Pierced Middle Eastern Lantern
Vintage 1950s Moroccan Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1940s Turkish Lanterns
Metal
Recent Sales
Vintage 1910s Unknown Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Turkish Lanterns
20th Century Lanterns
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Early 20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Floor Mirrors and Full-...
Brass
Antique 15th Century and Earlier African Natural Specimens
Bone
Vintage 1970s American Chinese Chippendale Benches
Wood, Faux Bamboo
Antique 19th Century Italian Art Deco Dining Room Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Marble, Brass, Steel
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Murano Glass
2010s Indian Modern Western European Rugs
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Toys and Dolls
Wood
Vintage 1960s Chinoiserie Cabinets
Lacquer
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Cabinets
Metal
Antique 18th Century French Rustic Flooring
Limestone
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Steel
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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