Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
Early 2000s Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century North American Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Silver Plate, Bronze
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century English Regency Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate
2010s Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Early 2000s Lanterns
Steel
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Danish Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
1990s Art Deco 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.