French, 18th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare and early metal lantern, France, circa 1750-1800. Weathered.
18th Century French French Provincial Antique Metal Lanterns
Metal
French, 18th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare and early metal lantern, France, circa 1750-1800. Weathered.
Metal
French, Early 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern, France, circa 1800- 1850. Weathered and some old repairs.
Metal
French, 18th/ 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern with lovely wooden handle, France, circa 1750- 1850.
Metal
French, 18th/ 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern, France, circa 1750- 1850. Weathered, small losses and some old repairs.
Metal
Early 20th Century Antique Glass & Metal Lantern from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique glass & metal lantern origins from France, circa 1920.
Metal
Vintage Boho Pierced Metal Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Illuminate your space with the captivating allure of this vintage pierced metal lantern, a true embodiment of bohemian elegance.
Metal
$405Sale Price|48% Off
H 13 in W 7.68 in D 6.3 in
French, Late 19th Century early 20th century, Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Really lovely metal lantern in a form I haven't seen before. France, circa 1890-1920.
Iron
Antique English Metal Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's neoclassic lantern with original patina. Adjustable drop. Measurements: Height of body: 29" Drop: 36" Diameter: 11"
Metal
French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare small folk art lantern, France, circa 1800-1850. Beautiful weathered. measurements: H:23,5/33 cm W:10,5 cm D:11 cm
Metal
Antique Pierced Metal Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Norwegian pierced metal lantern with original patina. Measurements: Drop: 40" Diameter: 26"
Metal
Amber Glass and Metal Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1950s hand blown amber glass and iron lantern with interior light. Measurements: Height 17" Diameter 12"
Blown Glass
Large French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Lovely large iron lantern, France, circa 1880-1900 . Very special type of lantern without a door. You can open the lantern by sliding the glass upwards. Weathered. H:51cm W:20,5cm
Iron
Set of Three Oriental Style Metal Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
Set of three oriental style metal and glass lanterns, two with standard sized Edison ceramic sockets and wiring, one without socket.
Metal
Hand-Forged Metal Lantern and Canopy and Chain
Located in NYC, NY
A Classic Mission style lantern in hand-forged metal with an arrow design on a hand-forged chain and matching canopy.
Metal
19th Century Napoleon III Iron and Tole Metal Lantern
Located in North Miami, FL
This extra large scale black tole metal and frosted glass lantern with 6 lights to interior, is designed in the Napoleon III style.
Metal
An Italian Red Tole Metal Lantern with Cut Glass, Early 20th C.
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Italian red tôle lantern from the early 20th century. This antique lantern from Italy has a cut glass with a cut star motif in the middle.Note that the wiring is older, and may ne...
Metal
Antique Venetian Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920 Venetian painted metal lantern with ambre glass. 3 lights. Measurements: Total drop: 28.5" Diameter: 11.25"
Metal
Antique Gilt Lantern with Etched Glass
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th Century English gilt metal lantern with etched glass and three interior lights.
Metal
Set of Outdoor Verdigris Lanterns, Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
A set of four circa 1920's English metal lanterns with verdigris patina. Sold individually.
Metal
Large Italian Rococo Gilt-Metal Lantern
Located in London, GB
A large early 20th Century Italian gilt toleware lantern. Sculptural gilt toleware branches suspending a three light fixture in a mouth blown glass bell jar. Hung with gilt oval cha...
Metal, Gold Leaf
18th/19th Century Cranberry and Glass Lantern with Gilt Metal and Cut Glass
Located in Stamford, CT
A large cranberry glass and gilt metal lantern / chandelier composed of late 18th century and early 19th century parts.
Blown Glass
Italian Baroque Style 19th Century Tole Hanging Lantern
Located in Sheffield, MA
The metal lantern has been newly rewired for the US.
Iron
c.1920 French Hand-Wrought Iron Lantern with Stained Glass All Original
Located in Highwood, IL
Outstanding Vintage French Hexagonal Hand-Wrought Metal Lantern with great Stained and Leaded Glass panes.
Wrought Iron
$2,250
H 33.5 in W 13.5 in D 13.5 in
Gilt Metal Lantern Pendant Chandelier Weiner Werkstatte Secession Style
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Gilt Metal Pendant Lantern or Chandelier, in the Weiner Werkstatte or Vienna Secession Style, European, circa 1920s.
Metal
$38,500
H 43 in W 28.5 in D 19 in
Italian 18th Century Venetian Giltwood, and Gilt Metal Lantern Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and very unique Italian 18th century Venetian st. mecca, gilt metal, and wrought iron lantern. The lantern is centered by a charming richly carved floral finial below th...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Antique Marine Lantern With Metal Stamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Marine Lantern Metal Stamp "C. Wigglesworth Maker"
Metal
American Painted Metal Ship's Lanterns
Located in Queens, NY
2 American (19th Century) painted metal round 6 glass panel embarkment lanterns with handle (PRICED EACH) Distressed
Glass
Antique O’Connell-Styled Cast Metal Street Lanterns
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This impressive set of eleven antique cast metal street lanterns embodies the grandeur and architectural detail of historic European lighting design.
Metal
19th Century French Metal & Glass Lantern ca. 1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century French Metal & Glass Lantern ca. 1850
Metal
19th Century Processional Lantern in Lacquered Sheet Metal
Located in Marseille, FR
Processional lantern in lacquered sheet metal (traces of gilding under the white lacquer) XIXth "Laplace manufacturing Marseille" with a height of 46 cm for a size of 22 cm in diamet...
Sheet Metal
Late 18th Century Venetian Gilt Metal and Glass Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The decorative motifs of this Venetian gilt metal and glass lantern are exquisite, as noted by the detailed foliate and floral margents.
Metal
$1,200 / item
H 35.63 in W 24.5 in D 17 in
Antique Victorian Inspired Lamps/Lanterns of Cast Metal Construction
Located in San Francisco, CA
These antique wall-mounted lanterns feature Victorian-inspired style with elements of traditional European design.
Metal
19th Century French Metal & Glass Lantern ca. 1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century French Metal & Glass Lantern ca. 1850
Glass
$417Sale Price|48% Off
H 15.36 in W 5.32 in D 5.52 in
Rare Antique French Folk Art Lantern, Metal, Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful and very rare folk art lantern, France, circa 1800-1850. Beautiful weathered. Glass is old but to my opinion of later date.
Metal
Old Venetian lantern in painted metal, late 19th, early 20th
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Old Venetian lantern in painted metal, late 19th, early 20th century very beautiful patina electricity to be reviewed
Metal
19th Century Metal And Murano Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in PARIS, FR
19th Century Metal and Murano Glass Pendant This majestic pendant light with its bronze structure and Murano glass panels is an exceptional piece that emanates from the rich artisti...
Glass
$3,600 / set
H 28 in W 13 in D 13 in
Pair of Late 19th / Early 20th Century German Pierced Metal Octagonal Lanterns
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Pair of pierced metal octagonal lanterns, each with an eight-sided glazed body with flat glass panels set in riveted metal frames, above a circular base.
Metal
$14,100
H 26.75 in W 16 in D 16 in
French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and wonderfully decorative French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern. This wonderful hexagonal frosted glass lantern is centered at th...
Metal
Hanging Lantern
Located in Charlottesville, VA
The lantern is constructed with angular panes set within a darkened metal framework and suspended from a linked chain.
Metal
$5,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in Dm 15 in
Early 20th Century Gilt-Metal and Glass "Versailles" Style Hanging Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French early 20th century gilt-metal paneled beveled glass "Versailles" style hanging twin-light lantern.
Metal
$14,100 / set
H 33 in W 15 in D 15 in
Pair Of Italian 18th Century Venetian St. Pressed Metal And Tole Lanterns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and exquisite pair of Italian 18th century Venetian st. Pressed Metal and Tole lanterns. Each lantern has a circular array of pressed metal oak leaves at the bottom b...
Metal
$16,300 / set
H 29.75 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in
Pair of Italian 18th Century Venetian St. Patinated Metal and Tole Lanterns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming pair of Italian 18th century Venetian st. patinated metal and tole lanterns. Each hexagonal shaped lantern displays an elegantly rounded base with lovely hand painted rose...
Metal
Antique Lanterns
Located in Dallas, TX
They are beautiful lanterns for your home.
Metal
Large Brown and Beige Art Glass and Metal Hallway Lantern, France, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
The lantern showcases an octagonal, hand-crafted, patinated metal frame and is adorned with scrolled foliate motifs on the sides.
Metal
English Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920s English lantern with glass insets and original patina. Measurements: Minimum drop 21" Diameter 15"
Metal
late 19th Century metal and copper manor house hallway lantern
Located in London, GB
This is a highly decorative and grand size example of a late 19th Century metal and copper manor house hallway lantern. With new glass panels in place, recently rewired for modern da...
Copper
$1,936Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 21.66 in Dm 6.3 in
Pair of 19th Century French Carriage Lanterns, Brass & Lacquered Metal
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
The lanterns are constructed with lacquered black metal and brass, offering a striking contrast between the glossy black surface and the warm golden tones of the brass.
Brass
$12,850Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 37 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Fine Pair of Belle Époque Neoclassical Style Gilt-Metal and Cut-Glass Lanterns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th-20th century Belle Époque neoclassical style gilt-metal and cut-molded-glass hanging lanterns. The single-light scrolled finely chased gilt-metal body with...
Metal, Brass
Neoclassic Cut Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920 French lantern with original patina and 3 candelabra (E12) base lights. Measurements: Drop: 30" Min. drop: 26" Diameter: 12.25"
Metal
Vintage Painted Tole Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Venetian painted tole lantern with flowers and foliage. Measurements: Drop: 33" Diameter: 15"
Metal
Venetian 18th Century Lantern
Located in Round Top, TX
A very stunning 18th century Lantern from Venice. Wonderfully crafted from gilt metal and decorated with an angel and putti - standing in its stone base.
Metal
Neoclassic Glass and Bronze Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A French 1920's molded glass lantern with interior Edison (E24) light. Measurements: Drop: 27" Diameter: 9.5"
Metal
Painted Tole Venetian Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's painted and gilt tole Venetian lantern with glass panels and original patina. Measurements: Min Drop: 22" Diameter: 12".
Metal
Large Antique Bronze Lantern
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique bronze lantern, sourced from Soane, London. This impressive light fitting is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this lantern is of a grand scale and exquisite desig...
Metal, Bronze
Vintage Regency Gilt Rings Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This piece serves as a magnificent focal point, perfect for adding a touch of classical opulence to an entryway, a refined ambiance above a dining table, or a dramatic statement in a...
Metal
Beautiful 1920s Gothic Wood Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Gothic lantern, the patina of the wood is beautiful, the height of the light is with out the chain.
Metal
English Ships Lantern Birmingham Griffiths & Sons
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 19th century English Ships Lantern Birmingham Griffiths & Sons.
Metal
Pair of Metal Lanterns
Located in San Francisco, CA
Industrial English 19th century metal lanterns. Glass walls on four sides. Well-made and in great condition.
Metal
Italian polychrome metal lantern
Located in Santa Monica, CA
newly electrified tole lantern one light
Glass
Swedish Metal Hanging Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Black Painted Metal and Wood Hanging Wall Lanterns from a Chinese Pavilion in Drottningholm Palace Beautiful Leaf and Flower Detail
Metal
metal hall lantern
Located in Jersey City, NJ
beautiful French hall lantern with exquisite detailing.
Chinese Metal Mesh Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
Metal and mesh Chinese lanterns. Can be sold separately.
George III gilt metal hall lantern
Located in London, GB
George III gilt metal hall lantern 65.00cm h 36.00cm w 36.00cm d
Metal
19th Century Black Metal Square Lantern, France
Located in New York, NY
A single black metal and glass square lantern with copper vent and 4 lights.
Metal, Copper
Unavailable
H 52.7 in W 22.4 in D 22.4 in
Early 20th Century Large Size Gold Colored Metal Outdoor Lantern
Located in Raalte, NL
Old large hexagonal gold colored metal exterior lantern with brown glass and a mirror at the bottom (electricity has been renewed), early 20th century.
Metal
Black lanterns
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of black metal pillar lanterns
Metal
Carriage Lantern
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage lantern, with metal handle. Decorative item for interesting setting, sure to add warmth and a cabin country feel.
Metal
French Tole Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French tole lantern with a single glass panel. Blue metal interior and a punched tin top.
Metal
Scandinavian Box Lantern
Located in Alexandria, VA
The outer box of this 4-light lantern is hand-carved ebonized wood with beveled glass panels.
Metal
Regence Gilt Lantern
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Large Impressive 19th Century Regence Gilt Lantern
Metal
Italian Antique Lantern
Located in DeSoto, KS
Italian antique lantern with pole. Would be great to wire and mount as a light sconce.
Metal
Oversize Tole Lanterns
Located in Stamford, CT
Very large lanterns mounted on wooden bases from historic Virginia house
Metal
Interesting Nautical Lanterns
Located in Stamford, CT
Electrified. Can be wall mounted.
Metal
Antique Hobnail Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
- A beautiful piece of Americana, this 19th century antique lantern is in excellent condition and features all of its original components, including its textured, milky glass. - We ...
Metal
Turkish Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Intricate Turkish patterns decorate the pierced metal top of this concertina lantern. Famously used during the Crimean War, lanterns like these were designed with an inset domed lid,...
Gothic Style Hall Lantern
Located in Culver City, CA
Gothic style hall lantern, circa 1910, thought to be Bradley and Hubbard. The six sides represent windows and have mottled yellow glass. The bottom is hinged and allows access as nee...
Metal
Round Classic French Lantern
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A classic French rotund lantern made from hand blown glass, aged brass and iron. Both the brass and iron have incredible patina. Wired for American use with European bulb sockets. ...
Brass, Metal
Pair of silvered carriage lanterns
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Italian (Venetian) silvered metal carriage lanterns, each with a septagonal-shaped ovoid lantern, surmounted by a crown and two foliate-scrolled tiers, raised on a turned bas...
Metal
Massive Japanese Bronze Temple Lantern
Located in Seattle, WA
Massive Japanese gilt bronze hanging temple lantern. The square shaped lantern with etched surface decorations and pierced panels lined with paper.
Metal
Pagoda Style Lantern, 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pagoda Style Lantern with the original weathered patina, suitable for outdoor use. Newly wired and ready to go. Lantern is 15" h plus chain & canopy Originally $ 975.00 CHECK...
Metal
Art Deco style lantern
Located in Santa Monica, CA
mosaic stained glass
Metal
Early 20th Century English Lantern
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very charming, early 20th century English hanging lantern in its original condition. Please note that the light will need to rewired, with we can do at an additional cost.
Metal
Victorian Globe Lantern
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A Victorian sheet metal globe lantern, with polygonal panels and flower heads decorated with 22 carat gold leaf, completely restored condition
Small Glass Lantern
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
A small glass lantern with a metal tassel on the bottom. The glass is a clear, single piece with indented faux panes.
Brass
Empire Gilt Bronze Hanging Lantern
Located in New York, NY
3 Cut Glass Inset Panels
Metal
Mission Arts & Crafts Stained Glass Lantern
Located in Fairfax, VA
Arts & Crafts Mission stained glass lantern. New wiring and ready for installation. Minimum height fully installed 21".
Metal
Arts and Crafts Rock Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Handmade antique copper and sheet metal Mission style hanging lantern with leaded rock glass shade and scrolled metal decoration.
Copper, Sheet Metal
19th Century Scottish Glass Side Lantern
Located in Southampton, NY
This beautifully simple 19th century Scottish glazed gunmetal finish steel lantern has a circular ribbed handle above ruffled vent cap. One side is a door with a spring coil door cla...
Metal
18th Century Sheet Iron Hanging Lantern
Located in Woodbury, CT
A New England hanging lantern with x form cross brace and 4 lunette shaped venting holes. Contains hinged rear access door for lighting. Can be displayed wall hung or on a table
Sheet Metal, Iron
Iron and Glass Lantern
Located in Nashville, TN
The smaller side panels have different pirates in painted pressed sheet metal with glass behind. This lantern originally hung in the Grill Room of the Buffalo Athletic Club, and is ...
Iron
French Painted Tole Hanging Lantern, circa 1880
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a really rather stylish French painted tole hanging lantern, re-wired and PAT tested, circa 1880.
Metal
French Tole Processional Lantern from south of france
Located in Villenouvelle, FR
19th c. French tole processional lantern from Pays Basque (south west of France). Detailed cutwork on tole (heart, basque cross ). One door opens to access interior.
Metal
1900s Columbia Model C Carbide Motorcycle/Bicycle Lantern
Located in Orange, CA
This light is marked "Columbian 'Model C' Automatic" on one side and "Hine-Watt Mfg Co Chicago USA" on the other. Bottom is stamped "PATENTED OCT.10.1899 DEC.12.1899 NOV.27.1900". Th...
Metal
Antique French Iron Lantern on Cast Iron Bracket
Located in Nashville, TN
Antique French Iron Lantern on scrolled Cast Iron Bracket
Iron, Metal
English Arts & Crafts/Aesthetic Movement Hanging Lantern, circa 1890
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a very attractive English Arts & Crafts/Aesthetic Movement blackened metal hanging lantern with clear glass, original chain and ceiling mount.
Metal
Late Georgian George III Corner Tole Lantern, circa 1820
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a rather lovely and rare surviving example of a late Georgian, George III corner tole lantern, circa 1820.
Metal
Pair of Small French Faux Bamboo Hanging Lanterns, circa 1890
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a very striking and really rather beautiful pair of small French clear glass, silvered faux bamboo hanging lanterns, circa 1890. Full measurements: Height: 35cm (13.5") to f...
Metal
Unavailable
H 32 in W 16 in D 16 in
French Early 19th Century Painted Tole Hanging Hall Lantern, circa 1840
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a lovely French early 19th century painted Tole hanging hall lantern, now converted to electricity and featuring very attractive finial detail, circa 1840.
Metal
Unavailable
H 32.29 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Pair of Important Venetian Six-Sided Lanterns, Italy, Late 18th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Very rare pair of important Venetian six-sided lanterns - gilded sheet metal delicately cut - decorated of leaves - white and coloured glass - the pole is to be fixed on wall-support...
Metal
Unavailable
H 29.5 in W 11.4 in D 10.2 in
Large French Empire Period Tole Wall or Hanging Lantern, circa 1820
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a large early 19th century French Empire period tole wall or hanging Lantern retaining its original finish, now aged to a pleasing patina, rewired and PAT tested, circa 1820....
Metal
Unavailable
H 26 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of French Contemporary 18th Century Style Red Painted Hanging Lanterns
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a really charming and very pretty pair of contemporary French painted hanging lanterns, now rewired and converted to electricity.
Metal
Antique French Gothic Style Iron Lantern, Strasbourg, circa 1895
Located in Houston, TX
The metal framework inside the lantern has been rewired for American electricity and feature four sockets for standard bulbs.
Iron
Venetian Italian Glass Lantern Gilt Gold Structure 140 cm
Located in Denia, ES
Large glass lanterns with applied leaves. Three-side lantern, patinated gold metal decorated with cut metal leaves.
Iron
Industrial Art Deco Metal Sconces
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Pair of 1930s Art Deco aluminum sconces. The sconces have developed a natural matte finish and can be polished to a shine if desired. They can be hung facing either up or down and ha...
Aluminum
French 19th Century Industrial Pendant Light
Located in New Orleans, LA
A finely made pendant light, the thick glass molded and the frame, of metal, with a pierced chimney and central.
Metal
Unavailable
H 29.14 in Dm 12.21 in
Pair of Italian Processional Lamps, Made in Brass 24-Karat Gold Gilted
Located in Lentate sul Seveso (Mb), IT
Pair of 19 century Italian processional lamps, made in brass 24-karat gold gilded Measures: Height 74 cm Diameter 31.
Metal
An Edwardian Tole Lamp
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian glazed Tole lamp
Metal
Gothic Lighting Fixture / Chandelier with Frosted Glass, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gothic Lighting Fixture / Chandelier with Frosted Glass; newly wired Originally $ 2,950.00 PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE FOR ADDITIONAL SPECIALS
Metal
Spectacular Amber Colored Belljar
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Handblown glass knob belljar in Amber color. Price includes non Ul wiring.
Metal
Lantern with iron arm and painted sheet metal
Located in Milano, IT
Nel XVIII secolo, non essendoci l'elettricità, l'illuminazione era affidata alle candele. Venice, like today, had no roads but waterways, which also allowed people to reach homes. Th...
Iron, Sheet Metal
Heintz Art Metal Magic Lantern Lamp
By Heintz Art Metal Shop
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mica-lined shade with a band of cutout "magic" lanterns is complemented by 4 sterling overlaid lanterns encircling base. Tastefully rewired with repro fabric-wrapped cord.
Antique Finely Wrought Gilt Metal Hall Lantern
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely wrought gilt metal and molded glass antique hall lantern in very good condition with minimal signs of age and use.
Metal
Antique Finely Wrought Gilt Metal Hall Lantern
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely wrought gilt metal and molded glass antique hall lantern in very good condition with minimal signs of age and use.
Metal
George iv Cast Metal Globe Lantern
Located in Dublin port, IE
A George IV cast metal globe lantern.
Iron
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.
Working with resin, a tricky material, has created moments of failure — and enlightenment.
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.