Lanterns
Early 20th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1980s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
19th Century English Georgian Antique Lanterns
Copper, Lead, Tôle
Early 20th Century British Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
Early 2000s American Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
2010s Georgian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Moorish Antique Lanterns
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century German Antique Lanterns
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Unknown Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary European Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Ormolu, Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Turkish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Lanterns
Ormolu
1950s American Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
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.