Copper Post Lantern
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Copper
Antique 19th Century American Lanterns
Lead, Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze, Copper
2010s Italian Floor Lamps
Metal
20th Century American Arts and Crafts Table Lamps
Copper
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Early 2000s Dutch Vases
Ceramic
2010s American American Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Garden Ornaments
Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century German Lanterns
Lead
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Recent Sales
English Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron
Antique 19th Century English Lanterns
20th Century Lanterns
Copper
Antique 19th Century English Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 19th Century British Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1890s North American Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Copper, Brass
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Copper, Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Lanterns
Copper, Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Italian Architectural Elements
Early 20th Century American More Furniture and Collectibles
Iron, Copper
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1940s Japanese Lanterns
Copper, Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron, Copper
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Patio and Garden Furniture
Bronze, Copper
Antique 19th Century American Lanterns
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron, Copper
Antique 1880s English Gothic Revival Lanterns
Copper
20th Century European Lanterns
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.
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Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room
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This Handsome Leather Pendant Light Is Crafted Using Saddle-Making Techniques
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Hand-blown glass makes the Italian fixture glow like dew-covered leaves in the sun.