Lanterns
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron
20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Steel
Late 19th Century Italian Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze
1970s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1990s Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Brass, Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Blown Glass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1870s French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Copper
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
Mid-19th Century French Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Bronze
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.