Neoclassical Lighting
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
4
1,894
138
26
to
211
1,544
462
2,058
1,936
1,955
54,659
21,069
8,925
6,955
3,669
2,812
2,058
1,513
1,477
929
813
769
671
614
489
385
229
119
55
486
1,353
164
513
502
141
74
76
163
64
115
124
79
53
14
14
Height
to
Width
to
1,189
1,026
158
245
133
180
127
152
126
134
124
132
1,682
886
489
488
401
1,315
726
540
522
305
190
78
18
17
17
Style: Neoclassical
Italian Nine Light Floral Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Classic Italian chandelier crafted in metal with a sheaf shaft, nine arms with acanthus leaves and flowers and turned wood candle cups, all with a worn oxidized painted finish and fe...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Set of Four brass Neoclasical Sconces Attributed to André Arbus 1940s France
By André Arbus
Located in London, GB
The 1940s set of four wall lights attributed to André Arbus (1903-1969) in gilded brass and mahogany.
Mahogany support with fluted brass base, from which three arms of light rise, en...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
French Neoclassical Style White Glass and Bronze Pendant Light, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautiful Neoclassical style white milk glass pendant ceiling light fixture with an ornate bronze frame. France, 1920s.
This ado...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful Regency Three-Light Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass Lantern Greek Key
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Regency / Neoclassical Three Candelabra Light Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass Lantern With Greek Key Pattern Etched On Both The Bell And To...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Antique Gilt Bronze and Porphyry Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of French antique gilt bronze and porphyry lamps
French, Late 19th Century
Lamps: Height 87 (tallest) / 75cm (shortest), diameter 21cm
Shades: Height 32cm, diameter 50cm
This...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porphyry, Ormolu
Vintage neoclassical pendant light, 1950s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage neoclassical style pendant light from the 1950s.
Gilt metal shade holder and decorated matte glass.
Tested and ready for use with a regular E27 light bulb holder.
1950s - ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Early American Style , Shield back Bronze Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great design of American or possibly English Sconces . All quality work and finished in a dark patina finish . Two arms with candelabra sockets and 3" ht socket covers . This pair ...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Apollo Bust Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century neoclassic style bronze Apollo bust converted into table lamp. Shade is not included
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Fornasetti Architecture Lamps
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Rare and vintage pair of iconic Piero Fornasetti architecture lamps from a the series Architecture. American wired.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1920's Large Caldwell 5 Lights Sconces with Acanthus Leaves
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's large Caldwell 5 lights bronze sconces with acanthus leaves
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Brass Parquet Floor Lamp on a Travertine Base
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant floor lamp is made of brass with adjustable reflector on a travertine and brass base. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Travertine, Brass
1920’s Caldwell Silver Plated 3 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated 3 lights sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical Style Midcentury Iron Table Lamps on Lucite Bases, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Neoclassical style iron vase table lamps from the mid 20th century with swag and gadroon motifs, mounted on custom lucite bases. Behold this stunning pair of mid-20th-centu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Iron
1920’s Small Silver Plated and Etched Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated and etched mirror backplate sconces with two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze neoclassic style sconces with two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Vintage Candlestick Lamp with New Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely French vintage lamp with a molded and trimmed bronzed metal candlestick base featuring elegant neoclassical motifs. The round base measures 5”. Champagne colored silk and br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
A Pair of MURANO GLASS WALL APPLIQUES, by FLAVIO POLI & VERONESE, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional pair of 3 "flambeau" wall lights, Forme-Libre, in translucent and turquoise blown Murano glass of rare finesse, unique pieces by Flavio Poli, Veronese edition, Murano,...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
1920's Caldwell Double Light Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French 1940s Neoclassical Style Nickel-Plated Floor Lamp
Located in Buchanan, NY
A French 1940s Neoclassical style floor lamp in a polished nickel finish ready to illuminate your space with style and grace. It features a footed triangular base that not only provi...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Nickel
Patinated Bronze with hand Blown Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Patinated bronze lantern with 3 candelabra lights and hand blown glass shade.
Dimensions 17" Diameter 45" Hight\, the lantern body is only 21" Hight.
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Style Brass and White Lacquered Table Lamps
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very elegant pair of neoclassical style table lamps is made of brass with white lacquered elements. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Nickel Plated Floor Lamps
Located in Buchanan, NY
Introducing a stunning pair of French 1940s nickel plated floor lamps, featuring ornate stems made up of turned and cast bronze and brass components that gracefully guide the gaze to...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Porcelain Backplate Blue Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell bronze and blue porcelain backplate sconces, with hand-painted 19th century man and woman on plate.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Venetian Bronze & Decorative Etched Mirrored Wall Sconces, C. 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Venetian two-arm bronze mirrored wall sconces with etched decorative floral, bird, and butterfly motif. Sconces retain the origina...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
A Tall Brass Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Tall Brass Corinthian Column Table Lamp
This is a very attractive lamp it has a heavy single corinthian style column set on a stepped rectangular base, it comes with a neutral c...
Category
1920s Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Large NeoClassical Torchere Uplighters
Located in London, GB
A pair of large English carved and painted Neo-Classical torcheres. In the original paints and with concealed aluminium dish uplighters at the top.
Provenance: The late Robert Maxwell
Category
1950s English Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Beech
French Empire or Neoclassical Style Gilt Metal Mounted Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Lomita, CA
The color and the elegance of this French Empire, Neoclassical style lamp in yellow with a swan makes it a standout. It is both dramatic and formal with a beautiful swan mount. The l...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Brass Hexagonal Hall Lantern
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century brass hexagonal hall lantern heavily decorated with neoclassical style figureheads, sea creatures and mermaids to the upper section, and terminating with naturalistic sc...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassic Maitland-Smith Porcelain Lamp Serpentine Lion Heads
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Neoclassic Maitland-Smith porcelain lamp with serpentine style lion head details and original off-white pleated fabric hard back shade. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Fine Pair of Porta Romana Gilt Obelisk Form Lamps
By Porta Romana
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of very fine quality Table Lamps by Porta Romana with an elemental Obelisk form and a sophisticated burnished gold finish. Takes a Candelabra base bulb.
H. 25", base 5 x 5"
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Giltwood
Vintage Alabaster Urn Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Italian Carved Alabaster Urn Form Lamp, mounted on a round lucite base. Newly wired with a 3-way socket.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
Neo-Classical Style Carved Wood Sconces W/ Urns & Draping Laurel Garland -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale neo-classical style carved wood sconces attributed to Hendrix Allardyce. The wiring and candle covers are new and in working order. Note the lovely gilt urns wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Maria Theresa Chandelier in Transparent Shiny Murano Glass 1980s Venice Italy
Located in Villaverla, IT
Maria Theresa Chandelier in Transparent Shiny Murano Glass 1980s Venice Italy.
This elegant Maria Teresa chandelier, entirely handmade in Murano – the worldwide known Venetian island...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
1920's Caldwell Leaded Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell white and brown leaded lantern
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass
Pair Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Two-Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Italian carved giltwood wall lights in the neoclassicals style.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wood
1900s Caldwell Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1900’s Caldwell large white leaded glass light fixture with interior lights.
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass
English Brass-Plated Sconces
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Original brass-plated sconces sourced from London, England by Martyn Lawrene Bullard
Fitted with original candle holders, and wall mounts.
Accompanied by brass key ring, suspended u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Bronze and Glass Ceiling Light Fixture, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical style bronze, brass, and glass ceiling light fixture, from circa the 1920s.
This adorable Neoclassical style three-light ceiling lamp features an impressive and o...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Light Fixture with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style light fixtures with beautiful Opaline glass inset.
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Large Leaded Opaline Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's large leaded glass light fixture with 8-10 interior lights.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Opaline Glass
Marbro Neoclassical Exotic Marble & Dore Bronze Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Marbro Exotic Marble & Dore Bronze Table Lamp
Additional information:
Materials: Bronze, Marble
Color: Amber
Brand: The Marbro Lamp Compa...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Double Lights Sconces with Mirror Backplate
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with sunburst shaped etched mirrored back plate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
André Arbus pair of Sconces
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional pairs of Arbus bronze sconces , hands holding a torch. Size of the back plate 3.5" H 2" W. Wattage 60 bulb. Priced by pair. 60w each.
Priced by pair.
US wired and in wor...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
1920's Caldwell Etched Mirror Sconces with Cherubs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze and mirrored backplate sconces with cherubs
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with double arms
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair 1920's Beveled Cobalt Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light silver plated sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's American Leaded Glass Light fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's American leaded glass light fixture with 8 interior lights.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Antique French Green / Silver Neoclassical Tole Painted Table Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, early 20th century.
An antique neoclassical style table lamp. The lamp features a traditional column model form with a silver tole base which has original green paint to su...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
1920's Caldwell Six Light Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated chandelier with six lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Mirrored Backplate Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with etched mirrors and two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze One light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s gilt bronze sconces neoclassic style with one light
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Light Fixture with Molded Cut Crystal Dome
Located in New York, NY
A large set from the Astoria Waldorf Hotel in NYC, circa 1930's French gilt bronze flush mount light fixtures with molded crystal inset. 2 interior lights.
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Style Faux-Bois Metal and Brass Table Lamps
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and simple pair of neoclassical style table lamps is made of faux-bois metal and brass. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
1920's Small Silver Plated Sconces with Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's silver plated sconces with beveled mirror backplate with two lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated one light sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Giltwood Carved Lamps on Faux Marble Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carved Giltwood Italian Neoclassical style lamps on faux marble bases. The lamps are wired and in working condition. No shades included.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Paint, Giltwood
Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Workstead, Maison Baguès, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $240,000 while the average work can sell for $3,427.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Italian Dining Chairs Gae Aulenti
Spanish Country Dining Chairs
Craft 1930s Lamps
Tall Iron Candle
3 Tiered Chandeliers
1960 Alvar Aalto Dining Chairs
Bronze Candelabra And Crystal
Bronze Crystal Candelabra
Painted Green Tole
Murano Frosted Chandelier
Murano Glass Lamp With White Glass Shade
Crystal Bronze Candelabra
Art Deco Glass And Chrome Table Lamps
Blue Murano Lamp Base
Crystal And Bronze Candelabra
Murano Curved Chandelier
White Glass Lantern Light
Yellow Mid Century Lamp Vintage