Lanterns
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron, Bronze
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 19th Century Irish Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Iron, Wire
Late 20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century European Modern Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Moorish Antique Lanterns
Early 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century British Antique Lanterns
Stained Glass
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Colonial Lanterns
Tin
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Murano Glass
20th Century Spanish Empire Lanterns
Bronze
1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Chrome
1880s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster
2010s Italian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century British Lanterns
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
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.