Lanterns
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Metal, Brass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s American Other Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Lanterns
Wood, Paper, Teak
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Turkish Islamic Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century Turkish Moorish Lanterns
Ceramic
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Glass
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Wood
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Steel, Iron
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Brutalist Lanterns
Concrete
1980s American Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 2000s American Modern Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Swedish Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood
Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Copper, Metal, Brass
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel, Brass
2010s American American Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s American Adirondack Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century American Modern Lanterns
Metal
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.