Lanterns
1960s Swedish Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Indian Other Lanterns
Marble
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Nickel
2010s Italian Lanterns
Gold, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 18th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Metal
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Gold
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Plastic
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Nickel, Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
1940s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Industrial Lanterns
Iron
1970s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Lanterns
Metal
1980s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Nickel, Aluminum
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s French Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
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.