Mosque Lantern
20th Century Unknown Islamic Lanterns
Glass
Antique Late 18th Century Lanterns
Blown Glass, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Islamic Lanterns
Enamel
Antique 19th Century Unknown Islamic Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Aesthetic Movement Turkish Rugs
Wool
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century French Other Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Moroccan Lanterns
Brass
Antique 1880s French Islamic Lanterns
Art Glass
Antique Late 19th Century French Islamic Antiquities
Enamel
Antique 19th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Religious Items
Bronze
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Indian Islamic Decorative Boxes
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century Asian Islamic Metalwork
Metal
Antique 19th Century Turkish Islamic Religious Items
Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Bronze
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Limestone, Iron, Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Other Wall Lights and Sconces
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
2010s Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vases
Bronze
1890s Academic Landscape Paintings
Oil
2010s Italian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Oak
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Nickel
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Syrian Islamic Pottery
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Glass
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Suzani Tapestries
Cotton, Silk
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Aluminum
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.
Read More
This 1950s Paavo Tynell Chandelier Got a Glow-Up
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
These Designer Light Fixtures Are Total Scene Stealers
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
My Father Was Obsessed with This French Art Deco Tiger Lamp
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Hans Bergström’s Monumental Chandeliers Are Made for Grand Spaces
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Ettore Sottsass Captures a Shooting Star in This Rare 1970s Floor Lamp
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
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.