Lanterns
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Brass, Steel, Iron
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Lanterns
Brass, Wire
20th Century Asian Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Irish Victorian Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Lanterns
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century French Rococo Antique Lanterns
Giltwood
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
2010s American Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Alabaster, Brass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Copper
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
Late 19th Century Spanish Revival Antique Lanterns
Metal, Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1990s Lanterns
Crystal, Steel
Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Lanterns
Iron
Early 1900s French Regency Revival Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1930s European Chinese Chippendale Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s English Vintage Lanterns
Other
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Sheet Metal
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Nickel
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
Early 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lanterns
Metal
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1930s French Chinoiserie Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Steel
1970s American Regency Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Wrought Iron
1850s English High Victorian Antique Lanterns
Bronze, Iron, Lead
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Modern Lanterns
Brass
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.





