Art Deco Wall Sconces

Why art deco wall sconces remain stylish and timeless

Art Deco, a defining design trend of the early 1900s, still fascinates with its mix of elegance, boldness, and geometric shapes. Emerging in the 1920s and 1930s, this style emphasized luxury, symmetry, and a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern flair.

Art Deco wall sconces, a lasting symbol of this era, perfectly merge vintage appeal with modern spaces. With their geometric forms, rich materials, and detailed designs, these sconces remain fashionable. Whether adding a touch of history to your home or seeking stylish lighting, Art Deco sconces offer a harmonious blend of form and function.

Key features of art deco wall sconces

Geometry and symmetry: defining art deco

Art Deco sconces are rooted in geometry and symmetry. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and balanced patterns create a sense of order. Triangles, circles, and zigzags are common, echoing skyscrapers, sunbursts, and other iconic motifs. This precision ensures that Art Deco sconces stand out, whether as a focal point or a complementary piece in any room.

Materials: brass, chrome, and glass

The appeal of Art Deco sconces lies in their luxurious materials. Brass, chrome, and glass combine elegance with durability. Brass sconces often have a warm, vintage finish, while chrome offers a sleek, polished look for modern spaces. Glass shades—frosted, colored, or clear—add sophistication, diffusing light to enhance a room's ambiance.

Patterns and motifs: inspired by architecture

Art Deco sconces often feature patterns inspired by the architecture of their time. Skyscrapers, sunbursts, and zigzag designs bring unique flair to each sconce. These elements are not just decorative; they capture the bold, innovative spirit of the Art Deco era. Whether it's a sunburst or a skyscraper design, these sconces add a historical touch to your decor.

Color palettes: warm metallics and bold contrasts

Typical Art Deco sconces use warm metallics like brass and bronze, often paired with strong contrasts. Black, white, and gold are popular, creating striking visuals. These colors highlight the architectural details of the sconces, making them a statement piece in any room. Whether aiming for a classic or modern look, these rich colors suit a wide range of interiors.

Lighting functionality: beauty meets practicality

While undeniably stylish, Art Deco sconces are also practical. Designed for both ambient and accent lighting, they are versatile additions to any home. Whether in a hallway, bathroom, or living room, these sconces provide functional lighting while enhancing the room's ambiance. Features like adjustable arms or swivel options often allow you to direct light where it's needed most.

Art deco vs. art nouveau: a contrast in styles

Though often confused, Art Deco and Art Nouveau are distinct styles. Art Nouveau, from the late 1800s, is known for its organic, flowing lines inspired by nature. It emphasizes craftsmanship and intricate detail, creating a soft, decorative style.

Art Deco, which rose in the 1920s and 1930s, focuses on bold geometric shapes and symmetry, reflecting modernity and luxury. It uses materials like chrome, glass, and polished wood, highlighting sleek, streamlined forms. While Art Nouveau celebrates the natural world's beauty, Art Deco is a tribute to progress, industry, and modern allure.

Choosing the right art deco wall sconces

Identify your lighting needs

Before choosing Art Deco sconces, consider your space's specific lighting needs. Are you after task lighting in a bathroom or accent lighting in a hallway? Knowing the purpose of the sconce will guide your choice of design and light output. For example, a small bathroom might benefit from a sconce with frosted glass for even light diffusion, while a hallway may need a sconce with a focused beam to highlight artwork.

Room-specific recommendations

When selecting Art Deco sconces, think about the room. In living rooms, sconces add a warm glow, especially when paired with matching chandeliers. For hallways, choose sconces that complement existing decor while providing enough light. In bathrooms, Art Deco sconces bring luxury, especially when placed beside a vanity mirror, enhancing the space's brightness with their reflective surfaces and geometric designs.

Size and scale matter

The size and scale of the sconce are important. Small sconces fit well in cozy spaces or as part of a layered lighting plan, while larger sconces make bold statements in rooms with high ceilings or expansive walls. Consider the height of your ceiling and available wall space when selecting a sconce. A tall wall might benefit from a large, dramatic sconce, while a smaller area may need a more subtle piece.

Match the design with your decor

Harmonizing your Art Deco sconces with your decor is key to a cohesive look. For contemporary spaces, choose sconces with sleek chrome finishes and simple shapes. For traditional or vintage interiors, brass sconces with intricate details add elegance. If your style is eclectic, look for sconces with unique materials or bold designs to serve as a statement piece.

Choosing the right finish

The finish of your sconce significantly affects its overall look. Polished chrome offers a modern, clean appearance, while antique brass adds vintage charm. Consider your room's color palette and other metal finishes when choosing a sconce finish. Matching the sconce's finish to elements like door handles or light fixtures can create a unified, polished look.

Consider bulb types and energy efficiency

When selecting Art Deco sconces, think about the bulb type. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and come in various color temperatures to suit your needs. For a more vintage look, consider Edison-style bulbs, which mimic early 20th-century lighting and add a nostalgic touch to your sconces.

Exploring unique art deco sconces

Lesser-known art deco manufacturers

While famous Art Deco designers are well-known, many lesser-known artisans also made significant contributions to lighting design. These artisans from the 1920s and 1930s often experimented with materials, shapes, and finishes. Their sconces, now rare and highly valued by collectors, are celebrated for their distinctive designs and historical significance.

International influence

Art Deco was a global movement, influencing sconces worldwide. Soviet Art Deco sconces, for example, feature unique symbols reflecting the USSR's culture in the 1940s. French Art Deco sconces are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, often produced by renowned glassworks like Noverdy and Muller. These international variations add diversity and intrigue to Art Deco design, making them sought after by collectors.

Post-modern revival in the 80s and 90s

The 1980s and 1990s saw a resurgence of interest in Art Deco, leading to post-modern sconces that blended original style with contemporary elements. These sconces often featured bold colors, exaggerated shapes, and a mix of materials, reflecting the period's eclecticism. Limited-edition sconces from this era, such as those by Sarsaparilla, are prized for their unique designs.

Rare materials in sconces

Some of the rarest Art Deco sconces are notable for their use of uncommon materials like custard glass, UV glass panels, and colored glass. These materials not only enhance the sconces' visual appeal but also make them one-of-a-kind pieces, distinct from modern reproductions.

Pairing art deco sconces with modern lighting

Mixing old and new

Art Deco sconces blend seamlessly with modern interiors, creating stunning contrasts. Pairing vintage sconces with minimalist or industrial lighting fixtures adds history and character to contemporary spaces. This mix of old and new creates a dynamic, visually engaging environment where each piece complements the other.

Creating visual contrast

Combining Art Deco sconces with minimalist or industrial fixtures adds depth to your space. The sleek lines of modern fixtures contrast with the intricate details of Art Deco sconces, creating a balanced, timeless look.

Blending vintage with contemporary chandeliers

Pairing vintage Art Deco sconces with modern chandeliers creates a layered lighting effect, enhancing the room's ambiance. For instance, brass sconces with a modern chandelier featuring clean lines can complement each other, creating a stylish, cohesive look.

Layered lighting with sconces and pendants

Layered lighting is essential for good interior design, and Art Deco sconces are ideal for this. By combining sconces with pendant lights, you can achieve balanced lighting that offers both ambient and task illumination. This approach improves the space's functionality and highlights the unique features of your sconces and other fixtures.

Accent lighting with sconces

Using Art Deco sconces as accents alongside modern pendant lights is a great way to highlight specific areas. For example, placing sconces beside a mirror or artwork draws attention to these features, while pendant lights provide general illumination. This combination showcases the beauty of your sconces while maintaining a well-lit space.

Incorporating smart technology

Smart technology can enhance your Art Deco lighting without compromising style. Smart bulbs and dimmers in Art Deco sconces allow for customizable lighting scenes, perfect for any occasion. This technology enables you to adjust the lighting to match your mood while preserving the timeless elegance of your sconces.

Where to find and buy art deco sconces

Antique stores and vintage markets

For authentic Art Deco sconces, antique stores and vintage markets are great places to search. These venues often have sconces from the 1920s and 1930s, offering pieces with historical value. When shopping, check the sconces' condition and authenticity. Look for signs of age, such as patina, and any markings that can identify the manufacturer.

Online marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy offer a convenient way to buy Art Deco sconces. However, be cautious when shopping online. Carefully read descriptions, check seller reviews, and request additional photos if needed. Pay attention to details like the glass shades' condition, the metal finish, and any signs of damage. By doing your homework, you can find high-quality sconces that meet your expectations.

Reproduction sconces

If you love the Art Deco style but prefer a modern piece, reproduction sconces are a great option. Quality replicas capture the essence of Art Deco design while offering the benefits of modern manufacturing. When choosing a reproduction, look for sconces that stay true to original design elements like geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and elegant finishes. Reputable retailers like House of Antique Hardware and Capitol Lighting offer a wide selection of reproductions to suit your style and budget.

DIY tips for maintaining art deco sconces

Cleaning antique sconces

Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving your Art Deco sconces' beauty. When cleaning antique sconces, use gentle methods to avoid damaging the finish. For brass sconces, warm water and mild soap can remove dirt. Chrome sconces can be polished with a soft cloth and chrome cleaner to restore shine. Glass shades should be cleaned carefully with a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratches.

Updating wiring for safety

Vintage sconces often have outdated wiring that may not be safe by modern standards. To ensure safety, consider rewiring your sconces. This process replaces old wiring with new materials capable of handling modern electrical loads. Rewiring also allows for the use of energy-efficient bulbs, like LEDs, without compromising the sconce's performance.

Preserving patina

Patina gives vintage Art Deco sconces their unique charm. If you want to preserve this, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Use a gentle cleaner designed for antique metals and consider applying a protective wax. This will help maintain the sconce's vintage appeal while protecting it from further wear.

Conclusion: timeless elegance in your home

Art Deco wall sconces offer a unique way to add style and history to your decor. These timeless fixtures combine beauty and functionality, enhancing any space with their vintage charm. Whether your home is contemporary or traditional, Art Deco sconces can elevate your interior with their distinctive design and rich history. 

Another timeless lighting option is the industrial wall sconce. Perfect for lofts or spaces with a raw, industrial vibe, these sconces add character you’ll absolutely love.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key features to look for in authentic art deco sconces?

When looking for authentic Art Deco sconces, focus on key features such as geometric designs, luxurious materials like brass and glass, and motifs inspired by the architecture and art of the 1920s and 1930s. Authentic pieces often have a distinctive patina and may include markings or labels from the original manufacturer.

How can art deco sconces enhance a modern interior?

Art Deco sconces can enhance a modern interior by adding a touch of history and elegance. Their bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials contrast beautifully with minimalist or industrial decor, creating a dynamic and visually interesting environment.

Can vintage sconces be adapted for LED lighting?

Yes, vintage sconces can be adapted for LED lighting. Rewiring the sconce to accommodate LED bulbs is a common practice that allows you to enjoy the energy efficiency and longevity of modern lighting technology without compromising the fixture's aesthetic appeal.