Small Copper Hanging Lantern
Antique Late 19th Century European Lanterns
Copper
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal
People Also Browsed
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
Early 20th Century American Victorian More Lighting
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Cedar
1990s Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Chinoiserie Chandeliers and Pendants
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Antique 19th Century English Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Vintage 1960s American Chandeliers and Pendants
Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary British Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century American Flush Mount
Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century English Late Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique Mid-18th Century 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.
Read More
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