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.
$666Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
$550Sale Price / set|51% Off
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
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
$1,130Sale 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
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
$3,850 / set
19th Century French Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely chased Dore Bronze with the caryted motif.
Bronze
$292 / 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
Bernardaud Lithophane Candle Votive, Handcrafted Porcelain, France
By Limoges, Bernardaud
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 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
$603Sale 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
$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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Fire gilted historistic candle extinguisher ( adjustable ) around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Fire gilted historistic candle extinguisher ( adjustable ) around 1890s Original condition
Brass
$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
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
Antique Candle Holder in Cast Spelter with Putto Late 19th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique Cast Spelter Candle Holder with Putto, Europe, late 19th century. This ornate candle holder features a finely cast putto figure seated at the base, supporting an elegantly t...
Spelter
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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
$398Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Pair of Neo-Classical Style Carved Chimera Form Candle Holders / Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of neoclassical style mythological carved wooden candle holders / bookends in the shape of chimeras holding a candle stick in one hand on ste...
Wood
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
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 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
Neoclassical Column Candlesticks Holders, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A vintage pair of white ceramic matte 'column' candlestick holders in the Neoclassical style, circa 1960s-1970s. Made in Portugal. Both marked on bottom as shown in last image. Dimen...
Ceramic
Pair of Italian Neoclassic White and Gilt Candlesticks
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian neo-classic (17/18th Century) white painted candlesticks with gilt & silver gilt trim and raised on 3 later white painted claw feet (PRICED AS PAIR).
Silver
Pair of Worn Silver Plate Candlesticks (3 Pairs Available)
Located in London, GB
These very decorative candlesticks were made in England in the 1970s. They are neoclassic in style and crafted with silver plate - they are worn in some areas. Please do take a look...
Metal, 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
$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
A Fine Pair of Carved Limewood and Gilt Torcheres, Italian Circa 1780
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A very fine pair of carved limewood and gilt torcheres, Italian circa 1780 Height: 112 cm Diameter: 25cm Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Hardwood
PIr of Antique Silver Candlesticks, Diana Silver, Vienna 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you sill find a pair of silver candlesticks. They feature neoclassical design, shaped as Greek columns. Each has two hallmarks for Austro-Hungarian silver standard, w...
Silver
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
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
Italian Baroque Monumental Carved Giltwood Altar Candlestick
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Baroque (18th Century) monumental altar candlestick in a columnar form with carved detail and a gilt finish and having 5 lower candle holders (flat on back). Losses to wood ...
Wood, Giltwood