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.
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
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
Wonderful Gilt Bronze Rams Head Regency Neoclassical Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Gilt Bronze Rams Filigree Swag Head Regency Neoclassical Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Bronze, Ormolu
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
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
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...
Iron, Bronze
Wonderful Vintage Large Brass Bronze Glass Edwardian Hexagon Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Extremely Large Vintage Brass / Bronze Regency 6 Candelabra Light Lantern Neoclassical Hexagon Shaped Fixture Having Glass Panels Inset And Finished With Finials In The T...
Brass, Bronze
French Hexagonal Bronze and Frosted Textured Glass Hanging Lantern, 1920
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
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
Mid-20th Century French Style Patinated Brass and Glass Three-Light Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
French-style Neoclassical lantern in patinated brass and glass, three-light suspended fixture. A refined mid-20th-century lantern in the French Neoclassical style, crafted in patina...
Brass
New Cast Bronze Cylindrical Lantern Pendant, Maison Bagues Style, Curved Glass
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
A newly cast bronze cylindrical lantern pendant in the elegant manner of Maison Bagues, the celebrated French lighting house known for refined, hand finished metalwork. The drum form...
Bronze
Wonderful Caldwell Bronze Panel Glass Regency Neoclassical Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large E.F. Caldwell Style Bronze with Panel Glass Inset on Top and Egg Shaped Bottom with A Beautiful Crown and Central Band Regency, Empire, Neoclassical lantern chandel...
Bronze
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
A Very Fine Four Light Modern Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Modern Four Light Cylindrical Lantern. Original Curved Glass Panels. Brushed Steel Finish. 20th Century. Dimensions: Height 26 1/2" Diameter 15" CW5657 & CW5658
Bronze
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
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
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
Neoclassical Bronze Lantern with Corinthian Columns, 1930
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
$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
$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
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern. Offered is a outstanding mid century Italian Neoclassical style octagonal brass and beveled glass lantern. This lantern comes with 3 feet of he...
Brass
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
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
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
$2,306Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Brass & Silver Plated Lantern with Strong Rounded Faux-Glass Plast
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical large lantern is made of brass and silver plated with strong plastic rounded faux-glass. This is a French work, in the style of famous Maison Jansen, circa 1970.
Brass, Silver
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
Superb Gilt Bronze and Crystal Lantern, France, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze lantern oval convex panels, cut and beveled, France, circa 1900. Dimensions: H 37" D 19" 4 lights AH477.
Crystal, 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
$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 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
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
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 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
$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
Antique Brass Lantern Frame in the Bagues Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This antique lantern frame is a magnificent example of mid-20th-century luxury lighting. Crafted in formerly gilded brass, it is designed in the unmistakable taste of Maison Baguès, ...
Crystal, Brass
Wonderful Large French Ormolu Bronze Bow Ribbon Tassel Swags Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large French ormolu gilt bronze bow, ribbon, tassel, swags and finials three-light lantern fixture. Completely rewired with new sockets and wiring.
Bronze
$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
Wonderful French Neoclassical Large Bronze Bow Regency Lantern Fixture Pendent
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Beautiful etched bronze with draping bow lantern, pendant lantern fixture with cutout design around the bottom, fluted and filigree edges the top edge and...
Bronze
Large 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Chandelier Gilt
Located in Essex, MA
19th century Italian neoclassical giltwood and crystal chandelier Urn form body issuing 12 arms original crystals Neoclassical Can be French wired at customer's request.
Iron
Rare Antique Neoclassical Ormolu, Cut Crystal and Amber Glass Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and superb antique Neoclassical gilt bronze and amber glass chandelier. The chandelier features a six-arm structure composed of scrolling branches, each terminating in a candl...
Crystal, Bronze
$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
Italian Bronze Hexagon Decorative Tassel Hanging Hall Lantern, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian bronze hexagon glass hanging hall lantern with decorative scrolled arms, filigree upper border, four interior light cluster, and terminati...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze & Crystal "Versailles" Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal "Versailles" Lantern. France, circa 1900 Dimensions: Height 32 1/2" Diameter 16" CW5194
Crystal, Bronze
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
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
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
French Neoclassical Style Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French Neoclassical style brass lantern French, 20th century Measures: height 58 cm, diameter 23cm This fine hall lantern is crafted from brass in a classical style. The hexagon...
Brass
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
"Extra Large Silver Plated Bell Jar Lantern with Hand Cut Design, 1998"
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...
Metal, Silver Plate, Wire
19th Century Neoclassical Ormolu, Opaline Glass, and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large antique Neoclassical gilt bronze and crystal chandelier. The chandelier is arranged in multiple tiers, incorporating a complex structure of ormolu-mounted elemen...
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
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
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
A Find Hand Hammered Iron Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Hand Hammered Iron Lantern. Very Fine Detail. Glass panels. France, circa 1890. Dimensions: Height 29" Diameter 12" CW4870
Iron
Antique Russian Neoclassical Balloon Form Silvered Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An Antique Russian Neoclassical Balloon Form Silvered Bronze and Crystal Chandelier of Superb Design and Craftsmanship. The chandelier features a monumental cage-like structure compo...
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
An Important Neoclassical Style Eight Light Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
An Important Neoclassical Style Bronze Cut Glass & Tole Peinte Eight Light Chandelier With scrolling candle arms and faceted tole panels painted wit...
Bronze
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
$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
$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