Mizner Lanterns
Vintage 1920s American Other Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1930s European Chinese Chippendale Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s German Spanish Colonial Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Wall Lights and ...
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2010s Mexican Brutalist Contemporary Art
Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Architectural Elements
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Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
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Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Plywood
Vintage 1960s Italian Empire Lanterns
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2010s American Spanish Colonial Wall Lights and Sconces
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2010s American Colonial Revival Flush Mount
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2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Beech, Parchment Paper
Antique Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Lanterns
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Architectural Elements
Iron
2010s American Spanish Colonial Wall Lights and Sconces
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Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces
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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