Mosque Lantern
Early 20th Century European Islamic Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Unknown Islamic Lanterns
Glass
Antique Late 18th Century Lanterns
Blown Glass, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Islamic Lanterns
Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Islamic Turkish Rugs
Wool
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1940s Persian Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Blown Glass
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
1890s Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Board
Vintage 1980s English Neoclassical Porcelain
Porcelain
Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Egyptian Islamic Side Tables
Silver, Brass, Copper
Antique 1890s Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Copper, Enamel
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 1870s Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Ceramic
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Busts
Granite
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
20th Century Moroccan Table Lamps
Metal
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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