Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession Lanterns
Brass
2010s Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary French Post-Modern Lanterns
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Silver Leaf, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Silver Leaf
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American American Colonial Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Greek Revival Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Organic Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
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.