Moroccan Lighting – Moroccan Lamps, Sconces and Lanterns

Last Updated on Friday, 30 April 2010 05:06 Written by admin Friday, 30 April 2010 05:06

Light isn’t just about seeing your way around the house. It’s vital in creating a positive atmosphere or a mood. Too much or too little light can be emotionally upsetting and downright depressing. Consider those rainy days or winter months where your body just does not get the light it needs to function at top performance.

Many people like Moroccan sconces because they direct the light upwards, so it’s not blinding them. Also, because it’s positioned on a wall, the kids aren’t knocking it over or creating a fire hazard. In fact, the very meaning of the word “sconce” comes from Latin and French derivation, meaning “that which is covered or protected.” In medieval times, sconces were candlestick holders that were used to light long castle corridors.

If you don’t have your own castle, there are still many spots where you can place a modern day sconce — which is now powered like any other lamp, rather than by candle. The bathroom is a good place, above the mirror. No one wants harsh lighting in a bathroom, which magnifies every blemish and dark eye circle. Instead, you want a soft sultry glow that gives you a warm, youthful appearance.

Another good place for a Moroccan wall sconce is the hallway, but be aware that you will need a series of them, as they don’t give off that much light. It’s nice for those late night trips to the bathroom, where you want a welcoming glow.

Since many sconces have a rustic wrought iron look, designers often put sconces outside to give the appearance of a camping lantern or Middle Ages torch. Add some fire to your backyard birthday bash with a glowing red henna sconce or a sturdy lantern made of stained glass and wrought iron.

Perhaps the best use for a Moroccan sconce is to accent a particular object or for one specific task. For instance, a bedside sconce can provide just enough light to read that compelling novel you just picked up – or a sconce next to the kitchen sink will give you adequate lighting for washing dishes after dinner. You can also use a sconce to illuminate your favorite piece of artwork hanging on the wall, just like you see at museums!

What makes Moroccan sconces different than others? Well, first of all, these sconces aren’t made in some fast-paced factory. You can select the Moroccan henna sconces handmade by Berber goat herdsman — or you can choose a stained glass design, which is just as authentic.

Stylistically, many of the Moroccan sconces come in a variety of shapes — diamond, hexagons, circles, curvy, triangular. The North African Berber tribes believed in using symbolism and shape to ward off evil spirits and create a magical aura of protection in their homes. This magic is reflected in your very own wall sconce, while adding a little bit of art décor to catch the tasteful eye.

Also, you’ll notice that these sconces are stained and dyed in brilliant reds, yellows, blues, oranges and other vivid colors. To the Moroccans, color was a way of capturing a hint of individuality in an otherwise religiously muffled society. Whatever color scheme you have in your rooms, you will find the perfect Moroccan sconce accent to showcase your personality.

A History of Candle Sconces

Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 02:38 Written by admin Wednesday, 21 April 2010 02:38

Candles sconces tend to conger up images of dark castles and candle sconces lining the wall every so often. The picture presents a woman is a flowing dress or a man in medical attire grabbing a candle from the wall and walking to the bedchamber or going through a secret passage. All fancies aside, what the history of the candle sconce? Some people would suggest that the first candle sconce wasn’t a sconce at all and that a cave dweller made a torch to light his dwelling and pushed the end of in between a couple of rocks or a crack in the cave wall.

But wall brackets or candle sconces were a permanent fixture of Old English Anglo Saxon castles and medieval castles before then. They may have been torches, but they were dipped in tallow and that is a kind of candle. As time moved on into the beginning of the 17th century candle sconces become very popular. Elegant sconce lit ballrooms where high society danced and the boudoirs were decorated with elaborate candle sconces that were made of gold and shaped decorative flowers and leaves.

Experts say the first true candle sconces came from Italy, these sconces were backed with a shiny piece of metal or a mirror that helped to reflect the light of the candle. The French named these sconces bras because of the fancy embellished corbels. Fashion, art, architecture, culture, many things have affected the development of different kinds of sconces. Though not elegant to some people, wrought iron has been used to make sconces and have been quite popular; these wonderful candle holders have also been made out of tone, metal, Tiffany glass, crystal, wood, gypsum, ceramic, resin, brass, pewter, and polymers. The reason some materials are suitable for sconces today is that most today are electrified. Some of the styles are modern, contemporary, and Victorian.

Considering the practical side of using a candle sconce, fire isn’t a worry. Remember the shiny plate it is affixed to the wall and not only reflects the light but protects from starting a fire. If you hang a candle sconce in your home make sure it is far from curtains or drapes and works of art. Hang it with hardware that is used for heavy objects. This type of light fixture directs the light towards the ceiling.

As you can tell candle sconces have been around for practical and decorative use for a long time. The various styles available today provide a wide choice of decorative ideas and themes when choosing candle sconce styles for the home. Many kinds are manufactured today and antique candle sconces are around for those so inclined. If your home is already decorated in a Victorian motif a couple of well place candle sconces to match your décor can add ambiance to your living room or hall. The same goes for whichever motif you have or if you would like to redecorate in another style. For historical significance and elegance you can’t go wrong with candle sconces.

Add style with Wrought Iron Sconces

Last Updated on Monday, 19 April 2010 03:40 Written by admin Monday, 19 April 2010 03:38

Copyright (c) 2009 Julia Ritzenthaler

For a unique lighting touch, consider shopping for wrought iron sconces. In one simple step, they add an allure and new style to any living space. Candle style sconces can create a romantic, rustic, or even antique feel. They add just the right amount of light when a warm glow is all that is required. They also work well in teams when more light is necessary. Coordinate them with a chandelier or use them on their own, sconces are a great option for any home.

Sconces are relatively inexpensive, making it possible to use them in sets. Sconces are great as stand alone fixtures or as accents coordinating with larger fixtures like a chandelier. One or two sconces work perfectly in a bathroom and four, one on each wall, look spectacular in a dining room or living room.

Candles are known for their ability to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere with their relaxing and subdued glow. Relax with your new sconce fixtures. Go with low wattage bulbs to preserve an appealing and relaxed feel. A functional alternative would be to utilize a light dimmer switch with stronger bulbs.

There are many styles to choose from. Rustic, old-world, modern, and much more; sconces are available in a variety of different metal finishes and with most retailers you can mix and match the different lamp shades and candle styles. Wrought iron is particularly popular and you will find sconces in any style from ornate carvings to simple, clean lines.

Now that you have an idea of what is available, you are ready to incorporate wrought iron sconces into your own home. If you wish to accentuate something with a wall sconce, make sure the sconce coordinates well and doesn’t overpower that which you want to accent.

Sconces are perfect for mounting to the wall in just about any room. Most sconces have a plate that connects directly to the wall; then the light extends slightly from the wall. Be sure to follow the mounting instructions closely. As with any home project, be sure to keep safety as a top priority. Hiring an electrician is advised if you are not experienced with electrical projects.

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