19th Century Petite English Bell Jar Lantern with Grape Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A delicate, nicely shaped bell jar lantern from England with a finely etched grape and vine motif
Brass
Antique Bell Jar Pumpkin or Melon Lantern with Wheat Etching
Located in Heath, MA
An exceptional melon or pumpkin bell jar lantern with wheat etching manufactured by Val St. Lambert
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Petite Antique Bell Jar Lanterns with Wheat Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A charming pair of hand blown glass bell jar lanterns with an etched wheat motif., circa 1890
Brass
Pair of Antique Globe Bell Jar Lanterns with Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A rare, well-matched pair of antique English hand blown glass globe bell jar lanterns with an
Brass
Pair of Antique Petite Bell Jar Lanterns with Trellis Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A rare, well-matched pair of petite English hand blown glass bell jar lanterns. Perfect for smaller
Brass
19th Century Aqua Blue Bell Jar Melon or Pumpkin Lantern
Located in Heath, MA
Belgian glass. This rare, authentic circa 1890 bell jar lantern features all-original fittings, including
Brass
Pair of Antique Petite Bell Jar Lanterns with Wheat Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A rare, well-matched pair of petite English bell jar lanterns with an etched wheat motif, circa
Brass
Set of Antique Globe Bell Jar Lanterns with Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
bells/lids, strands of chain and brass finials are original to the globes. The embossed brass bands were
Brass
Early 20th Century Small Size Bell Jar Lantern with Etched Glass
Located in Raalte, NL
Old candle lantern lantern also called bell jar with carved brass frame and peacock heads on which
Brass
Set of Three Petite Antique Bell Jar Lanterns with Floral Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A rare suite of three petite antique hand blown glass bell jar lanterns with complementary floral
Brass
19th Century Large English Bell Jar Lantern with Grape Leaf Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A substantial English handblown glass bell jar lantern with lovely form and an attractive grape
Brass
19th Century Emerald Green Pumpkin or Melon Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Heath, MA
circa 1890 heirloom is in very good condition and has its original press glass smoke lid and brass
Brass
Pair of Large 19th Century Bell Jar Lanterns with Wheat Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A very beautiful pair of handblown glass bell jar lanterns with an etched wheat motif. These circa
Brass
Pair of 19th Century English Bell Jar Lanterns with Diamond Etching
Located in Heath, MA
It is rare to find a pair of authentic bell jar lanterns with such great quality handblown glass
Brass
Pair of Petite 19th Century Bell Jar Lanterns with Diamond Etching
Located in Heath, MA
Charming pair of English handblown glass bell jar lanterns with an etched diamond pattern, circa
Brass
Pair of Large 19th Century Bell Jar Lanterns with Diamond Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A stately, large pair of 19th century English handblown glass bell jar lanterns, circa 1870, with
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
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Bell Jar Lanterns with Grape and Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
A lovely, well-matched pair of antique bell jar lanterns from England. These circa 1870 pendants
Brass
Pair of 19th Century English Bell Jar Lanterns with Grape and Vine Etching
Located in Heath, MA
Petite, charming pair of authentic hand blown English bell jar lanterns, circa 1840, with a finely
Brass
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.