Lanterns
Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
Early 1900s French Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s North American Prairie School Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Gold
Early 1900s French Empire Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Silver Plate
Early 1900s American Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Italian Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Silver, Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
2010s Japanese Lanterns
Paper
Early 1900s Turkish Other Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s English Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Crystal
Early 1900s American Medieval Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Silver Plate
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
2010s Indian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Rococo Revival Antique Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XIV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
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.