How do you identify antique railroad lanterns?

To identify antique railroad lanterns, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on the bottom. Using trusted online resources, you can determine who produced your lantern based on these markings, and then you can research the company to find out when it was in business and making lanterns similar to yours. To be considered an antique, a railroad lantern must be at least 100 years old. If you can't find a maker's marking, it's generally necessary to use the characteristics of a lantern to date it. Because this can be difficult without experience and training, you may wish to seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer when identifying unmarked railroad lanterns. Explore a selection of lanterns on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a brass chandelier is antique?

There are a couple points to check in determining if your chandelier is antique. The drops were faceted on both sides, and there also may be daisy-shaped glass buttons. You can also shop a range of chandeliers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Antique Lantern Chandelier

French Art Deco Lantern

French Louis Xvi Lantern

Early 20th Century Bronze Lanterns

French Pendant Lantern Iron

Brass Hall Lantern

19th Century French Bronze Lantern

Gilt Metal Lanterns

Arts And Crafts Lantern

Category

Mid-19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Very Fine and Special Mid-19th Century Baccarat Crystal Chandelier

$175,000

Small Louis XVI Bronze Chandelier, French 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each sconce

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Small Louis XVI Bronze Chandelier, French 19th Century

$2,250

Palatial and Rare 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

A palatial and rare late 19th century gilt bronze and baccarat crystal thirty-nine-light chandelier

Category

Late 19th Century Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Palatial and Rare 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier

$125,000

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze and Crystal Chandelier

$13,000

Palatial Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

interior lights, bobeche cups. If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Palatial Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier

$140,000

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each sconce

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore Crystal Chandelier

$18,000

Late 19th Century French All Crystal Two Tiered Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal

Late 19th Century French All Crystal Two Tiered Chandelier

$4,250

Beautiful French late 19th Century Louis XVI Chandelier made of Bronze

Located in New Orleans, LA

. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful French late 19th Century Louis XVI Chandelier made of Bronze

$4,500

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

$12,000

Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Russian Empire Style Baccarat Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

inches / 76cm Lights – 18 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces, Charles

Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Russian Empire Style Baccarat Chandelier

$32,500

French Antique Basket Chandelier, Belle Epoque, Late 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Basket Chandelier, Belle Epoque, Late 19th Century

$2,995

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

$12,000

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

$45,000

Nice Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Nine-Light Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Nice Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Nine Light Chandelier Multi-faceted and shaped

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Nice Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Nine-Light Chandelier

$12,500

Fine Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Eleven-Light Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

– 11 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces, Charles Cheriff Galleries is

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Eleven-Light Chandelier

$30,000

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze Crystal Chandelier, Two Tiers

Located in New Orleans, LA

antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze Crystal Chandelier, Two Tiers

$17,500

Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Eight-Light Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

/ 122cm Diameter – 34 inches / 86cm Lights – 8 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze

Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Eight-Light Chandelier

$35,000

Lovely Late 19th Century Bronze and Rock Crystal Chandelier by Gagneau Frères

Located in Long Island City, NY

/ 127cm Diameter – 28 inches / 71cm Lights – 8 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Lovely Late 19th Century Bronze and Rock Crystal Chandelier by Gagneau Frères

$55,000

Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Twenty-Five-Light Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

Lights – 25 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces, Charles Cheriff Galleries

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Twenty-Five-Light Chandelier

$47,500

Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore Chandelier, French 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

This French Louis XVI chandelier is made of bronze d’ore, dates back to the 19th century, and is

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Gold

Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore Chandelier, French 19th Century

$4,500

Italian Forged Iron Round Chandelier, Gothic Revival, Late 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Iron

Italian Forged Iron Round Chandelier, Gothic Revival, Late 19th Century

$6,000

French Late 19th Century Small Louis XVI Wood Iron Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Iron

French Late 19th Century Small Louis XVI Wood Iron Chandelier

$1,250

Tiered Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, French 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Tiered Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, French 19th Century

$12,500

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore, Red and Clear Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each sconce

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore, Red and Clear Crystal Chandelier

$4,750

Large Bronze D’ore Gothic Revival Chandelier, French 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

rewired and in working order. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Large Bronze D’ore Gothic Revival Chandelier, French 19th Century

$45,000

Louis XV Bronze d’Ore Crystal Chandelier, French, 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each sconce

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

Louis XV Bronze d’Ore Crystal Chandelier, French, 19th Century

$95,000

19th Century French St. Louis Crystal Chandelier Stamped “St Louis France”

Located in New Orleans, LA

antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal

19th Century French St. Louis Crystal Chandelier Stamped “St Louis France”

$95,000

French 19th Century Restauration Bronze d’Ore Patinated Bronze Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Restauration Bronze d’Ore Patinated Bronze Chandelier

$24,000

Bronze Crystal Louis XV Gasolier Chandelier, French Late 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Bronze Crystal Louis XV Gasolier Chandelier, French Late 19th Century

$6,500

Fine Late 19th-Early 20th Century Iron and Crystal Fifteen-Light Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces, Charles Cheriff Galleries is the right place to come. We have over

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Fine Late 19th-Early 20th Century Iron and Crystal Fifteen-Light Chandelier

$27,500

Large and Important Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Empire Style Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

Lights – 24 If you are looking for a chandelier, a lantern or sets of sconces, Charles Cheriff Galleries

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large and Important Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Empire Style Chandelier

$60,000

Grand French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

Grand French 19th Century Louis XV Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

$30,000

French late 19th century Gothic Revival iron chandelier with Winged Dragons

Located in New Orleans, LA

Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Iron

French late 19th century Gothic Revival iron chandelier with Winged Dragons

$11,500

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Three Tiers

Located in New Orleans, LA

chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and each sconce

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Three Tiers

$17,500

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore, Red and Clear Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

This beautiful French 19th century chandelier is made of bronze d’ore and features fantastic

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Bronze d’Ore, Red and Clear Crystal Chandelier

$6,500

French 19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier with Torch and Decorative Chain

Located in New Orleans, LA

generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier with Torch and Decorative Chain

$16,000

Unique French 19th Century Louis XVI Chandelier with Ropes, Tassels, and Roses

Located in New Orleans, LA

generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Unique French 19th Century Louis XVI Chandelier with Ropes, Tassels, and Roses

$3,950 / item

Grand French 19th Century Empire Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

Grand French 19th Century Empire Bronze d’Ore and Crystal Chandelier

$97,500 Sale Price

25% Off

French Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Pair Available, 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Pair Available, 19th Century

$17,500 / item

Pair of French Louis XV Patinated Bronze Crystal Chandeliers, 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

working order. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of French Louis XV Patinated Bronze Crystal Chandeliers, 19th Century

$25,000 / set

19th Century French Bronze Crystal Chandelier, Center and Bobeches of Crystal

Located in New Orleans, LA

This elegant Napoleon III two tier chandelier is made of bronze and draped with ropes of octagon

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century French Bronze Crystal Chandelier, Center and Bobeches of Crystal

$9,500

French Antique Cast Iron Foliate Chandelier, 19th Century Electric Hanging Light

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Iron

French Antique Cast Iron Foliate Chandelier, 19th Century Electric Hanging Light

$2,550

French Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with Crystal Stem, Pair Available

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Louis XVI Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with Crystal Stem, Pair Available

$14,500 / item

Unique French Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with Grape Motif, Early 20th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

our fourth generation antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Unique French Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with Grape Motif, Early 20th Century

$3,750

19th Century French Chandelier with Black Enamel Center and Chiseled Bronze Top

Located in New Orleans, LA

Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet of chain, and ample wire, and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century French Chandelier with Black Enamel Center and Chiseled Bronze Top

$2,500

Fine Caldwell Carved and Cast Marble Bronze Lamp

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in New York, NY

), the firm left a legacy of custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling

Category

19th Century American Rococo Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Fine Caldwell Carved and Cast Marble Bronze Lamp

$4,500

Excellent Pair of Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Sconces by Caldwell

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in Long Island City, NY

legacy of custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures

Category

Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Excellent Pair of Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Sconces by Caldwell

$22,500 / set

Pair of Baroque Style Silvered Bronze Rock Crystal Wall Sconce Attrib Caldwell

By Maison Baguès

Located in Forney, TX

of custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures

Category

Early 20th Century American Baroque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Baroque Style Silvered Bronze Rock Crystal Wall Sconce Attrib Caldwell

$5,500 / set

Gilded Bronze Floor Lamp by Edward F. Caldwell Co

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in New York, NY

custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures, floor and

Category

Late 19th Century American Empire Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Gilded Bronze Floor Lamp by Edward F. Caldwell Co

$3,700

Pair of Silver Plated Tri-form Griffin Lamps

Located in Hanover, MA

lanterns, chandeliers and lamps and had a sports department offering bicycles and sports attire. By 1900

Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Silver Plated Tri-form Griffin Lamps

$4,750 / set

Fantastic Pair of Early 20th Century Bronze and Marble Candelabra by Caldwell

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in Long Island City, NY

, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures, floor and table lamps, and other

Category

Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Fantastic Pair of Early 20th Century Bronze and Marble Candelabra by Caldwell

$17,500 / set

American 19th Century Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Lamp by E.F. Caldwell Co.

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

left a legacy of custom designed and finely made lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures

Category

19th Century American Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

American 19th Century Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Lamp by E.F. Caldwell Co.

$12,700

Pair of French Art Deco Plafonniers

Located in New Orleans, LA

in our shop is professionally rewired and in working order. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal

Pair of French Art Deco Plafonniers

$7,000 / set

French Late 19th Century Bronze and Crystal Plafonnier

Located in New Orleans, LA

antique store in The French Quarter of New Orleans. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a canopy, three

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Late 19th Century Bronze and Crystal Plafonnier

$2,950

Pair of Wired Empire Hanging Oil Lamps, French 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

professionally rewired and in working order. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy, three feet

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Wired Empire Hanging Oil Lamps, French 19th Century

$7,500 / set

Fine Set of Four Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Five Light Sconces by Caldwell

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in Long Island City, NY

legacy of custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures

Category

Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Set of Four Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Five Light Sconces by Caldwell

$40,000 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Excellent Quality Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mirror by Caldwell

By Edward F. Caldwell Co.

Located in Long Island City, NY

legacy of custom designed and finely-made, metal gates, lanterns, chandeliers, ceiling and wall fixtures

Category

Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Antique Lantern Chandelier

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Excellent Quality Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mirror by Caldwell

$37,500

Lighting Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Lighting

20th Century Lighting

Metal Lighting

European Lighting

Lighting on Sale

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Antique Lantern Chandelier For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic antique lantern chandelier available at 1stDibs. An antique lantern chandelier — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the antique lantern chandelier you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique lantern chandelier made by Arts and Crafts designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one antique lantern chandelier that is appealing in its simplicity, but Holophane, Baccarat and Ercole Barovier produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Lantern Chandelier?

Prices for an antique lantern chandelier start at $50 and top out at $135,000 with the average selling for $2,804.

Finding the Right Chandeliers-pendant-lights for You

Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.

While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.

The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)

Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.

Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.

Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.

For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.

The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.

With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.

Questions About Antique Lantern Chandelier

How do you identify antique railroad lanterns?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
To identify antique railroad lanterns, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on the bottom. Using trusted online resources, you can determine who produced your lantern based on these markings, and then you can research the company to find out when it was in business and making lanterns similar to yours. To be considered an antique, a railroad lantern must be at least 100 years old. If you can't find a maker's marking, it's generally necessary to use the characteristics of a lantern to date it. Because this can be difficult without experience and training, you may wish to seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer when identifying unmarked railroad lanterns. Explore a selection of lanterns on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a brass chandelier is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a couple points to check in determining if your chandelier is antique. The drops were faceted on both sides, and there also may be daisy-shaped glass buttons. You can also shop a range of chandeliers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.