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Neoclassical Architectural Elements

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
French Terracotta Lion's Head on Custom Iron Stand
French Terracotta Lion's Head on Custom Iron Stand

French Terracotta Lion's Head on Custom Iron Stand

Located in Pembroke, MA

This French terracotta lion's mask was originally an element of a 19th century fountain with water jetting from its mouth. This garden piece is now mounted on a custom iron, making i...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

LATE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL ORNAMENTAL FRIEZE
LATE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL ORNAMENTAL FRIEZE

LATE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL ORNAMENTAL FRIEZE

Located in Firenze, FI

Elegant ornamental frieze in wrought iron and hand-forged, finely gilded and embellished with floral motifs that enhance its elegance. The base is made of white Carrara marble, carve...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble, Iron

Pair of Antique Minton & Co Tile Panels
Pair of Antique Minton & Co Tile Panels

Pair of Antique Minton & Co Tile Panels

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A pair of antique glazed Minton tile panels. This pair have a desirable crazing creating a characterful time worn look. With all their elements combined, they make the perfect decora...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Clay

19th Century Neoclassical English Mantelpiece with Carved Eagle to Center
19th Century Neoclassical English Mantelpiece with Carved Eagle to Center

19th Century Neoclassical English Mantelpiece with Carved Eagle to Center

Located in London, GB

A Neoclassical English pine fireplace. The frieze with well carved eagle centrepiece, juxtaposed by stop flutes and panels. Vitruvian scrolls running beneath. The jambs with tapered ...

Category

19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine

Pair of Antique Maw & Co Broseley Salop Tiles
Pair of Antique Maw & Co Broseley Salop Tiles

Pair of Antique Maw & Co Broseley Salop Tiles

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A pair of antique late 19th century Maw & Co tiles from Broseley Salop workshops in Shropshire. In turquoise and dark navy blue majolica glaze, one 6-inch tile is decorated with the...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Clay

Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Inspired Ormolu Architectural Elements
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Inspired Ormolu Architectural Elements

Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Inspired Ormolu Architectural Elements

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A very handsome pair of matching ormolu appliques, both panels cast in openwork detail and showing neoclassical inspired motifs of palmettes, swags an...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Ormolu

Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial
Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial

Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial

Located in Hanover, MA

Extraordinary architectural roof finial spire over 9 feet high constructed of hand beaten copper then finished in gold leaf. Looking for a statement piece? You've found it! Weighs under 75 pounds. Stands steady on its own. In two pieces: the top ~40 inches can be removed from the rest, for ease of transport. Unrestored. Finish is worn and distressed but the original natural patina is gorgeous. It may be possible to go over the gilding with something that will bring out its luster. We have only dusted it. The largest sphere has a couple of noticeable dents which I'm sure could be pulled out however we love it just the way it is. Found in the basement of an un-renovated 1850's brick townhouse atop Beacon Hill. We speculate the copper is from Paul Revere's own works. Unsigned apparently but some of the American companies who made finials, weathervanes, etc. were: J.W. Fiske Cushing & Sons, Westervelt, Mullins Thomas W. Jones Kenneth Lynch...

Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Copper

French Black Marble Column
French Black Marble Column

French Black Marble Column

Located in Montreal, Quebec

French black marble column. For a chic interior, classical lines in the spirit of Hollywood Regency.

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Unusual Late 18th Century Dutch Polychrome Tile Picture of a Clock
Unusual Late 18th Century Dutch Polychrome Tile Picture of a Clock

Unusual Late 18th Century Dutch Polychrome Tile Picture of a Clock

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

A rare Dutch polychrome tile picture, painted in blue, green, yellow and manganese, depicting a mantel clock with two cupids. The tiles with authentic hand-painted black numbers F1-F...

Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Faience

19th Century Neoclassical Style Glazed Terracotta Architectural Element
19th Century Neoclassical Style Glazed Terracotta Architectural Element

19th Century Neoclassical Style Glazed Terracotta Architectural Element

Located in Stamford, CT

19th century terracotta architectural element with white glaze. The panel is decorated with bell flowers on either side. This piece has a wonderful craquelure surface, with crazing t...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Architectural Model of a Cistern
Architectural Model of a Cistern

Architectural Model of a Cistern

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An interesting mid 19th century architectural model of a cistern sculpted in limestone, possibly Bath stone, carved into an elongated oval form. Beautifully weathered and of good scale, this carved limestone sculpture...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Limestone

French Early 19th Century Neoclassical Hand Carved Oak Vase Ornament/ Finial
French Early 19th Century Neoclassical Hand Carved Oak Vase Ornament/ Finial

French Early 19th Century Neoclassical Hand Carved Oak Vase Ornament/ Finial

Located in Buisson, FR

Wonderful early 19th century Neoclassical hand carved oak vase ornament in a good but weathered condition. France, circa 1800- 1850. Weathered Measurements includes the wooden base.

Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Oak

Pair Antique Arched Architectural Niches
Pair Antique Arched Architectural Niches

Pair Antique Arched Architectural Niches

Located in Dallas, TX

Perfect for displaying a statue, vase or objet d'art, this PAIR of Antique Arched Architectural Niches can transform a plain wall or a stairwell into...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Italian Neo-Classical Carved Marble Architectural Corbels - Pair
Antique Italian Neo-Classical Carved Marble Architectural Corbels - Pair

Antique Italian Neo-Classical Carved Marble Architectural Corbels - Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a pair of Italian Neo-Classical style antique carved marble pilasters or corbels. They have palmettes or shells and fluted panels. They are white with gray veining. From fire...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair of 19th Century Slate Armorial Shields, Architectural Elements
Pair of 19th Century Slate Armorial Shields, Architectural Elements

Pair of 19th Century Slate Armorial Shields, Architectural Elements

Located in Stamford, CT

Pair of carved slate architectural elements in the form of armorial shields. Each armorial carved in deep relief with a wide band prominent across the body. Each stylized coat of arm...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Slate

Impressive Brass & Steel Neo-Classical Firegrate
Impressive Brass & Steel Neo-Classical Firegrate

Impressive Brass & Steel Neo-Classical Firegrate

Located in London, GB

A large and impressive brass and steel firebasket in the Georgian style. The gunmetal legs with engraving throughout, featuring Athenian leaf and drapery, surmounted by engraved urn ...

Category

18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Iron Column Pedestal or Plinth
Antique Iron Column Pedestal or Plinth

Antique Iron Column Pedestal or Plinth

Located in Sheffield, MA

An antique cast iron column pedestal base with acanthus leaf decoration and fluted column. Use it to support an indoor or outdoor sculpture t...

Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Cased Colored Hand Cut Newel Post with Bronze Base
Cased Colored Hand Cut Newel Post with Bronze Base

Cased Colored Hand Cut Newel Post with Bronze Base

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Very Fine & Rare Cased Colored Crystal Newel Post on Bronze Base. France, circa 1880. Dimensions: Height 6 1/2" Diameter 4" CW5763

Category

1880s French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Crystal

Federal Period Transom and Pilasters
Federal Period Transom and Pilasters

Federal Period Transom and Pilasters

Located in Sheffield, MA

Elegant Federal period reglazed fan light transom topping a pair of pilasters composed of capitals and paneled shafts. Bring it up to date by incorporat...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Glass, Pine

Turn of the Century Gentlemen's Club Tall Locker
Turn of the Century Gentlemen's Club Tall Locker

Turn of the Century Gentlemen's Club Tall Locker

Located in North Miami, FL

This very heavy iron and bronze detailed tall locker with black Belgian marble base is all original. Interior details include a heavy turning handle door w...

Category

1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Iron

Pair of 75 Inch Wooden Obelisks on Plinth Bases, Architectural Floor Sculptures
Pair of 75 Inch Wooden Obelisks on Plinth Bases, Architectural Floor Sculptures

Pair of 75 Inch Wooden Obelisks on Plinth Bases, Architectural Floor Sculptures

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of monumental wooden obelisks with paneled plinth bases and tall, tapered upper forms. At 75 inches in height, these function as architectural elements rather than tabletop ob...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Hand-Carved Urn
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Hand-Carved Urn

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Hand-Carved Urn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early 19th century monumental Neoclassical style Italian gilt wood hand carved urn, detailed with acanthus leaves, scrolled arms and beading.

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Giltwood

Distressed Neoclassical Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases, Italy, 1900s
Distressed Neoclassical Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases, Italy, 1900s

Distressed Neoclassical Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases, Italy, 1900s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of hand carved wood Italian wings that are newly mounted on iron bases. Great display items for your bookcase.

Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Italian Giltwood Neoclassical Sunburst Monstrance
Early 19th Century Italian Giltwood Neoclassical Sunburst Monstrance

Early 19th Century Italian Giltwood Neoclassical Sunburst Monstrance

Located in Essex, MA

Large neoclassical Italian giltwood sunburst on original large base. Monstrance. Sun rays and palmettes. Parcel gilt column with rayed being eye. Illuminati symbolism.

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine, Giltwood

Pair of Monumental Pietra Dura Grand Tour Marble Obelisks, 19th Century
Pair of Monumental Pietra Dura Grand Tour Marble Obelisks, 19th Century

Pair of Monumental Pietra Dura Grand Tour Marble Obelisks, 19th Century

Located in Essex, MA

Pair of large marble "Grand Tour" Pietra Dura specimen marble obelisks Each in Italian specimen marble on bases.  

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair of Continental Gesso and Wood Pilaster Columns
Pair of Continental Gesso and Wood Pilaster Columns

Pair of Continental Gesso and Wood Pilaster Columns

Located in London, GB

Pair of Continental gesso and wood pilaster columns Continental, 20th century Height 245cm, width 55cm, depth 30cm This elegant pair of pilasters...

Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Iron Corbels Set, 19th-20th Century
Iron Corbels Set, 19th-20th Century

Iron Corbels Set, 19th-20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Set of three iron corbels used in some outstanding residence, decorated with scrolls, lines and other elements that could link the pieces with neoclassici...

Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Wrought Iron Pulpit Grille, 18th Century
Wrought Iron Pulpit Grille, 18th Century

Wrought Iron Pulpit Grille, 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Wrought iron grating with thirteen bars with double pear and discs in their shafts, arranged in a circle with bars of the same flat material (circular and cross combined at the base ...

Category

18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome
Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome

Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome

Located in London, GB

This remarkable ormolu bust of the iconic Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is the epitome of neoclassical style design, and was originally intended as an overdoor decoration. Overdoors - ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Neoclassical English Statuary Marble Fireplace Mantel with Siena Inlay
Neoclassical English Statuary Marble Fireplace Mantel with Siena Inlay

Neoclassical English Statuary Marble Fireplace Mantel with Siena Inlay

Located in London, GB

A very fine period neoclassical English Statuary marble fireplace with Siena inlay. The carved jambs with classical urn surmounted by ribbons and drapery, with Siena marble ingrounds...

Category

Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Statuary Marble

Neoclassical Pine Fireplace with Carved Urn
Neoclassical Pine Fireplace with Carved Urn

Neoclassical Pine Fireplace with Carved Urn

Located in London, GB

An English neoclassical pine fireplace. The centre blocking with carved urn and drapery, flanked by oval paterae and fluting. The tapering legs with tied ri...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Appliques
Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Appliques

Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Appliques

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Nicely carved. In great condition for their age. In the form of capitols.

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Giltwood

English Hand-Painted Fireplace Mantel in the Neoclassical Style
English Hand-Painted Fireplace Mantel in the Neoclassical Style

English Hand-Painted Fireplace Mantel in the Neoclassical Style

Located in London, GB

A rare and highly decorative chimney piece in the manner of George Brookshaw The frame carved part gilded and polychrome decorated, with the inverted breakfront top shelf having a...

Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

Window or Door Fittings, Wrought Iron, 18th Century
Window or Door Fittings, Wrought Iron, 18th Century

Window or Door Fittings, Wrought Iron, 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Element of iron formed by several pieces strongly united to each other that has simple decoration based on rings and other details and serves to close a door or window. This type of ...

Category

18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Neoclassical English Statuary and Siena Marble Mantel Piece
A Neoclassical English Statuary and Siena Marble Mantel Piece

A Neoclassical English Statuary and Siena Marble Mantel Piece

Located in London, GB

A 19th century English statuary and Sienna marble fireplace in the neoclassical style. The finely carved jambs with Athenian foliage and urns surmounted by carved end blockings. The ...

Category

19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Siena Marble, Statuary Marble

Neoclassical architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical architectural elements 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 architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $121,422 while the average work can sell for $3,902.