Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century American Gothic Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1910s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass, Teak
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Iron, Brass
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1960s Italian Empire Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Wood
Early 2000s European French Provincial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Victorian Lanterns
Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1880s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1650s French Antique Lanterns
Rope
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Late 20th Century British Bohemian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
18th Century Sri Lankan Grand Tour Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Metal
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Silver
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Stained Glass
Early 2000s European French Provincial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
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.