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 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
$687Sale Price / set|50% Off
Collection Of 3 Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Lovely collection of 3 wooden candleholders with traces of their original silver and color. Very nice type candleholder and rare to find in a group. Italy, circa 1780-1800. Weathere...
Wood
$1,875 / set
Pair of Bronze Cherub Figural Candle Sconces
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Bronze Cherub Figural Candle Sconces. Measure 7" in width x 4" in depth x 12" in height.
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 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
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
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
$1,070Sale 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
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
Vintage Neoclassical Brass Candelabra with Four Arms
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage brass candelabra in Neoclassical style features four figurative sculptural arms and heavy, stable round base. Each candle holder except for the central one is fitted with a b...
Bronze, Metal
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 Neoclassical-Style Sterling Silver Corinthian Column Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical-Style, sterling silver Corinthian column candlesticks, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca 1915. Each candlestick measures almost 7 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
$807Sale 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
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 Exotic French 19th Century Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and finest quality exotic orientalist motif French 19th century figural gilt and patinated bronze Candelabras on original marble bases.
Bronze
$687Sale 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
Nineteenth Century Gilt Bronze Candelabra Pair, French or Russian
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of thirteen-flame candelabra France or Russia Second quarter of 19th century Cast, chiseled and gilt bronze Height 40.95 in (cm 104), diameter 17,7 in (cm 45) 97 lb (44 kg) Sta...
Ormolu
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
Pair of Classical Tiffany & Co. Crystal Candlestick Holders
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of crystal candlestick holders by the renowned Tiffany & Co. showcases the timeless sophistication and enduring craftsmanship for which the brand is celebrated. Fea...
Crystal
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
Vintage Pair of Wall Sconces with Fish and Seashells
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty pair of wall sconces cast in composition in an unusual neoclassical grotto form with ribbons, fish and seashells having a silvered finish around distressed mirrors. Signed Carv...
Composition
18th Century Neoclassical Dore and Patinated Bronze Two Light Putti Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Fine pair of Dore and patinated bronze figural putti 18th century two light candelabra on original Saint Anne marble plinths. Each individually modelled as ...
Marble, Bronze
$1,884Sale Price / set|51% Off
Pair of 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Altar Candleholders
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
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
$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
$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 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 19th c Italian Neoclassic Urn-Carved Candelabras w/5 Candle Pricket Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style five light candelabras from the 19th century. These antique candle holders from Italy are have gesso and silvered/gilt over a carved wood base i...
Iron
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
Large Pair Venetian Gilt & Polychromed Tole Candle Sconces Italy, circa 1890s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of Venetian Gilt & Polychromed Tole Candle Sconces Italy, circa 1890s 26" H x 15" W x 9" D This impressive pair of late 19th-century Venetian wall sconces exemplifies th...
Wrought Iron
$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
$3,975 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian polychrome sconces. Tall pair of antique Italian Neoclassical style carved wood polychrome sconces from Tuscany. These ...
Wood
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 Monumental Gilt Bronze and Glass Floor Standing Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of monumental gilt bronze and glass floor standing candelabra Crafted in the neoclassical style, this pair of floor-standing candelab...
Ormolu, Bronze
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
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 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
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
$1,800 / set
Vallauris Pair of Candlesticks, 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
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
Antique Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Antique neoclassical style three-piece gilt bronze clock set French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 57cm, width 74cm, depth 23cm. Candelabra: Height 83cm, width 27cm, d...
Ormolu, Bronze
$7,450 / set
Pair of Antique French Mirrored Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of neoclassical 19th century French wall sconces crafted with a beveled mirrored backplate with reverse etched architectural designs and a perfectly aged oxidized fin...
Brass
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
19th Century European Brass Hanging Church Sanctuary Pendant Lamp with Cherubim
Located in Madrid, ES
This 19th century brass hanging pendant sanctuary lamp is from a Spanish collection, but it shares characteristics with French sanctuary lamps of...
Brass
Pair of Late 19th Century Neoclassical Gilt Bronze 4-Arms Candelabras, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Neoclassical gilt bronze/ormolu 4-Arms candelabras, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, ormolu Technique: cast, molded, polished, meta...
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Ormolu, Tin
Monumental Antique Cast Iron Figural Neoclassical Griffin Candle Or Planters
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
An exceptional and increasingly rare pair of antique cast iron garden pedestals, dating to the late 19th century and executed in a dramatic Neoclassical style with figural griffin ba...
Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Versace-style brass Medusa and lion head sconces
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous pair of Neoclassical candle sconces with Versace-style Medusa and lion heads. Cast iron in the manner of Gio Ponti and Tomaso Buzzi surrealist arrow motifs. Angled arms are ...
Brass
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
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
Early 20thC English Silver plate Candlesticks /Sterling Silver Columns, set/2
Located in Malibu, CA
A stunning pair of antique late 19th/early 20th century English neoclassical column candlesticks. Square bases with steps up to the column. On the square base, a sterling silver fl...
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Pair of Russian Crystal and Bronze Candelabras, Imperial Russian Glass Workshop
Located in New York, NY
A pair of finely crafted Russian diamond-patterned cut-crystal five-light candelabra mounted and embellished with finely chased doré Bbonze mounts, from the early 1800s. These rare candelabra are attributed to the Imperial Russian Glass...
Bronze
$527Sale Price|20% Off
Louis XVI Style Antique Brass and Onyx Neo Classical Candelabra
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a beautiful Louis XVI style piece that is accented with details like acanthus leaves and an urn shaped center. The overall presentation of the candelabra and the green onyx b...
Onyx, Brass
Ornate Neoclassical Bronze Candle Holders, Italian, Early 20th Century
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
Corinthian Column Candle Holder in Solid Silver
Located in Tilburg, NL
Corinthian column candle holder in solid silver Wonderful and highly detailed column candle holder in heavy silver. Great piece with a ...
Silver
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, 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
Fancy Pair of Neoclassical Style Bronze & Marble Candleabra
Located in Hopewell, NJ
French pair of antique bronze neoclassical ornate candleabra having rouge and black marble two tone bases, decorative chains adorning the 6 arms with central removeable finial that m...
Marble, Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) French Louis XVI style figural patinated and gilt bronze three-light candelabra depicting neoclassical maidens, and mounted on unique dark variegated m...
Marble, Bronze
Pair, Bronze Neoclassical 2 Candlelight Sea Serpent Candleholders Candlesticks
By E. Guillemard, Maison Baguès, Maison Jansen
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