Lanterns
2010s American Mission Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lanterns
Iron
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1930s Spanish Spanish Colonial Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
2010s American Minimalist Lanterns
Crystal
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
1880s French Neoclassical Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
20th Century French Louis XIV Lanterns
Iron, Gold Leaf
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Steel
19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
1990s German Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Metal, Brass
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belgian Lanterns
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Brutalist Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Islamic Lanterns
Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary North American Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Empire Revival Lanterns
Brass, Bronze, Wire
1970s Arts and Crafts Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel, Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Louis XV Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Paint
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Wire
1920s French Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Bronze
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Silver, Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Lanterns
Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Ormolu
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
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.





