Monumental Hanging Lantern
Antique 1830s American American Empire Lanterns
Antique 1870s American American Empire Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Belgian Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Asian Other Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron, Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Onyx
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items
Wrought Iron, Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
2010s American Gothic Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Vintage 1960s Belgian Brutalist Dining Room Chairs
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Jewelry Boxes
Velvet, Walnut
Antique 1860s French Gothic Revival Benches
Walnut
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Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Smoked Glass
2010s American Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 1830s American American Colonial Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Moroccan Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Baroque Lanterns
Bronze
Vintage 1980s American Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Lanterns
Iron, Steel
Antique 19th Century Spanish Lanterns
Metal
Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors
Glass
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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