Lanterns
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1940s American American Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Platinum
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Leather, Fabric
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Lanterns
Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Regency Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
2010s Japanese Lanterns
Paper
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Early 20th Century English Country Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century British Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
20th Century American Rustic Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1990s Russian Louis XIV Lanterns
Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Crystal
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1940s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century European Modern Lanterns
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze, Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Rope
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1930s Belgian Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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.





