Lanterns
1930s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Spanish Spanish Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1930s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Iron
1930s British Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s English Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Lanterns
Metal
1930s American Adirondack Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1990s American French Provincial Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Modern Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century British French Provincial Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Tôle
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1990s Moroccan Bohemian Lanterns
Copper, Pewter
1990s Indian American Classical Lanterns
Cut Glass
1970s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Empire Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s English Country Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1970s French Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1990s Moroccan Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1930s American Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1980s Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Late 20th Century British Lanterns
Bronze
1980s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1980s European Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1990s French Anglo-Japanese Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Chinoiserie Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Glass
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Gold, Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
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.