Lanterns
1880s French Antique Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Unknown Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1920s French Louis XIV Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Copper
19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Copper
1890s Belgian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
1920s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wire
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Lead
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper, Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century American Federal Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century English Baroque Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Cut Steel
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Baroque Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
1910s American American Classical Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Jute, Rattan, Rope
2010s Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cotton, Cord, Wood
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron
1950s Folk Art Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s Belgian Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
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.