Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
1880s American American Empire Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Steel
1890s American American Empire Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Steel
Late 19th Century Rustic Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Metal
People Also Browsed
1890s English Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Bronze, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Iron
1840s American American Empire Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Brass
1820s American American Empire Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Giltwood, Linen
1880s American American Empire Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Iron
1850s English William IV Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Iron
1840s French Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Bronze
1950s American Modern Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Paper
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 19th Century European Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Copper
1770s English George III Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Sheet Metal
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Iron, Tin
Late 19th Century French Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Brass
1890s Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Wood
1790s English Regency Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Brass
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Glass
Early 20th Century French Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Brass, Copper
19th Century French Antique Red Glass Railroad Lantern
Steel, Copper
Finding the Right lanterns for You
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.
Read More
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