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.
68-Piece Dinner Set - Wedgwood - Columbia Gold - Complete for 12
By Wedgwood
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful porcelain dinner set, made by the English brand Wedgwood, from the Columbia Gold series. This service was produced by Wedgwood from 1964 to 1979. This complete set serves...
Porcelain
Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite set of 12 "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charges was realized in America in 1905. Each plate has heavily detailed boarders featuring a Kylix cup amid scrolling s...
Sterling Silver
$36Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ceramic Pair Salt and Pepper Shakers Cows Figurine
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage pair of ceramic salt and pepper shakers - two cute cow figurines.
Ceramic
Mappin & Webb Cutlery Set for 12 People. England, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Mappin & Webb silver plate cutlery set for 12 people, England, early 20th century. Complete for 12 people. A total of 130 pieces: 12 large kni...
Silver Plate
Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Goblet - London 1799 - P. A. & W. Bateman
By Peter, Ann & William Bateman
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1799 by Peter, Anne & William Bateman, this very attractive, George III, Antique Sterling Silver Goblet, features brighcut engraved decoration, a gilt interio...
Sterling Silver
12 Heavily Gilt Encrusted Antique Green & Gold Minton England Dinner Plates
By Minton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gorgeous set ! Please click on the pictures to see the detail and enlarge. Heavy raised paste gilding on a vibrant green collar and custom ordered through the fine Gilded Age Retai...
Gold, Enamel
Regency Period Antique Sterling Silver Goblet - London 1811 - P. & W. Bateman
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1811 by Peter & William Bateman, this stunning, Antique Sterling Silver Goblet, is in the neoclassical taste, featuring brightcut engraved decoration througho...
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Pale Blue Jasperware Coffee Cup and Saucer
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperware so prized by collectors and connoi...
Ceramic
8 Vintage Copper Baking Pudding Molds and Cookie Cutters
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Kitchen copper baking molds lot with 6 cookie cutters.
Copper
Hazel-Atlas Red Polka Dot Highball Glasses in Caddy, S/8
By Hazel-Atlas
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming set of eight polka dotted highballs in a metal caddy, by Hazel-Atlas Glass, circa late 1930s-early 1940s. Cheerfully perfect for toting to your summer table! The glasse...
Metal
Tiffany & Co New York Gilt Brass Decorative Pair of Plate
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Presenting the exquisite Tiffany Studios New York Arts & Crafts Bronze Dore Gold Dish Bowl, Model 1708. This round catch-all plate exemplifies the timeless craftsmanship and elegance...
Brass
Wood & Hughes New York Medallion Diana Sterling Silver Soup Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Medallion sterling silver soup ladle. Made by Wood & Hughes in New York, ca 1870. Beaded and stippled oval with left-facing female (Diana) profile surmounted by scallop shell. Fluted...
Sterling Silver
$2,796Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eleven Antique English Dinner Plates, Cobalt Blue Gilded Musical Instruments
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare and wonderful custom set of 11 plates from Copeland Spode England. Rich Cobalt Blue Extended Collars featuring raised gilt encrusted cartouches of musical instruments. Custom ...
Gold, Enamel
Lars Göransson, Swedish designer. Hammered modernist tin tray.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lars Göransson, Swedish designer. Hammered modernist tin tray. Date stamp F 10. 1978. In perfect condition. Marked. Dimensions: W 30.0 cm x D 19.5 cm x H 1.0 cm.
Metal
Set of 4 Vintage White Ceramic Corn Dishes, Mid-Century Corn Holders
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A charming set of four vintage white ceramic corn-on-the-cob holders, each shaped like an ear of corn with finely molded kernels and husks. These sculptural dishes are both functional and delightfully nostalgic—perfect for elevating summer entertaining with a playful, Americana twist. Originally popularized in mid-20th-century American serveware, corn dishes...
Ceramic
2 Antique Haviland Limoges Bread or Salad Plates for W.J. Pettee & Co. Oklahoma
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of antique French porcelain bread plates with a floral decoration around the rims. This pair of dishes was made specifically for a store in downtown Oklahoma City. The store w...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
Group of Wedgwood Feather Edge Creamware / Pearlware
By Wedgwood
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome 25 piece group of feather edge creamware / pearlware with impressed Wedgwood mark, group includes a tureen with lid, several oval pla...
Porcelain
Greek Key Ceramic Bread Plates by Haviland France Limoges - Set of 2 circa 1900s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of antique porcelain bread plates by Haviland France. This pair of small plates will be a great addition to any place setting. The edges are decorated in the Arlene Schleiger ...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
Wood & Hughes New York Medallion Diana Coin Silver Ice Cream Spoons
Located in New York, NY
Set of 7 Medallion coin silver ice cream spoons. Made by Wood & Hughes in New York, ca 1860: Each: Left-facing Diana in oval terminal mounted with scallop shell; leafing volute scrol...
Silver
19th Century Italian Sterling Silver Glass and Wine Coasters, circa 1830
By Antonio Mantelli
Located in Milano, IT
Twelve silver glass coasters and four silver wine coasters. Silversmith Antonio Mantelli Milan, circa 1830 They measure: Glass coasters: 0.78 in high x 3.46 in diameter (2 cm x 8.8 c...
Sterling Silver
5 S Vintage Rolling Pins Maple Wood Kitchen Accessories with Board
Located in Boca Raton, FL
5 pcs vintage American maple wood kitchen rolling pins , from 20”” to 14”, one painted with Santa Claus with maple wood kitchen board with handle.Decorative and collectible.
Wood
White Ceramic Saucer in White with Blue Trim by Michaud for American Airlines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small ceramic tea or coffee saucer in white with blue trim by Michaud for American Airlines. Dimensions: 5.5" Diameter .75" Tall
Ceramic
White Ceramic Butterfly Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four ceramic butterfly motif napkin rings. Fabulous for a spring table setting. Unsigned. Measures: 2.75" tall 2" wide 1" deep.
Ceramic
Paul Storr - sterling silver and cut glass cruet set made in 1799
By Paul Storr
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1799 by Paul Storr, this very handsome, George III, Antique Sterling Silver Cruet Set, comprises six bottles, all with silver mounts, and all fitted into a Ne...
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Butter Dish with Glass Liner
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver butter dish. It is rectangular in shape with rounded corners, a neoclassical style border has been welded onto the edge of the tray. A liner has been placed in the tr...
Sterling Silver
Wood & Hughes New York Medallion Coin Silver Scoop Spoon
Located in New York, NY
Medallion coin silver scoop. Made by Wood & Hughes in New York, ca 1860. Cylindrical stem mounted with leaf scrolls. Rondel terminal with right-facing male profile on stippled ground...
Silver
George III period sterling silver egg cruet hallmarked in London in 1808
By Rebecca Emes & Edward Barnard 1
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1808 by Emes & Barnard, this handsome, Antique, George III period, Sterling Silver Egg Cruet, is in the Neoclassical taste, and holds four egg cups and a cent...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical antique sterling silver mustard pot made by Frances Purton in 1788
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1788 by Frances Purton, this attractive, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Mustard Pot, features ...
Sterling Silver
$156Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gorham Teaspoons in Shelburne Pattern; Set/10
By Gorham
Located in Malibu, CA
Lovely flatware in silver plate. Salad forks by Gorham in the Shelburne pattern in excellent antique condition. The pattern is from 1914 and marked EP pat. 1914. Measures: 7" L x 1" ...
Silver Plate
Golden Plated Hand Tea Spoon Set of Two Handcrafted Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Add an element of elegance and playfulness to your dinner table with our hand tea spoon. Handcrafted from metal and plated brass, its distinguishing feature is the anthropomorphic ha...
Metal, Gold Plate
Italian Neoclassic Bronze Pedestal
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (19th Century) small bronze pedestal base stand with an Egyptian figure supporting a round \"card holder\" tray with classical motifs.
Bronze
Genuine Redmon Woven Wicker Picnic Basket with Tabletop in Red and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A red woven wicker picnic basket with metal handles, wood lid, and short tabletop for serving drinks or sandwiches. Created from woven red and br...
Metal
$1,200Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mid century Vintage Lenox holiday dinner set for 8
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in Birmingham, AL
The legendary elegance of Lenox presents Holiday, a band of festive green holly and red berries against a luxurious cream-colored background which is framed by a stunning wide polish...
Bone
Neoclassical Set of 4 Antique Sterling Silver Wine Coasters, London, 1787
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1787, this striking set of four George III, Antique Sterling Silver Wine Coasters, feature pierced and eng...
Sterling Silver
Birmingham, England, Silver Salt Cellar, Neoclassical Style, Dated 1902/03
Located in København, Copenhagen
Birmingham, England. Antique silver salt cellar. Neoclassical style. Dated 1902/03. Measures: 9.5 x 6 cm. Stamped. In very good condition.
Silver
$199Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gorham Dinner Forks in Shelbourne Pattern; Set/13
By Gorham
Located in Malibu, CA
Lovely flatware in silver plate. Salad forks by Gorham in the stunning & rare Shelburne pattern in excellent antique condition. The pattern is from 1914 and marked EP pat. 1914.
Silver Plate
Vintage Portuguese Majolica Cream Majolica Plates by Secla, Set of 6
By Secla
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of six ceramic cream color divided plates by Secla. This wonderful set of Portuguese plates will be a fabulous touch at your next dinner party. Eac...
Ceramic
Neoclassical White Porcelain Salt Dish
By Wallendorf
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical white porcelain salt dish. A fine transitional Louis XVI Wallendorf white porcelain salt in perfect condition, Germany, circa 1780. Dimension: 4...
Porcelain
Theodore Haviland Gotham Ceramic Saucers in White and Gold, Set of 10
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of 10 ceramic plates by Gotham by Theodore Haviland. Each saucer is in a light cream white hue, and features a thick gold painted band around the center as well as on the inter...
Gold
Vintage Matching Monogramed Purple Placemat and Napkin Set - Service for 12
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A stunning set of 24 vintage embroidered and monogrammed placemats and napkins with service for 12. This gorgeous set is by Shaxted Chicago. A linens company popular in the mid-20th ...
Fabric
$116Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1825 Coin Silver Sugar Shell by A.E. Warner
By Andrew Ellicott Warner
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Coin silver sugar shell by A.E. Warner, Baltimore, circa 1825. Shell tip & bowl, monogram obverse "ML". Andrew Ellicott Warner, 1786-1870. Assay 10:...
Silver
Vintage 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar 12" Pewter Trivet or Wall Hanging Plaque USA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar 12" Pewter Trivet or Wall Hanging Plaque, USA. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: >0.25" H x 11.75" W x 11.75" D.
Pewter
Historistic Silver candle holder austria around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic Silver candle holder austria around 1890s Only polished High quality work
Silver
Wood & Hughes New York Medallion Diana Coin Silver Teaspoons
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Medallion coin silver teaspoons, ca 1860. Each: Left-facing Diana in oval terminal mounted with scallop shell; leafing volute scroll stem. Interlaced script monogram engrave...
Silver
Set of 10 Minton's Stanhope Plates, England, circa 1900
By Minton
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Set of 10 Minton's Stanhope plates, England, circa 1900. The Stanhope pattern features a fruit and floral border and center design with a blue and gold palette. There is a raised bas...
Ceramic
Salviati Venetian Stemware Octagonal Service with Gold & White Enamel Decoration
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This tall and elegant large and extensive set of hand blown Venetian stemware is decorated with gold and polychrome enamel "jewels". Attributed to Sa...
Blown Glass
Austria 18th Century Copper Cakes Shapes Wall Decoration
Located in Brescia, IT
18th century Austrian copper cakes shapes With certificate of authenticity
Copper
Rare Schulz & Fischer San Francisco Medallion Coin Silver Soup Ladle
By Schulz and Fischer
Located in New York, NY
American Medallion coin silver soup ladle, ca 1870. Ovoid and scalloped bowl; interior gilt with engraved stylized ornament. Curved and fluted stem with flowerhead knop and scroll mo...
Silver
19th Century English Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Oil and Vinegar Cruet Set
Located in Firenze, IT
These oil and vinegar bottles are a sleek cruet condiment set, made of fine and elaborate cut crystal and sterling silver with a neoclassical appeal thanks to the Greek key pattern t...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Farrington & Hunnewell Medallion Boston Coin Silver Fish Serving Pair
Located in New York, NY
Medallion coin silver fish serving pair, comprising fork and slice. Made by Farrington & Hunnewell in Boston, ca 1850. Terminals have right-facing centurion in stippled oval with bea...
Silver
Antique Gorham Coin Silver Fish Slice in Classical Bust Pattern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Bust coin silver fish slice. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1865. Flat shaped oval blade with stylized leaf and scroll ornament. Tapering rectilinear leaf-mounted handle with cast ...
Silver
21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Twelve Place Cards for the Table
Located in VALENZA, IT
12 table place card in sterling silver. They are made in fusion and engraving finishing, as a copy of the Roman columns as can be admired in the Roman Forum in Rome. Silver Art - A...
Sterling Silver
Monumental Clear Cut-Glass Covered Compote
Located in New York, NY
Monumental clear cut-glass covered compote, circa 1820. La Cristallerie de Vonêche (active 1802-30), Belgium. Glass, blown and cut. Measures: 17 3/8 i...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
George III Pair of Antique Sterling Silver Goblets by John Denziloe
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1793 and 1795 by John Denziloe, this handsome, George III, pair of antique sterling silver goblets, are plain in style, and feature gilt interiors. Each goble...
Sterling Silver
Silver Fish Slice and Fork by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd.
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
These beautiful fish servers were created in the early 20th century by the prestigious Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd. Founded in 1880...
Silver
Wedgwood Pale Blue Jasperware Coffee Cup and Saucer Set
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...
Ceramic