Lanterns
20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Chrome
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Rope
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Rattan, Cane
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Rock Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
18th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron
1920s Moroccan Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1920s Moroccan Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Victorian Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1940s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Lead, Iron, Wrought Iron
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Gothic Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Late 20th Century Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century French Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Parchment Paper, Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
1970s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rattan, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Wicker, Rattan
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Brass, Iron, Wire
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Empire Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Industrial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
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.