Lanterns
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Brass
1990s North American Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Silver Plate, Bronze
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1930s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Early Victorian Lanterns
Brass
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Asian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Aluminum, Copper
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech American Colonial Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Lanterns
Tin
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
1860s French Country Antique Lanterns
Steel, Copper, Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Spanish Gothic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Vintage, New and Antique Lanterns
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.