Neoclassical Furniture
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
Antique 19th Century Louis Philippe Bedside Table in Burl Wood with Marble Top
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare French piece. Antique Louis Philippe bedside table in walnut root with gray marble top from the same period. The gray marble top rests on a band under the top whic...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Store Counter with Marble Top
Located in San Francisco, CA
The Antique Store Counter, featuring a Marble Top, offers ample storage space with spacious shelves. It comes with a vintage Coca-Cola bottle ope...
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Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
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Marble
Oriental Table, Wood, 19th-20th Centuries
Located in Madrid, ES
Four-legged table with a rectangular board slightly protruding from the body of the piece of furniture and a front carved in relief not too pronounced, clearly distinguishing each of...
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Late 19th Century Asian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
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1940s Baker Furniture Satinwood and Walnut Chest with Pull Out Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare 1940s Vintage Baker Furniture Satinwood and Walnut Chest With Pull Out Tray. Features 4 dovetailed drawers in smooth working condition. C...
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Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
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Brass
19th Century Bronze Athenienne
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
Home / Stock / 19th Century Bronze Athenienne
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A fantastic large C19th Athénienne, the pierced gilt bronze rim with removable liner above burnished bronze sphinxes and t...
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1880s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
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Marble, Bronze
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Louis XVI Gray-Painted Fauteuils, 1780s
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Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include and Baker Furniture Company. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,114 and tops out at $15,000 while the average work can sell for $5,800.