Lanterns
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Murano Glass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
1920s British Vintage Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Leaf
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Glass
Late 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Lanterns
Marble
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Glass, Giltwood
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Fir
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
2010s Belgian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Lanterns
Bronze, Chrome
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Gold, Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Metal
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Other Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Nickel
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1930s British Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Copper
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.