Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s Turkish Other Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Chrome, Nickel
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
1950s Chinese Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Lanterns
Fabric, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
Late 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1930s English Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
1950s German Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century British Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Spanish Bohemian Lanterns
Cord, Wicker, Rattan, Acrylic
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
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.