Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Ormolu
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Silver
19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-19th Century German Antique Lanterns
Lead
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
19th Century Swedish Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood
20th Century French Louis XVI Lanterns
Ormolu
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Lanterns
Silver, Brass
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Copper
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary French Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Copper
1920s Polish Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century German Modern Lanterns
Silver Plate
1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Rococo Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Art Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1870s Antique Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
1880s French Art Deco Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1850s Irish Early Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century American Victorian Lanterns
Glass
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Plastic
19th Century English Antique Lanterns
Lead, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Italian Georgian Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Steel
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.