Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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
Fine Set Of Eight Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs With Red Silk Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly elegant set of Chairs with a very interesting and somewhat complex Neoclassical styling. With four arm and four side chairs. Fine wood frames in a dark stain with scro...
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20th Century Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
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Painted Neoclassical Side or Desk Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted Neoclassical side or desk chair with laurel wreath & studs.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Carved and Paint Decorated Lyre Back Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Italian or French in the Louis XVI style. Originally carved dark wood in later deep gray paint overall. The square backs with ribbon and beaded crest rails and wide carved lyres deco...
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19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Classic by Giuseppe Carpanelli Gran Confort Office Armchair in leather
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
This armchair has an unusual elliptic curved outline with slatted solid wood structure, the backrest frame is made of solid walnut, while the swivel base is fitted with a height and ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Faux Leather, Wood
Bordeaux Leather Executive Office Guest Chair by Modenese Luxury Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Put your guests at ease by letting them seat on this real bordeaux leather executive office guest chair by Modenese Luxury Interiors, embellished b...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Gold Leaf
4 Fine French Art Deco Walnut Bridge Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Four fine French 1940s Neoclassical style walnut bridge armchairs.
Price is chair.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Fabric
Large Neoclassical Desk Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large neoclassical desk armchair, circa 1950.
To be revarnished and reupholstered.
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1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Faux Leather, Wood
Office Swivel Chair with Capitonne Real Leather and Golden Finishes by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This Modenese Gastone Interiors custom item has been designed and produced for top managers and company owners. Its unique authority and quality materials represent the perfect solut...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Gold Leaf
Cream Leather Office Swivel Chair with Ivory Finishes by Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Real cream-coloured leather office swivel chair with armrest featuring ivory finishings, gold leaf details and carved decorations. Designed and produced with the best quality materia...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Gold Leaf
Set of 4 Neoclassical Gustavian Style Chairs, Parcel Gilt & Painted, Sphinx Ca
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of 4 carved side chairs, desk chairs, office chairs. Finely detailed set of Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs each in a nice scalamandre fabric having winged sphinxes on the back res...
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1960s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
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Neoclassical office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical office chairs and desk chairs 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 office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical office chairs and desk chairs 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 office chairs and desk chairs, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Carpanelli, Gregson Manufacturing Company, and Michael Taylor. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $9,823 while the average work can sell for $2,385.