Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
2010s Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Showa Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1880s Italian Classical Roman Antique Lanterns
Alabaster
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Glass, Wood
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1890s English Regency Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Turkish Islamic Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1860s French Louis Philippe Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1880s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Turkish Moorish Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 2000s Lanterns
Rock Crystal
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession Lanterns
Brass
1990s Greek Folk Art Lanterns
Terracotta
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
1990s American Regency Lanterns
Iron
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century British Bohemian Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass
1980s Other Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Vintage, New and Antique Lanterns
Whether you’re in search of a functional fixture to help illuminate a room or just a minimalist ornamental touch, the choice of lighting is important. Selecting the perfect vintage, new or antique lanterns can transform an otherwise monotonous space in your home.
In the 1700s, lanterns became widely popular when accessibility broadened for whale oil, as fuel for lamps was one of its earliest uses. Lantern design evolved considerably during the mid- to late 19th century, when a powerful, adaptable fuel came into play: kerosene. Portable and immediately sought after, kerosene lamps were traditionally surrounded by a glass globe or tube that sat on a metal frame to protect the flame from spreading or extinguishing. (While reproductions abound, antique kerosene lanterns have since become collector's items.)
Later, in 1862, John H. Irwin created coil oil lamps, which were designed for coal oils as well as kerosene and lessened the risk of fire. They required plentiful oxygen to remain lit, and with refinements, the lamps could be used indoors. Lanterns increasingly came to be part of commercial spaces such as museums and theaters, and over time, lighting artisans worked to refine and perfect these innovative fixtures so that they weren’t only practical but also elegant, sophisticated additions to home decor.
Antiques inject a touch of classical chic into any space. With the right lantern, you could also deepen the impact of the collection of vases and vessels, sculptures or other decorative objects in a living room or dining room. It’s essential to find a balance between utility and aesthetics when choosing the perfect vintage–style lantern for your space, and the right lighting decisions can determine the underlying mood of a room as well as enhance the choices you’ve made for your home’s decor. While old-time charm is something to be cherished, there is lots to love in modern lanterns from today’s top furniture designers.
On 1stDibs, search by creator to find lanterns crafted by the likes of Woka Lamps, Barovier & Toso and Material Lust or browse the collection by style. From today’s standouts to mid-century modern classics to Art Deco–era innovations, find the best vintage, new or antique lantern for you now.