Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
1880s American American Empire Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Steel
1890s American American Empire Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Steel
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Metal
Early 20th Century Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Copper
People Also Browsed
Early 1900s British Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Marble, Brass
1770s Chinese Qing Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Mother-of-Pearl
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Copper
1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Wood, Cedar, Paper
Late 19th Century American Belle Époque Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Stone
19th Century American Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Brass
1890s Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Wood
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Glass, Oak
Late 19th Century Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Iron
Early 1600s French Louis XIII Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Iron
1930s American Modern Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
1910s Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Lithograph
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Stone
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Sandstone
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Brass, Copper
Late 19th Century French Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Copper
Early 20th Century American Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Metal
19th Century French Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Brass
19th Century American Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
19th Century American Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
Metal
Early 20th Century French Antique Railroad Signal Lantern
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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Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room
This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.
NASA Parachutes Inspired Lighting Designer Bec Brittain’s New Collection
In "Paraciphers," now on view at Emma Scully Gallery in New York, Brittain introduces works that were more than a decade in the making.
This Handsome Leather Pendant Light Is Crafted Using Saddle-Making Techniques
The Doma by L’Aviva Home nods to Colombia’s equestrian heritage.
Celebrate Spring Year-Round with This Lush Murano-Glass Chandelier
Hand-blown glass makes the Italian fixture glow like dew-covered leaves in the sun.