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.
Very stylish pair of Neoclassical period sterling silver candlesticks - 1792
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1792 by Thomas Lamborn, this attractive, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Pair of Candlesticks, feature fluted decoration, swags, rosettes and ac...
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Jasperware Candlesticks, Neoclassical Blue & White, 1960
By Wedgewood
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A refined pair of Wedgwood jasperware candlesticks in the classic pale blue ground with crisp white applied reliefs. Each candlestick is decorated with neoclassical scenes—draped cla...
Ceramic
Sterling Silver Candlesticks Holders, Pair, Circa Early-20th Century, America
Located in New York, NY
A pair of sterling silver candlestick holders, La Pierre Manufacturing Co., circa early-20th century, America. Classic sterling silver candlestick holders; a great pair for many dini...
Sterling Silver
A Pair of Antique French Silver-Plated Candlesticks - XIXth century.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A beautiful and elegant pair of antique French silver-plated candlesticks featuring a refined Neoclassical design. These substantial and well-crafted pieces showcase exquisite beade...
Silver Plate
French Gold Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Holders, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of French gold gilt bronze candlestick holders in the Neoclassical style, circa mid to late-19th century, France. A raise...
Bronze
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Period 18th Century Carved Giltwood Candlesticks
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A pair of Italian noclassical period carved and painted giltwood candlesticks from the 18th century, with paw feet. Each of this pair of exq...
Wood, Giltwood
$1,137Sale Price|37% Off
Italian early 19th Century Neoclassical Giltwood Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful period piece with its original hand carved gildwood base and beautiful iron candleholders. Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered, small losses H:46,5cm W:25cm D:23cm
Iron
Rare Italian Neoclassical Brass Candlesticks, Urn Design, Ca. 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of Italian Neoclassical style brass candlesticks. They are shaped like a fluted column with an urn on top. The lid on the urn flips to hold the candle.
Brass
Silver Candlestich or Candle Holder with Tongs or Tweezers, Barcelona, 19th c
By F. Roca
Located in Madrid, ES
Silver candlestich or candle holder with tongs or tweezers. Silver. F. Roca, Barcelona, towards the first half of the 19th century. With contrast and derisive marks. Silver candles...
Silver
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Lamp By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Neoclassical style Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Lamp By Gherardo Degli Albizzi features Classic amphor shape and curved handles. Central body of this little lamp...
Crystal, Bronze
Elegant Pair of Early 19th Century Neoclassical Silver Candlesticks
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An elegant pair of Austro-Hungarian neoclassical silver candlesticks. Each on circular foot, engraved with flower panels, slightly tapering stem...
Silver
$293 / set
Corinthian Column Candlesticks in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A matching pair of neo-classically styled candleholders. They are cast in solid brass and shaped as Corinthian Columns. Unknown European maker circa 1970-80. They are to be fitted wi...
Brass
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
Antique Staffordshire Pair Pottery Candlesticks Figurines
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Staffordshire Pair Pottery Candlesticks Figurines Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
$1,837Sale Price / set|51% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Altar Candleholders, Italy, Circa 1760-1780
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and large pair of neoclassical altar candleholders with traces of their original silver and gold, Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurement ...
Wood
$670Sale Price / set|42% Off
Couple of Small Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of small wooden candleholders with their original gilding. Very nice type candleholder and rare to find in a pair. Italy, circa 1780-1800. Weathered, small losses.
Iron
19th Century Pair of Parisian Engraved Candle Holders
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exceptionally fine pair of silver-plated candlesticks by renowned silversmiths Cailar Bayard. Founded in Paris by Noël Cailar and Pierre Bayard, the firm produced top-notch silver...
Silver Plate
Pair of Neoclassical Baluster Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage Neoclassical bronze candlesticks feature elegant baluster form with wide circular bases. The sculptural bodies with a twisted element are supported by round tiered ba...
Bronze
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
William Comyns & Sons Neoclassical Silver Candlesticks, 1934
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite pair of silver candlesticks, shown here, were made in London by William Comyns & Sons Ltd, 1934. They both display the impressed manufacturer's mark 'Made in England fo...
Silver
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candlestick by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Neoclassical style gilt bronze and marble candlestick by Gherardo Degli Albizzi would be ideal to be placed on a bedside table or on a desk. Even if it features a classical shap...
Marble, Bronze
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
$525Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique Large Pair of Hardwood Candlesticks - Rich Patina - U.S.A., C.1900
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique large pair of hardwood candlesticks - lathe turned - rich patina - original wool felt liners to the bases - unsigned - United States - circa 1900. Excellent antique conditio...
Hardwood
$606Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Corinthian Columns Candlesticks Made in Silver Plated
Located in Roma, IT
A splendid pair of antique candlesticks in the Neoclassical style. They were Made in England, as shown in the hallmark visible in the photo, probably in the Early 20th Century. The...
Silver, Silver Plate, Sheffield Plate
Lampada da Tavolo Neoclassica Candeliere Italiano Azzurro e Giallo 1810 circa
Located in Milano, MI
Base per lampada da tavolo neoclassica italiana proveniente dalla Toscana, antico portacandele circolare a rocchetto in legno di pino dipinto di blu celeste e giallo Siena, cablato s...
Wood
Italian Carved and Gilded Wooden Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair of Italian Carved and Gilded Candlesticks that embody the elegance of classical design. each candlestick rises from a square base adorned with fluted grooves and supported by ...
Wood
Lovely pair of candle holders by Maison Lancel in ceramic
Located in NICE, FR
This exquisite pair of ceramic candle holders, signed "Lancel Paris Made in Italy" on the base, embodies refined craftsmanship and delicate artistry. Designed in the shape of bloomin...
Ceramic
$3,850 / set
19th Century French Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely chased Dore Bronze with the caryted motif.
Bronze
Pair of French Late 19th Century Neoclassical Style Bronze Cherub Candleholders
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant neoclassical cherub candleholders with sculptural bronze figures and refined classical detailing. A charming pair of French Neoclassical candleholders featuring finely model...
Bronze
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 Pair French Neoclassical Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Pair French Neoclassical Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks Elegant pair of 19th century French ormolu bronze single light candle holders. The tapered fluted shafts with acanthus c...
Bronze
Vallauris Candlesticks in Ceramic, Neoclassical Style, France, 1940s
By André Baud
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pair of candlesticks made at Vallauris, France, 1940s. Ceramic. Representation of braided candlesticks, Classic design from this period of the 40s. Very close to the work of Jérome M...
Ceramic
Pair of Neoclassical Lyre-Form Brass Candlesticks, Sculptural and Ornate
Located in Bochum, NRW
A poetic pair of early 20th-century Swedish candlesticks, crafted in solid brass by Gnosjö Hyltans Metall - renowned for its fine metalwork and sculptural precision. Designed in the ...
Brass
$1,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gorham Neoclassical Corinthian Column Candlesticks for Broadmoor Hotel
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Broadmoor Hotel Neoclassical Corinthian Column Candlesticks, are a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. These candlesticks were made in 1914 using electroplated metalw...
Silver
French Pair of 18th Century Gilt Altar Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of French, 18th century giltwood candlesticks from a church or cathedral. These substantial "pricket" candlesticks will make a statement on any mantel or table: tall,...
Gold
French Bronze Corinthian Column Candlesticks Neoclassical, Pair
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elegant pair of Neoclassical style gilt bronze candlesticks modeled after classical Corinthian columns. Featuring richly detailed acanthus capitals above finely fluted columnar shaft...
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Pair of Gorham Neoclassical Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1929
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1929. Each: Bellied socket with detachable reeded bobeche; tapering shaft and raised foot. Ovoid an...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique French Patinated Iron and Brass Candlesticks, 19th Century
Located in Ebberup, DK
A striking pair of antique French candlesticks executed in patinated iron with brass decorative elements, dating to the 19th century. Each piece is designed with a classical urn-form...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Neoclassical Brass Paw Foot Candlesticks
Located in Elkhart, IN
A handsome pair of mid-20th century brass candlesticks with faceted stems, stepped geometric bases, and finely modeled paw feet. Their warm, naturally aged surface gives the pair a r...
Brass
Antique Italian Hand-Carved Wood Candlestick in Old Paint and Finish
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique 18th century Italian painted and carved wood candlestick, with a few hints of gilding still remaining. There are small patches of the ...
Wood, Gesso, Paint
Set of Four Italian Candle Holders 1900 circa Neoclassical Style Candlesticks
Located in Milano, MI
Set of four Neoclassical style Italian candleholders in silvered copper dating back to the early 1900. This fine set of table candleholders, could be electrified and becomes an elegant set of four table lamps...
Copper
Pair of Traditional Swedish Classical Silver Candlesticks, 1957
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Classical 830 silver candlesticks, 1957. Each: Urn socket mounted to lobed baluster shaft on domed foot set in raised base. Socket and base rims stepped and curviline...
Silver
$1,150 / set
Early 20th Century Bronze Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These candleholders are a pair of ornate classical style bronze pieces. They feature a design with a fluted top section and a rounded urn like shape in the center. The holders are su...
Bronze
Fire gilted historistic candle extinguisher ( adjustable ) around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Fire gilted historistic candle extinguisher ( adjustable ) around 1890s Original condition
Brass
Pair of International Wedgwood Sterling Silver 12-Inch Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Wedgwood sterling silver candlesticks. Made by International Silver Co. in Connecticut, ca 1930. Each: Urn socket mounted to tapering columnar shaft on raised foot. Raised ba...
Sterling Silver
George III Sterling Silver Pair of Candlesticks, John Winter & Co, 1781
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1781 by John Winter & Co., this elegant pair of antique George III sterling silver candlesticks feature tapering fluted columns. Each column is accented wi...
Sterling Silver
Italian Neo-Classical Style Metal Tole Hand Form & Leaf Candlesticks - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Italian neo-classical style metal tole hand form candlesticks . Each hand is holding a leaf branch. They are in very good condition.
Metal
Delightful Pair of Tole and Brass Pineapple Candlesticks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An eye-catching pair of painted tole, iron and brass candlesticks having wonderful pineapple motife.
Marble, Iron
$1,750 / set
Palm Tree Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of neoclassic Italian candlesticks with stylized brass palm tree tops having pricket candleholders over black and gold painted turned wood bases with classical form.
Brass
$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
Crumpton Turned Wooden Candlestick Collection, 10
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Many candlesticks, from various eras, some appear to be early 19th century, other early 20th. All were procured on the eastern shore of Maryland around the turn of the last century. ...
Wood
George III period pair of sterling silver candlesticks - hallmarked in 1792
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1792 by John Parsons & Co., this handsome pair of George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Candlesticks, are round in shape, and feature reed detailing, ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of 19th Century English Sheffield Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent condition. Iron weighted.
Silver Plate, Copper, Iron
$1,540 / set
Early 20th Century Brass Pair of Candelabras
Located in New Orleans, LA
An elegant pair of early 20th-century brass candelabras featuring classic proportions and a beautifully aged patina. Crafted with timeless European styling, these sophisticated candl...
Brass
Antique Solid Polished Brass Antit arnish Treated Candleholders, Circa 1930s
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of extra tall antique brass candlesticks with a lovely shaped column rising from a shaped stepped base, each still retaining their...
Brass
19th Century Painted Walnut Candlestick
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Antique walnut candelabra brown painted, period 1800s, restored and wax polished Measures cm: Height 90, diameter 25.
Walnut
Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Weighted Candleholders
By Gorham
Located in Pasadena, TX
These candleholders are made by The Gorham Silver Co. They are weighted with cement and are well designed. They are stamped on the underside.
Silver
Pair Mid-century Pressed Glass Candle Holders
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Solid glass candle holders from the pressed glass era (1930-1950). Solid, and pure in their simplicity.
Glass
$1,200 / set
Pair of Large Brass Altar Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Lovely pair of large brass Altar Candlesticks. Adorned with classical embellishments, a pair of winged cherubs at the base, and on paw feet. Perfect for an...
Brass
Pair of Massive Continental Altar Sticks Electrified as Torchere
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elaborate pair of antique cast brass altar sticks which were electrified at a later time. Very solid feeling with ornate decoration and each with triple sockets. The sockets are swiv...
Brass
Pair (2) Antique Bronze Candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne, Neoclassical.
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair (2) Antique Bronze Candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne, Neoclassical. Signed These are antique French candlesticks made of patinated bronze, signed "Barbedienne," dating from...
Bronze