Lanterns
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Unknown Brutalist Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Country Antique Lanterns
Copper, Brass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Regency Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Multi-gemstone, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Steel, Iron, Tin
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Chrome
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown French Provincial Lanterns
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
1940s Turkish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Belgian Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Syrian Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
1970s German Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Giltwood
2010s Asian Lanterns
Acrylic
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Chrome
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Milk Glass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass
Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Copper
1950s French 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.