Pair of Stilnovo Brass and Opaline Glass Double Sconces, Italy, 1960s

An elegant and increasingly difficult-to-find pair of wall sconces produced by Stilnovo, Italy, during the 1960s. Defined by their restrained geometric composition, these fixtures perfectly embody the refined Italian modernist aesthetic that made Stilnovo one of the leading lighting manufacturers of the post-war period.

Each sconce is composed of a vertical rectangular brass bar supporting two satin opaline glass globes arranged one above the other. The perfectly balanced proportions, combined with the purity of the materials, create an architectural presence that is understated yet highly sophisticated. The softly diffused white opaline glass emits a warm, even illumination, while the solid brass structure provides a rich visual contrast through its naturally aged surface.

Particularly appealing is the original brass finish, which has developed a remarkable patina over the decades. The surface displays subtle tonal variations ranging from warm honey and golden hues to deeper bronze shades, creating a living finish that reflects the history of the pieces without diminishing their elegance. Rather than being polished away, this authentic patina has been carefully preserved as an essential part of their character.

These sconces originate from a prestigious hotel in the historic spa district of Abano Terme, near Padua, Italy, which closed many years ago. We were fortunate enough to acquire a substantial group of these original fixtures directly from the property, making this pair part of a fascinating architectural provenance rarely encountered on today’s market.

Recently serviced by our restorers, both sconces have been professionally rewired and are fully compliant with current European electrical standards. Their thoughtfully engineered construction also offers practical installation advantages: the generous rear cavity accommodates a junction box up to approximately 3.5 cm wide and 2 cm deep, allowing for a clean and discreet wall installation.

Minimalist yet highly decorative, these Stilnovo sconces work beautifully in residential interiors as bedside lighting, hallway illumination, or as elegant architectural accents, while equally complementing hospitality and commercial projects seeking authentic Italian mid-century lighting.

Dimensions:
Height: 40 cm (15.75 in.)
Projection: 16 cm (6.3 in.)
Glass globe diameter: 12 cm (4.72 in.)