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.
Oscar Bach Italian Neoclassical Bronze Wrought Iron Marble Console Table 43"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Oscar Bach bronze, wrought iron and marble console table featuring neoclassical styling with a reticulated / pierced and scrolled foliate grapevine design. The black mar...
Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Estate Sterling Silver Sugar and Spice Toast Dusting Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce and unusual Sterling Silver sugar and spice dusting spoon, attributed to R. Blackinton & Co., an American silversmithing firm founded in 1862 in North Attleboro, Massach...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Empire Revival Style Box, Tiger Burl-Esque Lion Heads, Late 20th C
Located in New York, NY
A tiger‑burl‑esque jewelry or decorative box in the Neoclassical Empire Revival style, circa late 20th century. The box is finished in a textured faux‑burl veneer with tiger‑stripe p...
Brass
Brown Jordan “Florentine” 50" Round Glass Patio Garden Table Set - Hunter Green
By Brown Jordan, Richard Frinier
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice vintage 5-piece patio or garden dining set from Brown Jordan, designed by the renowned Richard Frinier in the late 1980s. The "Florentine" collection is among the most sought-af...
Aluminum
Pair of Antique 19th Century Cast Iron Neoclassical Garden Urns
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of 19th century cast iron neoclassical urns, with traces of Gustavian blue paint within the exterior of their reeded bowls. Unmarked, though most likely French.
Cast Iron
French Neoclassical Style Frosted Cut Glass and Bronze Ceiling Light, ca. 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Neoclassical Style ceiling light dating to circa 1910, combining finely cast bronze ornamentation with an elegantly shaped frosted cut glass shade. The design is dist...
Bronze
$583Sale Price|50% Off
French, 18th Century White Marble Panel depicting a vase
Located in Buisson, FR
Very decorative and beautiful weathered white marble panel depicting a vase. France, circa 1750-1800. Measurements include the wooden base. H:23,5cm W:14,5cm D:7,5cm
Marble
$12,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Large Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass large light fixtures with interior lights.
Glass
19th Century French Neoclassical Oak Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
A graceful, rare model 19th century French Louis XVI-style settee, handcrafted from solid light oak wood with fluted details and carved aprons - re-upholstered in green cotton velvet...
Velvet, Oak
French 19th Century Giltwood Marble-top Wall Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic 19th century Neoclassical demilune-console from France, with an exquisite giltwood base supporting an interesting slab of pink marble. The blushing stone is streaked in gr...
Marble
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Neoclassical Stone Console Tables with Winged Mythological Stone Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
An extraordinary pair of neoclassical console tables featuring sculptural winged mythological figures supporting substantial travertine t...
Cast Stone, Travertine
Vintage French Brass and Glass Bar Cart, Neoclassical Style, 1960
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, mid-century French brass and transparent glass bar cart in the style of Maison Jansen, that would be comfortable in a range of decorating tastes from Hollywood Regency to...
Brass
Antique Neoclassical Alabaster Display Sculpture Pedestal, c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique neoclassical sculpture pedestal offers carved alabaster construction with clipped corner display over turned and banded Doric column raised on stepped base with octagonal ...
Alabaster
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
Large 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Ornament
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful 18th century neoclassical giltwood ornament. Italy circa 1780. Weathered,small losses and old repairs. Measurements include the wooden base. H:67cm W:45cm D:9cm
Wood
$583Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
Ralph Lauren Hither Hills Round Oak Extending Dining Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome round oak "Hither Hills" extending dining table made by Ralph Lauren. The Palladian style table features a broad circular top raised on a grouping of four reeded neoclassi...
Brass
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
Rare Karges French Provincial Artist Signed Cherry Chest Faux Marble Top Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
This masterfully executed Karges Transitional Three-Drawer Chest (Model No. 287) bridges the gap between classic European opulence and bespoke American craftsmanship. Drawing heavily...
Hardwood, Paint
Antique Edwardian Pair Brass & Cut Crystal Ceiling Lights Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional antique pair of Edwardian Neo-classical brass and cut-crystal ceiling lights, circa 1900 in date. These superb lights rach feature a brass body with chased and relief...
Crystal, Brass
Antique Neoclassical Mahogany Writing Desk with Brass Inlays and Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant antique Spanish writing desk showcases a refined neoclassical design with clean architectural lines and beautifully balanced proportions. Crafted from solid wood with a ...
Brass
Set of Four Brown Jordan-Style Neoclassical Garden Armchairs
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of four cast aluminum garden armchairs crafted in the manner and style of Brown Jordan. Each chair features an ornate neoclassical swag design on the back. The arms wi...
Aluminum
Exceptional Late 19th Century Dutch Delft Blue Brass Gas Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exceptional late 19th-century Dutch Delft blue gas chandelier is distinguished by its elegant architectural silhouette. Four gracefully curved brass arms rise in a double sweep ...
Brass
19th Century Narcissus Neoclassical Marble Statue on Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Italian Narcissus Neoclassical marble statue on pedestal. Carved Carrara marble figure (61"H x 21"W x 21"D) , gray marble pedestal (17"...
Marble
Cupid and Psyche Grand Tour Marble Sculpture after Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) Grand Tour white Italian marble sculpture of Cupid and Psyche after Antonio Canova, mounted on variegated light brown marble plinth measuring 22 1/2 by 25 by 1...
Marble
Large Terracotta Bust Sculpture of Lovely Neoclassical Female
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally modeled terracotta bust of a female beauty in neoclassical robes set upon circular marble socle. 24 by 16 by 9 inches. Unsigned. 41 lbs.
Marble
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Wonderful Vaughan Marble Alabaster Ridged Bowl Art Deco Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vaughan Style Marble / Alabaster Ridged Rim Bowl In The Art Deco Style Light Fixture Chandelier With Two Edison Interior Lights
Marble, Bronze
Maison Jansen Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Ram's Head Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency brass coffee table ram's head and hoof detailing. It has a rectangular glass top set in the brass frame. Maison Jansen was a prominent French Interior...
Brass
Vintage Palecek President's Sofa & Chair 3 Piece Rattan Patio Sofa & Chair Set
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Palecek "President's Sofa & Chair" patio set. This set is a beautiful and unique version of the "President's" set by Palecek. This set was produced to be a direct replica o...
Rattan
19th Century Neoclassical Cast Stone Bird Bath for Garden Decor
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An sublime late 19th century English, cast stone bird bath for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio that both people and avian visitors can enjoy. The wide, shallow bowl rests ...
Stone
1970s Italian Carved Pine French Louis XV Style Console Tables W/ Hooves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of 1970s carved pine console tables with French Louis XV styling. They have a stain that is comparable to a walnut. The serpentine tops show an intentional di...
Pine
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
$795Sale Price|47% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered Carved Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Neoclassical pedestal with its original silver-leaf gilding. Great to use as a display for a small collection or just with some candles. Italy, circa 1780. Weathe...
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Sunburst Crown Ceiling Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of French Neoclassical Crown Sunburst Ceiling Lights in Gilt Wrought Iron _____________________________________________________________ Outstanding neoclassical style gilt iron ...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Metal Planters, Grey Patina, Laurel Wreath Motif
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Classical metal planters with wreath motif. A pair of American Neoclassical style metal planters with grey patinated color, laurel wreath motifs, acorns and ball feet. This ...
Metal
Bradley & Hubbard Reverse-Painted Glass and Patinated Metal Scenic Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Bradley & Hubbard reverse-painted glass and patinated metal table lamp was crafted during the first quarter of the 20th century and is a remarkable example of th...
Metal, Bronze
Pair Antique Neoclassical Style Corinthian Column Gilt Bronze Candle Holders
Located in New York, NY
Pair Neoclassical style Corinthian column form gilt bronze candle holders Late 19th- Early 20th Century Attractive, well detailed Corinthian column capitals with reeded column bodies...
Bronze
Neo-Classical Bronze Sculpture of Ganymede and Zeus' Eagle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This bronze sculpture depicts the Trojan prince Ganymede offering water to the eagle, the divine form of Zeus. Inspired by the famous early 19th-century work of Danish sculptor Berte...
Marble, Bronze
French Neoclassical Directoire Style Iron Sleigh-Form Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and whimsical 20th century painted iron daybed crafted in a French Neoclassical Directoire style. The piece is constructed in a gracefully curved sleigh-form, with each en...
Iron, Wire
Neo-classical style chaise longue, France ca. 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exuding timeless refinement and grand European charm, this elegant French neoclassical style chaise longue—or méridienne—is a masterful tribute to antique luxury. Crafted around 1990...
Fabric, Wood
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of a Young Boy Praying - Italy - Circa 1850
Located in Chatham, ON
Exceptional Grand Tour Neoclassical Carrara marble Florentine School sculpture of a young boy praying (likely Saint John the Baptist as a youth) - after a similar sculpture by Luigi ...
Carrara Marble
Giacometti Style Neoclassical Gilt Iron Daybed or Sofa 7 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stunning French mid-20th century modern daybed or sofa crafted in the Neoclassical taste from gilded wrought iron. The daybed features an elegant gilt decorated wrought iron frame ...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Neoclassical Cast Terracotta Garden Column Pedestal
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, painted terracotta pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter or sculptural element. The Corinthian...
Terracotta, Paint
Vintage Chrome and Brass Etagere by Maison Jansen, Italy, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage chrome and brass etagere with three glass shelves and large brass acorn finials. Made in Italy by Maison Jansen. Very versatile and rare piece.
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Walnut Klismos Rope Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sculptural pair of rare mid-century modern neoclassical klismos benches in the manner and style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens. The walnut frames are large measuri...
Rope, Walnut
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic vintage iron garden sundial inspired by traditional English estate landscapes, reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Pieces like this bring structure and...
Iron
Antique Continental Neo-classical Silver Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a elegant antique continental Neo-classical silver pommel ladies walking cane, bearing a European hallmark, Circa 1870 in date. The striking stick features superb trailing r...
Silver
Antique Cast Iron Parisian Balcony Gate Console with Shellstone Top, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Repurposed from a Parisian balcony gate (dating to circa 1900), this console has a cream shellstone top supported by a dark brown cast iron railing. T...
Stone, Metal, Iron, Cast Iron
Vintage English Country Classical Wrought Iron Garden Armillary Sundial on Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted large iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled ...
Wrought Iron
Modern Neoclassical Style Patchwork Burl Chest / Commode By Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1990s modern interpretation of a French neoclassical style chest. It is by Henredon and is marked. The patchwork burl is most likely maple. The drawers are dovetailed, and ...
Brass
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
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
Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl
By Wedgewood
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...
Pottery
French Provincial Hand-Painted Console Table with Green Marble Top and Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant French Provincial-style console table featuring a green marble top and a hand-painted wooden structure. Delicate pastoral landscapes in soft tones are framed by blue ornament...
Marble
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Lion Sculptures with Aged Patina
Located in Bradenton, FL
Elegant Mirror-Image Pair of Continental Bronze Lion Sculptures. Sculptures are finely cast with expressive facial features, richly textured manes, and muscular bodies captured in a ...
Bronze
Antique Gunlocke Oak Schoolhouse Chair, Circa 1920s
By Gunlocke
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Oak Schoolhouse Chair – This is a heavy and sturdy chair made for the United States Post Office Made by W.H. Gunlocke Chair Co. Wayland, N.Y. Circa 1920. Each chair measures ...
Oak
Carrie Bradshaw's Screen Used Burlwood Round Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant round American classical center table screen-used in the parlor of Carrie Bradshaw's Gramercy Park, New York apartment in "And Just Like That…". The table features a drama...
Wood, Burl, Mahogany, Fruitwood
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.