Mizner Lanterns
Mid-20th Century Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Vintage 1930s European Chinese Chippendale Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s German Spanish Colonial Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Other Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants
20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Beds and Bed Frames
Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Lacquer, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
2010s Canadian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century William and Mary Console Tables
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century German Figurative Sculptures
Metal, Zinc
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Gold, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Paper
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Walnut, Fir
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Chinese Chippendale Benches
Wood, Faux Bamboo
Antique 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Tables
Beech, Mahogany
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Busts
Limestone
Finding the Right Lanterns for You
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.
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