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.
$819Sale Price|47% Off
Late 18th century Italian Neo Classical Hand Painted Panel
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing neoclassical hand painted panel in fresco style. Italy circa 1780 Weathered, small losses. Measurements include the wooden base. H:52,5cm W:39,5cm D:7cm
Wood
$698Sale Price / set|50% Off
Collection Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Carved Wooden Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful collection of three 18th century neoclassical carved wooden ornaments. France circa 1780. Weathered, small losses Measurements are individual and include the wooden base. ...
Wood
Set of 10 "Veneman Collection" Grotto Garden Chairs by Tropitone
By Tropitone
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a stunning set of 10 neoclassical "Grotto" garden chairs by Tropitone. These cast aluminum chairs feature a beautiful shell back design with cushioned seat and curved legs. ...
Aluminum
Classical Style 4 Pc. Brass Fireplace Tool Set circa 1900/20's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional antique brass fireplace tool set to include a shovel, tongs, poker and the stand. Executed in the Aesthetic Movement style, m...
Brass
Pair of Michael Taylor Style Montecito Garden Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of iron Montecito patio and garden lounge chairs after Michael Taylor. Crafted from iron by a foundry in Los Angeles, CA featuring oversized basket style Montecito fra...
Iron
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
2 French Painted & Fired Neoclassical Leaded Botanical Stained Glass Windows 62"
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Vintage reclaimed French painted and fired leadedstained glass windows. Features a Neoclassical botanical garden scene with vinbrant flowers and architecture. Signed E Couet alon...
Stained Glass, Wood
18th Century French Napoleon III Weight-Driven Spit Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional 18th century French Napoleon III weight-driven spit jack made of wrought iron, wood and stone. It was used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace...
Stone, Wrought Iron
Brown Jordan Florentine Garden Suite by Richard Frinier
By Brown Jordan, Richard Frinier
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional signed set of Brown Jordan Florentine garden dining chairs and table designed by Richard Frinier. The set features a custom-ordered...
Aluminum
French 19th Century Cast Iron Garden Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A classic, Parisian-style bistro table from the late 19th century, for your garden or patio! The round stone top is quite unique for its patterning, in the color and texture of brick...
Stone, Iron
Column Pedestal Plaster Stand Grecian Ionic Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
A glazed plaster Grecian Ionic order column pedestal stand in the Neoclassical style, circa mid to late-20th century. Piece is an off-white glazed plaster. A great piece for a sculpt...
Plaster
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Painted & Fired Victorian Style Botanical Garden Stained Glass Window 69"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage large French painted and fired stained glass window. Features a Victorian garden scene with a woman seated in the garden amidst beautiful flowing gardens. Dimensions: 16.75...
Stained Glass, Wood
Vintage Cast Terracotta Figural 28" Cherub Putti Garden Planter Pots - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Cast Terracotta Figural 28" Cherub Putti Garden Planter Pots - a Pair. Item f...
Terracotta
Huge Spanish Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Table Lamp with Winged Dragons
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Carved Alabaster Urn Lamp with Winged Dragon Handles, Spain, 1930s This stunning Art Deco period alabaster lamp has an elegant neoclassical urn design with foliage carv...
Alabaster
Pair French 19th Century Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Andirons / Chenets
Located in New York, NY
Pair of finely modeled and cast gilt bronze andirons (chenets) in the neoclassical style measuring 21 1/2 inches tall, 5 in wide and 13 1/2 in deep.
Bronze
Onyx Marble Vases Life-size Pair Classical Urns Circa 1960
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Life-size pair of green and red onyx turned polished vases, the rolling rims above slender baluster form terminating in circular bases. The onyx vases are carved from single blocks o...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Large and Distinct Pair of Andirons in Brass with Birds 19th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Large and Distinct Pair of Andirons in Brass Late 19th Century. A very impressive pair of large andirons or fire dogs in patinated brass and wrought iron. Great and very distinct de...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Italian Neoclassical Marble Columns With Capitals, Set of Three
Located in Stamford, CT
18th/19th century Italian Neoclassical carved marble column fragments, a set of three. Two with Ionic capitals, one with a simple Corinthian capital. All with great surface from age ...
Marble
18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Fireplace Grate or Fire Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
18th-19th century French Neoclassical fireplace grate made of wrought iron. The fireplace grate is in a good condition and is fully functional. Width at front is 56 cm (22.1 inches...
Wrought Iron
Pink Stone Architectural Plinth
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from warm pink Cantera stone, this architectural fragment—likely Mexican in origin—offers a beautifully weathered glimpse into classical design. Rectangular in form and substa...
Stone
Huge Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp and Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Monumental alabaster pedestal-mounted large scale neoclassical urn vase lamp. Spain, 1920-1930s. This ginormous urn lamp with handles has an elegant design an amazing aged patina. Standing on classical column pedestal. These opulent alabaster floor lamps provide a charming light and they have a gorgeous appearance when lit. The pedestal and the urn can be placed together or displayed separately as both parts have independent lights. Placed in a main entry hall, besdie a door in any other room or near a console table they will be stunning. Eye-catching used alone or with other alabaster urn table lamps and floor lamps to create a theatrical atmosphere (as shown at the images) On sale as a set ( column pedestal stand...
Alabaster
Brown Jordan 'Florentine' Collection 5-piece Outdoor Dining Set
By Brown Jordan
Located in San Francisco, CA
Consisting of a round glass top table and four armchairs with openwork metal strap-work manufactured by the iconic outdoor furniture manufacturer Brown Jordan; Brown Jordan, a manuf...
Aluminum
Vintage Poured Stone Urn Form Planter
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional urn form planter in poured stone with great patina and surface. The urn features a big deep bowl with foliate decoration, two handles each with a face. The urn planter ha...
Cement
Large Cast Stone Planter With Lion Heads And Garlands
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large cast stone planter with center weep hole, decorated with prominent lion's heads and fruit garlands, egg and dart border. Dimensions: 23 1/2" W, 18 1/2" H Condition: Please se...
Cast Stone
Neoclassical Style Brass HorseHeads Fireplace Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style fireplace tools are made of brass. They are ornated with chiled brass horse heads. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Brass
$1,595 / set
Vintage Neoclassical Stone Garden Obelisks, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful pair of large vintage Neoclassical or Grand Tour cast stone garden obelisk statues USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 6.75"W x 6.75"D ...
Cast Stone
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Column
Located in Barcelona, ES
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Pedestal Stand Gorgeous alabaster pedestal-mounted uplighter neoclassical urn lamp. Italy, 1940s. Amazing aged patina, it provides a charming ligh...
Alabaster
French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, Circa 1900 France Early 20th Century This French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, dating to the early 20th century (circa 1900), is a s...
Cast Stone
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Style Griffin Jardiniere Planter
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking neoclassical style reproduction in metal of an iconic griffin sculpture having scalloped bowl on top and rounded base at the bottom. Nice patina that shows age. Medium weig...
Metal
Large Pair of Neoclassical Style Metal Planters with Burgundy Panels, 20th C
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A bold and architectural pair of Neoclassical-style metal planters, each measuring an impressive 33 inches square. These striking vessels feature deep burgundy lacquered panels frame...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Neoclassical Black Marble Pedestal Column
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful neoclassical marble pedestal column, late 20th century. Probably hailing from Italy, this handsome column is of the deepest lico...
Marble
Vintage Neoclassical Metal Garden Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful vintage metal garden finial or obelisk USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 4.75"W x 4.75"D x 17.75"H Very good vintage condition.
Metal
Pair 19th Century Neoclassical Style Italian Plaster Urns with Flame Finials
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Italian neoclassical style urns in relief that can either stand on their own or hang from the wall as decorative elements. Quite handsome, with acanthus leaf decoration and f...
Plaster
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Monumental Concrete French Garden Planters or Urns with, a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A monumental pair of neoclassical style concrete garden planters or urns. The edges of each are in a trompe l'oeil style and give the illusion of ruffled fabric. The sides of the bod...
Concrete
Neoclassical, Wood, Art Glass, Large Stained Glass Doors, Italy, 1930s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Neoclassical, Wood, Art Glass, Large Stained Glass Doors, Italy, 1930s Pair of interesting early 20th century wood and stained glass double doors having substantial bronze hardware....
Art Glass, Wood
French 19th Century Cast Iron Urn
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large, Neoclassical cast iron garden urn from the 19th century, exhibiting all the elegance and grandeur of the period. Painted in a deep green, the urn features iconic and timeles...
Iron
$1,894Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Style Brass HorseHeads Fireplace Tools in the Styl of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant neoclassical style horseheads fireplace tools is made of brass. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Brass
Dennis and Leen Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Stone Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Substantial pietra molded stone patio and garden dining table or center table designed by California artisans Dennis and Leen, Hollywood, CA. The "Louis XVI" table (model number DL-D...
Stone
A fine French 1920s 4-Panel Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French early 20th century folding screen room divider with four mahogany panels adorned with small windows, gilded lacquered molding...
Fabric, Glass, Mahogany
Neoclassical Iron Urns Flower or Plant Planters Jardinières, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of weathered iron urns plant or flowerpot cachepot jardinieres with square pedestal bases in the Neoclassical style, circa 20th century, possibly Europe/France. Subs...
Iron
Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan Florentine Garden Dining Suite
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional wrought aluminum patio and garden outdoor furniture dining suite designed by Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan. From the Fl...
Aluminum
Brass and Grilling Fireplace Screen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This fireplace screen is made of brass and grilling. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Brass
$695 / set
Swedish Vintage Pair of Tole Urns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Swedish pair of tole urns, circa 1900 (very early 20th century) made of a lightweight metal that has been transformed by an ochre-orange paint. The proportions have the familiarity o...
Metal
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Italian Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Pedestal or Decorative Stand
Located in Miami, FL
A fine 19th century Italian hand-carved Carrara marble pedestal sculpted from luxurious Carrara marble, the choice of sculptors for centuries, it features a tiered twist design, one ...
Marble, Carrara Marble
18th Century Italian Carved Limestone Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century Italian Neoclassical carved limestone Corinthian capital. Weathered and broken, this architectural fragment makes an resonant outdoor or indoor decorative element. Gre...
Limestone
French Wrought Iron Brown Painting Set of Garden Bistro Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
New French wrought iron painting set of garden bistro outdoor Indoor & Outdoor The price includes two chairs and one white marble top table. Available ...
Wrought Iron
$1,500 / set
Italian Wood Pedestal / Plant Stands
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage carved wood in the classical style with fluted columns topped with modified acanthus leaves carvings. Made in italy.
Wood
Janus Et Cie Capella Garden Dining Table White 165 CM
By Janus et Cie
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous labeled Janus et Cie patio and garden dining table measuring 165 cm or 65 inches in diameter. The large aluminum table is powder coated in a cirrus white finish. The round t...
Aluminum
Neoclassical Greco-Roman Klismos Chaise Lounge 3 Available
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare, late 20th Century Neoclassical Greco Roman Klismos Chaise Lounge, crafted from cast aluminum by Restoration Hardware. A modern interpretation of t...
Aluminum
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Plant Stand
Located in Astoria, NY
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Plant Stand, circular top above foliate motif fluted stem atop tripod base. 57" H x 22" W x 22" D. Provenance:...
Mahogany
Portuguese 19th Century Plaster Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A supremely elegant Portuguese 19th century sculpted plaster column for Neoclassical beauty in any interior or patio. The column features a small abacus (the top surface) for elevati...
Plaster
Set of Six Michael Taylor Montecito Garden Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of six Michael Taylor designs Montecito dining armchairs (model #MTD-1078) featuring a dramatic black powder coated finish. The iconic chairs have smooth ball finials on the...
Aluminum
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Classic Pair of Concrete Garden Ornamental Pineapple Sculptures
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylish pair of neoclassical concrete pineapple sculptures for the garden. Heavy concrete construction with lovely age acquired patina.
Concrete
Italian Bronze Garden Statue or Fountain of Pan Playing Flute, Early 20th C
Located in St. Louis, MO
Antique Italian bronze & copper garden statue or sculpture of pan playing flute while standing on a conch shell on an oval plinth. From an estate with a wo...
Bronze, Copper
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Marble Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Neoclassical Italian hand carved marble Corinthian capital. Carved in high relief on three sides from white marble with a now weathered surface. The fourth side left unf...
Marble
Antique 'Gardening' Fireback' / Backsplash, Neoclassical Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 19th century French 'Gardening' Fireback / Backsplash. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request, it can be made black/pewter colored wit...
Iron
Vintage Cherub or Putti Terracotta Planter or Urn by Bitossi Filippo - Italy
By Bitossi
Located in St. Louis, MO
Wonderful vintage Bitossi Filippo - Italy red terracotta garden planter, urn or flower pot decorated with a continuous frieze of dancing putti / cerubs carrying fruity festoons. Stam...
Terracotta
19th Century Antique Hand Carved Pink Marble Double Basin Kitchen Sink
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century Antique Hand Carved Pink Marble Double Basin Kitchen Sink
Stone
$394Sale Price / set|51% Off
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Finial Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair wooden finial ornaments with traces of their original gilding. Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered and small losses. H:29cm W:11cm D:11cm
Wood
Set of Ten Neoclassical Style Iron Garden Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately set of ten wrought iron patio and garden dining chairs in the neoclassical taste. The set consists of all armchairs with a thick, heavy iron frame. The seats have a humped ba...
Wrought Iron
A Very large And Substantial English Stone Urn And Pedestal
Located in London, GB
A very large substantial and organically well weathered Classical recon stone urn and pedestal. The egg and dart rim with gadrooned urn sitting on a tapering socle. The urn is stood ...
Cast Stone