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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
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

Classical Regency Style Black Lacquered Gilded Chairs
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

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

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

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

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

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
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

New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Cushion included.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Sumy Chaise Longue DEDAR Red Cotton Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
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

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

Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant bench in patinated wrought iron and bronze. The sabots are reminiscent of Giacometti's work for Jean-Michel Frank. 3 benches are available; the price i...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

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

Americana Windsor Style Chair / Rush Seat
By Nicholas & Stone Co
Located in Malibu, CA
Attributed to but not stamped "Nicholas & Stone" vintage mahogany /maple Windsor style bow back side chair with original rush seat.
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Rush, Mahogany

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

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

Pair of Rose Tarlow Painted Parcel Gilt Brighton Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of lacquer painted armchairs by Rose Tarlow, Melrose House, Hollywood, CA. Known as Brighton armchairs they feature a carved decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

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

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

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 London, GB
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

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

Vintage Neoclassical Klismos Dining Chairs After Kipp Stuart - Set of 4
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

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

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

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
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

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 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

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 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

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

Medium Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Blue Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Chateau Blue leath...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Black Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Onyx Black leather...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Cuba Brown Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Cuba Brown leather...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Classic Black Leather Swivel Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic style Onyx Black leather upholstered armchair, upholstered with pure aniline top grade leather, with large nailhead details on a swivel base. Dimensions: 32" W x 30" D x 3...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Traditional Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage Cuba Brown leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather. Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H Arm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Classic Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality black leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an air of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Classic Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality Chateau Blue leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

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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