Railroad Signal Lantern
Antique 1880s American American Empire Lanterns
Steel
Antique 1890s American American Empire Lanterns
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Candle Lamps
Copper
People Also Browsed
Antique Early 1800s English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Vintage 1920s Russian Posters
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Iron
Antique 19th Century American Tables
Oak
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Copper
Antique 1890s American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Stone
Antique 1720s Spanish Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Granite
Antique 1820s American American Empire Decorative Art
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Giltwood, Linen
Antique 1840s American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 1850s English William IV Urns
Iron
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Sculptures and Carvings
Limestone
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Sandstone
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Rocking Chairs
Oak
Recent Sales
20th Century English Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Antique Late 19th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Metal
Antique 19th Century French Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century Canadian Industrial Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Antique 19th Century American Table Lamps
Antique 19th Century American Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
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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