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.
Pair of Early 20th Century Bronze Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
An impressive pair of Neoclassical bronze wall lights or sconces, finely cast with crisp and finely articulated arabesques, anthemion and palmette ornament. The bronze retains a part...
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
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
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
$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
Decade Mini Step Light by Dunlin in Weathered Brass, Organic Modern
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
The Perfect Step Light by DUNLIN Introducing the Decade Mini Step Light: Designed in Sydney, Australia by Dunlin, the Decade Mini Wall Light epitomises sophistication, serving as an...
Brass
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
$2,498 / item
DUNLIN Mott St Spot Light, Tarnished Raw Brass
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
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
Thew Brushed Brass Wall Light with Ochre Glass Shade by Artig
Located in New York City, NY
This brass wall lamp is part of the Thew family - strong, sturdy, modern yet classically trained in the ethos of early 20th-century design. Made of hand-brushed brass with an ochre glass shade that gives off a warm translucent glow. Thew can live perfectly in your built-ins, hallway, or over your bedside table. -Brass E26 socket. 4.5W dimmable LED bulb included. -Choose wiring: hardwire or plugin -Choose cord color: off white, dark green, brown or custom color -Choose wire side: Left-side (facing), Right-side (facing) All Artig Lighting...
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
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
Set Of Two Wall sconces Lumière In Antique Brass Finish
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set Of Two sconces In Antique Brass Finish The sconces set of two in a rich antique brass finish is a majestic decorative ensemble inspired by the grandeur of 18th-century French sc...
Brass, Iron
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
$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
Pair of French Brass Sconces in the style of Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
4 pairs of brass ARBUS brass French sconces featuring a hand holding a torch. Opposite hands, circa 1940s. 1 pair in silver opposite hands (last i...
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical French Sconces, Bronze and Crystal, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of crystal and bronze wall sconces, France circa 1900s. The French sconces have a bronze frame with a Lyre shape. The antique sconces are fully ornate with crystals: a few of th...
Crystal, Bronze
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
$1,650 / set
Pair of Maison Lancel Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of brass 2-tone Maison Lancel sconce.
Brass
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
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
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 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
$1,119Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Plaster Hand & Torch Sconces by Sirmos Style of Jean-Michel Frank 1970s
By Sirmos
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Plaster Hand & Torch Sconces by Sirmos Style of Jean-Michel Frank 1970s Pair or set of rare faux painted plaster hand and torch sconces...
Plaster
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
German Neoclassical Industrial Opaline Glass Converted Gas Sconce Wall Lamp 1910
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neoclassical sconce wall lamp / rewired gas lamp. ca 1910 White opaline glass shade Brass arm diameter brass wall mount: 10.5 cm / 4.13” Weight: 1.50 kg / 3.3 lb Priced per indivi...
Brass
$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 of Maison Charles Bronze Nautical Sconces. 2 pairs available
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Charles Bronze Nautical Sconces. 2 pairs available
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Brass Sconces Man and Woman. French Work. Circa 1950.
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Pair of brass sconces depicting two finely chased standing figures, a man in coat and hat and a woman in a flowered dress, forming pendants. Each subject is flanked by two sinuous li...
Brass
19th Century Pair Swedish Empire Birch Wall Mirrors with Brass Candleholders
Located in Madrid, ES
A pair of Swedish Empire wall mirror sconces crafted in birch veneer with solid brass detailing, dating to the early 19th century, circa 1820. Each rectangular mirror is framed by el...
Brass
$6,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated sconces neoclassical style with three lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Extraordinary Pair Italian Neoclassical Rock Crystal Three-Light Wall Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Extraordinary Pair Italian Neoclassical Rock Crystal Three-Light Wall Sconces Italy, 20th Century An extraordinary pair of Italian Neoclassical three-light wall sconces, exquisit...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Metal
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
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
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
$971Sale Price / set|25% 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
$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
$1,950 / item
Workstead Pendolo Sconce Small
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
The Pendolo Sconce is composed of a directional fabric cone, radiating a subtle cast of light into a space - and a focused beam of light - in a myriad o...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
$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
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
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
Pair of Neoclassical Antique Brass Torch Form Sconces with Frosted Glass Shades
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Neoclassical style sconces features a timeless torch-form design, evoking the grandeur and elegance of classical motifs. Crafted in the 20th century, these sconces seaml...
Glass
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
$4,400 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s silver plated Caldwell sconces with two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
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
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25” H x 14.25” W x 7.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 8.75” H x ...
Brass
$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
Harrison Single Arm Sconce with Frosted Tube in Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
The Harrison Single Arm Sconce with Frosted Tube embodies timeless sophistication and tailored design. A distinguished piece from our Classic Collection, it reflects Sherle Wagner In...
Brass, Bronze
Maison Jansen Sconces Solid Bronze & Blown Glass Flame Shade France 1950, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern sconces, wall lights in solid bronze by Maison Jansen. Featuring a torch in black finish with a blown glass flame shade....
Brass, Bronze
$913Sale 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
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 Bronze Two-Light Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of bronze two-light neoclassical wall sconces. available an other pair with red decoration. Measurements: cm 48 x 22.
Bronze
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
$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
$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