Exterior Hanging Lantern
Early 20th Century German Modern Lanterns
Silver Plate
1990s Greek Folk Art Lanterns
Terracotta
Antique 1870s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Antique 1870s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Wire
20th Century Asian Anglo-Japanese Lanterns
Metal, Copper
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 19th Century European Chandeliers and Pendants
Iron
People Also Browsed
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s English Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Plastic
Antique 1730s European Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Paint
20th Century Louis XV Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Iron, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Dining Room Sets
Satinwood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1860s Great Britain (UK) Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1960s French Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Baroque Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Scottish Lanterns
Antique 17th Century European Baroque Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 1880s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique 1830s English William IV Lanterns
Brass, Wire
Antique Early 1900s French Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Lanterns
Copper, Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
Antique 19th Century European Rococo Mounted Objects
Iron
Antique 17th Century French Doors and Gates
Stone, Limestone
Antique Early 1900s French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1920s French Country Lanterns
Antique 1840s English William IV Lanterns
Brass
Antique 1840s English William IV Lanterns
Brass, Wire
20th Century English Adam Style Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1810s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Wire
Antique Early 1900s French Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron
Vintage 1920s French Country Lanterns
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Copper
Antique Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique Late 19th Century French Regency Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Iron
Antique 19th Century European Chandeliers and Pendants
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Louis XIV Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Copper
Antique Late 19th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants
Copper
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Danish Lanterns
Chrome
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Chandeliers and Pendants
Vintage 1960s Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Chrome, Wire
Iron
Antique Mid-18th Century Lanterns
Antique 1860s English Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique 1860s English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Lanterns
Copper
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.
Read More
You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Christopher Tennant’s Lamps and Dioramas Evoke Sunny Days and Seaside Locales
The former magazine editor blends elements of the Far East and America’s eastern shores, bringing wit and delight to his handmade, upcycled designs.
Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room
This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.
NASA Parachutes Inspired Lighting Designer Bec Brittain’s New Collection
In "Paraciphers," now on view at Emma Scully Gallery in New York, Brittain introduces works that were more than a decade in the making.
This Handsome Leather Pendant Light Is Crafted Using Saddle-Making Techniques
The Doma by L’Aviva Home nods to Colombia’s equestrian heritage.
Celebrate Spring Year-Round with This Lush Murano-Glass Chandelier
Hand-blown glass makes the Italian fixture glow like dew-covered leaves in the sun.