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.
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
Small pair antique copper lanterns with original verdigris patina
Located in Bristol, RI
Small pair of antique copper exterior lanterns. Original patina. Professionally rewired with new glass. They are 16 inches tall and are 8 inches deep from the wall. They are about 6 ...
Copper
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
$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
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
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 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
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
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
$2,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass Brass Greek Key Pendant Light Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass & Brass With Greek Key Trim Pendant Light Lantern Fixture, With A 3 Light Cluster, Accompanied By Chain And Canopy For Installation.
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
$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 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 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
Antique Restored Street Light Converted to Hanging Lantern / Foyer Chandelier
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Transform your entryway, porch, or living space with a true conversation piece—a stunning, one-of-a-kind antique street light meticulously convert...
Brass, Copper
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
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
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
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 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
$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
Italian, Roman, Neoclassic Silver Plate Hanging Censer, late 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
hanging from its original canopy and chains, with greek key handles and greek key incised decoration at upper rim, the body of neoclassic form and expertly cast, now to be fitted wit...
Silver Plate
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
American Neoclassical Bronze and Cut Crystal Lantern in the Manner of Caldwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant American neoclassical hanging lantern dating to circa 1900, crafted in patinated bronze and fitted with a finely cut crystal body. The lantern features a sculptural bronze...
Crystal, 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
$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
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