Lanterns
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Brass
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Swedish Baltic Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Chinoiserie Lanterns
Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Rope
1940s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1950s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Dutch Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
Early 20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron, Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
1990s Baltic Directoire Lanterns
Crystal
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Mirror
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1910s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Empire Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Wicker
1930s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
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.