Skip to main content

Italian Iron Lantern

to
19
288
106
383
13
3
25
20
15
12
7
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
25
107
251
16
80
120
22
13
3
13
22
40
32
16
10
2
1
347
332
193
110
34
373
366
9
9
5
398
388
388
7
5
3
3
2
Sort By
Vinatge Forged Iron Italian Lantern
Vinatge Forged Iron Italian Lantern

Vinatge Forged Iron Italian Lantern

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Elevate any interior with this striking vintage wrought iron lantern, richly detailed with ornate hand-forged scrollwork. Its architectural silhouette is framed by an elegant array o...

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian French Provincial Lanterns

Materials

Iron

19th Century Italian Antique Scrolled Iron Lantern
19th Century Italian Antique Scrolled Iron Lantern

19th Century Italian Antique Scrolled Iron Lantern

Located in New Orleans, LA

This striking 19th-century Italian lantern features beautifully executed scrolled ironwork, with sinuous curves and elaborated scroll motifs characteristic of period iron artisanship.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Florentine Renaissance Style Italian Wrought Iron Lantern
Florentine Renaissance Style Italian Wrought Iron Lantern

Florentine Renaissance Style Italian Wrought Iron Lantern

Located in Prato, Tuscany

This impressive Italian wrought iron lantern represents a refined example of the artistic ironworking tradition developed in Tuscan workshops between the late 19th century and the fi...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian 18th century Gilt Iron and Glass lantern
Italian 18th century Gilt Iron and Glass lantern

Italian 18th century Gilt Iron and Glass lantern

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A sensational and most decorative Italian 18th century Gilt Iron and Glass lantern.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern, Pair Available
Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern, Pair Available

Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern, Pair Available

Located in New Orleans, LA

This fantastic gothic style lantern is made of painted iron and dates back to the mid 20th century. The lantern features six open panels and a simple floral crown. The center stem su...

Category

20th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Italian Florentine Renaissance Revival Style Pair Italian Wrought Iron Lanterns
Italian Florentine Renaissance Revival Style Pair Italian Wrought Iron Lanterns

Italian Florentine Renaissance Revival Style Pair Italian Wrought Iron Lanterns

Located in Prato, Tuscany

This elegant pair of Italian wrought iron lanterns represents a refined example of the artistic ironwork tradition developed in Tuscan workshops between the late 19th century and the...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Italian Iron and Glass Lantern, 1960s
Vintage Italian Iron and Glass Lantern, 1960s

Vintage Italian Iron and Glass Lantern, 1960s

Located in Roma, IT

Splendid Italian lanterns made around the 1960s. Measurements: 90 cm in height and 30 in diameter, 50 cm without chain. Mount a European standard e27 light. There are signs of aging ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Samuel Yellin Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Hanging Lantern
Samuel Yellin Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Hanging Lantern

Samuel Yellin Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Hanging Lantern

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Renaissance-style (19/20th Century) wrought iron 6 sided hanging lantern with military motifs and glass panels (attributed to: SAMUEL YELLIN)

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gilt Iron Lantern
Gilt Iron Lantern

Gilt Iron Lantern

Located in New York, NY

An Italian circa 1950’s gilt iron lantern with blown glass insets.

Category

Vintage 1950s Lanterns

Materials

Iron

19th Century Italian Renaissance Glass Lantern with Iron Top
19th Century Italian Renaissance Glass Lantern with Iron Top

19th Century Italian Renaissance Glass Lantern with Iron Top

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Renaissance-style 6 sided glass lantern with an iron decorative top section.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Vintage Italian 4-Light Wrought Iron Lantern – Rustic Square Design
Vintage Italian 4-Light Wrought Iron Lantern – Rustic Square Design

Vintage Italian 4-Light Wrought Iron Lantern – Rustic Square Design

Located in Dallas, TX

A striking vintage Italian square lantern featuring four lights crafted in wrought iron with a rustic finish.

Category

1990s Italian Other Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron & Stained Glass Italian Gothic Lanterns (2 available)
Wrought Iron & Stained Glass Italian Gothic Lanterns (2 available)

Wrought Iron & Stained Glass Italian Gothic Lanterns (2 available)

Located in Hanover, MA

Two matching mid-century hexagonal Italian Gothic lantern pendants.. Cast metal in a traditional wrought iron form.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Gothic Revival Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Italian Venetian Gilt Iron Hanging Lanterns
Pair of Italian Venetian Gilt Iron Hanging Lanterns

Pair of Italian Venetian Gilt Iron Hanging Lanterns

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of Italian Venetian style (19th Century) gold painted wrought iron 8 sided hanging lanterns with leaf design (PRICED AS PAIR).

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Lanterns

Materials

Gold

Midcentury Hammered Iron Brutalist Lantern
Midcentury Hammered Iron Brutalist Lantern

Midcentury Hammered Iron Brutalist Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A large Italian circa 1960's hammered iron twelve-light lantern with original patina.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Pair of Italian Glass Iron and Glass Lanterns, Sold Individually
Pair of Italian Glass Iron and Glass Lanterns, Sold Individually

Pair of Italian Glass Iron and Glass Lanterns, Sold Individually

Located in New York, NY

Pair of circa 1950s Italian molded glass lantern with 3 interior lights. Measurements: Present drop: 30" Height of body: 22.5" Diameter: 8.5".

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually
Pair of Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually

Pair of Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually

Located in New York, NY

Pair of 1940's Italian hammered iron lanterns with amber glass insets.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern with Etched Glass, Pair Available
Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern with Etched Glass, Pair Available

Italian Mid-20th Century Iron Lantern with Etched Glass, Pair Available

Located in New Orleans, LA

This fantastic gothic style lantern is made of painted iron and dates back to the mid 20th century. The lantern features six panels with beautifully etched glass and a simple floral ...

Category

20th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Large Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Lantern, Paolo Buffa Style. 1940s
Large Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Lantern, Paolo Buffa Style. 1940s

Large Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Lantern, Paolo Buffa Style. 1940s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Argelato, BO

Large Italian Art Deco Lantern in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s This is a highly elegant piece, crafted thanks to the remarkable technical expertise of Italian craftsmen.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Monumental Art Deco Green Wrought Iron Lantern, Italy 1930s
Monumental Art Deco Green Wrought Iron Lantern, Italy 1930s

Monumental Art Deco Green Wrought Iron Lantern, Italy 1930s

Located in Milan, IT

Elegant Italian lantern dating from the 1930s, finely crafted in hand-forged wrought iron with textured frosted glass panels.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Vintage French Wrought Iron Lantern
Vintage French Wrought Iron Lantern

Vintage French Wrought Iron Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1950s Italian wrought iron lantern with four interior lights.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Florentine Chandelier Crystal and Wrought Iron Lantern by BF Art, Italy
Florentine Chandelier Crystal and Wrought Iron Lantern by BF Art, Italy

Florentine Chandelier Crystal and Wrought Iron Lantern by BF Art, Italy

By BF Art

Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen

Elegant Florentine crystal and wrought iron leaf chandelier by BF Art, Italy. Measures: dm 15.75“ (40 cm), height 26“ (66 cm), height incl. chain and canopy 59“ (150 cm). Lighting...

Category

20th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Golden Iron and Glass Lanterns, 1970s
Golden Iron and Glass Lanterns, 1970s

Golden Iron and Glass Lanterns, 1970s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Gilt iron and yellow glass lantern dating from the 1970s. Patina due to age and use, new plant in very good overall condition. Height 145 cm x diameter 40 cm. Lantern without pendant...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Gold, Wrought Iron

Monumental Italian Wrought Iron Lantern with Foliate Scrollwork and Glass Panels
Monumental Italian Wrought Iron Lantern with Foliate Scrollwork and Glass Panels

Monumental Italian Wrought Iron Lantern with Foliate Scrollwork and Glass Panels

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking and highly sculptural Italian wrought iron lantern, richly adorned with hand-forged foliate decoration and elegant scrolling elements.

Category

Vintage 1930s Spanish Spanish Colonial Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Venetian Gilt Polychrome Iron Hexagonal Lantern with Glass Panels
Italian Venetian Gilt Polychrome Iron Hexagonal Lantern with Glass Panels

Italian Venetian Gilt Polychrome Iron Hexagonal Lantern with Glass Panels

Located in Round Top, TX

A charming Italian Venetian hanging lantern crafted in gilt and polychrome lacquered iron sheet, designed with a hexagonal body and clear glass panels.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Lanterns

Materials

Copper

Monumental Dennis & Leen Attributed Patinated Iron Bronze Lantern
Monumental Dennis & Leen Attributed Patinated Iron Bronze Lantern

Monumental Dennis & Leen Attributed Patinated Iron Bronze Lantern

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Dramatic bespoke patinated iron and bronze lantern constructed on a monumental scale attributed to Dennis & Leen, Hollywood, CA. The grand Navarre lantern measures over 5 feet high a...

Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Iron, Bronze

set of five Tuscan 19th century Wrought Iron lanterns
set of five Tuscan 19th century Wrought Iron lanterns

set of five Tuscan 19th century Wrought Iron lanterns

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and most decorative set of five Tuscan 19th century Wrought Iron lanterns. Each lantern is centered at the bottom by a charming pierced ball finial below the scrolled and ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Very Large 1920's Ornate Wrought Iron Lantern
A Very Large 1920's Ornate Wrought Iron Lantern

A Very Large 1920's Ornate Wrought Iron Lantern

Located in London, GB

A spectacular decorative wrought iron lantern, standing an impressive 4'7" high, featuring intricately worked metal adorned with acanthus leaves and twisted rings.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

1900 Art Nouveau Gold and Blue Painted Iron Lantern
1900 Art Nouveau Gold and Blue Painted Iron Lantern

1900 Art Nouveau Gold and Blue Painted Iron Lantern

Located in Catania, Sicilia

It's an Italian procession lantern, now if electrified, it can be used as a charming pendant.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Venetian Lantern in wrought iron and stained glass, 1940s.
Venetian Lantern in wrought iron and stained glass, 1940s.

Venetian Lantern in wrought iron and stained glass, 1940s.

Located in Palermo, IT

Venetian lantern in wrought iron and stained glass, 1940s. In fair condition, requires minor restoration. Working. E27 bulb. It has a diameter of 40 cm. Height: 90 cm, including cha...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

END OF THE 19th CENTURY IRON LANTERN HOLDER
END OF THE 19th CENTURY IRON LANTERN HOLDER

END OF THE 19th CENTURY IRON LANTERN HOLDER

Located in Firenze, FI

Characteristic and elegant hand-forged iron lantern holder. Its structure allows you to raise or lower the lantern as needed.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

19c Italian Antique Gothic Style Lantern
19c Italian Antique Gothic Style Lantern

19c Italian Antique Gothic Style Lantern

Located in New Orleans, LA

A striking example of 19th-century Italian craftsmanship, this antique Gothic-style lantern features elaborate architectural detailing inspired by medieval Gothic design. Rendered in...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Gothic Revival Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually
Pair of Wrought Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually

Pair of Wrought Iron Lanterns, Sold Individually

Located in New York, NY

A pair of circa 1940s Italian wrought iron lanterns with interior lights.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Antique Venetian Wrought Iron and Tole 4-Light Lantern, Circa 1920s
Antique Venetian Wrought Iron and Tole 4-Light Lantern, Circa 1920s

Antique Venetian Wrought Iron and Tole 4-Light Lantern, Circa 1920s

Located in Dallas, TX

More information coming soon… This Italian (Venetian) wrought iron and tole lantern dates to the 1920s.

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Tin

Iron & Tole Italian Griffin.
Iron & Tole Italian Griffin.

Iron & Tole Italian Griffin.

Located in Stamford, CT

An iron and tole cold painted Italian Griffin. Possibly a lantern holder at one time.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron, Tôle

19th Century Italian Pair of Lanterns with Glass
19th Century Italian Pair of Lanterns with Glass

19th Century Italian Pair of Lanterns with Glass

Located in New Orleans, LA

A beautifully crafted 19th century Italian lantern featuring glass panels set within an elegant metal frame. The silhouette is classic and architectural, with refined detailing that ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Italian Baroque Style 19th Century Tole Hanging Lantern
Italian Baroque Style 19th Century Tole Hanging Lantern

Italian Baroque Style 19th Century Tole Hanging Lantern

Located in Sheffield, MA

Newly restored large and impressive size antique Italian baroque style gold gilded tole single light hanging lantern. The majestic Italian styling and proportions, makes this a perfe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Antique French Scrolled Iron Lantern, Hand Painted, Turquoise, 1940s
Antique French Scrolled Iron Lantern, Hand Painted, Turquoise, 1940s

Antique French Scrolled Iron Lantern, Hand Painted, Turquoise, 1940s

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

1919 A scrolled iron hand painted lantern. One internal light. Supplied with 2 feet of chain and canopy. Takes one 100 watt Edison based bulb.  

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Custom-Made Iron Leaping Stag Lantern, Slag Glass, Eight Lights, 1970s
Custom-Made Iron Leaping Stag Lantern, Slag Glass, Eight Lights, 1970s

Custom-Made Iron Leaping Stag Lantern, Slag Glass, Eight Lights, 1970s

Located in Stamford, CT

Custom-made leaping stag lantern new -old 1970s stock. Eight lights. Slag glass. Pewter type finish.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Adirondack Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Venetian Glass Lantern
Venetian Glass Lantern

Venetian Glass Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1950's Italian blown amber glass lantern with an iron frame and single interior light.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Handmade wrought iron Lattice Lantern in 24Ct Gold Leaf with Silk Organza shade
Handmade wrought iron Lattice Lantern in 24Ct Gold Leaf with Silk Organza shade

Handmade wrought iron Lattice Lantern in 24Ct Gold Leaf with Silk Organza shade

By Officina Ciani

Located in London, GB

This stunning Lattice Lantern was made especially for Andrew Kornat Designs buy the renowned Italian lighting manufacturer Officina Ciani when Andrew and his company were there exclu...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Blown Glass Murano Lantern
Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1950's Italian blown glass lantern with iron frame. Measurements: Diameter: 9" Drop: 21"

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Blown Glass Murano Lantern
Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1950's Italian blown glass lantern with iron frame. Measurements: Diameter: 9" Drop: 21"

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Vintage Blown Glass Lantern
Vintage Blown Glass Lantern

Vintage Blown Glass Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1940 Italian pale amethyst lantern, with an interior Edison light. Measurements: Height of body: 14.25" Present drop: 18.25" Diameter: 7.25"

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Giant Italian Hanging Lantern from the 1960s Exquisite Hand-Forged Craftsmanship
Giant Italian Hanging Lantern from the 1960s Exquisite Hand-Forged Craftsmanship

Giant Italian Hanging Lantern from the 1960s Exquisite Hand-Forged Craftsmanship

By Longobard

Located in Hannover, DE

Italian Hanging Lantern from the 1960s – Exquisite Hand-Forged Craftsmanship This exceptional hanging lantern is a remarkable example of fine Italian craftsmanship from the 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brutalist Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron, Lead

Midcentury Blown Glass Lantern
Midcentury Blown Glass Lantern

Midcentury Blown Glass Lantern

Located in New York, NY

An Italian circa 1950's blown glass and iron lantern with interior light. 

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Beautiful Floral Ceiling Lamp or Lantern by Banci Firenze, Italy 1950s
Beautiful Floral Ceiling Lamp or Lantern by Banci Firenze, Italy 1950s

Beautiful Floral Ceiling Lamp or Lantern by Banci Firenze, Italy 1950s

By Banci Firenze

Located in München, BY

Beautiful ball ceiling chandelier in gilded metal from the 1950s, curved shape with foliage decoration and glass flowers by Banci Firenze, Italy. This floral metal and crystal chand...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Gold Plate, Iron

Blown Glass Murano Lantern
Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A  circa 1920's blown Murano glass lantern with iron-work frame and interior light. Measurements: Drop: 18" Diameter: 10"

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Pair of Blue Glass Lanterns. Sold Individually.
Pair of Blue Glass Lanterns. Sold Individually.

Pair of Blue Glass Lanterns. Sold Individually.

Located in New York, NY

Pair of 1960's Italian blown glass lanterns. Sold individually. Measurements: Height of body: 16" Present drop: 20" Diameter: 9.5"

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Italian 1950s Black Iron and Crystal Cage Pendant Light / Chandelier
Italian 1950s Black Iron and Crystal Cage Pendant Light / Chandelier

Italian 1950s Black Iron and Crystal Cage Pendant Light / Chandelier

Located in New York, NY

A stylish and charming 1950s Italian chandelier in patinated black iron with crystal and glass accents. The chandelier is comprised of 8 vertical scrolled iron supports. Four pair ar...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Amber Blown Glass Murano Lantern
Amber Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Amber Blown Glass Murano Lantern

Located in New York, NY

A blown amber-colored Murano glass lantern with iron-work frame and interior light, circa 1950s. Measurements: Height of body (minimum drop) 14" Diameter 9".

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Retro Italian Handcrafted Solid Brass and Glass Six Sided Hanging Tole Lantern
Retro Italian Handcrafted Solid Brass and Glass Six Sided Hanging Tole Lantern

Retro Italian Handcrafted Solid Brass and Glass Six Sided Hanging Tole Lantern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Retro Italian Handcrafted Solid Brass and Clear Glass Electrified Six Sided Tole Lantern, Hanging Tole Lantern, Electrified with 3-Light Candelabra Light Fixture, 12v Candelabra Lig...

Category

2010s American Lanterns

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron, Tôle

19th Century Processional Lantern
19th Century Processional Lantern

19th Century Processional Lantern

Located in Ballard, CA

19th Century processional Italian Lantern, probably used for wedding and festivities in Venice, it has been wired for the American market and has a beautiful silk covered cord, the p...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Very Large Venetian Lanterns
Pair of Very Large Venetian Lanterns

Pair of Very Large Venetian Lanterns

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Venetian lanterns with bent glass panels, patinated metal body with foliage motif, circa 1900. Eight interior lights each (could have up to 12 lights).  

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Iron

Patinated Iron Dragon Light Fixture
Patinated Iron Dragon Light Fixture

Patinated Iron Dragon Light Fixture

Located in New York, NY

A circa 1970's Italian iron dragon lantern shaped light fixture with etched glass globe. 

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Iron

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Italian Iron Lantern", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Italian Iron Lantern For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Italian iron lantern you’re looking for. Each Italian iron lantern for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, iron and glass. Find 179 options for an antique or vintage Italian iron lantern now, or shop our selection of 3 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the Italian iron lantern you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An Italian iron lantern made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Baroque — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Italian iron lantern over the years, but those crafted by Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso and BF Art are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is an Italian Iron Lantern?

Prices for an Italian iron lantern start at $250 and top out at $38,500 with the average selling for $3,440.

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.