Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
2010s Chinese Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Spanish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
1880s French Antique Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Leaf
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
1890s French Antique Lanterns
Giltwood
1910s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire, Brass
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
1920s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Ceramic
1880s Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1850s English High Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Iron, Lead
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
20th Century English Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s British Antique Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1930s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s German Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Lanterns
Cedar
2010s Austrian Vienna Secession 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.