What does a candle sconce do? I see them all the time, are they just for decoration, or do they do something unseen? There isn’t any hidden black magic or voodoo involved in candle sconces, they are merely decorative pieces used to hold candles. They can be made from all types of materials ranging from wood, iron, brass, steel, and even bone in some rare cases. The most typical types of candle sconces are made from iron or brass, because of the rustic appeal of the iron, along with the polished look of the brass. Original pieces, like the wood candle sconces have been built for years, but people often choose the iron or brass candle sconces because of the relatively close flame to the stains used on the wood. This could cause a fire, while a remote chance, some people believe it can happen, and avoid using wooden candle sconces for their decorations.
People cherish the iron pieces because of the rustic appeal, and charm that comes with owning an “antiqued” piece of metal. It is a lot more than just a piece of metal though, because often times these are hand designed, by a blacksmith who put his heart and soul into your piece. The poring of the surface of the iron makes a great darker grey colored metal, and matches well with darker themed rooms.
For brass candle sconces though, people love them for the shine they can produce. The luster that can be brought out in a brass candle sconce is incredible. If you use a small powered polisher, with a light rubbing compound, you are literally going to be able to shave and brush your teeth in the reflection created. This is no joke. A good brass polisher can do amazing things with a buffer, and if you are letting yours sit there and tarnish without meaning to, then you may want to take them down and let the polisher have a look. At least before you throw them out, or sell them at the next garage sale.
Those two main types of candle sconces are going to be the majority of what you look through in catalogs, online, or in stores. You can find certain specialty sconce manufacturers if you look hard enough, but you have to know the pieces you are going to be getting with be substantially more expensive than something off of the shelf.