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 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Two-Arm Crystal Sconces W/ White Shades Manner of Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of Neoclassical two-arm crystal sconces exudes timeless sophistication, crafted in the manner of the iconic French house Baccarat. These stunning 20th-century wall-...
Crystal
Large Pair of Maria Theresa Style Crystal 7-Light Wall Sconces, Italy Circa 1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of Maria Theresa Style Crystal 7-Light Wall Sconces, Italy, Circa 1950s An impressive pair of Italian Maria Theresa-style crystal wall sconces, circa 1950s, notable for t...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Torch Sconces in Frosted Glass and Antique Brass
Located in New York, NY
This regal and ornate Pair of Neoclassical Torch Sconces in Frosted Glass and antique brass originates from France during the latter half of...
Brass
$2,498 / item
DUNLIN Mott St Spot Light, Tarnished Raw Brass
By DUNLIN
Located in Sydney, AU
Handmade in solid brass exclusively for Dunlin Australia A new classic. A heavyweight brass spotlight. -16 cm total length x 10 cm diameter ( shadow line is 1.5cm High- shadow Lin...
Brass
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell bronze sconces with one light
Bronze
$1,950 / item
Workstead Pendolo Flush Mount Small
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Pendolo Flush Mount is a versatile flush-mount fixture, capable of serving as a down-light or directional wall washer. Available in either Natural Burlap o...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces with Cut Glass
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell doubler light sconces with molded glass backplate
Bronze
$2,400 / set
1940's Silver Plated One Light Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940's one light silver sconces with mirrored backplate
Bronze
$4,200 / set
1920's Caldwell Mirror Sconces with 2 lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double lights sconces with mirrored back plated
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1900s Hurricane Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 traditional gild bronze and silver plate finish sconces with hurricane glass inset. Williamsburg style
Bronze
Pair of French Maison Lancel Bronze Horse Sconces, 2 pairs available
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Maison Lancel Bronze Horse Sconces
Brass, Bronze
A Set of (2) Vintage, Art Deco Style, Alabaster Sconces
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vintage Alabaster sconces in Art Deco or Neoclassical style. Shades only, no wiring: 10" high, 13" wide and 6 3/4" deep at the widest part. Excellent condition. The price is per s...
Alabaster
A Pair of POSTMODERN NEOCLASSICAL Wall LAMPS Sconces France 1990-2000
Located in PARIS, FR
A thin and elegant pair of (double) wall appliques sconces, to be attributed, France 1990-2000. Each sample consists in a single curved wall base with 2 short arms holding 2 long ver...
Metal
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
$4,900 / set
Pair of Ralph Lauren Nickel Retractable Sconces
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Miami, FL
Pair Ralph Lauren 'Sargent' swing arm wall lamps, c., 2-light wall articulated wall sconce, in "Butler's silver" finish, marked "Ralph Lauren" on wal...
Brass, Nickel
$4,980Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Large c1810 Russian Baltic 24K with Cut Crystal Wall Sconces Original Cond.
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Quite a Rare Pair of Early 19thc c1810 Russian Baltic 24K Gold with Cut Crystal Wall Sconces. In their original unelectrified state. I purchased these while I was in Ireland. They ar...
Bronze
Pair of Maison Jansen two Patina Retractable Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Maison Jansen retractable sconces, US rewired and in working condition Measures: Back plate 2.3/8" diameter Projection max 15", mini 9" 15" W max, 6" W mini. Priced by...
Brass, Bronze
$2,200 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with scalloped backplate
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair Italian Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Gilt Urn Candle Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Wrought Iron and Gilt Urn Wall Sconces Italy, 21st century Dimensions: 20" H x 14" W x 6" D Pair of Italian Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Gilt Urn Candle ...
Metal
Hand-Thrown Wall Lamp In the Shape #Of A Flower Bucket, Italy 1980s
Located in Hannover, DE
These wall lights are truly one-of-a-kind. They're made with the utmost care and skill, making them a cut above the rest. The design is so appealing, and the basket of flowers create...
Brass
Pair of Lovely Giltwood Carvers Guild Oval & Mirrored Wall Candle Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of giltwood oval Carvers Guild Bow sconces with single arm for candle. 17” H x 10.75” W x 8.5” D Mirror 6.75” W x 9” H
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,650 / set
Pair of Maison Lancel Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of brass 2-tone Maison Lancel sconce.
Brass
$1,036Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Neo- Classical Style Cast Brass Magnifying Glass Sconces, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century cast brass magnifying glass sconces. They are not electrified and are unmarked. They are in very good condition.
Brass
Pair of French Neoclassical Arrow Wall Sconces, C. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautiful set of two-tone bronze sconces are created from an arrow form decorated with central medallion with a face and two scrolled candlearms.
Bronze
1960’s Neoclassical Nickel plated French Sconces, 2 pair available
Located in Miami, FL
1960’s Neoclassical Nickel plated French Sconces, 2 pair available
Brass, Nickel
French Empire-Style Mirrored Sconce, circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
French Empire style sconce with convex mirror, two arrows, and gold stars, circa 1940. Rewired for USA with two sockets, 25W bulbs included.
Metal
Antique Set of 4 Neo-Classical Ormolu & Glass Wall Lights 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique set of four stylish French Neo-classical ormolu & glass flaming torch wall lights, circa 1920 in date. Each has an ormolu foliate and ribbon backplate h...
Ormolu
Antique Pair Neo-Classical Ormolu & Glass Wall lights 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb pair of stylish French Neo-classical ormolu & glass flaming torch wall lights, circa 1920 in date. Each has an ormolu foliate and ribbon backplate holding a fro...
Ormolu
Neoclassical Giltwood and Rock Crystal Girandole Lamps
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair of Neoclassical style Carved Giltwood Five-Light Girandoles. Rising to an impressive 32 inches in height, each piece is designed as an elegant handled giltwood urn set upon a...
Rock Crystal
Pair French 1940s Neo-classic arrow shaped brass wall lamps
Located in Milan, IT
Pair French 1940s Neo-classic arrow-shaped brass wall lamps carries two lights per lamp.
Brass
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Silver Plated Sconces with 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated three lights sconces with cherubs atop.
Bronze
$300Sale Price / set|75% Off
Decorative Painted Scroll Arm Sconces 'Pair'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Decoratively faux painted metal sconces in a fresh, warm tone; two scroll arms and shield backplate with rope and leaf details and wide, foliate bobeches, and wax covered candle cove...
Metal
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
$3,800 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silvered plated sconces
Bronze
André Arbus French Bronze Neoclassical Hand Wall Lights/Sconces
Located in North Miami, FL
Bronze Andre Arbus wall sconces depicting hands holding torchieres, topped with their ORIGINAL frosted glass diffusers.
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces with wave design and two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$9,800 / set
Pair of 1900s Caldwell Gold Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell gold plated sconces with cherubs and two lights
Gold, Bronze
$7,500 / item
Pair of Maison Bagues Vintage "Bird" Wall Sconces
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Pair of Vintage Maison Bagues "Birds" Wall Sconces, iron & crystal. France, circa 1940. 2 lights each. Two Pairs Available. Dimensions: Height 27" (Overall, including top ca...
Crystal, Iron
Antique Pair French Neo-classical Ormolu Wall Lights Appliques 19th century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine pair of antique French Neo-classical twin branch ormolu wall lights, dating from circa 1880. The wall lights feature tapering fluted column backplates with ram head ...
Ormolu
Spanish Revival Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
An sculptural wrought iron and glass light fixture with neoclassical and Gothic Revival accents. Spain, 1940s. This hand forged iron fixture has a highly decorative design with fleu...
Iron, Wrought Iron
French Neoclassical Style Bronze and White Frosted Glass Two-Arm Sconce, ca 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical style bronze and white frosted glass two-arm sconce from the 1920s. A beautiful bronze sconce adorned with leaves, flowers, and a lady's face in the center of the...
Bronze
$1,889 / item
Crystal Basket Sconce in Florentine Gold
Located in New York, NY
The Crystal Basket Sconce embodies opulent craftsmanship and classical grace. A distinguished design from our Heritage Collection, it draws inspiration from the grandeur of Neoclassical lighting, featuring a sculptural basket form adorned with hand-cut crystal strands that shimmer with refined luminosity. Each piece is handcrafted at our Fall River, Massachusetts atelier, where Sherle Wagner International’s artisans have upheld a legacy of excellence for more than eight decades. The intricate arrangement of crystal elements and finely detailed metalwork transforms light into a radiant display of elegance and artistry. Available in Florentine Gold...
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Regency Polished Chrome Wall Sconce - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of wall sconces epitomizes the refined elegance of Regency-inspired lighting, offering a sophisticated blend of classical proportions and modernist materials. Feat...
Chrome, Nickel
A Pair of MURANO GLASS WALL APPLIQUES, by FLAVIO POLI & VERONESE, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional pair of 3 "flambeau" wall lights, Forme-Libre, in translucent and turquoise blown Murano glass of rare finesse, unique pieces by Flavio Poli, Veronese edition, Murano,...
Murano Glass
Pair of Large Neoclassic 1950s Gilt Metal French Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of neoclassical French wall sconces with an elegant design. They have two arms per sconce, each elegantly curved and designed to resemble twisted rope or cord, leading ...
Metal
$3,800 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with rampant lions on backplate.
Bronze, Silver Plate
Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Picture Wall Light by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Neoclassical picture light by Gherardo Degli Albizzi. Current production, 100% made in Italy by Italian craftsmen. Available in different dimension: 30, 40 and 60 cm. Customizable in...
Bronze
Carved Alabaster Shell Shape Sconces, Pair, Unattributed, 1960
Located in New York, NY
Pair of carved alabaster sconces circa 1960, nice original color and viens
Alabaster
2 Historistic Wall lamps with cut glass shades vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 Historistic Wall lamps with cut glass shades vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled Original cut glass shades
Brass
$3,400 / set
1910 American Federal style sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1910's American style bronze one light sconces with arrows and stars in design. Unusual arm shape
Bronze
$6,800 / item
1920's Caldwell Gild Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair circa 1920's Caldwell gild bronze sconces with double lights
Bronze
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. American Painted Tin Canal Barge Oil Lamp Lantern, S.M. Forte, Troy NY
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-C. American Painted Tin Canal Barge Oil Lamp Lantern, S.M. Forte, Troy, NY, USA, Mid-19th Century A rare 19th-century American Painted Tin Cana...
Metal
$944Sale Price|80% Off
Very Large Wall Lamp with Swan Figure Very Beautiful
Located in Wien, Au
Very large and heavy wall lamp with swan figure, excellent original condition very beautiful and nice patina, very fine work.
Bronze
Mid-Century Gilt Brass Stylized Plane Tree Leaf Wall Sconce
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Elegant sculptural wall sconce in gilt brass designed as a stylized plane tree leaf. The deeply incised veining and organic silhouette create a refined botanical composition characte...
Brass
Pair of E.F. Caldwell Polished Silver Two-Arm Neoclassical Bow-Top Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Elegant pair of E.F. Caldwell marked silvered nickel bronze sconces with embellished bow top and framed with filigree draping. With a softly aged gilt bronze patina, the sconces are ...
Bronze
Wonderful French Dore Bronze Louis XVI Set Four Bronze Bow Top Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very fine set of four French Louis xvi style ormolu wall sconces with three-branches, each surmounted by a bow on top. Two Pairs Available, Each Pair Sold Separately Rewired with...
Bronze
$4,300Sale Price / set|20% Off
SET of 6 French Neoclassical Bronze "Mr North Wind" Gas Converted Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Set of 6 Antique 19thc French Bronze Gas Converted Wall Sconces. Featuring Mr North Wind blowing beauty. Newly wired and ready to mount. French estate find.
Bronze
$2,400 / set
Pair of Nickel Plated Wall lights circa 1950
Located in CA, CA
Elegant pair of nickel wall sconces with shades circa 1950
Nickel
$3,800 / set
1920s Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell simple silver plated sconces with two lights
Silver Plate