Lanterns
Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
20th Century Italian Renaissance Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 2000s Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Nickel
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Italian Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Jute, Rattan, Rope
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Austrian Lanterns
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
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.