Vintage Wall Sconce with Linen Shade and Curved Brass Arm

A fabric shade does something no glass fixture can. It absorbs the hard edge of the source completely, so the light leaving it has no visible filament and no sharp shadow line, only an even glow through the weave. That is why the form has survived: for a bedside or a hallway, where the fixture sits close to eye level, a diffused shade remains the most comfortable answer available.

Plain, Pleated or Capiz Shades

The plain linen shade is the quietest of the three, a smooth taper that reads as simple and modern despite the traditional shape underneath it. It suits a room where the sconce should not draw attention to itself, which is often what is wanted where several are repeated along a corridor.

The pleated shade adds vertical folds that catch light along each crease, giving the fixture noticeably more texture and a more period feel. A capiz shell option replaces the fabric with translucent shell segments, which produces a softer, iridescent glow and is the most decorative of the three, though it reads warmer and less crisp than either fabric option.

The Curved Arm and Stepped Backplate

The arm curves up and out from the backplate rather than projecting straight, which holds the shade 6.5 inches off the wall. That is enough clearance to light a basin or a book without the fixture intruding into a narrow hallway.

The backplate is stepped and 4.5 inches across, covering a standard wall box comfortably. The detail on it is what dates the fixture correctly; a flat disc would leave the same shade looking contemporary and slightly at odds with the shape of the arm. Small details like this are what separate a convincing period fixture from a plain one with a fabric shade attached.

Finishes, Bulbs and Placement

Brass, chrome and black are offered across the shade styles. Brass is the warmest and the most common choice with a linen shade; chrome suits a bathroom and reads cooler; black gives the most contrast against a pale wall and the most graphic silhouette.

The fitting takes a Type B bulb up to 60W, not included, and is hardwired. At 11.5 inches high it works beside a bed at around 60 inches from the floor, or in pairs flanking a mirror. It is rated for bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and bathrooms, and weighs about 2.5 pounds. The shade tapers from 3.5 inches at the top to 6 inches at the base over a height of 5.5 inches.

We accept returns for damaged or unused items within 14 days of purchase. Your satisfaction is our priority.