Lanterns
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Plate
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum, Iron
1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
1940s Adam Style Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s French Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1940s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1940s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1970s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
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.