Lanterns
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Federal Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Empire Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 1900s American Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1760s Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Other Lanterns
Shell
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Iron
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Glass, Art Glass
1910s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate
1920s American American Craftsman Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Late 19th Century American Country Antique Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary German Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Glass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Chinese Lanterns
Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession Lanterns
Brass
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American 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.