Lanterns
1920s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Chrome
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wood, Opaline Glass
Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Italian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Regency Lanterns
Glass, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown French Provincial Lanterns
Giltwood
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s Belgian Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Opaline Glass, Murano Glass
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass
19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Metal, Silver
1920s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass, Opaline Glass
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze, Iron
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary American Greek Revival Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
19th Century American Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Lanterns
Oak, Wood, Rope
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
19th Century British British Colonial Antique Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Lanterns
Steel
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Steel, Iron, Tin
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Chrome
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Ormolu
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Copper
Early 2000s Italian Rococo Lanterns
Wood, Paint
1920s American Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
2010s French Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
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.