Lanterns
1850s Irish Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century British Victorian Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century French Early Victorian Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Lanterns
Tin
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Metal
19th Century Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Iron, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron, Brass
1930s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Alabaster, Metal, Bronze
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century French Victorian Lanterns
Ormolu
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Silver
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze, Metal, Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Copper
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Victorian Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Metal
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron, Wire, Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Copper
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, 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.