Lanterns
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Oak
2010s Canadian Modern Lanterns
Walnut
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
2010s Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Fiberglass
1960s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
2010s American Brutalist Lanterns
Concrete
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Chrome
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Carrara Marble, Chrome
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Copper
2010s Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
2010s Indonesian Organic Modern Lanterns
Natural Fiber, Rattan, Seagrass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Silver Leaf, Brass
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession Lanterns
Brass
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Silver Leaf
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s French Modern Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Lanterns
Wicker, Glass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Steel
1960s Central American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Nickel
2010s Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
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.