Lanterns
Late 17th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Tôle
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Copper
1960s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
2010s American American Craftsman Lanterns
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century French Empire Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron, Lead
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1910s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Blown Glass
1980s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Islamic Lanterns
Brass
1980s European Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Chinese Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Dutch Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, 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.