Lanterns
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Copper
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1970s German Industrial Vintage Lanterns
Metal
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Metal, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
1960s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Gothic Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Glass
19th Century Spanish Antique Lanterns
Metal
1980s American Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century European Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lanterns
Metal, Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1910s Belgian Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Copper
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Copper
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1990s Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum
2010s Italian Lanterns
Steel
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Iron, Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Copper
Mid-20th Century English Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lanterns
Marble, Statuary Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Brass, Stainless Steel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century American Gothic Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron, Lead
Late 20th Century American Gothic Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Grand Tour Vintage Lanterns
Terracotta
1950s French French Provincial Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Spanish Gothic Lanterns
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Regency Lanterns
Glass, Paint
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Chrome
1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century American Rustic Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century American Lanterns
Steel
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.





