To choose the best antique sconces for the home, first determine what period style the home is decorated in, or how it will be decorated, and pick sconces to match that particular style. These fixtures may be original period pieces or reproductions made to match different eras in history. Purchasers may wish to do some background research into period lighting styles to determine which sconces best fit the age of the room or home they are decorating.
Antique sconces are typically styled to match a particular historical period. They are also usually named to match this period, indicating to purchasers the type of decor with which they will look the best. Examples of these types of names are Greek revival, late Victorian, and early American colonial, among others.
These sconces may be purchased from a variety of manufacturers, over the Internet and in local home improvement stores. Local stores tend to carry only a small selection of antique sconces, as they also wish to feature more modern and general styles to suit a broader range of customers. Therefore, individuals wishing to purchase sconces from a particular period may wish to shop online.
Many antique wall sconces are made to appear as though they are operated by oil or gas, even though they are powered electrically. These are designed to represent the type of lighting available in the past. Individuals restoring homes to a certain era may wish to research which type of lighting was available before selecting their sconces. Though natural gas lighting was available in many countries by the mid-1800s, not all homes were designed for this technological advance until the early 1900s. This type of information can be useful when determining what type of fixtures are appropriate in styling a home in a particular time frame.
Not every type of antique sconce dates to a specific era in history. Some styles of wall sconce are merely designed to appear as though they come from a particular era, but are in reality a new and recent creation. They often combine a distressed, antique finish — like wrought iron or bronze — with a reproduction lamp shade. This style of fixture, which is only antique in appearance, may be appropriate for individuals who wish to achieve a certain style of look in their homes and are not interested in historical accuracy.
Antique sconces are also available for sale that are original from particular eras, but have been rewired to work in modern homes. These updated wall fixtures tend to cost two to three times more than reproduction sconces. Many retain all the original metal work and lamp shades, and merely contain new electrical wiring that makes them suitable for use with light bulbs. These typically must be purchased from antique stores or from specialty websites. Certain sites will also identify the building type and location from which the sconce originated.