Lanterns
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
Early 20th Century English Baroque Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Steel
Early 18th Century French Gothic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Lanterns
Wood, Paper, Teak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1850s Irish Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Lanterns
Bronze
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 Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century French Other Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass, Murano Glass, Stained Glass
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Ormolu
19th Century American Regency Antique Lanterns
Tôle
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Nickel
2010s English Lanterns
Metal, Nickel
19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Copper
19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
2010s Modern Lanterns
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Lanterns
Metal
1990s Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1910s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Swedish Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Tudor Lanterns
Aluminum
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.