Lanterns
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Silver Plate, Aluminum
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass, Copper
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century French Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Lanterns
Iron
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Copper
1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Lanterns
Copper, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary North American Lanterns
Bronze
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Glass
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Wire
20th Century Neoclassical Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
1950s North American Vintage Lanterns
Steel
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
Early 20th Century English Lanterns
Brass
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
2010s Italian Organic Modern Lanterns
Gold, Brass
20th Century American Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Lanterns
Brass, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary North American Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Spanish Empire Lanterns
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Brass
20th Century French Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire, Metal, Nickel
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Glass, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Lanterns
Glass
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Lanterns
Metal
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lanterns
Aluminum, Silver Plate
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Wire
Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Lanterns
Glass, Wood, Paint
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Metal
Early 20th Century Irish Victorian Lanterns
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Nickel
1880s English Georgian Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Parchment Paper
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.





