Lanterns
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Baroque Lanterns
Glass, Giltwood
2010s Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Italian Victorian Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1990s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
1850s Austrian Empire Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Tôle
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century North American Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Giltwood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Lanterns
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
1970s French Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Plastic, Opaline Glass
Early 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century Dutch Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Islamic Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Nickel
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Parchment Paper
1930s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Early 19th Century European French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
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.