Neoclassical Furniture
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 20th Century Scottish Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Siena Marble
20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Clay
Early 20th Century British Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Stone, Limestone
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Concrete
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Metal
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Early 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century European Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Birch
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Fruitwood
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Wood
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Cane, Wood
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1920s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century Czech Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Czech Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Stone
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Ivory
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Early 1900s Indonesian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Wool
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1870s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Silver
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Rock Crystal
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wrought Iron, Brass
Early 1800s German Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1890s English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Read More
What Is Ormolu, and Why Are We Talking about It?
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
New York’s Hirschl & Adler Showcases the American Workmanship and Design Panache of Neoclassical Treasures
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Susanna Salk’s Favorite Designers Show Us How to Play with Patterns
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
6 Creative Ways to Decorate with Sculpture Busts
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.