Lanterns
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1910s American American Classical Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze
1790s Baltic Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tin
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lanterns
Nickel
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Copper
1870s French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Brass
1920s American American Classical Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1920s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
1940s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1990s Indian American Classical Lanterns
Cut Glass
1920s British Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Silver Plate, Bronze
1910s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
1970s French Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s American Classical Antique Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Giltwood
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
18th Century English Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Spanish Rococo Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Lanterns
Brass, Copper
18th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Unknown American Classical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English American Classical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass, Gold Leaf
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1920s American Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Italian Rococo Vintage Lanterns
Iron
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.