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.
5
1,916
139
28
to
219
1,555
476
2,083
1,962
1,981
55,145
21,091
8,989
7,045
3,715
2,810
2,083
1,525
1,511
934
820
765
672
627
499
393
229
120
55
486
1,375
167
513
519
144
74
77
162
65
116
126
86
55
15
14
Height
to
Width
to
1,203
1,034
158
245
132
179
126
151
125
133
123
131
1,707
894
498
491
410
1,336
737
544
526
313
191
78
18
18
17
Style: Neoclassical
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Pair of Large Vintage Italian Alabaster Column Lamps with Ionic Capitals
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Fantastic Pair of Large Vintage Italian Alabaster Column Lamps in the neoclassical taste. Each with carved ionic capitals with reeded columns which sit atop a square plinth base. Bot...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
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
Mid-20th Cent. Neoclassical Cut Brass & Crystal Wedding Cake Pendant Light
Located in San Francisco, CA
Here is a handmade, Neoclassical, 4-tiered, wedding cake-style hanging light fixture from the mid-20th century. It has the original canopy, with a chain leading to the brass stems holding the cluster of 3 medium base sockets and the brass rim cut with a geometric motif. Rows of dangling octagon and icicle drop crystals hang from it in four tiers and it is finished with a cut crystal ball. Newly rewired and polished. 30” height x 10” diameter
note: We have 4 matching wall sconces...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal, 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
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
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 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
Historic chandelier vienna around 1890s with original antique glass shades
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic chandelier vienna around 1890s with original antique glass shades
Polished and stove enameled
original antique glass shades
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1900's Neoclassic Green and Gold Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Neoclassic style light fixture with Greek key design and interior lights
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Plaster
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze one light sconces.
Category
1910s 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Silver Plated Sconces with Grapes
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style silver plated engraved sconces with two lights. Grapes on shield design
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A splendid two Candle Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with replaced pleated shade, now electrified. Fine details including Acorn Finials, Beaded Candle Holders...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Bronze 6 Lights Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell 6 lights chandelier with brown patinated finish
Category
1920s 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 Caldwell Bronze Patineted Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's dark black patinated bronze sconces with two lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900s Large Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with flower design
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900’s Caldwell silver plated sconces, unusual flowers design and large size
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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
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
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Engraved Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Nickel Plated Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s neoclassic Caldwell light fixture with interior light
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Nickel
1930's Etched Mirror Sconces with Two Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pai r of circa 1930's etched mirrored backplate sconces with two lights
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with two lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's silver plated Caldwell sconces with two lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Large Neoclassical Style Alabaster and Bronze Pendant Light Fixture, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large French Neoclassical style alabaster and bronze pendant light fixture, ca. 1890.
An impressive late 19th-century alabaster ceiling pendant...
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Antique Danish Heiberg Table Lamps in White Porcelain and Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A matching 'small' and large example of the original Heiberg table lamps. They are made from white glazed porcelain featuring accents in patinated brass. The name Heiberg derives fro...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair, Aladdin Cast Glass Table Lamps
By Aladdin Co.
Located in Berkeley, CA
Trend setters predict "Granny-Chic" is the next big thing. These lovey table lamps would put you dead on point. Made by the world acclaimed oil lamp company, Aladdin out Chicago, jus...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass
1920s Mirror Sconces with Bronze Fittings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s mirrored back plate sconces with bronze fittings with two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze neoclassic style double light sconces
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Caldwell Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style 2 lights bronze sconces with etched mirror backplate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Brown patina Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s brown patina Caldwell double light sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair 1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with Cherub
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with cherub atop
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Baccarat Crinoline Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine "Crinoline" Chandelier by Baccarat featuring the classical crystal "plumes", octagon graduated chains and long slinder prisms. 8 lights.
France, circa 1930.
Dimensions:...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated double light sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Large Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with thee lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s large Caldwell silver plated sconces with 3 lights unusual size
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Four Antique Gilt Bronze Fifteen-Light Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These gilt bronze (ormolu) wall sconces are magnificent pieces, each holding fifteen lights. The sconces will look beautiful either mounted onto the wall in a line, or paired and pla...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
1920s Large Caldwell Neoclassical Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style large sconces with cherubs and mermaids on design and two arms for lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1940's French Large Opaline Glass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1940's French Opaline glass table lamps with gilt details.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Opaline Glass
1920's Gilt Bronze Flush Mounted with Opaline Leaded Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's leaded glass light fixtures with 2 interior lights, from Waldorf Hotel in NYC
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique Brass Floral White Milk Glass Dish Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical white glass dish pendant light with ornate cast details suspended from three chains with a brass fitter. Cleaned and restored. Takes th...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1930's Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces with Two Lights - Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair pf circa 1930's gilt bronze sconces with sunburst shaped backplate
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
1980s Lucite Lamps
Antique French 6 Light Chandelier
Antique French Desk Lamp
Antique Stained Glass Lighting
Antique Victorian Bell
Art Deco Art Nouveau Light Pendant
Art Deco Ball Lamp
Art Deco Chandelier With Geometric Details
Art Nouveau Crystal Chandelier
Black Pendant Perforated
Brass Art Deco Candelabra
Brass Table Lamp 1960s Tall
Chinoiserie Wood Lamp
Clear Cone Pendant Light
Copper Cone
Danish Pendant Wood
Desk Reading Lamp
Figurine Lamp