Lanterns
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Silver, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bronze
1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum, Iron
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Plastic
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope, Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Copper
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Rattan
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wire, Brass
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.