Lantern W Tassel
20th Century French Provincial Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Chinoiserie Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1930s Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Chandeliers and Pendants
Alabaster, Brass
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21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique Late 19th Century Georgian Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Chaise Longues
Walnut, Fabric
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Chaise Longues
Linen, Oak, Paint
Vintage 1940s Belgian Georgian Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze, Nickel
20th Century English Country Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
20th Century English Country Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Walnut, Paint
Vintage 1910s Belgian Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Antique 1850s French Louis XV Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Giltwood
Vintage 1950s French Napoleon III Loveseats
Mohair, Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Nickel
Vintage 1930s French Adam Style Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1930s French Neoclassical Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
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.
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