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.
$2,128Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Elegant France Neoclassic Brass Lantern with Curved Glass
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Brass lantern with curved glass from France, 1970. This elegant pendant light features a classic design with a polished brass frame and curved glass panels, creating a timeless look....
Brass
Large English Bronze Corinthian Column Lantern
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A distinguished and substantial bronze lantern of impressive scale, finely cast and exhibiting exceptional architectural detail. The rectangular body is framed by four elegant Corint...
Bronze
Timeless Elegance: Pair of Antique Verdigris Brass Wall Lanterns
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Illuminate your entryway, patio, or garden with this exquisite pair of antique wall lanterns. Crafted from solid brass and boasting a beautiful...
Glass
French Hexagonal Bronze and Frosted Textured Glass Hanging Lantern, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French bronze hexagonal lantern with frosted textured glass, 1920s – an elegant Neoclassical-inspired pendant light. An elegant French hexagonal lantern from the 1920s, crafted from...
Bronze
Wonderful French Bronze Readed & X Louis XVI Lantern Fixture Curved Glass Panels
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French bronze readed & X pattern, Louis XVI style lantern fixture having 3 curved glass panels and on the interior a rewired with new sockets 3 candelabra light clust...
Bronze
Late 19th century Silver Plated Caldwell Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa late 19 centuru Caldwell silver plated lantern with 6 interior lights, from Waldorf Hotel in NYC
Bronze
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Brass Lantern Hanging Pendant with Handblown Circular Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish 20th century brass lantern hanging pendant with handblown circular glass.
Bronze
Pair of Large Solid Copper Architectural Wall Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate the curb appeal of your home or add a touch of timeless elegance to your outdoor spaces with this magnificent pair of large, solid copper architectural wall lanterns. The...
Copper
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Clear Glass Round Hanging Lantern, ca. 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French brass and clear glass three-light round hanging lantern from circa the 1950s. This adorable three-light pendant lantern features an elegant round brass frame with a round, cle...
Brass
20th Century French Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 20th-century French lantern showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Its gilded metal frame, adorned with ornate scrollwork and intricate detailing, embo...
Metal
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Beveled Clear Glass Hexagonal Lantern, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French brass and beveled clear glass hexagonal hanging lantern from circa the 1920s. This adorable three-light antique pendant lantern features...
Brass
A Fine Antique French Neoclassical Style Carved Alabaster and Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A fine antique French neoclassical style carved alabaster and bronze chandelier. The chandelier is composed of a carved alabaster bowl-form body suspended from a series of patinated ...
Alabaster, Bronze
$4,320
Blue Bell Jar Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A lovely small glass bell jar lantern with three lights in a stunning blue--perfect for a small entry or powder room!
Glass
French Beveled Glass and Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French beveled glass and brass lantern French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 83cm, diameter 52cm Made from brass and beveled glass, this large lantern is finely crafted in the...
Brass
Large Neoclassical Style Brass and Plate Glass Lantern
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style brass and plate glass lantern, French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 119cm, diameter 64cm Made from polished brass and plate glass, this large lantern...
Brass
Timeless Elegance: Pair of Antique Verdigris Brass Hanging Lanterns-26”H x 15”W
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Illuminate your entryway, patio, or garden with this exquisite pair of antique hanging lanterns. Crafted from solid brass and copper and a ...
Copper
Pair of Vintage Handcrafted Wall-Mounted Brass Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Pair of wall hanging lantern arch style made of solid brass, quality workmanship, bevelled glass, electrified with three 40/watt lights each lantern, beautiful patina great light exp...
Brass
$43,200Sale Price|20% Off
An Important 19th Century Neoclassic Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
An Important 19th Century Neoclassic Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier Russian 19th Century Eight light chandelier with gilt bronze swans Height 48 in. Diameter 36 in. P...
Crystal, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Brass and Glass Hanging Hall Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful French mid-20th century neoclassical style single light interior hanging lantern with six glass panels. Each of the six glass panels has a cut starburst decor. One socket f...
Metal, Brass
$9,700 / item
Large Swedish Neoclassic Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
The large neoclassic style five-light brass hall lantern with 18th century style embellishments. The leaf tip crown above scrolling supports and a hexagonal frame decorated with bowk...
Brass
Mid-20th Century Copper Lantern
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century hanging lantern light fixture is a stunning blend of rustic charm and architectural presence. Crafted from copper, it features eight glass-paneled sides, each w...
Brass, Copper
Mid-century wrought iron lantern from France, 1950s
Located in Lyon, FR
Cute mid-century wrought iron lantern, made in France, 1950s. Wrought iron structure, frozen glass lampshade, nice making details : floral ornaments, metallic lace and twists. Perfec...
Wrought Iron
$9,620 / item
Classic Brass Hall Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic Brass hall lantern and based on a 1940's French design, this hall lantern marries a flowing shape with clean lines. The brass echoes the war...
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Clear Glass Round Hanging Lantern, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French brass and cut clear glass round hanging lantern from circa the 1920s. This adorable three-light antique pendant lantern features an eleg...
Brass
French Modern Neoclassical Style Brass and Blown Glass Chandeliers/ Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Timeless French Mid-century style Modern Neoclassical lanterns / pendants / chandeliers. Sober, tasteful with the highest quality materials and workmanship, handcrafted g...
Brass
Wonderful French Bronze Crystal Neoclassical Empire Ormolu Lantern Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French bronze and diamond cut crystal neoclassical or Empire ormolu-mounted Lantern chandelier with three candelabra lights. In the manner of Baccarat. Measures: 21" H x...
Crystal, Bronze
Rare Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Bronze Round Lanterns Attribut to Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Rare set of 4 neoclassical style bronze round lanterns. French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940. Total Height with chain and canopy is 26 inch (66cm) but chain can be ad...
Bronze
French 19th-20th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Figural Hanging Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare French 19th-20th century neoclassical style gilt bronze and color-glass figural hanging lantern, the hexagonal shaped body with an orange glass paneling background, each panel centered with a gilt bronze Royal Crest depicting two-winged dragons above a Royal shield...
Bronze
Italian Etched Glass Silver Plated Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1910 Italian silver plated lantern with etched glass in floral motif and interior cluster of 4 candelabra lights. Measurements: Drop (current) 37" Minimum drop 27" Diam...
Blown Glass
Wonderful French Dore Bronze Curved Glass Ormolu Bow Swag Tassel Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French doré bronze curved glass ormolu-mounted with bows and swags and tassels Lantern 4 candelabra light fixture Provenance: Sotheby's Auction House New York City Wiri...
Bronze
Pair of neoclassical style brass lanterns wall lights, possibly Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of neoclassical style lanterns wall lights is made of brass with glass. This is a French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
$4,200 / item
1920's Silver English Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A 1920’s English silver plated lantern with interior lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Wonderful Regency Three-Light Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass Lantern Greek Key
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Regency / Neoclassical Three Candelabra Light Etched Bell Jar Glass & Patinated Black Brass Lantern With Greek Key Pattern Lantern Fixture, In The Manner Of Vaughan Designs
Brass
Italian Bronze and Tin Hanging Decorative Lantern, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian bronze and tin hanging lantern with decorative filigree, foliage motif, elliptical chain and original canopy. Chandelier is candle powered and can be electrified. Early 19th ...
Wonderful Regency Three-Light Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass Lantern Greek Key
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Regency / Neoclassical Three Candelabra Light Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass Lantern With Greek Key Pattern Etched On Both The Bell And To...
Brass
Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass Star Brass Pendant Light Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass Star Brass Pendant Light Lantern Fixture, With A 3 Light Cluster, Accompanied By Chain And Canopy For Installation.
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Glass Important Pendant Lantern
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century french Neoclassical gilt bronze and glass very important large pendant lantern By: unknown Material: metal, bronze, copper, tin, glass, crystal Technique: cast, mo...
Crystal, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
Late 20 th Century Larger Bell Jar , Silver Plated finish , cut Circles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extra Large Custom made with hand cut Circle design at top and bottom of the glass jar . Metal hardware was plated in Silver with an Antique finish . This one and one more are the l...
Cut Glass
Wonderful French Bronze Filigree Frosted Swirl Beveled Glass Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French bronze filigree frosted swirl beveled glass lantern fixture. Measures: 22" H x 9" W.
Bronze
Bronze Panel Round Bent Glass Lantern Four-Light Caldwell Urn Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful neoclassical or regency patina bronze, panel round bent glass lantern with four candelabra lights in the manner of E.F. Caldwell finished off with urn finials all the top...
Bronze
Impressive Neoclassical Patinated Bronze & Glass Pendant Chandelier Lantern
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful vintage neoclassical style lantern of patinated bronze and paneled glass having 8" of chain and original canopy. 4 interior bulbs.
Bronze
Pair of Black Metal Neoclassical Lanterns with Palm Frond Tops
Located in Essex, MA
Black metal lantern chandeliers, pair, measures: Height 32", diameter 25". A pair of black metal lantern form chandeliers. Each offers four candles...
Iron, Tin
Early 19th Century Russian Polish Alabaster and Vermeil Lantern by Nast
Located in Essex, MA
Period Carved neoclassical Alabaster and Vermeil, gold on solid silver lantern. But the famous Russian/Polish Silversmith, Ludwik Bernard Nast ( Warsaw c 1821-1838). Excellent gold o...
Alabaster, Vermeil
Palatial & Large Antique Russian Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze and crystal chandelier. The chandelier is composed of multiple tiers, suspended fro...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,500
Bronze Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and Delicate Baltic Lantern. Silver over bronze frame and hand cut crystal beads, rosettes and U-drops. France, circa 1930. 1 light. CW5031.
Crystal, Bronze
A Pair of Neoclassical Cranberry glass & Gilt Bronze Lantern Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of magnificent and large neoclassical cranberry glass & gilt bronze lantern chandeliers. Each lantern is formed around a large cranberry glass bell...
Crystal, Bronze
18th Century Italian Carved and Gilt Wood Chandelier
Located in Essex, MA
Period 18th century Italian carved and giltwood chandelier with six wrought iron arms. Intricately carved and giltwood canopy with wrought iron extension chain and carved and parcel ...
Wrought Iron
Russian 19th Century Neoclassical Ormolu, Opaline Glass, and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze and crystal chandelier. The chandelier is arranged in multiple tiers, incorporating a complex structure of ormolu-mounte...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Custom Wrought Iron and Gilt Lantern Pendants by Miamar Home
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of handcrafted wrought iron lanterns, custom made for Miamar Home, combining Old World European form with refined decorative detailing. Each lantern is constructed in...
Wrought Iron
French Bevelled Glass and Polished Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French bevelled glass and polished brass lantern French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 159cm, diameter 93cm Made from brass and bevelled...
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Painted Wooden Neoclassical Chandelier
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Swedish painted wooden 8 light chandelier. Neoclassical bowl with 8 carved candle holders. Mostly retains original paint and ...
Fir
Rare Antique Russian Neoclassical Ormolu, Cut Crystal and Amber Glass Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and superb antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze and amber glass chandelier. The chandelier features a six-arm structure composed of scrolling branches, each terminating in...
Crystal, Bronze
$4,750
Neoclassical Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine, Elegant and very simple cylindrical lantern, gilt bronze with curved glass panels. 4 lights. France, circa 1930. Dimensions: Height 37 1/2" Diameter 14" CW5325
Bronze
$7,700 / item
Antique Round Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Simple in style and inspired by a 17th-century antique, this lantern features fine decorative details, from the crown at the top, to the finials on its underside. Handcrafted from br...
Brass
Antique Neoclassical Style Brass Hall Lantern
Located in London, GB
Antique Neoclassical style brass hall lantern French, early 20th century Measures: Height 104cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm This fine hall ...
Brass
Monumental Dennis & Leen Attributed Patinated Iron Bronze Lantern
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic bespoke patinated iron and bronze lantern constructed on a monumental scale attributed to Dennis & Leen, Hollywood, CA. The grand Navarre lantern measures over 5 feet high a...
Bronze, Iron
Circular glazed brass hall lantern in the neo-classical style
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century circular glazed brass hall lantern in the neo-classical style, English, circa 1900. Brass work decorated with Vitruvian scrolls and oak leaf motifs. Twin light ...
Brass
$6,450 / item
Small Swedish Neo Classic Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
A small Neo-Classic style five-light brass hall lantern with 18th-century style embellishments. The leaf tip crown above scrolling supports and a hexagonal frame decorated with bowkn...
Brass
A Classical Nickel And Curved Murano Glass Italian Lantern
Located in London, GB
An Italian nickel and curved Murano amber glass lantern from the early 20th century. Very good quality casting and glass panels. The canopy with scrolled acanthus design. Finials to ...
Nickel
$27,500
Impressive Bronze Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A magnificent bronze lantern attributed to E. F. Caldwell. Hexagonal in shape with beveled glass panels supported at the top by six brackets ending in Greek keys. At the bottom six "...
Bronze