Seahorse Lantern
Vintage 1930s English Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Lanterns
Early 20th Century Lanterns
20th Century Lanterns
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s French Wall Lights and Sconces
Ceramic
Vintage 1930s British Nautical Objects
Copper, Brass
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Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze, Brass
2010s American Bauhaus Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Textiles
Silk
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
Antique 1890s French Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Silver
Vintage 1960s French Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Brass
Vintage 1930s North American Lanterns
Brass
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Metal
2010s Indian Organic Modern Animal Sculptures
Nickel
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Lounge Chairs
Rattan
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Vitrines
Brass
Early 2000s Asian Figurative Sculptures
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
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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