Lanterns
20th Century Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century English Lanterns
Wrought Iron
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
1960s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Rattan, Bamboo, Wicker
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze
2010s English Lanterns
Metal, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Oak
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Walnut
1940s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Early 20th Century English Victorian Lanterns
Iron
1940s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Copper
2010s Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Lanterns
Metal
Late 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Giltwood
Early 19th Century European French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Chrome, Nickel, Steel
1970s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Lanterns
Iron
1990s French Anglo-Japanese Lanterns
Bronze
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Country Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Copper
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Ceramic, Bone, Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century North American Regency Lanterns
Gold, Bronze
Early 20th Century British Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Fiberglass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
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.