Lanterns
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1870s French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Gold, Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
1950s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Metal
1950s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Early 2000s French Baroque Lanterns
Crystal, Metal
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Gold, Brass
20th Century French Other Lanterns
Crystal, Pewter
1920s French Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Islamic Lanterns
Metal
Early 2000s American Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century English William IV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1890s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bronze
1850s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Belle Époque Lanterns
Metal
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Regency Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass, Steel, Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Art Glass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Bronze, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century European Renaissance Revival Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Iron
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1920s French Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Copper, Iron
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.