Lanterns
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Wrought Iron
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Metal, Gold Leaf
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Brass, Copper
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Rock Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1910s American Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century American British Colonial Antique Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Dutch Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Gold
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Napoleon III Lanterns
Brass
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Rococo Revival Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood, Pine
20th Century Belgian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Leaf
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Acrylic, Wood
20th Century Lanterns
Chrome
19th Century Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Turkish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
1950s French Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Giltwood, Glass
20th Century Lanterns
1950s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
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.