Gas Outdoor Lantern
Antique 19th Century American Lanterns
Lead, Brass, Copper
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1970s American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1960s Black Forest Chandeliers and Pendants
Resin
Vintage 1910s Italian Rococo Chandeliers and Pendants
Plaster
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession Chandeliers and Pendants
Fabric, Opaline Glass, Silk
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Wall Lights and Sconces
Copper
Antique 19th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 1880s French French Provincial Lanterns
Brass, Tin, Iron
Early 20th Century Wall Lights and Sconces
Early 20th Century British Victorian Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Unknown Lanterns
Antique 1890s French French Provincial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century English Tudor Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Iron, 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.
- Can lanterns be used outdoors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not lanterns can be used outdoors depends on the piece. Ones crafted out of waterproof and rust-proof materials often work indoors and outdoors. Many are only suitable for display in covered outdoor or indoor areas. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and antique lanterns.
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.