Library Sconces
Wall-hung adjustable-arm lights date to the 1800s, when ornate kerosene lamps needed to swing clear of flammable furnishings. Once electricity became widespread in the early 20th century, there was a push for more efficient lighting at work and at home, to reduce eyestrain. Minimally embellished fixtures with long arms, multiple locking joints, and directional metal shades became popular to spotlight all manner of task areas. These included kitchens, as well as sitting rooms, which one scholar noted had essentially become libraries by 1930, due to “the reading habit of to-day.”
Contemporary library lamps do their period precursors one better, with showier finishes, distinctive details, and playful proportions. Here, 11 spot-on options.
High Polish
BARBARA COSGROVE
Made of: Steel
Shade: 8¼”W x 4¾”H
Highlights: A shiny nickel finish gives this open-shade sconce a luxe look.
$380; Scout & Nimble
Pretty Penny
MERCURY ROW
Made of: Aluminum
Shade: 7½”W x 6″H
Highlights: The clean lines and rich copper hue of the Inna 1 light have a surprisingly affordable price.
$98.99; Wayfair
Free Range
REJUVENATION
Made of: Brass and glass
Shade: 7½”W x 6″H
Highlights: The Imbrie adjusts side to side as well as up and down; its glass shade increases the glow.
$345; Rejuvenation
Night Light
TRENT AUSTIN DESIGN
Made of: Brass
Shade: 5¾”W x 5½”H
Highlights: Its small size and backplate switch make the plug-in Bluntleaf a bedside best bet.
$329; AllModern
High Style
VISUAL COMFORT
Made of: Brass
Shade: 7¼”W x 5″H
Highlights: The elegant Boston library sconce in antiqued brass comes with a generous cord cover.
$349; Circa Lighting
Silvery Beauty
RESTORATION HARDWARE
Made of: Brass
Shade: 7½”W x 5½”H
Highlights: The pared-down 20th C. library light in polished nickel has classic style.
$249; Restoration Hardware
Small Wonder
IKEA
Made of: Steel and zinc
Shade: 5.9″W x 4.25″H
Highlights: Mount the powder-coated Ranarp using its bracket, or take it off and clamp the lamp in place.
$20; IKEA
Bright White
HUDSON VALLEY LIGHTING
Made of: Steel
Shade: 10″W x 7″H
Highlights: The Hillsdale brass swing-arm lamp has an unusually long reach and a large linen shade.
$450; Bellacor
Industrial Chic
ARTCRAFT LIGHTING
Made of: Steel
Shade: 8½”W x 5½”H
Highlights: Brass accents and the addition of an Edison bulb brighten the black Jersey sconce.
$129; ATG Stores
Shining Star
SAVOY LIGHTING
Made of: Steel
Shade: 5 3/8″W x 5 7/16″H
Highlights: A shiny polished-nickel finish makes the Camilla sconce a nice fit for a kitchen or bath.
$90; Joss & Main
Light Reading
TRENT AUSTIN DESIGN
Made of: Brass
Shade: 8″W x 6½”H
Highlights: With its wide cone of light, the antiqued Ridgemont sconce would excel as a reading lamp.
$377; All Modern