French Stable Lantern
Antique 1860s American Historical Memorabilia
Brass
People Also Browsed
19th Century Hudson River School Landscape Paintings
Board, Oil
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Historical Memorabilia
Brass, Bronze
1980s American Modern Figurative Paintings
Fabric, Burlap, Wood, Oil
Early 20th Century British Victorian Paintings
Paint
2010s American Books
Paper
19th Century Portrait Paintings
Oil
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s Fauvist Landscape Paintings
Oil, Board
1860s Victorian Figurative Sculptures
Plaster
19th Century Figurative Paintings
Oil
Antique 1730s Maps
Paper
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Metal, Brass
Antique 1820s Russian Neoclassical Cabinets
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century German American Colonial Paintings
Porcelain, Gesso, Giltwood
Antique Mid-19th Century Maps
Paper
Recent Sales
Antique 1880s French Rococo Revival Lanterns
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Lanterns
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Vintage 1920s French French Provincial Lanterns
Iron, Tin
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Lanterns
Antique Late 19th Century French Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Lanterns
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Lanterns
Antique Early 1800s French Empire Lanterns
Tôle
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
You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Christopher Tennant’s Lamps and Dioramas Evoke Sunny Days and Seaside Locales
The former magazine editor blends elements of the Far East and America’s eastern shores, bringing wit and delight to his handmade, upcycled designs.
Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room
This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.
NASA Parachutes Inspired Lighting Designer Bec Brittain’s New Collection
In "Paraciphers," now on view at Emma Scully Gallery in New York, Brittain introduces works that were more than a decade in the making.
This Handsome Leather Pendant Light Is Crafted Using Saddle-Making Techniques
The Doma by L’Aviva Home nods to Colombia’s equestrian heritage.
Celebrate Spring Year-Round with This Lush Murano-Glass Chandelier
Hand-blown glass makes the Italian fixture glow like dew-covered leaves in the sun.