Antique Beacon Lantern
Early 1900s American American Empire Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
1890s English Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
1880s American American Craftsman Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
1920s American Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
18th Century Italian Rustic Antique Beacon Lantern
Wrought Iron
1890s Italian Renaissance Antique Beacon Lantern
Wrought Iron
People Also Browsed
Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Beacon Lantern
Other
2010s American American Colonial Antique Beacon Lantern
Wrought Iron
1910s American American Craftsman Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Beacon Lantern
Copper, Iron
1840s French Antique Beacon Lantern
Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass
Early 20th Century Antique Beacon Lantern
Bronze
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Beacon Lantern
Iron
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Beacon Lantern
Glass
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Beacon Lantern
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Georgian Antique Beacon Lantern
Bronze
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Beacon Lantern
Paper
Early 20th Century Antique Beacon Lantern
Copper
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Beacon Lantern
Brass, Copper
19th Century English Grand Tour Antique Beacon Lantern
Terracotta
20th Century French Other Antique Beacon Lantern
Crystal
Recent Sales
19th Century Antique Beacon Lantern
Early 20th Century Antique Beacon Lantern
1890s North American Antique Beacon Lantern
Copper
1890s Italian Antique Beacon Lantern
Wrought Iron
19th Century Antique Beacon Lantern
1910s Art Nouveau Antique Beacon Lantern
Crystal, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Antique Beacon Lantern
Iron
1890s Italian Antique Beacon Lantern
Wrought Iron
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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