Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Japanese Lanterns
Iron
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Nickel
20th Century Asian Lanterns
Brass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belgian Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1910s American Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 1900s English Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns
Bronze
1820s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
1880s Gothic Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Glass, Wood, Oak
20th Century Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Lanterns
Brass, Wire
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Wire
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Turkish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Lanterns
Late 19th Century Spanish Revival Antique Lanterns
Metal, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Lanterns
Brass, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary North American Lanterns
Iron
1920s French Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Lead
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Chinoiserie Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1890s French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron, Tin
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Gold Plate
1890s European Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Plastic
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.





