Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Lanterns
Wood, Paper, Teak
2010s English Lanterns
Metal, Nickel
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Glass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Cotton, Cord, Wood
Mid-20th Century Louis XVI Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary German Organic Modern Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Murano Glass
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Tudor Lanterns
Aluminum
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Baroque Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1910s American American Classical Vintage Lanterns
Iron
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Ormolu
1820s English Antique Lanterns
Copper, Lead
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Cut Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
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.