Lanterns
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Italian Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s American Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Vintage Lanterns
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1960s Italian Organic Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1960s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Rope, Plexiglass, Teak
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s American Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s German Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Metal
1960s Swedish Vintage Lanterns
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.