Georgian Round Lantern
21st Century and Contemporary English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
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21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages
Metal
Vintage 1930s Italian Louis XVI Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
Antique 16th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Steel
20th Century English Country Settees
Velvet, Beech, Oak
Vintage 1940s North American Lanterns
Art Glass
Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Recent Sales
20th Century English Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Metal
20th Century Georgian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Danish Rustic Chandeliers and Pendants
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch 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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