Lanterns
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1930s English Country Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Copper
1940s Unknown Chinoiserie Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Lanterns
Resin, Teak
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron, Bronze
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Other Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Italian Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1910s British Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Steel
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Central American Rustic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Tin
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Shaker Lanterns
Iron
1930s Italian Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Lead
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Murano Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
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.