Gas Lanterns Exterior
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique 1870s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass
Antique 1880s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Steel, Wire
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
2010s Central Asian Models and Miniatures
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s English Regency Revival Dining Room Sets
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 1820s English Arms, Armor and Weapons
Metal
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Uranium Glass
1990s Moroccan Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1920s American American Craftsman Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Floor Lamps
Other
Antique Late 19th Century British Lanterns
Stained Glass
Antique Late 19th Century Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s Great Britain (UK) Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
Antique Early 1900s Hong Kong Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Century French Balustrades and Fixtures
Iron
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique 1810s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Wire
Antique Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
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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Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room
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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.