Lanterns
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1830s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron, Nickel
Late 20th Century American Brutalist Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Steel
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s British Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Chinoiserie Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Tôle
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Industrial Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century French Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century American Regency Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Rococo Revival Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Lead
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1990s American French Provincial Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Glass, Wood
20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf, Bronze
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian 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.