Lanterns
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Lanterns
Brass
1890s American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1930s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century French Belle Époque Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American French Provincial Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
1980s American Georgian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1820s Italian Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century European Louis XIV Lanterns
Brass
20th Century English Regency Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Rococo Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Asian Lanterns
Glass
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s British Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Turkish Moorish Lanterns
Ceramic
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Lanterns
Wood
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
1910s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Chinoiserie Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Other Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Mid-19th Century British Regency Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
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.