Lanterns
1970s Italian Adirondack Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Victorian Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Copper, Bronze, Wrought Iron
1940s Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Baroque Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century French Islamic Antique Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Moorish Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1910s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Greek Revival Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Wood
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1920s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Copper
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
18th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Lanterns
Iron
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Irish Antique Lanterns
Cast Stone, Copper
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Early 19th Century Polish Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Alabaster, Vermeil
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Lanterns
Bronze, Chrome
20th Century American Regency Revival Lanterns
Gold Leaf
1950s Vintage Lanterns
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze, Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s German Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Charles X Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Adirondack Antique Lanterns
Metal, Tin
Late 20th Century Philippine Organic Modern Lanterns
Rattan
Early 1900s Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian 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.