Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Iron
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1920s French Belle Époque Vintage Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Brass, Copper
20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Opaline Glass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century Italian Modern Lanterns
Cut Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Gold Leaf, Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Plastic
1860s French Louis Philippe Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Italian Modern Lanterns
Cut Glass
20th Century Austrian Lanterns
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
Early 20th Century European Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Country Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
1970s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass, Murano Glass, Stained 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.