Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, Cane
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1920s American American Craftsman Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Other Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Steel, Iron, Tin
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
1910s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
20th Century American American Craftsman Lanterns
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Spanish Other Lanterns
Shell
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Lanterns
Porcelain
1930s Belgian Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1910s French Napoleon III Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
19th Century American Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Country Antique Lanterns
Copper, Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum, Nickel
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Crystal
1950s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
1890s English Country Antique Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze, 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.