Lanterns
1960s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
2010s American Spanish Colonial Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1920s American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1940s Belgian Other Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lanterns
Plastic
1930s European Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1890s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Metal, Steel
1970s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Lanterns
Crystal, Iron
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Silver Plate, Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Cord, Ebony, Maple
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Lanterns
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Brass
1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Georgian Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Crystal, Brass
1930s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass, Wrought Iron
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
2010s American Brutalist Lanterns
Concrete
20th Century Art Nouveau Lanterns
Brass
2010s Asian Lanterns
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Lanterns
Hardwood, Glass
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Chrome
1850s American American Empire Antique Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1930s Vintage Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
1910s French Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
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.





