Lanterns
2010s Italian Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
1990s Asian Anglo-Indian Lanterns
Glass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Belgian Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Gold, Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Synthetic
2010s Italian Lanterns
Synthetic
2010s American Industrial Lanterns
Steel
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass, Gold
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
1970s Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lanterns
Iron, Tin
2010s Italian Lanterns
Synthetic
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Synthetic
2010s French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1970s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s Belgian Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s European Modern Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
1970s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Japanese Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Late 20th Century European Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
2010s Indian Other Lanterns
Marble
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s North American Prairie School Lanterns
Iron
2010s French Baroque Lanterns
Tôle
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Russian Louis XIV 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.