Lanterns
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Modern Lanterns
Stainless Steel
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Steel, Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century British Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1980s Other Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze, Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
19th Century European Renaissance Revival Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1930s American Adirondack Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century American Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Empire Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Islamic Lanterns
Brass
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Oak
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Walnut
20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Copper
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Fiberglass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1890s French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron, Tin
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Nickel, Brass
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Wood, Glass, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Plastic
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Lead
2010s Polish Post-Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
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.