Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lanterns
Ceramic
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Gothic Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Silver Plate, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Industrial Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Steel
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Copper
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1940s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Empire Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1920s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
1950s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
1890s French Louis XVI 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.