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
Art Deco Leo Armchair Lounge Chair Jacquard Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Leo Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Leo puts a modern twist on the traditional armchair.
The sumptuous upholstery in mint green...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Bouclé, Cotton
Vintage 19th Century Duncan Phyfe Sofa in Barrow Fabric
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Saint Louis, US
An undeniably beautiful and coveted antique 19th Century Duncan Phyfe sofa upholstered in a feline Onyx Merramec Barrow fabric. One of the brilliant...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
Classical Regency Style Black Lacquered Gilded Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Rochester, NY
Set of four Neoclassical Regency style side chairs / dining chairs with beautifully tailored striped upholstered seats and backs, faux bamboo turned legs, gilded crossed arrows at to...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Baker Furniture Barbara Barry Six "X" Back Chairs
Located in Toledo, OH
Six Barbara Barry collection by Baker Furniture X back chairs. Mahogany and gold/brown upholstery. Two with arms. Armchairs measure: 27" wide, 20" ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th century American Bird's-Eye and Tiger Maple Sleigh Bed
Located in Savannah, GA
Classic American sleigh bed in a double size. Made of fine New England tiger and bird's-eye maple, it is solid, sturdy and would fit a mattress approximately 75 inches x 50 inches.Se...
Category
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Figural Lion Pillow Top Stools, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical walnut flanking figural lion pillow top stools with central shell fruit carvings, and resting on acanthus foliate scrolled legs, Early 19th Century
Category
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
C1940 Bankers Dining Room Armchairs 3 Square Back Available
By Gunlocke
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous collection of hardwood bankers chairs often found in offices, jury rooms, conference centers etc. Created from oak maple and walnut these chairs are heavy duty quality seating, great for a dining area. 3 chairs available and have some variations to them, 3 are more square in the back. Different makers, some are gunlocke chair co...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple, Oak, Walnut
Bona Lilium Chair
Located in București, RO
Bona Lilium Armchair
Step into the enchanting world of the Bona Lilium armchair. Every brushstroke weaves a captivating narrative of a royal lifestyle. Within its intricate design li...
Category
2010s Romanian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Set of Six Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs Italian
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of Six Walnut Neoclassical Dining Chairs with urn carved back splat sitting on four tapering legs. Italian, Circa 1850. The drop in seats recently upholstered.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
Pair 20th Century Empire Style Gold Gilt Ram Heads Bergère or Tub Chair
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of 20th Century classically styled gilt wood bergére chairs newly upholstered in a white cotton ticking fabric with feather down wrapped seat cushion.
These chairs also avail...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Classic French Dining Chairs in Cherry Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this chair features a sophisticated sunbleached Cherry wood finish and graceful front turned, tapered and fluted legs, adding a touch of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Classic French Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this chair features a sophisticated London Mist wood finish and graceful front turned, tapered and fluted legs, adding a touch of Europea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Open Lattice Dining Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, this chair features a classic silhouette that gracefully blends with any decor style. The chair's standout feature is its exquisite white eggshell inlay o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Open Lattice Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, this chair features a classic silhouette that gracefully blends with any decor style. The chair's standout feature is its exquisite white eggshell inlay o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Homecrest Grenada loveseat Glider with cushions and coffee table, Circa 1960’s
By Homecrest
Located in San Jose, CA
2 piece set wired love seat glider and coffee table
made of wrought iron
set includes
1 glider love seat
1 rectangular coffee table
Circa 1960's by
love seat measures
68” wide × 28" ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage weathered dark brown leather classical style club chair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage dark brown leather classical style club chair. This chair stands on a walnut Chippendale style frame and has dark brown weathered comfortable leather. The chair fea...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Late 20th century hand wrought iron newly upholstered bench
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a late 20th century hand wrought iron newly upholstered bench. This wrought iron bench has a gray steel finish to the surface of the metal. The newly upholstery bench is done...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Rare Russell Woodard Rocking chairs + Side Table, Salterini, Wrought Iron, MCM
Located in San Jose, CA
A beautiful set of rocking armchairs with matching side table.
Salterini collection
Daisies pattern
Made by Russell Woodard
Circa 1960’s
Made of wrought Iron
chairs in great working...
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron
Classic Antique Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a gracefully curved urn form splat back adorned with exquisite figured Cerejeira veneers, known for their beautiful swirling patterns that captivate the eye. The veneers fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique Side Armchair, France cca 1880
Located in Lucija, SI
Antique side armchair made in France about 1880
Very good condition for such old chair
Rare item
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Rare Russell Woodard Gliders + Side Table, Salterini, Wrought Iron, MCM, Vintage
Located in San Jose, CA
A beautiful set of gliding chairs with matching side table.
Salterini collection
Daisies pattern
Made by Russell Woodard
Circa 1960’s
Made of wrought Iron
Gliding chairs in great wo...
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron
Pair of Painted Neoclassical Style Barrell Back Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of neo classical style painted and gilt decorated barrel back armchairs, late 20th century. With brass nail head upholstered backs, arms with down swept arm supports ending in a...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Beautifully weathered Teak park bench from Summit Furniture, 72” , very heavy
By Summit
Located in San Jose, CA
A beautifully weathered heavy duty park bench by Summit furniture manufacturing
In great condition
Beautiful focal point piece
Great for any location
Very thick pieces
72” length
M...
Category
Early 2000s Indonesian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Teak
Swedish Polychrome Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautifully polychromed bench adds a subtle pop of color. Place in any space to create interest.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Russian Neoclassical Mahogany Armchairs, Pair, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An incredibly rare and unusual pair of circa 1800 Russian or Baltic Directoire style armchairs or fauteuils of both klismos and curule variant form, the solid mahogany frames gilt-me...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Italian Neoclassical Baroque Style Sofa with fine floral silk upholstery
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning Italian neoclassical baroque Three-Seater Sofa, a symphony of opulence and comfort designed to adorn your space with unrivaled elegance.
Carved from the finest materials,...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage Red Tufted Leather Arm Chairs
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of vintage Chesterfield style arm chairs feature vintage red leather upholstery, tufted seat backs, and hardwood arms and base.
Dimensions: 25w 26d 35h 20sh 25ah
Conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Faux Leather
Pair of Antique Stools, Ebonized Beech Wood, Creme Fabric, France circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
A beautiful pair of petite stools from the french restoration / Biedermeier period.
Solid beech wood, ebonized and polished. Newly upholstered and covere...
Category
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
20 th Century klasszikus ullo szalon goblen garnitura
Located in Kerepes, HU
Ez egy klasszicista stílus ülő szalon garnitúra, finom es elegáns kecses jelenéséével. Maga a szövetben áll a különlegesé, amiben egy hímzett szövetről, kárpitról van szó, régi góbén...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
A set of four exquisite Regal Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs by Maitland-Smith. Standi...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Six Piece Rattan Ficks Reed Set, Two 94" Rattan Sofas, Chair, Ottoman Two Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in Stamford, CT
A spectacular pair of Ficks Reed rattan sofas in an original factory finish: a pale blue wash. Original cushions to use or for reupholstery. All cushions and rattan pieces are in gre...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
Pair of White Leather + Brass Pompeii Armchairs by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of rare white leather and brass ‘Pompeii’ armchairs designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. These Neoclassical chairs feature elegant curved backrests and white leather ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Black Leather + Bronze Pompeii Armchair by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare ‘Pompeii’ black leather and bronze armchair designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. This Neoclassical chair features a sculptural sloped bronze backrest, curved legs, an...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical Swedish Satinwood Daybed or Recamier
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb example of the neoclassical daybed or recamier that dates to the Swedish Biedermeier Period. The recamier is in overall very good condition. It is upholstered in a n...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Satinwood
Brown Jordan Chaise lounge chairs with cushions, wheels, adjustable back, MCM
By Brown Jordan
Located in San Jose, CA
Set of 2 beautiful chaise lounge chairs by Brown Jordan with cushions
Made of cast Aluminum
On wheels and multi-adjusting back
One of the wheels has the rubber trim around it missin...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Windsor Fan Back Brace Back Side Chairs by Tubb - Set of 4
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Windsor Fan Back Brace Back Side Chairs by Tubb - Set of 4
Hand Made, Pine Seat Bottoms, Hardwoods used for the Fan Back and Turned Legs
Original Finish, Good Sturdy Condition, Nat...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green grey velvet and birch lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Seat height 16”.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Early 20th Century Nichols and Stone Barely Back Windsor Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A midcentury Nichols And Stone Barely Back Windsor stained ArmChair. Very sturdy. Good vintage condition. Measures 25" in width, 23" in depth and 35.5" tall. Arm height is 27.25" an ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Hardwood
18th Century Carved and Painted Neo-Classical Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous and rare carved and painted Neo-Classical style chair. Upholstered in 1958 in Fortuny. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Antique Neoclassical Style Slipper Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Carved Wood, Original Upholstery
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Painted Wood, Original Upholstery
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Neo-Classical Style Ebonized Bench With Gilt Accents Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a neo-classical style bench with an ebonized frame and gilt accents. It is attributed to Maitland -Smith and dates approximately to the later part of the 20th century. It is ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Klismos Stools
Located in Richmond, London
A pair of Regency style 'Klismos' stools or benches, upholstered in John Boyd Textiles horsehair fabric.
Why we like them
These super smart Klismos stools are inspired by ancient Gr...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Vintage Neoclassical Klismos Dining Chairs After Kipp Stuart - Set of 4
By Kipp Stewart
Located in west palm beach, FL
An extraordinary set of four vintage Boho dining chairs. The classic Klismos shape done in the manner of Kipp Stuart. Brilliant wood grain detail and a beautiful patina from time to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six dining chairs and one armchair on high, elegant square tapered legs with thread inlays. The rear legs are slightly flared and, together with the rounded backrests, give th...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
18thc American Stenciled Ladderback Chair with Rush Seat and Original Finish
Located in Savannah, GA
This rare 18th century painted oak and stenciled New England ladderback chair features a heavily defined lower stretcher, graceful arms terminating in round knobs, and three slats in...
Category
1780s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Oak
Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen settee in emerald green velvet and gilt frame, signed underneath with remnants of Jansen stamp. Incredible collectors piece, wi...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Velvet
18th Century Neo-Classical Settee from Tuscany
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 18th century Neo-Classical painted settee from Tuscany. Great patina and nice carvings as well. Upholstered in a pale gray fabric. Very rare. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Lovely Pair of Painted 18th century Neoclassical Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
1790 French Neoclassical beautiful original grey painted side chairs with traces of old gilding, carved with acanthus leaves, wheat and urns. Reeded legs.
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
French Beautifully-Carved Wood Lyre-Back Splat Bench w/Rush Seat , 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassic carved-wood sofa bench with rushed seat from the 19th century. This antique bench from France has been beautifully carved with Neoclassical details, featuring a gracefully curved top rail which gives way to an open back with three widely-spaced back rests; all carved in a lyre motif. The top rail gently wraps to the sides, creating a tub-style effect. Hand-woven rushed seats give this piece a more casual comfort appeal. The wood skirt is a neat, straight line, and is raised upon four slender and curvy legs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Hitchcock style Ebonized Side Chairs
By Hitchcock
Located in Denton, TX
Late 20th century Hitchcock style chairs. These are ebonized then hand stenciled with a Neo Classicial design. Very sturdy.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple, Paint
Set of Four Mario Papperzini Salterini Amalfi Style Barstools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of four iron counter height barstools made in the manner and style of Mario Papperzini for John Salterini mid-century modern designs. The Amalfi stools have an iconic...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Vintage wrought iron chaise lounge chairs by Woodard, flower and leaves pattern
Located in San Jose, CA
SET of 2 vintage Chaise lounge chairs by Russell Woodard, with flower and leaves pattern,
rare pieces
made of wrought iron
on wheels to mo...
Category
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of Six Ebonized Neoclassical Style Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of six klismos dining chairs featuring a a hardwood frame with an ebonized lacquer finish in a dark grey tone. The frames have a classic tablet back and saber style legs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair Of Italian Brass Curule Benches With Lions Heads
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Brass Curule Benches With Lions Heads.
This great pair of antique Italian brass curule benches feature 4 lion's heads and paw feet. They have been taken down to the f...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Classic Blue Velvet Loveseat
Located in Westwood, NJ
Draped in sumptuous navy blue velvet, this loveseat features classic deep button tufting that creates a sophisticated diamond pattern.
The graceful curves of its silhouette are high...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Set of Six Early 19th Century Painted Swedish Farm Dining Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Set of six early 19th century painted Swedish farm dining chairs circa 1810-1829. Sturdy, stable. All joints tightened. No wobble. Remnants of old and early paint. Interesting steel ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Steel
Set of Three Neoclassical Style Aluminum Lattice Seat Barstools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of three wrought aluminum barstools featuring a neoclassical style lattice strap seat. Made in the midcentury style of Mario Papperzini and John Salterini. The aluminum ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
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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