We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How do I Choose the Best Traditional Wall Sconces?

By Tara Barnett
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Choosing traditional wall sconces involves knowledge of what kinds of sconces are available and a sense of what you want from the room. It is also important to ensure that the appropriate wiring is set up in the walls. Many people have different ideas about what makes traditional wall sconces beautiful, but common considerations include quality of materials and colors used. What constitutes a traditional wall sconce is also largely a matter of opinion, but classic designs featuring glass, metal, or wood are very common. It is fairly safe to say that traditional wall sconces come in many different designs, and finding a suitable one is largely a matter of browsing everything available.

Traditional wall sconces are usually thought of as sconces that look like antiques of European origin. These designs are from a number of different eras and design traditions, but one feature most traditional wall sconces have in common is their decorative nature. All aspects of these sconces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing. While they are functional, they have a very ornamental feel.

When choosing traditional sconces, it is important to have an idea of what kinds of lighting fixtures are available. For example, there are all kinds of cast iron sconces, as well as those designed to hold electric candles. Some look heavy and are made of dark materials, while others have a light appearance and use glass and crystals. The materials used to make the sconce can have as large of an effect on the fixture's appearance as the form those materials take. As such, it is important to consider different takes on the same design when choosing sconces.

While there are many reproductions and imitations of traditional wall sconces, some of the most exciting fixtures are actual antiques. These items are often very unique and may not be found as reproductions. Antique wall sconces may have slight damage, so it is important to inspect the sconces and make sure that everything works. Also, it is important to consider that if a single fixture breaks, it will be difficult to find a replacement if you have a set.

There are many great resources for finding traditional wall sconces. Certainly, looking at lighting stores and hardware stores can yield excellent finds, but antique stores and architectural salvage stores can be full of beautiful antique sconces as well. It is also possible to hire an artist to create a custom sconce according to traditional designs. Finding the right traditional wall sconces can take time, but the look of a room finished with perfect sconces can be breathtaking.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.