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.
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
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
$575Sale 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
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
French Vintage Brass & Glass Trolley Serving Cart
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
Pair of Brass Leather Strap Klismos Chairs by Sylvan S. F.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An incredible and luxurious pair of Greco-Roman klismos-form dining chairs crafted out of solid polished brass and woven leather designed by Sylvan Fiss, for Sylvan, San Francisco. T...
Brass
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
English 19th Century Cast Terracotta Column
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
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
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
English Late 19th Century Cast Stone Bird Bath
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
$4,900Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
English 19th Century Cast Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, cast stone pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter, sculpture, or armillary sphere. The column f...
Stone
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
Neoclassical Carved and Painted Console
By Robert Adam
Located in Greenwich, CT
A narrow neoclassical console table after a design by Robert Adam, with carved apron and reeded legs. Sold without top. English, late 19th century. 61” x 18” x 31” high
Wood
$575Sale 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
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
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
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
French 19th Century Petite Parcel Gilt Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite 19th century French trumeau mirror that is relatively compact in its proportions yet sophisticated in the Neoclassical decorative elements that project a respect for history...
Gold Leaf
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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
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
$788Sale Price|20% Off
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
Pair of 19th-century American Hollow Cut Silhouettes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine complimentary pair of silhouette portraits in profile. In the style of William Chamberlain (1790 - 1860) of Loundon, NH. Likely husband and wife. On cut paper with a black ...
Wood, Paper
$784Sale 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
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
Circa 1800-1820 English Copper & Brass Jewelry Casket Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1800-1820 copper & brass jewelry casket box, English. Raised on ball feet. Once fabric lined. 4.5" w., 3.5" d., 2.5" h. We are a family business that has been a major source f...
Brass, Copper
$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
$875Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Nautical Maritime Trio of Sailboats Ocean Seascape Oil Painting 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early to mid 20th century nautical / seascape painting depicting a trio of sailboats / ships / fishing boats with red sails and a small flock of seagulls over the water. Gilt composi...
Giltwood, Paint
Set of Four French Mid-Century Iron Garden Lounge Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming set of four French mid-century modern painted iron patio and garden lounge armchairs finished in a whimsical Gumby green paint. Each chair is constructed with thick linear...
Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Style Brass Side Tables by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of side tables embodies the refinement of French neoclassical style from the 1940s. Crafted in solid brass by the prestigious Maison Jansen, it stands out for its c...
Brass
Holly Hunt Rue de Seine Limestone and Iron Cocktail Table 5 Ft
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined Rue De Seine Cocktail Table designed by Holly Hunt measuring over 5 feet square. The bespoke table features a segmented 4-piece pale limestone top set within a hand-forged ...
Stone, Iron
EDWARDS & BALL - Antique Pair of Sterling Silver Salt Cellars - U.K. - C. 1838
Located in Chatham, ON
EDWARDS & BALL (Henry Edwards and Edward John Ball, Silversmiths, High Street, Birmingham - active late 1830's to 1840's) - Fine quality pair of antique Neoclassical style sterling s...
Sterling Silver
18th century pietre dura table attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli circa 1790
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An outstanding table top in marmo e pietre dure, attributed Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836) attr. Roma circa 1790 The tabletop is executed in white statuary marble and displays a highl...
Specimen Marble
Custom Made to Order Napoli Chaise Lounge in Velvet Linen or COM
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Napoli Chaise Lounge 27" W x 34" H x 60" D / can be customized to any length The Napoli Chaise Lounge is a timeless nod to vintage European design, effortlessly blending elegance wit...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Pair of Mario Papperzini Amalfi Iron Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare pair of "Amalfi" lounge chairs and matching ottomans with adjustable chain backs. The stylish mid-century modern design after Mario Papperzini's design for John Sa...
Bronze, Iron
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
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century. This exquisite desk is both rich in its material composition and thoughtful in its construction. The des...
Brass
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
Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a late 19th-century American folk art "Goddess of Liberty" molded copper weathervane mounted on a gallery presentation stand. The figure represents Liberty (also historic...
Copper
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
1970s Brass Pineapple Table Lamp by Virginia Metalcrafters, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
1970s brass pineapple lamp, in the style of Virginia Metalcrafters. The piece includes a black tole shade with gold piping and light-diffuser. Double socket, with chain pulls.
Metal, Brass
Folk Art Primitive Eglomise Reverse Painting on Glass of a Federal House
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century American folk art primitive eglomise reverse painting on glass of a Federal house in a landscape. The classical yellow house with red roof on a green lawn flanke...
Glass
Two Pairs of Francois Carre Sunburst Spring Iron Garden Dining Chairs with Arms
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic dining armchairs specially designed to last while living outside. Designed by Francois Carre in the 1800s and still thriving today. Cantileverd with Sunburst seats and back...
Steel, Iron
Pair of Vintage Ralph Lauren Club Chairs in Brown Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely pair of vintage Ralph Lauren club chairs. Wonderful scale and form. Rich brown leather with lovely patina. Extremely comfortable. S...
Leather
Neoclassical Brass and Glass Gradin Desk Attributed to Maison Jansen, 1940s
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This desk illustrates the great mastery of tubular brass furniture in mid-20th-century French high-end decoration. The structural design relies on a crossed 'X' base (curule inspirat...
Brass
Italian, Tuscany, Neoclassic Walnut & Walnut Veneer 3-Drawer Center Table, 1830s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a circular top with veneers in a radius pattern surrounded by an outer veneered band, the case also veneered and housing 3 drawers, raised on curved legs
Walnut
1970s Italian Neoclassical Mirror & Wall Mounted Iron Marble Top Console Table
By Palladio
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite Italian neoclassical style mirror and console table by Palladio. The mirror frame is giltwood. The console has an iron frame that is black and gilt. It is wall mount...
Marble, Iron
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
Italian, Padova, Neoclassic Period Walnut Veneered 4-Drawer Commode, Late 18thc.
Located in Atlanta, GA
From the Veneto region of Italy, specifically Padova, the rectangular case with a slightly bowed front and having two small drawers over two larger drawers, covered completely in fig...
Walnut
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
American Neoclassical Maple Sleigh Queen Size Bedstead
Located in Germantown, MD
American Neoclassical Maple Sleigh Queen Size Bedstead. Comes with slats Measures 63.5" in width, 91.75" in depth at the top, 84.75" in depth at the base and 40.5" in height at th...
Maple
19th-Century Walnut Low Chest of Drawers with Turned “Grissinatura” Legs
Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT
An elegant 19th-century low chest of drawers crafted in solid walnut wood, distinguished by its refined proportions, three spacious drawers, and beautifully worked legs featuring the...
Walnut
Antique French Floral Painted Mahogany Dresser with Matching Mirror
Located in Centennial, CO
An absolutely stunning antique and rare circa 1900 French mahogany dresser with three drawers that was professionally hand painted with a basket of flowers, garlands and ribbons on a...
Bronze
Faux-Bamboo Brass Coffee Table with Eglomized Mirror Top by Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant coffee table embodies the refinement and French art de vivre of the 1970s. Crafted by the prestigious Maison Baguès in finely worked brass and topped with a magnificent ...
Brass
$1,750Sale Price|30% 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
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.