Skip to main content

Neoclassical Building and Garden 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
201
654
650
1,273
27
27
Height
to
Width
to
2,925
2,181
1,497
957
824
797
789
502
492
463
312
299
246
146
138
120
98
89
691
493
54
146
106
112
14
2
17
14
22
14
9
36
6
1
849
569
334
186
160
975
550
195
182
169
1,327
1,310
1,316
10
6
5
4
4
Style: Neoclassical
Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical period fireback. The pillars symbolize freedom, one of the three values of the French Revolution. The date of production, 1840, is also cast in the f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

Neoclassical Style Brass Pineapple Fireplace Tools In The Style of Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style pineapple fireplace tools are made of brass. This is a French work in the style of Maison Baguès. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Terracotta Floral Urns on Raised Plinths, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian terracotta urns with egg and dart molded edge, scrolled acanthus floral motif, molded side handles with figures of Bacchus and terminating on reeded and fluted circul...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Antique French 'Horse' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The condition is good, no cra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French 'Revolution' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th century French 'Revolution' fireback indicating the year the revolution has started. In this case it is the tenth and also the last year of the revolution, 1799. The firebac...
Category

18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. It is in a good condi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th-19th Century French 'the Eagle of Napoleon' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century French fireback with two eagles, coat of arms of Napoleon Bonaparte. The style of the fireback is Neoclassical and it is from that period. The fireback is made o...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique German Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century German neoclassical period fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French 'Cupid' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th Century French neoclassical period fireback with a cupid. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, no cracks. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Bronze Horses Andirons. French Work.
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of Horses andirons is made of bronze. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Brass and Brushed steel Fireplace Tools Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and rare neoclassical style fireplace tools on stand is made of brass and brushed steel . This is a French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period andirons. The andirons are hand forged and made of wrought iron. The condition of the andirons is good.  
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Neoclassical Style Brushed Steel, Brass and Grilling Fireplace Screen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical style 3 panels fireplace screen is made of brushed steel, brass and grilling. This is a French work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Rustic 18th-19th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of fireplace tongs and a shovel. The tools are made of wrought iron. The set is in a good condition and fit ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Rustic 18th-19th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of fireplace tongs and a shovel. The tools are made of wrought iron. The set is in a good condition and fit ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Rustic 18th-19th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of fireplace tongs, shovel and a fire poker. The tools are made of wrought iron. The set is in a good condit...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Large 18th-19th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of tongs, shovel, poker and log tongs. The tools are made of wrought iron. The set is in a good condition and...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

Antique French 'Marriage' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireplace fireback cast in the honor of the marriage of J.F. Merle and F. Mignot in 1875. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown p...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Neoclassical Black Cast Iron Urns with Base / Plinth (Set of 2)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Neoclassical Black Cast Iron Urns on Base/Plinth, are a captivating set of two garden urns / planters featuring c-scroll handles that exude timeless elegance. These urns bear a n...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

B. Altman N.Y. 1930s Three Panel Decoupage Room Screen w/ 18thc European Prints
Located in Savannah, GA
This classic large three paneled room screen features very detailed hand painted designs with 18th century decoupaged prints depicting a variety of historical scenes. The two side p...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Monumental Bronze Iron Venus De Medici Statue
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A, near life-size, 19th century French cast iron statue depicting the Venus de Medici. This statue is a high quality cast after the antique marble Ven...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th-19th Century Dutch Fire Tongs, Neoclassical Period
Located in Soest, NL
Early 19th Century Dutch fireplace tongs made of wrought iron, with a polished brass top. The fire tongs are in good condition and fit for use in the fireplace.
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

Antique French Neoclassical Fireplace Grate, Fire Grate, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century French neoclassical period fireplace basket - fire basket made of wrought iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Victorian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Hooded Fire Grate Basket
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large inset antique Victorian 19th century hooded neoclassical style cast iron and brass fire grate basket. The polished serpentine four barr...
Category

1880s English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antiqu Salmon Red Concrete Garden Urn Planter
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome antique concrete garden urn or planter. This salmon colored paint encrusted urn is in fabulous vintage condition with lots of gorge...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Neoclassical Cast Stone Topiary Urn Filled With Fruit Garden Statue
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning cast stone statue of an urn filled with a topiary of fruit. The piece is the perfect accent in a garden. USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 15"W x 15"D x 23"H. Very good...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

Hand Carved Wood Panels from a Monastery
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of hand carved wood panels with intertwining designs covering the whole front and back with a framed look to each . Two well crafted piec...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Unusual Pair of Lions Bronze Andirons, French, circa 1900
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This unusual pair of decorative andirons is made of bronze lions. This is a French work, circa 1900.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

18th - 19th Century French Fireplace Shovel or Fire Shovel
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th century French fireplace shovel made of wrought iron with a brass handle. Neoclassical period. The shovel is in a good condition.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period andirons. The andirons are hand forged and made of wrought iron. The condition of the andirons is good.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th-19th Century French Ormolu Neoclassic Andirons
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century French neoclassical andirons made of ormolu and wrought iron. The condition is good. One of the most valuable secrets of French metalworkers in the 18th and early ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Ormolu

Large 18th Century French 'Pillars with Fleurs De Lys' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
Large 18th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of Hercules that are topped with Fleurs de Lys. The Fleurs de Lys (French Lillies) symbolize the purity of nobility. ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. It is in a good condition ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Shell Fossil Marble Column Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Shell Fossil Marble Column Pedestal, round top and base. 39.25" H x 12" Diameter. Provenance: From a Jersey City Collection.
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ma...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The fireback is in a good ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French 'Marriage' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
French fireback produced in honor of the marriage of Antoine and Annefrancois in 1822. The pillars refer to the club of Hercules and symbolize strength and the unknown. The firebac...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique German Neoclassical Minerva Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Beautiful 18th-19th century German neoclassical fireback. The fireback depicts Minerva, goddess of knowledge, intellect and ingenuity of the human spirit. She is often depicted with ...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Lady' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The fireback is in a good...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Brass and Grilling Fireplace Screen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant fireplace screen is made of brass and grilling 3 panels fireplace screen. This fireguards is made of 3 brass panels with grilling inside. The width of the ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique French Stand for a Roasting Jack, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period stand for a roasting jack. The stand is hand forged and made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Neoclassical Style Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stunning and vibrant early 20th century arched neoclassical style stained glass window housed in a wooden frame, circa 1900. Skilfully designed, this antique stained glass window ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Lead

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of 20th Century Beige Cast Stone Outdoor Urns / Planters
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Contemporary (20th Century) large beige cast stone garden planters / outdoor urns with chalice form bowls featuring low relief decorative grapevine...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

18th - 19th Century French Fireplace Shovel or Fire Shovel
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th century French fireplace shovel made of wrought iron. Neoclassical period. The shovel is in a good condition.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French 'Woman with Cupid' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
18th-19th century French neoclassical period fireback with a woman and a cupid. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black /...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Neoclassical building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical building and garden 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Brown Jordan, Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co., 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $89 and tops out at $402,592 while the average work can sell for $2,800.

Recently Viewed

View All