8. Mid-Century Brass Cone Articulating Sconce
Introduction An elegant, adjustable wall fixture featuring dual spun-aluminum or brass cones that provide both uplighting and downlighting.
What This Idea Means Inspired by 1950s Italian and French lighting masters, this sconce provides architectural illumination, casting balanced hour-glass light beams along vertical walls.
How to Make It
- Acquire two small metal trumpet/cone shades and a hollow central brass sphere or connector tube.
- Attach both cones in opposite directions (one facing up, one down) to the central hub using threaded hollow nipples.
- Wire two small candelabra sockets in parallel within the central assembly.
- Affix the assembly to an extending brass rod attached to a low-profile round wall plate.
Tips & Variations
- Two-Tone Color: Paint the exterior cones matte cream or olive green, leaving the interior spun cone natural polished brass.
- Single Cone: Build an asymmetrical single-cone design dedicated entirely to bedside downward task reading.
- Rotary Dimmer: Install an inline rotary dimmer switch along the power cord for effortless ambient control.