Lanterns
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Iron
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Louis XV Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1880s English Georgian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Spanish Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Asian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century British Lanterns
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Spanish Empire Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper, Iron
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century North American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Lead
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Art Glass, Murano Glass
1810s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Copper, Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Steel
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.





