Lanterns
Early 1600s Asian Antique Lanterns
Brass
1790s Baltic Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Late 18th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Iron
1650s French Antique Lanterns
Rope
18th Century Italian Rustic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
18th Century Sri Lankan Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
18th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Metal
18th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
Early 18th Century French Gothic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
18th Century English Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1760s English George II Antique Lanterns
Wire, Brass
1750s Italian Other Antique Lanterns
Pine
Late 18th Century Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass, Paint
18th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Lanterns
Wood
18th Century Romantic Antique Lanterns
Copper
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
18th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
17th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
1790s British Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Wood
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Wood
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Glass, Giltwood
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Gold Leaf, Metal
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Gold Leaf, Metal
Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Tin
1750s English George II Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
1660s Italian Space Age Antique Lanterns
Chrome, Metal
Late 18th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1760s Italian Rococo Revival Antique Lanterns
Tin
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
16th Century French Antique Lanterns
Berlin Iron
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Lanterns
Iron
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
18th Century European Baroque Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Wire
18th Century Antique Lanterns
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
Late 17th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Iron
1620s European Antique Lanterns
Bronze
18th Century and Earlier European Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century and Earlier Danish Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century and Earlier Unknown Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tôle
18th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Glass
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tin
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.