Lanterns
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Glass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Gold Plate
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
20th Century Spanish Bohemian Lanterns
Rope, Cord, Acrylic, Rattan, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary German Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century British Neoclassical Lanterns
Nickel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s American American Craftsman Lanterns
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century American Beaux Arts Lanterns
Bronze
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1960s European Neoclassical Revival Vintage Lanterns
Cut Steel
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
1950s American Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1840s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Lanterns
Iron
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Opal, Brass
20th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Glass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Gothic Revival Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Turkish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1940s Italian Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum, Enamel, Iron
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron, Lead
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Plastic, Opaline Glass
18th Century Sri Lankan Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, 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.