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.
Late 19th Century French Wrought Iron And Brass Gothic Revival Pastry Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Reputedly once owned by Bob Hope and purchased in Nantucket. A classic French antique iron pastry table with decorative Gothic style pendant frieze and raised on wide scrolled legs. ...
Brass, Iron
Vintage silver plate bowls by Oneida Silversmiths and WeberWilcox IS. a pair
Located in Birmingham, AL
Inspired by the iconic design made famous Oneida Silversmiths and WeberWilcox IS., this they brings timeless American style to the table. Its classic shape makes it equally beautiful...
Silver Plate
Vintage Gorahan Silver Plate Bowl, Serveware, Good Condition
Located in Birmingham, AL
Vintage silverplate bowl Crafted by Gorham made in USA Measures 9” across the rim and stands 4” deep Wonderful for fruit, rolls, side dishes, or tabletop displays or center piece wit...
Silver Plate
$527
H 1.19 in W 6.3 in D 11.03 in
Wooden Chopping Set of 3 Old Patina, Brown Color French, 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wooden cutting boards, with its old patina. They are object of the French 20th century, in the style of French Provincial which is brown in color, and in a condition consistent with ...
Wood
English 19th Century Bread Board
Located in Haywards Heath, GB
A stunning English 19th Century hand carved sycamore bread board. In lovely original condition, Circa 1880.
Wood
12 Vintage Hotel Silver Plate Dinner Forks by Oneida
By Oneida
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 12 vintage hotel silver plate dinner forks are decorated with leaves and are marked "Oneida Ltd. Silversmiths."
Silver Plate
$185 / item
H 17.75 in W 10.25 in D 0.45 in
Large Maple Cutting Board from the Deborah Ehrlich Collection
Located in Accord, NY
Designed by Deborah Ehrlich and made in Rhode Island by the same master craftsman who makes her chairs - the simplicity and elegance of this maple cutting board speaks to the collect...
Maple
$179 / item
H 1.6 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Quadrato, Made in Italy
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy lifting and handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Quadrato, the square version featured in this listing, measures 15.75" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Maple
$219 / item
H 1.6 in W 15.75 in D 23.5 in
Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Rettangolo, Made in Italy
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Rettangolo, the rectangular version featured in this listing, measures 23.5" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy, and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Maple
Oneida Silversmiths Silver Plate 14" Oval Dish/Bowl W/ Decorated Edge
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a lovely silver plate oval dish with a wide lip and a raised repeating swirl pattern around the edge. The dish is 14 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches in the other direction. ...
Silver Plate
$3,150
H 36.25 in W 29.5 in D 21 in
French Art Deco Butcher Block Table with Drawers, Solid Wood, 1930
Located in Austin, TX
Butcher block table from Art Deco period France. This piece is made of solid wood construction with a butcher block top and functional drawers. There are squared off legs supporting ...
Wood
$526
H 1.19 in W 36.23 in D 7.88 in
Cutting Board or Wooden Chopping Old Patina, Brown Color, French, 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wooden cutting board, with its old patina. It is an object of the French 20th century, in the style of French Provincial which is brown in color, ...
Aluminum
$6,250
H 30.75 in W 43.25 in D 1 in
Antique French Butcher Block Baker’s Table Pétrin Farmhouse Kitchen Island c1790
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Butcher Block Baker’s Table Pétrin Farmhouse Kitchen Island c1790. Direct from France, a rare antique French butcher block baker’s table (Pétrin), featuring a massive...
Oak
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
French 20th Century Painted Cutting Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Made in France around 1900, this shop cutting table is constructed in painted wood with a herringbone-patterned top. Cutting tables of this kind were used in shops and workrooms as g...
Wood