Lanterns
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century American Federal Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century North American Lanterns
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Steel
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1990s North American Lanterns
Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1990s Baltic Directoire Lanterns
Crystal
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1970s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Greek Folk Art Lanterns
Terracotta
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Copper
1940s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1990s Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1980s Other Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Turkish Islamic Lanterns
Ceramic
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1980s Other Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1990s American Regency Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century British Bohemian Lanterns
Metal
1980s American Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Plate
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
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.