Lanterns
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1910s French Vienna Secession Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Wire
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Crystal, Metal, Brass
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Other Lanterns
Brass
1990s Lanterns
Brass
1910s British Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
Late 20th Century American Brutalist Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Steel
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Industrial Lanterns
Iron
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Glass, Oak, Wood
1920s Mexican French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Chrome, Nickel, Steel
Late 20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Multi-gemstone, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1910s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1980s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century French Early Victorian Lanterns
Brass
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought 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.