Photographed for Vogue, September 2012 Wall sconces, sometimes referred to as wall brackets, seem to be having a bit of a renaissance, too.—Jermaine Gallacher, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024 Look for fixtures such as pendants, sconces, chandeliers and charms that hang on, from or within fixtures.—Cameron Sullivan, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2024 To balance the dark shade, install library sconces above shelves and employ floor lamps and tabletop fixtures for reading light.—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023 Task lighting, such as table lamps or wall sconces, will provide just enough brightness for solo activities like reading or journaling.—Maggie Burch, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2023 Hang a small chandelier with crystal drops over the vanity for a sophisticated focal point, or replace harsh bulb strips around a mirror with sleek sconces for an immediate update.—Sarah Egge, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2023 Swap out your regular light bulbs for a lower wattage, install a dimmer or a wall sconce that is intentionally lowly lit.—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 21 July 2023 This West Elm sconce picked out by architect Amanda Gunwawan for this Los Angelos loft, for instance, is the star of the show when illuminating the bathroom’s limewashed walls.—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 21 July 2023 Its grand lobby is a visual treat for the eyes – with vaulted ceilings punctuated with golden Murano chandeliers and sconces; luxe, cozy vignettes meant for sipping cocktails or snuggling with a book; and an adjacent ballroom anchored by a theatrical Chihuly chandelier.—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sconce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Anglo-French sconce, *esconse screened candle or lantern, from escunser to hide, obscure, from Old French escons, past participle of escondre to hide, from Vulgar Latin *excondere, alteration of Latin abscondere — more at abscond
Share