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.

1
582
to
35
305
256
582
582
582
1,072
487
404
363
256
180
110
97
89
63
52
47
21
7
3
2
82
458
39
135
110
98
11
2
19
10
23
14
13
29
7
2
Height
to
Width
to
348
258
147
104
90
502
264
108
72
63
2
1
1
1
1
Style: Neoclassical
Period: 19th Century
18th - 19th Century 'Abduction of Persephone' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French Neoclassical fireback with the abduction of Persephone by Hades. Demeter, the goddess of the crops and harvest and Z...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Neoclassical Style Velvet Upholstered Pedestal, last quarter 19th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
All surfaces covered completely in colored velvet the square column with a slightly larger top and bottom respectively, the top decorated with hanging tassels, the bottom a graduate...
Category

1880s French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Velvet

Late 19th C. Bronze Neo-Classic Planter w/Gadrooned Sides and Acanthus Corners
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th Century Neoclassical heavy patinated cast bronze planter of large scale having gadrooned bombe sides with acanthus leaf corners raised on block feet. Suitable for indoor as well...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Georgian Limestone Urn From Wall Hall, Hertfordshire
Located in Essex, MA
Acquired direct from the heirs of JP Morgan Jr. Wall Hall originally known as Aldenham Abbey. The property was purchased by Morgan in 1910. This urn was brought back to America when ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Limestone

Antique Neoclassical Style Stripped Pine Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Large antique neoclassical style stripped pine fireplace ready for finishing in paint, stain or wax. Dating from the Victorian era, this wooden surround is influenced by neoclassical...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Pine

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

Monumental 19th Century Neoclassical Terracotta Urn Architectural Relief
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful large scale 19th century terracotta architectural decorative relief of a neoclassical style flaming two handled urn retaining the original red paint. The beautifully realiz...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Weathered Iron Garden Urn Planters
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in the Loire Valley of France circa 1880 in the neoclassical style, the antique planters have a stately, elegant style. Each "Chambord" vase stands on a square base over a ci...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Minerva' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th-19th century French Neoclassical fireback with the goddess Minerva. Goddess of knowledge, intellect and ingenuity of the human spirit. She is often depicted with an owl, symbol ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Neoclassical Onyx Sculpture Display Pedestal 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique sculpture pedestal offers onyx construction with square display over Doric form column and square foot, 19th C Measures - 35.75...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Italian Neoclassicalal Painted and Parcel-Gilt Urns on Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Italian Neo-classic (19th Century) pilasters /pedesals having ablack painted urn with gold painted and parcel-gilt swag and trim mounted on faux white painted marble pedestal...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Antique Stone Neoclassical Ionic Column Capital Stand, 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Greek or Roman Neoclassical style cast stone Ionic column capital. This piece of architectural salvage would make a lovely objet d'art, sculpture, garden ornament, or stan...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

Pair of Neoclassical Painted Doors with Arabesque Designs, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Neoclassical Painted Doors with Arabesque Designs, ca. 1800
Category

Early 1800s Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Large Roman Marble Neoclassical Cistern or Planter from Carcassonne Castle
Located in Essex, MA
Large Carved Roman Marble Cistern from Carcassonne Castle in Marblehead, MA. Carved Classical Scene of Sea Centaurs, Hippocamps and Water Gods and Goddesses. An open mouthed dolphin once allowed water to escape from one side. Carcassonne Castle is a 23 room Stone Castle built in 1935 during the Great Depression...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Sandstone

Decorative Antique Neoclassical Fire Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This highly decorative antique fire mantel dates from the late 1800s and encompasses a mixture of styles from across the ages. The composition moul...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Composition

19th Century French Garden Urn in Cast Iron
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A superb example of a late 19th century garden urn, in the classical French style. This elegant planter features a heavy, cast-iron construction, drop ring handles, a raised pedestal base and an attractive, grey-laquered finish. ‘Feuilles d’eau’ adorn the rim, with gadrooning encircling the lower half. This would make an ideal focal point in a formal garden layout.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Ceres' Fireback / Backsplash, Early 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French Neoclassical fireback with the goddess Ceres. Goddess of agriculture (particularly grain) and the maternal love. The fireback has a ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Late 19th to Early 20th Century Fireplace Fan
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 20th century fireplace fan, English or American. Superb quality heavy brass or bronze in neo-classical taste. Fully developed with rich casting front & back. Beautifu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Large Pair Of Polished Steel English Urns On Stands
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of elegant English Polished Steel Urns on stands. Urns have stunning details and are formed of polished steel, sitting on tall steel stands. ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

19th Century Marble Plinth in the Form of a Classical Column
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century marble plinth in the form of a classical column. The solid cylindrical barrel in yellow and ochre coloured marble, rests on a stepped square base and is surmounted by a ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

19th Century Louis XVI Cast Brass and Iron Fireplace Fender
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Louis XVI Cast Brass and Iron Ornate Fireplace Fender . Measures 60" in width, 14" in depth and stands 7"
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Faux Bois and Faux Marble Painted Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Italian Neo-classic style (19/20th Century) dark faux bois (wood) and faux marble painted low pedestals with a triangular shape base and top (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ash, Burl

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 18th - 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

18th -19th Century Dutch Copper and Brass Doofpot
Located in Amerongen, NL
A Dutch 'doofpot' was a pot to store the not yet burned wood or other fuel. Because the jar was sealed airtight, the burning would soon stop due to lack of oxygen. The remaining residual fuel could be reused. Burning wood in a 'doofpot' becomes for example charcoal. In a medieval Dutch...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Large Italian White Glazed Urns, Neoclassical Style ca. 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Italian White Glazed Urns, Neoclassical Style ca. 1890
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical period fireback. 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

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

A Rare and Impressive Carved White Marble Neoclassical Bench
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A rare and impressive carved white marble neoclassical bench. Late 19th century Italian, Florentine. Backrest with relief carving of Bacchus in triumphal procession, armrests of reclining satyrs with musical pipes, on acanthus leaf carved supports. h 121 x w 221 x d 65 cm The bench belongs to a rare set produced in Italy in the late 19th Century. Probably by a florence carving studio. Each seems to combine elements from the past dynamic shape of the “Bacchus Throne” marble chair now displayed in Louvre, Annibale Carracci’s “Triumph of Bacchus” from the ceiling fresco...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

18th-19th Century French 'the Time' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th-19th Century Neoclassical period French fire back with the time. The time, an old man with a scythe, symbol of the ephemeral character of life. The fireback is made of cast iro...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th-19th Century Dutch Fireplace Blow Poke
Located in Amerongen, NL
Fire Blow Tube, Fire Blow Pipe, Blow Poker. The blow poker is in a good condition and is fully functional. Your order will be carefully packed and at your doorstep within 1 to 3 day...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Beautiful 18th century French Neoclassical fireback with flower decorations and two pillars. The pillars refer to the club of Hercules and Stand for strength and the unknown. Towards...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period andirons. The andirons are hand forged and made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill meat and poultry. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brass Andirons Firedogs Burnished Steel Acorn Finials French
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Brass Andirons Firedogs Burnished steel Acorn Finials French A pair of iron and brass andirons with sectioned brass turnings and turned acorn finia...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

Pair of 19 Century Burgundy and White Marble Tapering Square Columns
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A striking pair of veined red/burgundy and white marble tapered columns; the fronts being fluted and both columns inlaid with a contrasting dark yellow breche d'alep marble.  
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

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

Antique Dutch Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 18th/19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century Dutch neoclassical fireplace tool set consisting of two tasting forks (of which one decorated), 5 spoons, a poke, a shovel, a spatula, several spoons (of which on...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

Large 18th - 19th C. French Neoclassical Fireplace Poker Set
Located in Amerongen, NL
Beautiful 18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of tongs, shovel and stand. The stand is made of cast iron and brass and the tools are mad...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass, Iron

Large French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

Small Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
Small 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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Wedgwood Black Basalt Hedgehog Bulb Planter
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A black basalt bulb pot molded as a hedgehog, made by Wedgwood in the middle of the 19th century. Finely molded as a lively little hedgehog, this unique object would have been use...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stoneware

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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 Amerongen, NL
Rustic 18th-19th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of fireplace tongs, shovel, a fire fork and log tongs. The tools are made of wrough...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Grey English Pair of Antique Neoclassical Lead Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique English pair of oval Neoclassical lidded lead urns decorated with half relief, Acanthus leaves, pinecones, and lions heads on both sides, in good condition. Wear consisten...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Lead

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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 Amerongen, 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

Antique Wrought Iron and Enamel Wall Lavabo from Vienna Streets, Austria 1800s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an antique wall lavabo of basin made in cast iron and enamel. It was used as a street fountain in the city of Vienna and date...
Category

1820s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, 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

Rustic French Neoclassical Fireplace Tools, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

French Neoclassical 'Allegory of Peace' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18/19th century French Neoclassical fireback with an allegory of Peace. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Neoclassical Period Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 18th / early 19th century French Neoclassical period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron. The condition is good. The width at the front is 66 cm (26.0 inches) ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought 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