Neoclassical Seating
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
19th century painted Italian armchairs in Neoclassical style having gilt detail, a rounded back, upholstered seat and curvaceous arms.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Neoclassical Italian Leather Armchairs Wicker Accent Dining by HOOKER
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description be sure to click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this listing.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions of
Hooker Neo...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wicker, Wood
Plitman Banquet Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Plitman banquet chair is a mahogany dining chair hand carved in the Chippendale style and upholstered with client’s own fabric.
Bespoke sizing, d...
Category
16th Century British Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs with Cast Bronze Rams, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are so elegant! This is a pair of late 19th century Italian neo-classical style arm chairs. The frame is a carved mahogany with peg construction. The grey linen blend upholster...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
TOMLINSON 1960's Neoclassical Upholstered Dining Armchairs - Pair
By Tomlinson
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Mid 20th Century Neoclassical style upholstered dining armchairs by Tomlinson Furniture. Walnut with their Tokay finish, slight ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut, Burl
Pair of Neoclassical X-Frame Upholstered Benches, 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Pair of Neoclassic X-frame upholstered benches, 20th century. Metal frames with matte silver finish and impressed floral design. Slip seat cushions upholstered in pony hair.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Dining Chairs Ellipse Upholstered Red Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Grand Pair of Northern European Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of Northern European mahogany and bronze mounted Neoclassical armchairs of great scale and design, early 19th Century and in the Neo-Grecian manner, the slightly scrolled back o...
Category
1830s European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of 18th Century Silver Leaf and Painted Venetian Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th Century silver leafed and hand painted Venetian side chairs. Seat inserts are covered in leather. Excellent condition for their age. S...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Pair of Neoclassical Style White and Polychrome Hall Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Each with an oval back in the form of a pierced fan paterae centered by a gilt floral roundel and edged in gilt; the dished seat with gilt banding raised on front square tapering leg...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Unusual Early 20th Century Photographer's Posing Chair with Ornate Carving
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a very unique photographer's posing chair from the early 20th Century. Chair features original upholstery, tooled leather, ornately carved wood fr...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Dining Chairs Ellipse Upholstered Beige Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style armchairs from the early 20th century. This antique pair of accent chairs from Italy are each carved with n...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Greenapple Chair, Ellipse Chair, Set 6 Chairs, Blue-Grey, Handmade in Portugal
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 6 Ellipse chairs, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
18th Century Dutch Inlaid Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18th Century Dutch inlaid side chairs. Strong and sturdy, but delicate with different exotic inlaid woods. Ball and claw foot motif. Back...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Ironies Cast Gilt Bronze Bench with Knees and Paw Feet
By Ironies
Located in Miami, FL
Ironies cast gilt bronze pantieres bench with paw feet and animal legs
Offered for sale is an elegant gilt-bronze Pantieres Bench created with four animal legs and paw feet. The s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four
Located in Parma, IT
Set of 4 classic "Chiavarina" chairs early 20th century.
Cherry wood frame with "crosse" backrest, turned front legs and "saber" back legs "seat with "willow laths" fine stuffing. E...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Straw, Cherry
French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous, antique pair of French arm chairs in the neoclassical style.
Each chair consists of an elegantly carved wood frame with a distressed paint finish and new linen upholstery....
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Oversize Vintage Kravet Down Fill Lounge Chairs in Green and Cream Plaid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage Kravet furniture track arm lounge or side chair. Covered in a light green, cream and red/orange plaid. With a straight and square back which is slightly taller than the track...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Down, Feathers
Set of Six Neoclassical Style Aluminum Garden Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately set of six aluminum patio and garden dining armchairs made in the style and manner of Brown Jordan. The cast aluminum frames feature a square back with neoclassical style rib...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Painted Neoclassical Style Curule Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Curule-form bench, having a padded, crown seat of onyx-printed linen with nailheads, on an ivory painted frame showing natural wear, its fielded apron centered with an acanthus-flank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th Century painted Italian low side chairs. Newly upholstered in aqua velvet. Flower garland and urn motif.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
1900s Italian Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of finely carved 1900s. Possibly late 19th Century. Giltwood armchairs. Possibly English, but most likely Italian. Upholstery is new. Fabric is high end designer in an Asian mot...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Fine Set Of Eight Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs With Red Silk Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly elegant set of Chairs with a very interesting and somewhat complex Neoclassical styling. With four arm and four side chairs. Fine wood frames in a dark stain with scro...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Italian Majolica Neoclassical Style Garden Seat Stool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular Mid-Century Modern Italian Majolica garden seat stool made in the neoclassical taste. The heavy stool has a square form decorated with a subtle...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
Walnut Small Bench or Stool, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sidewalk. Walnut wood. Century XVIII.
Rectangular board stool with smooth molding on the edge and turned legs in the shape of balusters, which are secu...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Other
Early 20th-C. Neo-Classical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Eagles
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fantastic bench! It is a neo-classical style carved Italian piece newly upholstered in a flax linen. The supports are wonderful hand carved eagles. It is in very good condi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Fine Italian Style Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very fine wood carved Italian style giltwood bench. Upholstered in Janet Yonati silk velvet. Fine vintage reproduction.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
Jansen Paris Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s to 1940s Giltwood bench. Strong and sturdy. Signed into the wood "Jansen" with numerals. Covered in an embroidered fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Venetian Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th century Venetian armchairs. Newly-upholstered in designer fabric. Heavy for their size. Comfortable.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Vintage Conant Ball Low Back Bow Back Maple Windsor Spindle Chair
By Conant Ball
Located in Germantown, MD
1970s Conant Ball low back windsor chairs. Solid maple wood construction. Excellent condition.
Low back and bow back with spindles.
Measuremen...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple
André Arbus Pair of Ash Wood Neoclassical Armchairs, 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
These elegant André Arbus armchairs are sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. They were designed and prod...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa - Blue
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted Curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Painted Bench or Settee, ex-Madeleine Castaing, after design by Chapuis
Located in Richmond, London
A very decorative 'curule' settee, late 19th century after a design by Jean-Joseph Chapuis.
Provenance: Madeleine Castaing, Maison de Lèves, Chartres, France.
Why we like it
Besides the iconic provenance, this bench is a great example of the 19th century design, informed by classical antiquity. Decorated in the exotic 'Etruscan' style to simulate patinated bronze, with its dramatically exaggerated curves, evoking the ancient Roman 'sella curulis' - a symbol of magisterial power, this settee is truly a special example of its kind. A squab cushion covered in a fabric complimenting other textiles in the existing interior will complete the look of this super-stylish bench.
Provenance – Madeleine Castaing
Together with a pair of armchairs en-suite (sold by us in may 2022), this settee was photographed in the vestibule at Maison de Lèves near Chartres - country house of the iconic French interior designer and antiques dealer Madeleine Castaing (1894–1992). Madeleine married the heir and art critic Marcellin Castaing – the legendary love of her life – who in the 1920's acquired a neoclassical gentilhommière at Lèves, that she had been admiring since her days in a convent school nearby, for her to "unwind" as he explained. The house would become one of her masterpieces as she discovered her own vocation for interior design. Extant photographs reveal a number of changes that had been made to the interiors over time. The writer Maurice Sachs once wrote about Madeleine's passion for her home: “The constant transformations she made to the estate kept her as busy as the world can keep a socialite…”. The contents of Maison de Lèves as well as Castaing's Rue Jacob...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Cane
André Arbus Pair of Ash Wood Neoclassical Armchairs, 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
These elegant André Arbus armchairs are sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. They were designed and prod...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Jacques Adnet Neoclassic High Back Side Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
This tall back, neoclassic side chair is attributed to French designer Jacques Adnet circa 1945. The tight back and seat is enhanced with an appliqued decorative banding front and ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of English 1900s Neoclassical Style Painted and Gilt Chairs with Feathers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Neoclassical style painted wood side chairs from the early 20th century with parcel gilt décor and carved feather motifs. Created in England at the Turn of the Century which saw the transition between the 19th to the 20th, this pair of Neoclassical style side chairs draws our attention with their shield-style backs adorned with mesmerizing giltwood feathers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Linen, Upholstery
Italian Neoclassical Lyre Back Chairs, Circa 1800
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique Italian Neoclassical hand carved lyre back side chairs with rosette carving at center of curved top back rails. Both chairs with early period construction and nicely ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Pair of Italian Neoclassical Lacquered Wood Armchairs
Located in IT
18th Century pair of Italian Neoclassical Lacquered wood armchairs.
Measurements: cm H 108 x W 73 x D 77, seat cm H 46 x D 51 x W 61.
This elegan...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Italian Neoclassical Style Iron Scrolled Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Italian iron daybed featuring large, dramatic scrolled ends with x-form stretchers. The daybed has a fitted cushion measuring 8 inches deep upholstered with newer fabric. Sup...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Set of Ten Mid-19th Century Norwegian Upholstered Birch Armchairs
Located in Middleburg, VA
Rare Set of Ten Neoclassical armchairs. Elegant form with saber legs and simple arms . Made of beautiful golden colored birch. Extremely comfortable. Recently reupholstered . Denmark...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Italian Neo-Classical Style Gilt Tassel Savonarola / Campaign Chairs, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Italian neo-classical style gilt metal tassel Savonarola or campaign chairs. They date to the 60s and the marbleized upholstery is new. Arm; 27.5”. They are amazing!
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather armchair with top-grain Havane brown color leather, with padded cushion and backrest, large nailhead details and square tapered legs....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Updated Traditional Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Updated Traditional Sofa that is stylishly expressive with its low-key elegance. A low back and sloping arms cradle the loose back pillow and creat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of Hollywood Regency wrought iron curule benches made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms a...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Swedish Neoclassical Style 1880s Painted Wood Bench with Carved Waterleaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish 19th century painted bench Circa 1880
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th century
Dimensions: 53" W x 18.25" D x 15" H
A Swedish neoclassical style painted wood bench ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Neo Classic Mahogany Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Neo Classic mahogany side chair, the flame veneered bar top rail and solid splat above an upholstered seat, on square tapering legs.
Dimensions: 20" W x 25" D x 37" H.
Seat 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Ebonized Leather Rope Klismos Chairs After Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of large klismos chairs featuring a dramatic ebonized black lacquer finish and leather woven rope strap seats. The oversized chairs are unsigned, however they are made...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Style Walnut Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Each with lattice backs, carved arms square seat and raised on square tapered legs with carved detail and gilt accents. Very comfortable and useable.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Maison Baccarat Crystal Room Restaurant Style Nickel Plated Dining Chair Set 10
By Chiavari
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional set of ten Italian nickel-plated over Brass Chiavari chairs.
Consisting out of 6 Dining Chairs and 4 high back Side Chairs.
New light violet silk upholstery.
Similar c...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Swedish Neoclassical Style Carved Gilt-Wood & Upholstered Sofa Bench, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassic style gilt-wood and upholstered sofa bench from the 19th century. This antique sofa from Sweden, approximately 5.75 feet in...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th C. Pair of Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Armchairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Grand Pair of 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Armchairs. These gracefully designed chairs are supported by two tapered square back legs and two carved rosettes abov...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Classic Skirted Slipper Chair in Hot Pink Velvet with Contrast Velvet Back
Located in Greenwich, CT
About this piece
Made to order skirted slipper chair. As shown with cotton velvet and cut velvet contrast outside back.
How we work
Made t...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Elegant Hand Painted Continental Settee with Gilt Decoration
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful hand crafted double seat settee by Galimberti Lino, Italy. The finish is a hand stippled almost tortoise finish on walnut with a cartouche...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Scroll Back and Scroll Arm Club Chair with Loose Seat Cushion and Pleated Skirt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Nolis club chair is our version of one of the most popular styles of club chair known, a classic style club chair that is extremely comfortable and can be a welcome addition in a...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen
André Arbus Living Set Ash Wood Four Armchairs Coffee Table 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
This elegant André Arbus living room set is sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. Including four armchairs and a coffee table, it was designed...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Folding Iron Bed
Located in Buchanan, NY
French iron bed, circa 1900, made to be used against the wall. This bed is not for sale, for rental only. Additional pillows and fabrics are available ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, Modenese Gastone, Greenapple, and GF Modern. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $3,861.
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