French 19th Century Iron Hanging Lantern with Groups of Fleur De Lis at Top
Located in New Orleans, LA
This large elaborate hexagonal wrought iron hanging lantern features fantastic scroll work and dates back to the 19th Century.
Wrought Iron
Antique Middle Eastern style Jeweled Brass Lantern / Chandelier / Hanging Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Antique (early 20th century) bronze and metal lantern form chandelier in the Middle Eastern style with hexagonal shape, dome shaped top inset with faceted blue and amber glass jewels...
Brass, Metal
1960s Italian Bamboo Rattan Bohemian Modernist Tall Floor Lamp Hanging Lantern
By Rosenthal Netter, Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern floor lamp perfect in any room. Great design and manufacturing characterized by the hanging lantern. This charming piece is in the typical ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Italian Mid 20th Century Wrought Iron Hanging Lanterns
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful pair of Italian hand painted wrought iron and glass hanging lanterns date back to the mid 20th century.
Wrought Iron
Art Deco Mixed-Metals and Smoked Glass Lantern Style Hanging Light - TWO Avail
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful nickel and brass lantern style hanging light is surrounded by smoked glass panels and florescent lights provide ample illumination. We have TWO available.
Brass, Nickel
Bronze Antique Ceiling Lantern, France, 1920's
Located in Bastogne, BE
France, 1920's. An ornate French 19th-20th molded glass hanging lantern has elongated molded and cut-glass body surmounted with floral wreaths and acanthus.
Bronze
Huge Antique French Early 20th Century Metal Glazed Lantern Light. C.1900
Located in London, GB
A grand and imposing glazed metal hanging lantern. French, c.1900. A beautifully made French lantern combining pressed panels and cast decorative elements including a stylised fish,...
Metal
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.