Lanterns
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Gold Leaf, Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
18th Century Sri Lankan Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Rope
Late 19th Century Antique Lanterns
Brass
1980s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Wool, Glass
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Dutch Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
1890s American Gothic Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
1990s Baltic Directoire Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
1960s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Aluminum
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 1600s Asian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Empire Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1950s Vintage 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.