Neoclassical Wood Benches
Early 2000s Indonesian American Classical Benches
Teak
Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Wood, Birch
Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Benches
Oak
Antique 1810s Italian Neoclassical Benches
Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Walnut, Giltwood
Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1920s Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Iron
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Velvet, Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Silk, Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Giltwood, Velvet
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Giltwood
Antique 1790s German Neoclassical Benches
Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Benches
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Wood, Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s Japanese Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Wood
20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American American Classical Benches
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Benches
Chenille, Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Walnut, Linen
Antique Late 19th Century Neoclassical Benches
Silk, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1940s American American Classical Benches
Velvet, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Benches
Wood
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Velvet, Fruitwood
Antique 1890s French Neoclassical Footstools
Fruitwood, Paint
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Marble
Vintage 1920s American Neoclassical Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Bronze, Iron
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Settees
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Plaster, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Giltwood, Paint
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Benches
Mahogany, Pine
Antique 1840s Neoclassical Benches
Brass
20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Silk, Upholstery, Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Benches
Leather, Wood
Antique 18th Century British Neoclassical Benches
Teak
1990s Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Oak
Antique 1810s American Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Wood
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Benches
Wood, Cane
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Wood
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Neoclassical Wood Benches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Neoclassical Wood Benches?
A Close Look at 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.
Finding the Right Benches for You
Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.
Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.
Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.
For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.
Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Many types of wood can be used for an outside bench — it is really a matter of preference. Generally, hardwood is considered the best option since these varieties are durable, rot-resistant and have the best chance at a long life outdoors.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The best wood for a garden bench is one that is durable and naturally weather-resistant. The need for outdoor chairs, tables and benches to withstand varying weather conditions means that many contemporary offerings prioritize durability over form. For a touch of glamour in your garden, antique and vintage pieces from France or Italy, which have already proven they can stand the test of time, can introduce an elegant sensibility to your outdoor space. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage garden benches.