Lanterns
Early 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1920s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Italian Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
1880s Gothic Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Plaster
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
1910s French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s American Spanish Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Lanterns
Hardwood, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bronze
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Iron
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Plastic
20th Century Italian Georgian Lanterns
Brass
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Baroque Lanterns
Glass, Giltwood
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Lanterns
Steel
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Plaster
Mid-20th Century European Art Nouveau Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Industrial Antique Lanterns
Copper
1970s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Renaissance Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Early 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Fir
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century Italian Art Deco Antique 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.