Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
19th Century American Regency Antique Lanterns
Tôle
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Nickel
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1820s English Antique Lanterns
Copper, Lead
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
1910s French Country Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Copper
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s Danish Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Lanterns
Crystal, Marble
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Lanterns
Metal
1990s Moroccan Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Chippendale Lanterns
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lanterns
Brass
1940s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Chrome
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought 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.