What Is a Sconce?
A sconce is a light fixture attached to a wall. It plugs into an electrical outlet, hard wires into an existing electrical system or uses a candle for illumination. Sconces are available in different sizes and materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Sconces provide lighting and often coordinate with chandeliers or other light fixtures in the same room. They provide ambient lighting or illuminate artwork hanging on the wall.
Identification
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If it provides light and is hanging on a wall, it is considered a sconce, according to the American Lighting Association. That said, sconces are available in fanciful shapes and sculptural forms that could also be identified as artwork.
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Features
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Sconces generate ambient light and are useful in illuminating hallways as well as the walls of dining and living rooms. Unless they operate using a swing arm, they will not provide enough direct light to use for tasks such as reading or writing.
Tip
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When using a series of sconces in a row, such as down a hallway, wire them so they all operate using the same switch. Even better, use a dimmer switch so you can control the amount of light they emit.
History
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Prior to electrical wiring, sconces were illuminated using gas or candles.
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