Oversized Hanging Lantern
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Garden Ornaments
Iron
People Also Browsed
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Architectural Elements
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
20th Century Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Garden Ornaments
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Tribal Art
Brass, Bronze
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Garden Ornaments
Iron
Vintage 1930s Moroccan Moorish Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1920s Syrian Early Victorian Console Tables
Wood
20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Vintage 1960s Japanese Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art Tea Sets
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Antique 19th Century Egyptian Moorish Settees
Walnut
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Wall Lights and Sconces
Vintage 1940s Italian Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1950s French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Metalwork
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1930s Japanese Lanterns
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1950s Italian Lanterns
Brass
Antique 19th Century Lanterns
Tin
Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Copper
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
Copper, Iron, Brass
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
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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