Lanterns
1970s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Aluminum
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Empire Lanterns
Brass, Steel
Early 1600s Asian Antique Lanterns
Brass
1950s English Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cane, Rattan, Wicker
2010s Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Empire Lanterns
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Iron, Tin
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron, Brass
19th Century French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Aluminum
Early 2000s Lanterns
Steel
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1790s Baltic Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Bronze, Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Danish Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper, Steel
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1970s Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1880s Italian Classical Roman Antique Lanterns
Alabaster
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
2010s Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Iron
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Glass, Wood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century European Antique 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.