Whether primitive or sophisticated, early candle sconces are difficult to date. The variety of forms seems inexhaustible, and they owe as much to the imagination of their makers as to the general fashion of the times.

Sconces offer unique decorative flexibility. They provide much needed sources of light as well as aesthetic beauty to wall areas and room locations often forgotten or ignored. Because of the variety of shapes used by our forebears, do not hesitate to mix a selection of forms. However, keep in mind that sconces were often used in pairs to satisfy the early taste for symmetry in interior design.

Generally circular sconces with bracket arms tend towards the early period (17th and 18th centuries). Those sconces with drip pans on protruding arms, by far the rarer specimens, can be used effectively in providing light to a mirror, such as in a dressing room. It is not advisable to select these shapes for narrow passages, such as hallways.

Oval sconces date to the middle period (late 1700's) and rectangular date to the early 19th century. The evolution of these shapes followed improvements in candle making. The increased lengths of later sconces, which sometimes incorporate reflectors and heat shields, accommodated longer, slower burning candles. Sconces were often hung from a wrought nail or mounted on a simple wall bracket at about eye level. Readily moved or relocated, they can easily be incorporated into any future decorating decisions with out losing value, usefulness, or appeal.