Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Leaf
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope
1870s French Baroque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Persian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Alabaster, Marble
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1840s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Nickel, Iron, Brass, Silver
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American American Craftsman Lanterns
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s American Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Other Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1950s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Lanterns
Bronze
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Craftsman Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century English Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
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.