Lanterns
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Stained Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
18th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Lanterns
Iron, Aluminum
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1890s North American Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1890s Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tin
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1880s French Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1880s Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Metal
Early 2000s American Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century European Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Alabaster, Marble
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1950s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century European Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Lanterns
Copper
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Provincial Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
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.