Lanterns
1950s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Ceramic, Jute, Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Silk, Wood
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 1900s Algerian Islamic Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Lead
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Composition
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1990s Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Brass, Iron, Steel
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Beech
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Plastic
20th Century Unknown Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1920s French Louis XIV Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1920s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wire
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Baroque Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
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.