Sculptural wall sconces sit at the intersection of art and design. We shed light on nine of our favourites.
The wall sconce has the subtle power to transform any space in the home – be it in the hallway, beside the bed, or in the living room. Originating from the Middle Ages, where a fixture held candles or torches, the wall sconce began to make a statement through the Art Deco period and the mid-century modern movement. In this feature, we’ve sought out nine unique, contemporary wall sconces that explore an artistic approach to materials, shape and most importantly, light.
Apartment Saint Germain by Emmanuelle Simon features the Ingo Maurer Uchiwa Wall Lamp | Photography by Damien de Medeiros
Part of Articolo Lighting’s elegant ‘Float’ collection, the Float Hover wall sconce has a mouth-blown glass structure suspended in a long, vertical cylinder. Each bespoke Float Hover wall sconce is unique, available in varying glass hues and brass finishes.
As its name aptly suggests, the Articolo Lighting Fizi Ball Sconce features a distinct bubbling glass ball against a modern brass plate. When lit, the air bubbles within cast a mesmerising light display.
Designed by Armelle Benoit for Pierre Yovanovitch, the Imi Wall Lamp appears as a piece of art at first glance. The glazed ceramic and varnished brass emits a subtle light from underneath.
The Stilnovo Diablo Sconce reflects 1950s Italian design. The patinated brass wall light features two sockets that let you adjust the light to any desired angle.
The intricate Apparatus Studio Talisman Loop Sconce, designed by Gabriel Hendifar in 2018, was inspired by the fine details found on statues at the ancient Iranian city of Persepolis. The wall light features Agate, Jasper or Jade beads on a leather-bound brass structure.
The textural Double Cup Wall Light by Anna Charlesworth emits light from above and below its sculptural structure.
A space can resemble a moonlit sky when it features the Melt Mini Surface Lamp by cutting edge designer Tom Dixon. This unique wall sconce is a distorted glass globe, which gives a molten glass effect.
The Allied Maker Alabaster Wall Sconce is a disc-like structure supported by a brass rod. The face of the light is made from Alabaster, a soft mineral that affords a stone-like effect.
Bent Karlby designed the LYFA Gothic Wall 2 Light in 1970, one of Denmark’s most prolific lighting designers. Made from solid brass, this sconce’s geometric shape generates a soft light pattern.
The Float Hover Wall Sconce by Articolo Lighting in the Ballarat Residence by Studio Griffiths | Photography by Sharyn Cairns
The Apparatus Talisman Loop Sconce in the Lake View Penthouse by Golden | Photography by Sharyn Cairns
The Anna Charlesworth Double Cup Wall Light in Albert Park by Edwina Glenn | Photography by Sharyn Cairns
