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.
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
Pair of Sterling Silver Neo-Classical-Style Column-Form Candlesticks
By Fordham & Faulkner
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Edwardian Period, Neoclassical-Style, column-form candlesticks, made in the city of Sheffield, England, year hallmarked for 1911, Fordham and Faulkner - make...
Sterling Silver
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
Pair of Tall Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Candlesticks
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of tall, sterling silver, Neoclassical candlesticks, produced by the Whiting Mfg. Co. (when it temporarily merged with the Gorham Mfg. Co. in the 1920's), Providence, Rhode Isla...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Italian .800 Silver & Agate or Hardstone Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Italian silver & agate candlesticks. In .800 silver. Each with embossed silver floral bases supporting cylindrical, polished agate pedestals with engraved ca...
Agate, Silver
$793Sale Price / set|41% Off
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Silvered Wooden Candlesticks, Circa 1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of wooden candleholders with their beautiful silver leaf gilding. Italy, circa 1750-1800. Weathered small losses and old repairs. Measurements are individual. H:39cm W:1...
Silver Leaf
$676Sale Price|50% Off
Italian Neoclassical Gilded Wooden Candleholder, Circa 1780-1800
Located in Buisson, FR
Great wooden candleholder with its original gilding. Original period piece and rare to find. Italy, circa 1780-1800. Weathered and small losses. Measurements include the metal peak ...
Wood
Set of 4 English Georgian Neoclassical Pillar Candlesticks, 1779
By William Abdy II
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 George III sterling silver candlesticks. Made by William Abdy in London in 1779. Each: Urn socket with detachable bobeche; tapering pillar on stepped and raised foot. Low re...
Sterling Silver
Tall Sterling Corinthian Column Candlesticks Sheffield, 1899 William Hutton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegant Pair of Tall Sterling Silver Corinthian Column Candlesticks by William Hutton & Sons, Sheffield, 1899 An impressive pair of 9" tall sterling silver candlesticks...
Sterling Silver
$1,052Sale Price / set|43% Off
Pair 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Candleholders, Circa 1780-1800
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of wooden candleholders with their original gilding. Very nice type candleholder and rare to find in a pair. Italy, circa 1780-1800. Weathered, old repair Measurements inc...
Wood
Orrefors Crystal Votive Candle Holder by Lars Hellsten, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal by Lars Hellsten circa 1970s. The Swedish crystal bowl designed by sculptor Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, marked with needle-...
Crystal
Pair of Italian Bronze Cherub Candleholders, mid-20th Century
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant and beautifully detailed pair of Italian bronze candleholders depicting winged cherubs in dynamic, uplifting poses. Each figure stands gracefully on an ornate, sculptural bas...
Bronze
Pair of Antique Giltwood Candlesticks with Paw Feet, Neoclassical Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined pair of antique giltwood candlesticks showcasing elegant Neoclassical influence. Each candlestick features a tall, tapered column rising from a triangular base supported by...
Giltwood
Pair of Roseville Zephir Lily Candle Stick Holders in Bermuda Blue, 1946
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of Roseville Pottery ceramic candle stick holders in the Zephyr Lily pattern on blue background are marked with molded "Roseville U.S.A. 1163 4 ½" on the bottoms. Zephir Lily p...
Ceramic, Pottery
Pair, Bronze Neoclassical Sea Serpent or Koi Fish Candleholders Candlesticks
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neoclassical bronze Koi fish or sea serpent figurative candlesticks, candleholders. These Asian inspired sculptural curved candlesticks feat...
Bronze
$1,146Sale Price / set|45% Off
Couple of 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Silvered Wooden Candlesticks
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of wooden candleholders with their beautiful silver leaf gilding. Italy, circa 1760-1800. Weathered and small losses Measurements are individual and include the iron peak....
Iron
19th Century Italian Silver Gilt Neoclassical Hand-Carved Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pair of 19-century Italian silver gilt candlesticks standing on a tripod-footed base with iron prickets that represents a luxurious blend of elegance and practicality, characterist...
Silver Leaf
Set of (3) Antique 18th-Century Colonial Brass Candlesticks with Original Patina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of (3) Antique 18th-Century Colonial Brass Candlesticks with Original Patina "Lets Dinner Party like it 1699" Original Condition / Ori...
Brass
French Neolcassical Cast Bronze Boy w Torch Figural Candle Holder Statue 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
French Neoclassical cast bronze candlestick holder / candelabra featuring Art Nouveau styling with the figure of a young boy holding a torchiere above his head, on an ornate base. D...
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Neoclassical-Style, square based column candlesticks, American, Ca. 1930's. Each candlestick measures 7 1/8 inches high x 3 inches wide (at widest point acro...
Sterling Silver
Circa 1860 Pair of English Brass Push-Rod Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 pair of brass push-rod candlesticks, English. Inverted beehive design. Lack push-discs. Square, cut-corner bases. 9.75" x 3 5/8" sq. We are a family business that has bee...
Brass
Pair of Candleholders with Karyatids, Bronze & Marble, Berlin Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire candlesticks with bronze karyatids and white marble pedestals, crafted by Werner & Mieth in Berlin during the early 19th century.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 18th Century Italian Painted and Parcel-Gilt Wood Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A decorative pair of 18th century Italian painted and parcel-gilt wood pricket candlesticks. Each features a cream-painted base with selectively gilded carved decoration, including fluted columnar stems, leaf motifs, floral ornamentation, and shaped bases raised on carved feet. The original pricket spikes remain at the top, giving the pair strong antique altar candlestick...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of 18th Century Italian Silver Gilt Wood Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Pearland, TX
A stunning pair of antique 18th-Century Italian silvered wood tripod pricket altar candlesticks. These gorgeous cathedral candlesticks are a nice large size, silver gilded and ornate...
Wood
Circa 1870 Likely English Pair of Neoclassical Urn Form Girondoles
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A pair of neoclassical urn form girondoles, circa 1870. A particularly elegant pair of girondoles (candleholders) on white marble bases, probably English. Finely detailed in the urn,...
Marble, Brass
Large Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column-Form Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of Neoclassical (made in the Victorian Period), sterling silver column-form candlesticks, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1898, Henry Wigful - maker. Each candlestick measures 11 1/6 inches high x 5 1/4 inches deep x 5 1/4 inches wide. Columns are swirled in design. The capital of each column is designed with acanthus leaves. The base of each candlestick is decorated with profiles of the Green Man (a good luck symbol...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Neoclassical Italian Carved Gold Giltwood Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Pair of vintage Italian neoclassical style carved gold giltwood candlesticks converted to beautiful table lamps, features white cream gesso and gold gilt polychrome finish, solid car...
Metal
French Bronze Column Candlesticks Neoclassical, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of French gilt bronze Corinthian column candlestick holders in the Neoclassical style, circa 19th century, France. Candlesticks depict the Corinthian column, made ...
Bronze, Brass, Copper
$1,800 / set
Pair of Hurricanes with Cut and Polished Stars
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and rare pair of vintage glass hurricane shades, each meticulously hand-cut and polished with 24 radiant star motifs encircling the glass. The precision of the cuts and th...
Cut Glass
$336Sale Price / set|20% Off
A set of three neoclassical postmodern “Ruins” stone candleholders, late 20th c
Located in View Park, CA
A set of three fossil and tessellated stone “ruins” candlesticks by Renoir Designs, late 20th century. This postmodern trio emulates the neoclassical sensibilities of Ancient Greece ...
Soapstone
A large pair of Neoclassical silver plate column candlesticks by WMF circa 1895
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A large and architecturally striking pair of silver-plated Neoclassical columnar candlesticks, Germany, circa 1895, stamped “WMF” for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. Each candle...
Silver Plate
Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Column-Form Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, square-based, Neoclassical-Style column-form candlesticks, American, Ca. 1930's-1940's. Columns are fluted in design. Each candlestick measures 7 inches hig...
Sterling Silver
18th Century Pair Wedgwood Black Basalt Ware Triton Candlesticks
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, 1780-1795, hollow-molded basalt stoneware, each mirror-formed triton figure depicted holding a whirlpool-handled torch with floriform capital, kneeling upon a flora-covered bolder, respectively impressed underneath "Wedgwood" and "WEDGWOOD," tallest 11 in. A similar pair were exhibited in 2020 at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are illustrated on page 140 of the accompanying literature, "Classic Black: The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood...
Stoneware
Wedgwood blue and white jasperware candleholders
By Wedgwood
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Fine pair of Wedgwood jasperware candleholder, neoclassical style item decorated with white flowers and leaves friezes on a sky-blue background. Jasperware, or jasper ware, is a type...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1970s Neo-Classical Style Italian Ram Form Candlesticks, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking pair of Italian neo-classical style candlesticks. They have an elongated cornucopia that graduates downward to a detailed ram’s head. They are composition and ...
Composition
Pair of Small 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Candleholders / Candlesticks
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique small pair of neoclassical wooden candleholders with their old gilding, Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurement each.
Wood
Bernardaud Lithophane Candle Votive, Handcrafted Porcelain, France
By Bernardaud, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Nativity Bernardaud Lithophane Candle Votive Candle holder, Backlit Scenes, in original box. Once this is lit up, it simply creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere in any space. A...
Porcelain
Pair Wedgwood Basalt Dolphin Form Candlesticks with Gilt Rococo Candle Nozzles
By Wedgewood
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair Wedgwood basalt dolphin form candlesticks with gilt rococo foliate candle nozzles. The dolphins boldly modeled and resting atop a rectangular plinth with a border of scallop sea...
Pottery
Pair of 24-Inch Neoclassical Bronze Caryatid and Limestone Candlesticks
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Neoclassical candlesticks. The figures are modeled, showcasing flowing robes, recalling the form of Caryatids—sculpted women that supported architectural elements in ancien...
Limestone, Bronze
Tall Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Corinthian Column Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Very tall pair of Neoclassical-style, sterling silver, Corinthian Column-form candlesticks, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1967, William A. Humphries, Ltd. - maker. Each ca...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Naples White Porcelain Candlestick
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical Naples white porcelain candlestick. Early Ferdinando IV Empire period candlestick of acanthus leaf basket form issuing tapered co...
Porcelain
Pair of Tall Edwardian Sterling Silver Neoclassical Column-Form Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Tall, Edwardian, sterling silver, neoclassical, column-form candlesticks, Birmingham, England, 1914, Bayliss and Coulthard - makers. Measures: 12 1/2 high x 5 wide x 5 deep (at squar...
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood blue and white jasperware candlestick
By Wedgwood
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Wedgwood jasperware candlestick, neoclassical style item decorated with white antique-style characters and trees on a sky-blue backgroun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair, Bronze Neoclassical 2 Candlelight Sea Serpent Candleholders Candlesticks
By E. Guillemard, Maison Jansen, Maison Baguès
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Pair of Grand Tour Neoclassical Bronze 2 Candlelight Sea Serpent figurative candlesticks, candleholders. These Asian inspired sculptural curved candlesticks feature a fish-li...
Bronze
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Exquisite Pair of Neo-Gothic Gold-Plated Brass Candlesticks, c. 1850-1890
Located in Skien, NO
Exquisite Pair of 19th-Century Neo-Gothic Gold-Plated Brass Candlesticks – German Antique Masterpieces (c. 1850-1890) **A Rare & Opulent Neo-Gothic Treasure** This stunning matched ...
Brass, Bronze, Gold Plate
Vintage Neoclassical Style Dolphin Candlestick Molded Clear Glass
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This gorgeous hand-blown and molded art glass candleholder is a striking sculptural piece created in the style of Gusevsky Crystal, Russia. Rendered as an elegant figural dolphin, th...
Art Glass
$840Sale Price / set|55% Off
Pair of Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlesticks 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pair of very finely-chiselled French gilt bronze candlesticks crafted in the neoclassical style. The decoration is extremely intricate, particularly on the circular base and tulip-...
Bronze
Tiffany & Co. Hand-Crafted Clear Crystal Candlesticks, USA
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks. A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co., New York, USA. Austria, Late 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.5"H....
Crystal
French Brass Church Altar Candlestick, Late 19th Century
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A tall and beautifully detailed French brass altar candlestick from the late 19th century, crafted during the Victorian era (known in France as the Belle Époque). This classic eccle...
Brass
Pair of Four-Armed Art Deco Candlesticks, 1930s-1940s, Sweden
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of four-armed Art Deco candlesticks. 1930s-1940s, Sweden. In very good condition. Unclear stamp.
Alpaca
Antique Pair Silver Plated Neo Classical Candlesticks Walker & Hall 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite pair of antique English Victorian Neo Classical silver-plated candlesticks bearing the maker's mark of Walker & Hall, circa 1890 in date. The circular beade...
Silver Plate
Mid-19th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Candlestick with Inset Mirrored Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique gilt candlestick was created in Italy circa 1850. Over 3 feet in height, and standing on three clawed feet over a triang...
Gold Leaf
Tall Pair of English Stepped Column Candlesticks in Turned Wood, 20th Century
Located in Morristown, NJ
Elegant and architectural, this pair of 20th-century English candleholders is crafted in a classic stepped columnar form, standing an impressive 21 inches high on 5.75-inch square ba...
Wood
Pair English Georgian Style Gilt Bronze and Blue John Fluospar Stone
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional neoclassical cassolette form candlesticks in the manner of Matthew Boulton (1728-1809), finely crafted from gilt bronze an...
Stone, Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Solid Brass Tall Candlesticks with Footed Base, 19th C.
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of Neoclassical tall, baluster shaped brass candlesticks with a square footed base, mid to late 19th century. They have extra height in an elegant, symmetrical form with a turn...
Brass
Bronze Bird Tripod Candle Stand
Located in New York, NY
Bronze bird tripod candle stand. Antique Italian softly patinated green bronze tripod oil lamp / votive candle stand in the classical style popular...
Bronze
2 Pairs of Neo-Classical Style Carved Chimera Form Candle Holders / Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
2 pairs of neo-classical style mythological carved wooden candle holders / bookends in the shape of chimeras holding a candle stick in one hand on...
Wood
$8,850Sale Price / set|70% Off
Pair of Sterling Silver Cymric Candlesticks, Archibald Knox for Liberty and Co
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceedingly Rare and Important pair of Museum quality old English sterling silver Cymric candlesticks. Exceptional example of silver from the Art...
Sterling Silver
Pair of 19th Century Italian Painted Wood Altar Pricket with Heraldic Shields
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of ecclesiastical charm to your decor with this striking pair of antique pricket candlesticks. Hand-carved in Italy circa 1860...
Wood
Pair of Sheffield Plated Corinthian Column Candlesticks Attributed to Elkington
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Sheffield Plated Corinthian Column Candlesticks Attributed to Elkington & Co., England, Circa 1880 This pair of Sheffield-plated Corinthian column candlesticks, attribut...
Sheffield Plate