Lanterns
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
Early 2000s Lanterns
Gold Plate, Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
2010s Polish Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary European French Provincial Lanterns
Copper
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Iron
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Modern Lanterns
Stainless Steel
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Copper, Metal, Brass
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Glass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Lanterns
Metal
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Ceramic, Bone, Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European French Provincial Lanterns
Copper
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Paper
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Chippendale Lanterns
Chrome
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1940s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s French 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.