Lanterns
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Steel
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
2010s English Lanterns
Metal, Nickel
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass, Murano Glass, Stained Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
1850s Irish Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Vintage Lanterns
Ormolu
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century French Other Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century American Regency Antique Lanterns
Tôle
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Steel, Metal
Early 1900s French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Lanterns
Metal, Steel
1820s English Antique Lanterns
Copper, Lead
1880s French Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 2000s Belgian Modern Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Early 2000s French Baroque Lanterns
Crystal, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Metal, Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
1960s Italian Empire Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1890s English Regency Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
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.