Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Italian Belle Époque Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century American Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
20th Century Asian Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1910s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
18th Century Italian Rustic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
19th Century Gothic Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1820s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century European Industrial Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American American Colonial Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wire, Brass
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1890s Italian Renaissance Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Glass, Oak, Wood
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass, Copper
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.