Lanterns
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Beech
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron, Tin
19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1930s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wire
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1880s French Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper, Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Jute, Rattan, Rope
20th Century Unknown Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Louis XIV Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1920s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1890s Belgian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 1900s Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century English Baroque Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Cut Steel
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Baroque Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
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.