Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Baroque Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Cut Steel
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tin
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Wire
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Showa Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cotton, Cord, Wood
1910s American American Classical Vintage Lanterns
Iron
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Goatskin
1960s Belgian Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
2010s Lanterns
Metal
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1890s English Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Lanterns
Ceramic, Stoneware
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1950s Folk Art Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century North American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Metal
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Iron, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Plastic
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Alabaster, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1880s Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Porcelain
20th Century Spanish Bohemian Lanterns
Cord, Wicker, Rattan, Acrylic, Rope
20th Century Belgian Lanterns
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1930s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
Mid-19th Century European Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Early 20th Century French Moorish Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Lanterns
Blown 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.