Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
1970s German Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s European Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Metal, Enamel, Steel
2010s European Modern Lanterns
Metal
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Carrara Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Enamel, Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Lanterns
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s American Lanterns
Brass
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
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
19th Century English Gothic Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s Swedish Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wicker, Teak, Bentwood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Plastic
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s North American Lanterns
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Colonial Revival Lanterns
Steel
1920s American Spanish Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Modern 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.