Skip to main content

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.

to
27
59
44
107
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
238
186
136
133
120
104
97
92
83
82
65
50
37
36
12
11
5
26
52
29
2
13
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
35
33
33
21
17
72
25
24
23
20
109
108
108
Style: Neoclassical
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Wooden Altar
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful neoclassical carved wooden altar with beautiful gilded angels. Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Terracotta Herms of Classical Design
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautiful pair of reclaimed terracotta garden statues in classical term-style dating from the late 19th century. Handsomely handcrafted into terracotta, these antique statues depic...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Collection of Four Neoclassical Columns in Istrian Stone
Located in London, GB
A collection of four neo-classical columns in Istrian stone. The moulded base surmounted by fluted shafts with finely carved Corinthian capitals to top. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

19th Century Monumental Italian Giltwood Urn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th century monumental Neoclassical style Italian gilt wood urn, detailed with acanthus leaves, scrolled arms and beading.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Giltwood

Early 19th Century English Regency Egyptian Style Fireplace in Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and rare English Regency Neoclassical Egyptian style statuary marble fireplace carved to the highest quality, of the type popularised by Thomas Hope 17691831, in his highly influential Household Furniture and Interior Decoration (1807) with term jambs of Antinous Osiris...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone, Marble, Statuary Marble

Italian Neoclassical Marble Ribbon & Swag Architectural Cornice Finial, C. 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Neoclassical carved marble architectural cornice finial with circular ball, ringed urn plinth, and resting on a bulbous base with flanking ribbon & swag motif. Finial was one...
Category

1770s Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair Large 18th Century French Neoclassical Carved Oak Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair 18th century neoclassical carved oak ornaments. France circa 1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurements are individual and include the wooden base.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Oak

Superb George III Neoclassical Fireplace Mantel of the Roman Doric Order
Located in London, GB
In white statuary and Spanish Brocatelle marbles; The design attributed to Sir William Chambers (1723-1796), architect to the King, circa 1765-1770. The tiered shelf with egg and dart, (symbolic of good and evil) moulding, above the frieze, which is centered with a rectangular tablet, superbly sculpted with a Bucranium mask of an ox skull. This has horns and a jeweled decoration adorns the skull above the eyes, the horns are draped with bunched, knotted ribbons, which hold swags of tied bell flowers, the other end of which are secured and fall from circular, flower decorated paterae. This is flanked by Brocatelle panels and recessed, statuary end blockings. The jambs with pilaster Brocatelle uprights, flanked by statuary out grounds with scrolling volutes decorated with sprigs of foliage. The opening with moulded edge, the whole raised on foot blocks. The Doric Order...
Category

Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Antique Neoclassical Carved Marble Mantel Keystone Architectural Element - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Neoclassical Carved Italian Carrara Marble Mantel Keystone Architectural Elements - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 10" H x 9" W x 3" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Mural Glass Mosaic in Flower Design, Neoclassical Style
By Alexander Anisimov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Mural Glass Mosaic in Flower Design, Neoclassical Style The legendary Alexander's Collection, a brand that initially made the name in the Asian markets, is now taking a breakthrough...
Category

2010s Chinese Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Gold Plate

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

French Wood Corbels Carved Griffin Dragon Gargoyles Figure Architectural Salvage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair (2) of wood Corbels (shelve supports). Carved griffin - dragon- gargoyles figures . Beautiful architectural salvaged decor. Wood appears to be mahoga...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Monumental 19th century Architectural Scrolled Copper Corbels
Located in Milford, NH
A monumental pair of copper corbels in scroll form with foliate swags with a great verdigris surface, probably New York origin, dating to the late 19th century. Includes custom L for...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Copper, Iron

Late 18th-Early 19th Century Italian Painted and Parcel-Gilt Architectural
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning late 18th-early 19th century Italian painted and parcel carved giltwood architectural over door, architectural element or fragment. A ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

French Painted and Gilt Tole Lattice Column with Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century French Neoclassical tole peinte decorative column with acanthus leaf capital. The unusual and very attractive lattice work column painted dark green with gilt bosses, topped by a Corinthian capital. The capital and base are brass...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Tôle, Brass

Large Three Arm Neoclassical Cast Brass or Bronze Wall Sconce, circa 1920/1930s
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular cast brass, or bronze, three arm wall appliqué, probably from a bank, public building, or other commercial building. The sconce is in exception...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of 20th Century French Alabaster Elements
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of 20th-century French alabaster elements features intricately designed vases, each with a classical shape and elegant detailing. The vases are crafted from alabaster, show...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of Bamboo Split Reed Ionic Columns
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Bamboo Split Reed Ionic Columns. Amazing architectural accent pieces. Perfect for a shop or to make a poolside cabana look cool. The ideas are endless. Hollow inside but stur...
Category

1970s Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Reed, Bamboo

Pair of Classical Push Pull Door Handles in Bronze and Wood
Located in London, GB
Two pairs of classical push and pull door handles in bronze and hard wood 1970s in excellent condition.. The identical handles can be applied inside or outside on double or single d...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Bronze

Antique Fireplace Mantel with a Wedgwood Central Table
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century, early 19th century neoclassical chimneypiece in white statuary marble, centred with a Wedgwood ' Bacchanal' tablet, with 3/4 round fluted Ionic columns fronting the jambs. The Wedgwood tablet depicts a central group of three drunken bacchic cherubs, flanked by single cherub figures and cherub groups taking cover...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

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

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

Neoclassical Style Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
The breakfront, moulded shelf above the frieze which is centred with a tablet carved with tazza shaped, lidded urn in statuary on sienna marble. This is flanked by bands of flutes; t...
Category

Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble

Antique Molded Cement Decorative Brick Panels, Pair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of antique molded cement architectural decoration are embellished in high relief with urns filled with fruit. One side is slanted on each and bot...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Cement

Italian Neo-Classic Carved Balustrade Railings
Located in Queens, NY
4 Italian Neo-classic style (19/20th Century) carved and decorated balustrade railings (PRICED EACH).
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Paint

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

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

Enormous Decorative Architectural Finial
Located in Houston, TX
Enormous decorative architectural finial in early white paint, circa 1840-1880 (Look at last picture for idea of scale). Note: Regional differenc...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Pennsylvania Carved Pine Over Mantle Panel
Located in Nantucket, MA
Large 18th Century Colonial Pennsylvania carved pine over-mantle panel, a hand-carved pine single board frieze with deep bas relief acanthus leaf scrolls against a scoop carved back...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine

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

Late 18th Century Statuary and Siena Fireplace of Neoclassical Design
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century statuary and Siena fireplace of late 18th century neoclassical design, the frieze with a statuary marble tablet decorated a classical...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble

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

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

French Pair of Giltwood Brackets Neoclassical
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French pair of giltwood brackets neoclassical.   
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Irish Neoclassical Statuary and Jasper Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century Irish neoclassical statuary marble chimneypiece veneered with book-matched Jasper of exceptional quality, the central tablet ...
Category

Late 18th Century Irish Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Statuary Marble, Marble

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

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

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

Neo-Classical Antique Fireplace Mantel in Statuary, Siena and Jasper Marbles
Located in London, GB
A neoclassical chimneypiece of statuary, veneered Siena and inlaid Jasper & Rosso Antico marbles, circa 1800 The plain rectangular shelf above the Siena frieze which is centered w...
Category

Early 1800s British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble

19th Century Statuary and Antico Verde Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A 19th century statuary and Antico Verde marble fireplace in an earlier neoclassical style. With a tiered and moulded shelf above the double Gre...
Category

19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantle in Statuary and Siena Marbles
Located in London, GB
A statuary and Siena marble chimney piece late 18th century; circa 1795. With moulded shelf with rounded corners above the frieze which is centred with a tablet of a reclining godde...
Category

1790s British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble

Late 18th Century Style Fireplace in Statuary and Siena Marbles
Located in London, GB
A good late 18th century style neoclassical fireplace in Statuary and Siena marbles with a centre tablet depicting the antique fairy tale of Cupid and Ps...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All