Victorian Smoke Bell
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Glass
Blown Glass
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
People Also Browsed
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century German Medieval Windows
Lead
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Doors and Gates
Glass, Stained Glass, Wood, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Windows
Lead
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Windows
Lead
Antique Late 19th Century English Windows
Glass, Stained Glass, Wood, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Rustic Picture Frames
Blown Glass, Softwood
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Steel
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Doors and Gates
Glass, Stained Glass, Wood, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Glass
Glass
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Glass
Brass
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Glass
Brass
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Glass
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Late Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Lanterns
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.
Read More
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Canadian Designer Philip Mitchell Masterfully Balances Tradition and Glamour
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.