French Bagues Pagoda Lantern
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
Vintage 1940s French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Lanterns
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bronze
Vintage 1930s French Chinoiserie Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Bronze
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Early 20th Century French Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Late 20th Century American Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Candle Sconces
Stainless Steel
1950s Still-life Paintings
Oil, Board
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Metal
Early 20th Century French More Mirrors
Nickel
Antique 19th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Tôle
Antique Late 19th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Copper
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century French Louis XVI Chandeliers and Pendants
Rock Crystal, Metal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Paintings
Canvas
20th Century Chinese Settees
Wood
20th Century Italian Belle Époque Lanterns
Metal
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s French French Provincial Lanterns
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century French Belle Époque Chandeliers and Pendants
Rock Crystal
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal
Vintage 1920s French Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, 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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