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.
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled Original opal glass shades
Opal, Brass
2 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
2 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Early 20th Century Wall Sconces - French - Gilt Bronze - Neoclassical Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant pair of French wall sconces in gilt bronze, dating from the early 20th century. Each sconce is richly decorated with scrolling acanthus arms and crowned by a classical urn fi...
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Maison Lancel Sconces Brass Hand Holding Torch
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Lancel neoclassical hand sconces, wall lights holding a torch. Made in France in the 1960. US rewired and in working condition 40 watts max bulb. Priced by pair B...
Brass, Bronze
$2,195 / item
Workstead Bole Sconce in Color
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Bole positions a rotund form beneath a fabric shade, presenting a grounded yet buoyant composition for the wall. Available in White or Black Enamel, each version provides the perfect...
Enamel
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
Pair of Maison Jansen two Patina Retractable Sconces 3 pairs available
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. 3 pairs a...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Italian Gilt Metal and Crystal Two-Light Sconces in the Style of Bagues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of sconces, each having a backplate of scrolling gilt metal, adorned with faceted crystal prisms, drops, and pendants; floral rosettes petals pay homage to the styles of Maison ...
Crystal, Metal
$3,800 / set
1940s Bronze Shell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of gilt bronze shell sconces with 3 interior lights
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
3 Pairs of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Large Wall Lights with Shades
Located in CA, CA
Superb set of Italian Neoclassical wall sconces in gilt wood. Sold per pair
Giltwood
$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
Single Vintage Handcrafted Wall-Mounted Brass Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Single wall hanging lantern arch style made of solid brass, quality workmanship, bevelled glass, electrified with 3 40/watt lights, beautiful patina great light exposure. Working and...
Brass
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Wall Sconces with Seashells
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of neoclassic antique Italian carved wood two light wall sconces with seashells and floral motifs having metal arms and classical candle cups with a subtle grey and gold finish ...
Metal
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
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
Jules Leleu Style French Wall Sconces, Wall Lights - Pair, 6 available
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
Very elegant pair of French Neoclassical Sconces, Wall Lights by Jules Leleu from the 1950. Same sconces in nickel-plated are available Sto...
Brass
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
$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
Large Pair of French Patinated Bronze Neoclassical Sconces, Mid 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of French Patinated Bronze Neoclassical Sconces with Empire Influences, Mid-20th Century, Candelabra Bulb up to 60W A grand pair of French patinated bronze wall sconces, ...
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
Fine Pair Vaughan Designs French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urn Finial Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Designs French Empire Neoclassical bronze Urn two Candelabra Sconces with finaial top.
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
$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
$3,975 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian polychrome sconces. Tall pair of antique Italian Neoclassical style carved wood polychrome sconces from Tuscany. These ...
Wood
$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
Historistic Wall Lamp, Vienna Around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
Serge Roche Inspired White Tole Metal Wall Sconces, Three Available
By Serge Roche
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Serge Roche inspired white tole metal wall sconce. They are electrified and in working order. They are not terribly old. There are three available.
Metal
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
4 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
4 Historistic wall lamps with cut glass shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled Original antique Cut glass shades The price is for all 4
Brass
American Classical Brass Wall Sconces, Rewired, 1960, USA
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful pair of wall sconces made of solid brass newly rewire with two 60/watt light each. Ready to use.
Brass
Pair 1920's Bronze and Beveled Cobalt Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light bronze sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Bronze
1910 Silver Plate Bronze and Hurricane Glass Sconces Two Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1910 Hurricane glass sconces with silver plate bronze body, two lights
Silver Plate
$2,380 / set
Pair of Maison Lancel brass Horse Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Lancel brass Horse Sconces. US rewired, refinished.
Brass
Pair Of Elegant French Neoclassical Style Figural Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An exceptional and dramatic Sconce Pair with elegant Classical forms with tall curved supports and three ribbed and scrolled arms with sockets and bobeches. The central light is in t...
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate
Bronze
$5,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light 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 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
Set of Four Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This set of four sconces by the renown firm of E. F. Caldwell are pictured in the Caldwell archives at the Smithsonian. They were originally made for "Shadow Lawn" (Henry Edward Creg...
Bronze
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
$2,800 / item
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell bronze sconces with one light
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 Maison Jansen Bronze Hand Sconces, 3 pairs available
Located in Miami, FL
Superbe pair of bronze sconces figuring A feminine hand holding a cornucopia, rare model from 1940. Refinished and US rewired, 60 watts max bulb. New opaline globe. Back plate dime...
Bronze
French Wall Sconces Polished Brass & Glass Jules Leleu Style - Pair 4 available
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
French Neoclassical Polished Brass and Faceted Glass pair of Sconces, Wall lights in Jules Leleu style. Priced by pair. We have 4 Pair available. Pair with three arms available Stock...
Brass
$3,800 / set
1930 Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair pf circa 1930's gilt bronze sconces with sunburst shaped backplate
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
$650Sale Price / set|23% Off
Alabaster & Gilt Metal Wall Sconces, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Alabaster and Gilt Metal Wall Sconces, each with two light bulb fittings. 9" H x 14" W x 7.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Alabaster, 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
$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 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
Neoclassical Dore Bronze Louis XVI Set Four Bronze Bow Top Fine Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very fine set of four French Louis xvi style ormolu wall sconces with two-branches, each surmounted by a bow on top a. Rewired and come ready to install and enjoy.
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
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
$3,400 / set
1930 Etched Mirror Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1930 bronze and etched mirror backplate sconces with two lights
Bronze
Vintage Sconces Pair Wall Lamps Louis XVI Style, France, Mid 20th Century
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of vintage French wall sconces. These stunning pieces are crafted from richly gilded bronze, boasting intricate detailing reminiscent of the Louis XVI style, or perhaps the bro...
Bronze
Pair of Andre Arbus Bronze Arrow Sconces 2 Lights, Wall Lamp French Neoclassical
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Andre Arbus style arrow sconces, wall lights in bronze with black & gold clip on Paper Shades. US Rewired and in working condition, each Sconce takes 2 light bulbs wi...
Brass, Bronze
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce. Priced each. Two available.
Giltwood