Lanterns
21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1980s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Other Lanterns
Steel
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Belle Époque Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Nickel
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Lanterns
Metal
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
19th Century Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Copper
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Lanterns
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
Early 20th Century French Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1840s English William IV Antique Lanterns
Metal
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1880s Gothic Antique Lanterns
Brass
1960s German Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Metal, Brass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Spanish Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper
2010s Italian Modern Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Paper
1940s English Vintage Lanterns
Glass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
1920s Polish Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass
20th Century Modern Lanterns
Iron
19th Century French Antique Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Lanterns
Brass, Iron
20th Century Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Copper
1960s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1920s French Art Nouveau Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Steel
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Lanterns
Bronze, 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.





