting refers to increasing illuminance to better accomplish a specific activity. However, the illuminance level is not the only factor governing visibility. Contrast is also important, and a poorly positioned light source may cause c ...
for reading.
In some English universities, the slang
Slang is vocabulary (words, phrases, and linguistic usages) of an informal register, common in spoken conversation but avoided in formal writing. It also sometimes refers to the language generally exclusive to the members of particular in-g ...
word sconce was used to indicate some corrective action intended to enlighten the erring student. See ''Egil's Saga
''Egill's Saga'' or ''Egil's saga'' ( non, Egils saga ; ) is an Icelandic saga (family saga) on the lives of the clan of Egill Skallagrímsson (Anglicised as Egill Skallagrimsson), an Icelandic farmer, viking and skald. The saga spans the years ...
'' version translated by E. R. Eddison (1930) which suggests the punishment may have been "to take an alcoholic drindown in one
.
Footnotes