Bronze Mounted, Frosted and Hand Cut Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Montreal, QC
A "Bell-Jar" fixture is rarely found in this quality. The suspension chain and band are cast, not just stamped sheet brass; likewise, the candle holder and strawberry shaped boss t...
Brass
1970s Anglo-Indian Frosted Glass Bell Jar Lantern with Brass Fittings
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Anglo-Indian glass 7" diameter bell jar clear frosted hand blown glass lantern with floral etching with brass dark metal fittings .
Brass
Sold
H 83 in Dm 24 in
Massive French 19th Century Frosted Glass Bell Jar Hanging Light - TWO Available
Located in North Miami, FL
An amazing find - a pair of 19th C. architectural remnant lights from a landmark historic building, this rustic and heavy patinated iron and brass, sandblasted bell jar glass hanging...
Iron, Brass
Wonderful English Etched Paisley Glass Bell Jar Lantern Pendent Brass Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful English style etched paisley glass bell jar lantern pendant with brass trim and chains, interior with 4 candelabra lights.
Brass
Etched & Frosted Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Alexandria, VA
10" diameter bell jar lantern with original brass ring, chain and smoke bell.
Large Frosted Bell Jar Lantern with Star Etching
Located in Heath, MA
Manufactured by S&C Bishop of England in the late 19th century, this larger-sized bell jar lantern has a beautiful form that is accentuated by the fine quality handblown glass that B...
Brass
Large English Bell Jar Lantern with Frosted Etching
Located in Heath, MA
From our private collection, everything about this 19th century English handblown glass bell jar hall lantern is exceptional. Generously sized and classic in form, the bell jar featu...
Brass
Antique Bell Jar Lantern with Etched Leaf Motif
Located in Heath, MA
An exceptional bell jar lantern with its original etched smoke bell and brass details.
Brass
Regency Three-Light Bell Jar Lantern with Greek Key Band and Frosted Bottom
Located in Alexandria, VA
This unique lantern is adjustable in height-smoke bell appears to be original-includes hanging hardware, ceiling cap and chain.
Pair of Bell Jar Lanterns with Frosted Etching
Located in Heath, MA
An unusual pair of English handblown glass bell jar lanterns with decorative smoke bells, circa 1870.
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Frosted and Etched Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Charleston, SC
An early 19th century English Regency frosted glass bell jar lantern with brass, circa 1830, featuring floral etchings, three pendant drop and smoke bell.
Brass
Large 19th Century Frosted Glass Bell Jar Lantern with Star Motif
Located in Heath, MA
This late 19th century English bell jar lantern features classic form and fine quality, frosted hand blown glass adorned with etched, elongated stars.
Glass
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.
Designer Eva Menz wants the light to "evoke curiosity and a sense of wonder."
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.