A Mission Wall Sconce: Mission Revival Design Style

by on June 13, 2010

A mission wall sconce is a light fitting based on designs from the Mission Revival Architectural movement that began in the early 19th century. This important and extremely influential movement drew inspiration from the Spanish Missions in California as well as the Arts & Crafts Movement.

The essence of Mission style and the Arts & Craft movement was about creating objects that involved human craftsmanship, in reaction to the notion that industry was destroying the quality and spirit of human goods. Mission style wall lights are all about fine craftsmanship and they are usually manufactured from natural materials like copper, mica, and wood.

A wall sconce is a wall mounted light fixture that comes in many different styles and designs. The original wall sconce was probably a convenient outcrop of rock in a cave upon which some innovative Neanderthal man placed a stone bowl containing animal fat and a wick made from reeds. This early example of mood lighting almost certainly contributed to the continuation of our species since Neanderthal woman would definitely have been more receptive to romantic advances as a result of such a gesture.

Thankfully, both lighting designs and the human race have evolved since then. Modern mission style wall sconces are characterised by clean lines and sturdy design features. They represent fine quality and great American craftsmanship. Functional, yet still very beautiful, mission wall sconces can add both ambience and style to any room in your house.

In the early days of electric lighting, a mission style wall sconce was a staple light design in many houses. Homes of that era would usually have had lights in the simple, clean lines of the Mission Revival style. This popular mode of design underwent a revival back in the late 1970’s and now is enjoying a renewed surge of popularity in many American homes.

When considering lighting, it is important to make the right decision about what lights work best in which rooms. Wall mounted lighting is very effective for lighting a living area as it creates extra floor space by removing the need for large floor lamps. Wall lights also eliminate the problem of harsh lighting that can often create ugly shadows in large rooms.

A wall sconce will cast a gentle glow across any room in the house, enhancing your soft furnishings and ornaments, as opposed to illuminating every single speck of dust that you inadvertently missed the last time you cleaned up.

When you wish to design a room based on a more traditional style, a mission wall sconce is an excellent choice for providing light as well as creating an artistic design statement. Rather than buy a cheap lamp from the local market, spend a little more on a quality product. Fine craftsmanship is always an investment and should never be scrimped on.

Perhaps you have a study that needs some more inspirational décor. The bookcases are filled with leather bound tomes of great intellectual merit and the polished oak desk beneath the window serves you well. But the room is lacking in something. You just aren’t sure what.

Why not try some soft lighting as opposed to the uninspiring ceiling light you currently have. A mission wall sconce light would be great in a study. Not only would it be complimentary to the masculine lines and furnishings, but it would add a little style to an otherwise functional room. You can sit in your comfortable leather chair in the evening with a glass of single malt, enjoying the relaxing ambience of your new lighting scheme, safe in the knowledge that mission wall sconces have enhanced your décor beyond measure.

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