Greek Key Lantern
20th Century American Lanterns
Metal
Antique 19th Century Unknown Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s American Neoclassical Lanterns
Antique 1850s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass, Wire
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Lanterns
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Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Alabaster, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Mid-20th Century British Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
Antique 19th Century Italian Empire Armchairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass, Wire
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Table Lamps
Steel
20th Century Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Resin, Lacquer
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Pedestals
Marble
Antique 1620s Belgian Art Deco Flush Mount
Brass, Iron
20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Wall Lights and Sconces
Chrome, Nickel, Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1960s German Hollywood Regency Sunburst Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
Greek Key Lantern For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Greek Key Lantern?
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.
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