Brighton Lantern
Antique Early 19th Century Regency Lanterns
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze
Vintage 1930s English Country Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Copper
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21st Century and Contemporary English Chinoiserie Pier Mirrors and Conso...
Paint, Wood, Gesso
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Mirrors
Porcelain, Mirror
Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Porcelain
Porcelain, Glass
20th Century French Louis XV Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Irish Armchairs
Upholstery, Yew
Antique 19th Century French Scientific Instruments
Gold
20th Century French Art Deco Paintings
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Figurative Sculptures
Bone, Wood
Antique 17th Century Belgian Baroque Fireplaces and Mantels
Carrara Marble, Marble
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Dining Room Sets
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Stainless Steel
Antique Early 19th Century English Posters
Paper
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Dining Room Sets
Mahogany
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21st Century and Contemporary English Lanterns
Antique 1880s Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Stained Glass
Vintage 1930s English Country Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Vintage 1910s French Posters
Paper
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
Vintage 1930s English Country Lanterns
Copper, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Tôle
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
Early 20th Century British Regency Revival Lanterns
Finding the Right lanterns for You
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.
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