Lanterns
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Lanterns
Rope, Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s English Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s European Neoclassical Revival Vintage Lanterns
Cut Steel
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Metal, Bronze
Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Antique Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary German Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
Early 1900s Algerian Islamic Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Paper, Rattan
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Lanterns
Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Century European Regency Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Opaline Glass, Plastic
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Italian Other Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Opal, Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1910s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Industrial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Glass, Wood, Oak
18th Century English Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass
1880s Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope
Mid-20th Century Mexican Moorish Lanterns
Tin
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Romantic 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.