Lanterns
Late 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Ormolu
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Tudor Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel, Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Silver, Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Crystal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Nickel
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Wood
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Early 18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
1880s Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Spanish Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Tôle
19th Century Italian Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Wood
1910s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
1810s American American Colonial Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown French Provincial Lanterns
Giltwood
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Rattan, Wicker, Paper
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.