Lanterns
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wire
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1970s German Space Age Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
1970s German Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinese Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
1950s English Late Victorian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
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.