Porte Cochere Lantern
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lanterns
Bronze
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Italian Beaux Arts Lanterns
Bronze
Antique 19th Century British Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
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Vintage 1980s American Paintings
Paper
Antique 19th Century German Louis XVI Musical Instruments
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary French Figurative Sculptures
Resin
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Steel, Chrome
2010s Italian Other Chandeliers and Pendants
Gold
Vintage 1980s American Paintings
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Armchairs
Bronze
Vintage 1980s American Paintings
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Screens and Room Dividers
Gold Leaf
Vintage 1980s American Paintings
Glass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Steel
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Brass
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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