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.
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
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
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
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
$15,075 / set
Large Pair 19th Century Classical Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large and impressive pair of 19th Century classical gilded ormolu and white marble candelabra. Each with scrolling foliate seven branch sconces, supported by maidens dressed in flowing gowns...
Marble, 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
$7,500 / set
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
French. Pair of gilt bronze and patinated bronze neoclassical style seven light candelabra having column form, paw feet and raised on a Rouge Griotte marble step plinth. Apparently u...
Marble, Bronze
Cut Glass Mounted Ormolu, Rock Crystal and White Marble Three-Light Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Baltic neo-classical cut glass mounted ormolu, rock crystal and white marble three-light candelabras. Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: 30 1/2 in x 16 ...
Rock Crystal, Marble, Ormolu
$1,134Sale 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
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
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 Neoclassical Silver-Plate Corinthian Column Candelabras
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Silver Plate
Near Pair Neoclassical Balustrade Form Brass Candleholders with Square Bases
Located in New York, NY
This elegant near pair of Neoclassical candleholders, crafted in the United States, circa 1900. These showcase the timeless appeal of polished brass combined with classic design ele...
Brass
$20,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Russian Neoclassical Ormolu and Opaline Glass Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of antique Russian neoclassical ormolu and blue opaline glass candelabras. Each candelabra is centered by a turquoise-blue opaline glass sphere, mounted on a gilt b...
Crystal, Marble, Bronze
Group of Four Antique Italian Carved Wood Hand and Torchiere Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable group of four antique Italian wall sconces carved from a hardwood featuring a parcel gilt coat of arms style back plate supporting a painted arm with fist holding...
Tin
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
ltalian Monumental Neoclassical Gilt Wood Seven Light Torchere or Menorah
Located in Troy, NY
ltalian Monumental Neoclassical Gilt Wood Seven-Light Torchere or Menorah. Imposing, unique Gilt Wood Torchere of Palatial Proportions in an Egyptian Revival Design. The tripod base ...
Giltwood
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
French Red Marble and Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Style Matched Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French red marble and gilt bronze Neoclassical style matched clock set French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 70cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm Candel...
Griotte Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Antique Russian "Waterfall" Rock Crystal and Doré Bronze Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Russian rock crystal, doré bronze and white Carrara marble double light candelabrum in the form of a "waterfall." The candelabrum ...
Crystal, Carrara Marble, 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
Russian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Marble, Crystal, and Ormolu Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely decorative Russian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble, rock crystal, crystal, and ormolu candelabra lamps. Each three arm lamp is raised by ...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Marble, Ormolu
Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie Red Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This fine and ornate antique clock set by Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie comprises a clock and two flanking candelabra. The asymmetrical clock is set on a red marble base with ormolu feet and features a central relief panel in patinated bronze. The circular red marble clock...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
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
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
$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
$1,833Sale 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
$669Sale 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
$11,649 / set
Pair of French Silvered and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of French silvered and gilt bronze candelabra French, Late 19th Century Height 64cm, width 37cm, depth 37cm Crafted in the 19th century, this pair of French candelabra exudes ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$8,908 / set
Two Louis XVI Style Carved Giltwood Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These beautiful giltwood wall lights are designed in the style of decorative art produced in the Louis XVI period (1774-1793). This period saw the emergence of the neoclassical style...
Giltwood
pair of Baltic 19th century Glass, Ormolu and Marble candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and large scale pair of Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. Glass, Ormolu and Marble candelabras. This exquisite pair of cobalt blue glass candelabras is raised by a ...
Crystal, Ormolu
$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
$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
Monumental Italian Giltwood & Polychrome Dolphin And Floral Tole Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
A highly decorative near pair of Italian polychrome and parcel-gilt torchère candelabra, conceived in a theatrical neoclassical fantasy with twin dolphin-form supports, classical urn...
Metal
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
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
Antique Polychromed Wall Candle Holder Italy 19th Century
Located in Čelinac, BA
Wooden Torch Holder Putto Italy 19th Century
Wood
Pair of Patinated Bronze Seven-Light Candelabra by Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of neoclassical style gilt and patinated bronze seven light candelabras by FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE Original condition this pair was never touch.
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze and Turquoise Porcelain Candelabra
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in London, GB
Pair of gilt bronze and turquoise porcelain candelabra French, early 20th Century Measures: Height 81cm, width 26cm, depth 26cm These elegant candelabra, crafted from porcelain and gilt bronze, feature vase...
Ormolu
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
Pair of Antique French Bronze Wall Candle Sconces with Lion Heads, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of Antique Bronze French Double Arm Wall Candle Sconces with Lion Heads, ca. 1890. Elevate your interior with this distinguished pair of antique French wall candle sconces, cir...
Bronze
$16,446 / set
Two Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two large and exquisite gilt bronze sconces were crafted in the early 20th Century in France in a grand, Neoclassical style. The lights feature long stems which take the for...
Ormolu, 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
$2,095Sale Price|20% Off
Hilding Ekelund, Finnish 1920's candelabra for Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
By Hilding Ekelund, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Illuminate your home with the Hilding Ekelund candelabra, a masterpiece from the Finnish 1920s, designed for Taidetakomo Hakkarainen. As a renowned arc...
Wrought Iron
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 Pair Candelabra Candle Louis XVI Neoclassical Style Marble Ormolu Gold
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Pair Candelabra Candle Holders Louis XVI Neoclassical Style Marble Ormolu Gold France Marble, bronze Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x W x D: 31cm x 21.5cm x 9cm T...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$3,850 / set
19th Century French Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely chased Dore Bronze with the caryted motif.
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
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
Pair of Eleven-Light Silvered Bronze Large Figural Candelabra
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Large Candelabra in Silvered Bronze Neoclassical silvered bronze figural candelabra with 11-light. England, 19th century. This magnificent pair of candelabra features a masc...
Silver, 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
$712Sale Price / set|45% Off
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 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French gilt bronze candlesticks three-light candleholder. France, 19th century.
Bronze
Large Bronze Wall Candle Sconce, France 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful French wall sconce/candleholder made of gilded bronze, made in the form of tied ribbons supporting two candleholders ending with tassels wrapped around buttons decorated wi...
Bronze
$605Sale 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
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
Doré Bronze French Neoclassical Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
This outstanding pair of French Second Empire candelabra exemplifies the grandeur and exuberance of this decorative era. Expertly crafted of doré bronze and white marble, these light...
Marble, 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