Lanterns
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s French Baroque Lanterns
Wood, Giltwood
2010s European Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Wrought Iron
2010s American Chinoiserie Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass, Gold
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
1990s Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Lanterns
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Bronze
1990s Unknown Islamic Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Nickel, Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
1980s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Nickel, Aluminum
2010s Italian Lanterns
Gold, Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Marble
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1970s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Wood
2010s Italian Baroque Lanterns
Brass
1990s Italian Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Wood
2010s Japanese Lanterns
Paper
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1980s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1970s European Vintage Lanterns
1970s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Silver
1970s American Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s American Victorian Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Minimalist Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
1970s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s African Islamic Vintage Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Lanterns
Plastic
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
2010s French Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
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.