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.
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 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
1970s Italian Steel And Glass Neoclassical Maison Jansen Style Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an Italian steel and glass coffee table with neoclassical Maison Jansen styling. The glass is original, and the bottom of the hooves has the Italian stamp. This has timeless ...
Brass
English Boat Form Etagere Black Lacquer Fish Decoupage Collection Bookshelf
Located in Shreveport, LA
English Boat Form Etagere Black Lacquer Fish Decoupage Collection Bookshelf. Direct from England, a striking boat-form etagere (bookcase) featuring gilt fish decoupage on a deep bla...
Hardwood
$808Sale 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
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
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 Italian Made Brass and Steel Savonarola Armchairs C. 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless Italian elegance into your home with this striking pair of Italian-made Savonarola armchairs, expertly crafted from brass and steel and finished with beautifully u...
Brass, Iron
A Magnificent Pair of French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Magnificent Pair of French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Vases A superb pair of French Louis XVI style ormolu vases, exquisitely cast and richly decorated in the Neoclassical taste. Eac...
Ormolu
Large & Perfectly Balanced Antique Hand Crafted Alabaster Pendant Light, Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
This exceptional neoclassical alabaster ceiling light is a striking example of early twentieth-century architectural lighting, distinguished by its scale, material quality, and remar...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire, Metal
Italian Majolica Blue White Grotto Dolphin Shell Lavabo Wall Fountain Planter
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an Italian blue and white terracotta grotto inspired dolphin and shell form lavabo or wall fountain or even a planter. It is 3 pieces suspended on a stain poplar wall plaque....
Brass
Vintage "New England" Folk Art Wood Whale Wall Sculpture, circa 1970's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"New England Style" Folk Art Wood Whale Wall Sculpture "made of pine wood - oiled with food grade mineral oil" "ready to hang" "perfect for a beach house" "small portion of upper t...
Pine
1960s Swedish Neoclassic Style Vanity In Birch With Walnut Interior
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1960s dressing table with mirror, executed in a refined neoclassical style. The piece features beautifully figured book-matched birch veneer to the exterior, contrasted by a walnut-v...
Mirror, Birch, Walnut
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
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Late 20th Century Measures: 11.25"W x 11.25"D x 3.5"H Very good vintage condition w...
Iron
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Brass, Steel & Glass Console, France, C 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Jansen style neoclassical metal & glass console, France, C 1960 With glass top, the base and stretcher side and bronze head caryatids with pawn bronze feet.
Metal, Brass
$1,168Sale Price|48% Off
Neoclassical Handcarved Angel Sculpture, Giltwood, Italy, Circa 1780-1820
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful and very detailed handcarved neoclassical angel standing on clouds, Italy, circa 1780-1820. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurements include the wooden base. H...
Wood
French 19th Century Gold Gilt Overmantel Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An exceptional French gold gilt mantel mirror from the late 19th century with beveled glass enclosed by a gorgeously decorated frame. Across the top is low arch, differing from the r...
Gold Leaf
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Marble Columned Gazebo With Openwork Scrolled Wrought Iron Dome
Located in Big Flats, NY
A substantial Neoclassical-style gazebo crafted from marble and wrought iron, dating to the 20th century. This elegant garden structure features a hexagonal plan supported by six flu...
Marble
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, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
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
Set of Four 18th Century Hand Colored Botanical Prints of Flowers by W. Curtis
By William Curtis
Located in Stamford, CT
Four late 18th/early 19th century hand colored botanical prints by William Curtis, originally published in London, 1795. The four slender and delicate flowers shown in full bloom, b...
Paper
Early Italian Neo-Classical Style Satinwood & Mahogany Demilune Cabinets - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of neoclassical style hand hewn satinwood and mahogany inlaid demilune cabinets. They are purportedly Italia and date somewhere between the 1930s and 40s. The...
Mahogany, Satinwood, Burl
$808Sale 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
WEDGWOOD - Vintage Green Jasperware Grape & Vine Lidded Box - U.K. - Circa 1958
By Wedgwood
Located in Chatham, ON
WEDGWOOD - Vintage sage green Jasperware 'grape and vine' pattern lidded box - featuring applied decoration around the body and the lid of the box - acanthus leaf decoration to the l...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Set of 12 Vintage Ralph Lauren Hampton's Flag Porcelain Salad or Dessert Plates
By Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of 12 Vintage Ralph Lauren "Hampton's Flag" Porcelain Salad or Dessert Plates, circa 1990s. A rare and extensive set of twelve heavy-weight porcelain plates in the iconic "Hampto...
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Collection Cabinet or Apothecary Cabinet, Mahogany, c. 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Large antique collection display cabinet Austria (?) Mahogany early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 194 x 134 x 50 cm Description: Display cabinet in mahogany veneered on oak,...
Mahogany
Pair of Italian Burl Walnut & Marble-Top Night Stands by Cav. Emilio Bertini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Designer: Cav. Emilio Bertini Manufacturer: Cav. Emilio Bertini Materials: Burl Walnut, Brass Hardware, Original Pink Italian Marble Tops Style...
Marble, Brass
Ralph Lauren Brass and Glass Cambridge Bell Lantern, Large
By Visual Comfort, Ralph Lauren
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large Ralph Lauren 6-Lite Cambridge bell lantern light fixture featuring a clear glass shade beautifully etched in Ralph Lauren’s signature Glen plaid pattern. This classic light f...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Style Cast Stone Cherub Garden Jardinieres / Planters
Located in San Diego, CA
A charming pair of neoclassical style cast stone planters / jardinieres featuring continuous relief decoration of playful cherubs (putti) amidst scrolling foliage. The rounded forms ...
Stone
Pair of Paul Hanson for Murano Mid Century Italian Modern Blue Glass Table Lamps
By Mabro Murano
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage pair Paul Hanson design for Murano art glass lamps from Italy circa 1950s. These feature thick handblown cobalt ribbed glass, with giltwood bases and fine brass hardware. L...
Brass
$593Sale 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
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
Gilded mirror with gold leaf, 20th century, beautiful antique patina
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
20th-century French wall mirror with a molded wooden frame entirely gilded with gold leaf. The gilding has a superb antique patina, with slight wear and variations that highlight its...
Mirror, Wood
A Large French Brass Demi-Lune Console Table
Located in London, GB
A large demi lune console table in brass with mirrored top. The 4 supports with twin uprights, on a acanthus feet surmounted by ringed lions masks. The elaborate stretcher almost flo...
Brass
Antique Pair 7ft Bronze Libertas Figural Torcheres Lamps F. De Luca 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A monumental antique Italian Neo-classical pair of bronze 'Libertas' figural torcheres set on shaped marble column bases by Ferdinando De Luca, signed on the bases, circa 1910 in dat...
Marble, Bronze
Swedish Early 19th Century Oval Center Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Swedish early 19th-century oval center table, distinguished by its elegant proportions and beautifully aged black-painted finish. The generous oval top is framed by a soft...
Pine
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Mirrors w/ Ribbon Crest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Pecan Fruitwood, New Glass Mirrors Style: French Neoclassical This pair of French Neoclassical style mirrors, crafted in the 1950s,...
Glass, Fruitwood
$807Sale Price|41% Off
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
Small Lovely Abstract Pink Butterfly Painting Framed
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Lovely small abstract painting acrylic on paper Pink Butty.
Paper
Hand-Carved Alabaster Table Lamp with Printed Pleated Fabric Shade, Circa 1940s
Located in Round Top, TX
Vintage Italian hand-carved Alabaster table lamp features baluster urn form with foliage. The body of the lamp is mounted on a stepped square alabaster base; the lamp is fitted with ...
Alabaster
1990s Rare Ralph Lauren Prototype Writer's Chair in Patinated Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this exceptional Ralph Lauren Writer's Chair prototype, circa early 1990s. This rare piece comes from the estate of the former Vice President of Operatio...
Metal
1960s Italian Peitra Dura Inlaid Mosaic Roman Landscape Scene Artwork Plaque
Located in St. Louis, MO
Framed 1960s Italian pietra dura plaque with Inlaid semi-precious hard stones mosaic technique creating a picture. A landscape work depicting a view of Florence with rolling hills, t...
Stone
Pair of Antique Neoclassical Style Column Marble Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Rewired, New Custom Linen Shades Dimensions: 32.25”H x 4.75”W x 4.75”D Shade: 10"H x 17"W x 17"D This elegant pair of marble table lamps dates to the 1930s and sho...
Marble
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled Original opal glass shades
Opal, Brass
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th C. American Empire Flame Mahogany Claw Foot Parlor Sofa Couch 85"
Located in Dayton, OH
Fine American Empire parlor sofa / couch with classical form and masterful carvings. Made of flamed mahogany featuring carved back crest and flared rolled arms accented with carved f...
Mahogany, Burl
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "I only count life's sunny hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial featuring a horse and a poem reading, "Serene I stand among the flowers and only count life’s sunny hours. For me dark days do not exist. A bra...
Iron
Monumental 19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Mercury Statue After Giambologna
By Giambologna
Located in New York, NY
Monumental 19th century Italian grand tour bronze sculpture of Mercury, finely cast after the original model by Jean d...
Bronze
Pair of Victorian Period Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Column Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Lovely pair of Victorian Period, sterling silver, Neoclassical-style, column-form candlesticks, Sheffield, England, year hallmarked for 1889, James Kebberling Bembridge (of Hawkeswor...
Sterling Silver
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
Neoclassical Revival Italian Bronze & Iron Console Table w Horse details. 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
A striking Italian console table dating from the 1940s–1950s, masterfully crafted in iron. This elegant piece features finely detailed horse head finials at the top of each leg and h...
Iron
Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Column-Form Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Neoclassical-Style, column-form candlesticks, Empire Silversmiths Co., New York, Ca. 1960's. Each candlestick measures 5 1/2 inches high x 3 inches wide (at ...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Italian 1930s Neoclassical Garden Sculptures, The Four Seasons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and beautifully unified set of four Italian Neoclassical garden sculptures from the 1930s, conceived as an allegorical representation of The Four Seasons. Cast in durable grit...
Cast Stone
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
Vintage Adams Style Paint Decorated Display China Cabinet
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Adams Style Paint Decorated Display China Cabinet Beautiful 20th century hand painted satinwood cabinet on console base by Yorkshire House. N...
Glass, Satinwood
Pair of French Bronze Candelabras, Neoclassical Design, Circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant early 20th-century French bronze candelabras with classical symmetry and refined patina. A refined pair of French bronze candelabras from the early 20th century, embodying t...
Bronze
Pair of Italian Gilt Wall Shelves Brackets, Florentine Neoclassical
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Italian Pair of Gold Leaf Painted Wall Shelves. This Florentine style set could certainly stand alone as a pair on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful c...
Gold Leaf
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
Pair Mid-Century American Classical Maple Twin Bedframes
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Mid-Century American Classical Maple Twin Bedframes Measures 41.5" in width, 79" in depth and 38" in height and 17" Height footboard. Boxspring clearance is 8.5". Floor to to...
Maple
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.