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
A Pair of 1980s Rattan and Rush Lounge Chairs with Ottoman Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rattan and rush lounge chairs with ottoman with canvas loose cushions. Chair is 30" W x 30" D x 38" H. Arm height is 28". Seat interior width is 23" and seat interior depth ...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Art Deco Sumy Chaise Longue DEDAR Red Cotton Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Sumy Chaise Longue, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Sumy puts a modern twist on the traditional chaise l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Theodore Alexander Neoclassical Style Bronze Mounted Wrought Iron Bench
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This elegant bench by Theodore Alexander features a wrought iron frame with a vibrant (not all black) finish adorned by openwork accented by bronze rosettes and classical scrolls end...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
French Restoration Mahogany and Upholstered Serpentine Bench
Located in New York, NY
Of double-serpentine form; covered in butter yellow horsehair with star-motif with silk rope trim; over a deep shaped apron centered by a foliate cusp; on casters.
Category
1840s Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Painted Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
A fine pair of chairs with unusual shaped backs and seats. With blue paint, gilding and Etruscan painted decoration. Raised on square tapered legs....
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Cerused Wingback Chair with Celadon Cut Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! The cerused finish is original as is the celadon cut velvet. The velvet is vintage and shows moderate wear. Patina! It is unmarked. Arm; 27.5 Seat; 20”. I am ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Giltwood and Ebonized Benches
Located in New York, NY
Each rectangular seat upholstered in green and off white striped silk taffeta over a rail carved with ebonized bellflower garlands and supporting an outward scrolling armrest to one ...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Neoclassical Style Michael Taylor for Baker Spoon Back Slipper Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a pair of neoclassical style spoon back slipper chairs designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture.
Black frames with beig...
Category
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
Art Deco Flox Pouf Ottoman Faux Fur Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Flox Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A comfy pouf stool with a luxurious touch. Upholstered in blue faux fur and blue velvet jacquard, Flox...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Salvatore Leone for Thonet Bentwood Cane Armchairs
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of early bentwood and cane armchairs made by Salvatore Leone for Thonet in Modena, Italy. Rare pair of armchairs featuring a transitional style with a turned wood back support and iconic Thonet "Cafe Daum...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Beech
Pair of 19th Century Maple Side Chairs with Rush Seats
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 19th century maple side chairs with rush seats.
Seats with remnants of paint. Frames tightened. Chairs touched up & polished.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Rush, Maple
French Restoration Mahogany and Parcel Gilt Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The tub-form padded back covered in a herringbone rainbow silk jacquard with reeded gilt crest rail terminating in scrolls and issuing two Downs-swept arms with gilt reeding and foli...
Category
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Abalone, Silk, Upholstery, Foam, Mahogany
Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical style narrow bench with cut blue velvet fabric.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Fruitwood
Wonderful Set of Five French Gold Gilt Carved Harp Lyre Back Regency Side Chairs
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful set of FIVE (5) French gold gilt carved harp lyre back regency neoclassical dining or living room ladies side chairs
Sold per chair
Measu...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Neoclassical Upholstered Mahogany Dining Chair, 6
Located in New York, NY
Group of six neoclassical style upholstered mahogany dining chairs raised on tapered legs.
Dealer: S138XX.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
CASA BIQUE White Tessellated Marble Neoclassical Side Chairs - Pair
By Casa Bique
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of neoclassical style side chairs by Casa Bique, of Thomasville, North Carolina, USA. Solid wood frame with tessellated white marble veneers, high backs, pink velvet like fabr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Marble
Pair Vintage "Campanino" Chiavari by Fratelli Levaggi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair light and elegant c. 1940s Chiavari dining chairs. The original design dates to the early 19th c., by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi. Painted wood with original rush seats. This vers...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Pair of Klismos Early 19th Century Ebonized Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Klismos Early 19th Century ebonized side chairs.
Ebonized wood.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Wrought Iron Deep Seated Lounge Chairs-A Set of 4
Located in Cumberland, RI
Wrought iron deep seated lounge chairs-a set of 4
In stock and ready to ship are a set of 4 generously seated wrought iron arm chairs. These rock...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1940s Pair of Armchairs by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, FR
A beautiful variation from a set commissioned in 1945 by Georges Fontaine, administrator of the Mobilier national, for the layout of Jacques Jaujard'...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Oak
Early 19th Century Parcel Gilt Classical New York Sofa, circa 1820
By Deming & Bulkley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A spectacular American Empire sofa with exquisite detailing and design. One of the masterpieces of Federal New York furniture, this circa 1820 parcel gilt sofa with faux bois Rosewoo...
Category
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Pair of "Nana and Poppa" Barrel Backed Chairs
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Pair of “Nana” and “Poppa” walnut barrel backed chairs from the area of Genoa. Upholstered in new Correggio silk fabric.
"Nana" chair slightly smaller than "Poppa" chair measuremen...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century, Six Italian Neoclassical Lacquered Wood Benches
Located in IT
19th Century, six Italian neoclassical lacquered wood benches.
Measures: 4 stools: D 46.5 x W 46.5 x H 51 cm
2 benches: D 46.5 x W 82 x H 51 cm
...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
New England Hitchcock Chairs Rosewood Painted & Stenciled Flowering Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
New England Hitchcock chairs,
Set of Six,
Most likely Connecticut,
Circa 1840
The set of six side chairs have stenciled gilt decorations of flow...
Category
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Traditional Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A traditional brown leather armchair with nailhead trim accents. This classic chair is crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather in a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Large Antique Stool, Mahogany, Paw Feet, France, circa 1860
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large antique stool in Mahogany with Paw Feet from the mid 19th century.
Mahogany solid wood. Four ebonized carved paw feet. Restored, hand polishe...
Category
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Paint
Chesterfield Loveseat in Caramel Tufted Leather
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With high rolled and out curved arms and button tufted back and deep skirt. With two shaped seat cushions. Nail head trim and raised on wooden bun feet. Very well made and quite comf...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Continental Mahogany and Pine Bench
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular seat with outward scrolling arms applied with roundels; the shaped apron centered by turned roundel, raised on bobbin-turned legs.
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Art Deco Lisboa Lounge Chair Velvet Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lisboa armchair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Lisboa armchair adds a sophisticated and elegant touch to any living area. The armchair is uph...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Flame Mahogany Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Russian Neoclassical flame mahogany sofa
Russia, 19th Century
A fine example of 19th Century Russian Neoclassical furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Large Neoclassical Style Armchairs with Carved Swan Head Arms
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stately pair of armchairs covered in navy suede with carved swan head arms.
The front legs have a ball and claw carved foot.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
Art Deco Loveseat Lisboa Sofa Velvet Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lisboa sofa, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Lisboa sofa adds a sophisticated and elegant touch to any living area. The sofa is upholstered in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
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
Midcentury Italian Majolica Neoclassical Style Garden Seat Stool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical Mid-Century Modern Italian Majolica garden seat stool made in the neoclassical taste. The square stool features a Tromp l'oeil verde green tassel...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
Early 19th Century Hand Painted & Gilt Italian Regency Armchairs in Silk; a Pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Early 19th Regency upholstered armchairs with finely carved decoration featuring ebony & gilt finish over hand carved details.
The back an...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Silk
18th C Dimes Extended Arm Sack Back Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18th C extended arm sack back Windsor is from New England. This comes to us from a private collection.This is stamped Dimes underneath the seat.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Brass Chiavari Side Chairs
By Chiavari
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Italian Neoclassical style brass Chiavari side chairs. This stunning pair of vintage Italian Chiavari chairs are newly upholstered in a lovely shade of blue mohair. Perfect f...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian brass chair in Neoclassical style from the 1950 s . Pink velvet upholstery .
we have one more chair like this slightly different size .
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Brass & Wrought Iron Antique Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Highly unique brass & wrought iron neoclassical figural bench. This stunning bench is adorned with a dragon center crest surrounded by warriors & lions r...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Backless Hall Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of Italian hall chairs made in the neoclassical style. The chairs feature a backless design having decorative molded raised arms ending with large greek keys topped...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Hickory Chair Belknap Chair from the Winterthur Estate Collection
Located in Atlanta, GA
Showroom New - Hickory chair Belknap lounge chair - Among the collections of American decorative arts at Winterthur Museum is an early 20th-century leather covered arm chair. It is o...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Elegant Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant set of four neoclassical dining chairs, American, circa 1950s. They retain their original vibrant yellow ostrich print vinyl upholstery.
Category
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Set of Four 19th Century French Walnut Carved Neoclassical Dining Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A classic set of four French neoclassical walnut armchairs dining room chairs from the early 19th century, with carved splat, back and arms, fluted legs and new upholstery. Handmade in France during the first quarter of the 19th century, each of this set of four museum quality chairs...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Swedish Side Chair, Bleached Walnut Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Swedish side chair in a bleached walnut finish, with pristine forms and clean lines capable of dressing a dining space up or down with ease. With a molde...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Updated Modern Classic Wingchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Updated Modern classic wingchair, covered in linen to make it neutral and easily placed in any environment. The real drama comes into focus when viewing the exposed ash construction ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
English 19th Century Painted Hall Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An amazing painted hall bench – teeming with charm – from 19th century England. The large antique has panels with diagonally oriented wooden slats w...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Pair of Italian Painted & Gilt Wood Foliate Upholstered Curule Stools, C. 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt wood foliate upholstered Curule stools with flanking central foliage medallions, and resting on scrolled feet with the original connecting cross stre...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood, Wood, Upholstery
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
Set of Eight Italian Bleached Dining Chairs C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight bleached Italian Neoclassical style dining chairs. The chairs are newly upholstered in Belgium linen with a self cord detail.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Canvas and Leather Strap Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A canvas and leather strap ottoman with nailhead trim accents. The classic cube design makes it a perfect transitional piece of furniture to use ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Set of Eight Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight 1930's painted Neoclassical style dining chairs. The chairs stand on four straight legs that have a fluted ball at the to...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Walnut
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
Directoire Style Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Directoire style leather bench with a button tufted antique brown leather on an oak base with a warm finish and turned and tapered legs.
Dimension: 51" W x 16" D x 18" H....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
Ralph Lauren Antique Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Ralph Lauren antique style lounge chair and ottoman. The frame of the chair and ottoman is giltwood. Chair and ottoman is newly upholstered.
Meas...
Category
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
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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