Lanterns
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Lanterns
Brass, Wire
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Glass
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1930s Spanish Spanish Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Rope
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Lead
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
2010s American Brutalist Lanterns
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
2010s Japanese Lanterns
Paper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Silver Leaf
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century English Country Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
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.