Lanterns
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century North American Regency Lanterns
Gold, Bronze
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1920s Rococo Revival Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
1920s Beaux Arts Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Steel, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
1910s French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Nickel
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lanterns
Nickel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1950s Italian Regency Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1950s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Metal
1920s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Brass, Steel, Iron
1950s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century English Regency Revival Lanterns
Ormolu
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal
1950s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1920s French Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron, Copper
1920s French Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
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.