Neoclassical Daybeds
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.
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Upholstery, Satinwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Daybeds
Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Daybeds
Silver Leaf
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Daybeds
Cane, Hardwood, Paint
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Birdseye Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Daybeds
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Daybeds
Silver Leaf
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Gold Leaf
2010s American Neoclassical Daybeds
Foam, Oak
2010s American Neoclassical Daybeds
Oak
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Daybeds
Iron
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Neoclassical Daybeds
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Daybeds
Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
1830s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Cherry
1850s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Daybeds
Iron
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Mahogany, Velvet
19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Gold Leaf
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Gold Leaf
20th Century French Neoclassical Daybeds
Iron
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Wood, Mahogany
Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Daybeds
Leather, Wood
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Daybeds
Bamboo, Rattan
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Rosewood
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Daybeds
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Daybeds
Bamboo, Rattan
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Birdseye Maple
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Daybeds
Velvet
20th Century Neoclassical Daybeds
Leather
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Mahogany
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Daybeds
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Daybeds
Brass
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Walnut
20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Daybeds
Silk, Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Burlap, Pine, Paint
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Daybeds
Metal, Steel
20th Century French Neoclassical Daybeds
Iron
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Daybeds
Metal
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Burlap, Muslin, Upholstery, Wood
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Velvet, Beech
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Upholstery, Birch
19th Century North American Antique Neoclassical Daybeds
Birdseye Maple