Wrought Iron Sconces: Uses and Origins

Sconces hanging on the walls seem like a step into the past. Picture a castle in medieval history with its large rooms and long passageways. Look about you and see the walls as they glow with light from torches that are set in an iron sconce.

These torches predate even candles to light the way when people would carry them as they moved from room to room. The torches were probably fueled with animal fat as they had been from the ancient times when someone first discovered that putting some branches or rushes together and dipping them in fat renderings would burn and light the dark. The smoke from the torches was an accepted result and generally ignored at the time. Holes were made in the building ceilings and roofs to allow some venting of the smoke.

As the years passed these sconces became more evolved, due to the creativity of the blacksmiths who created them. Perhaps they added scrolls or a leaf pattern to the plain backing to make it attractive in the daylight hours. Soon artisans discovered that when they created sconces from wrought iron they could put mirrors on the back to reflect the light. Then requests came from Kings to create sconces from gold and silver to decorate their chambers and royal court. The wealthy people in the royal circle also desired the beautiful sconces for their own residences.
 
As the use of hand wrought iron sconces spread across rural and township areas of Europe each one adapted them to their own needs. Some had just a reflective piece of metal behind the candle to enhance the light and also protect the wall behind the sconce. They were useful not only as a light source, but decoration as well. More elaborate styles and configurations were created by artisans and they began to use other materials as well. Pewter, glass, brass and bronze were desired alternatives.

Wall sconces were used for a long time with torches, then candles, then for gas, and then electric candles. The general wiring of homes did away with the need for then, but they have been revived as a way to add ambiance and warmth to our modern homes. You can find wrought iron sconces, brass sconces, outdoor, crystal sconces, glass, mirrored sconces, and just about any style to fit your décor.

 Whatever style or need you have, with the thought of enhancing your home decorations and creating a warm and intimate glow, there is one iron sconce or another of equal artistry to fit the style of your room.

Wrought Iron Sconces