Lanterns
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Platinum
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
1930s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster
1990s Lanterns
Fabric, Bentwood
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Brass
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
19th Century American Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Parchment Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope, Paper
1950s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Gothic Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Brass
1990s Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Steel, Chrome, Nickel
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1930s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Iron, Metal
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
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.