Lanterns
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Lanterns
Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1940s European Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Early 2000s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
1970s Italian Rococo Revival Vintage Lanterns
Ormolu
Vintage, New and Antique Lanterns
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.