Lanterns
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Copper
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Metal, Enamel, Steel
1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1940s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Persian Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Murano Glass
1950s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Parchment Paper
1890s American Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Plate
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Early 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary European Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
20th Century American American Colonial Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 2000s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1790s British Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass, Blown Glass
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1850s Irish Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
1880s French Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Enamel, Steel, Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Multi-gemstone, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1840s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
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.