Lanterns
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Lanterns
Brass
1650s French Antique Lanterns
Rope
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Country Lanterns
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Lanterns
Resin, Teak
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Rock Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1930s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s Mexican French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Lanterns
Wood, Teak, Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Other Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century French Early Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s American American Craftsman Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel, Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century American Victorian Lanterns
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.