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.
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Neoclassical Style Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900's Caldwell leaded glass light fixture with interior lights. Neoclassical style lanterns. Available 8 items
Bronze
Pr. of Large Early 20th c. French Neoclassical Alabaster Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted during the height of the early 20th-century revival, this exceptional pair of chandeliers utilizes premium raw calcite alabaster imported directly from the historic quarries ...
Alabaster, Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Tole Urn Table Lamp Hand Painted Original Parchment Shade
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent and highly decorative vintage hand painted chinoiserie table lamp, rendered in the Neoclassical / Empire Grand Tour manner. The lamp takes the form of a classical balu...
Wood, Paint
$12,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Large Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass large light fixtures with interior lights.
Glass
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
$299Sale Price|33% Off
Vintage Neoclassical Style Brass & Marble Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century heavy Greek Corinithian column shaped table lamp with green marble base and brass body styled after an ionic reeded column between square plinths. Includes harp, wh...
Marble, Brass
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Uplighter Lamp
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculptural alabaster Art Deco period urn table lamp with neoclassical design, Italy, 1940s. This elegant carved alabaster neoclassical 'uplighter' urn lamp will be a nice addition pl...
Alabaster
Early French Brass Violet Glass Plafonnier Pendant Lamp by Holophane Paris
By Holophane
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Holophane violet pressed glass ceiling light, hanging lamp by Holophane Paris Brass chain, brass ceiling cover and ring. Weight: 8.80 kg / 19.4 lb Priced per individual ite...
Brass
Pair of Paul Hanson for Murano Mid Century Italian Modern Blue Glass Table Lamps
By Mabro Murano
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage pair Paul Hanson design for Murano art glass lamps from Italy circa 1950s. These feature thick handblown cobalt ribbed glass, with giltwood bases and fine brass hardware. L...
Brass
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 Antique Neoclassical Style Column Marble Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Rewired, New Custom Linen Shades Dimensions: 32.25”H x 4.75”W x 4.75”D Shade: 10"H x 17"W x 17"D This elegant pair of marble table lamps dates to the 1930s and sho...
Marble
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Blown Glass TABLE LAMP, MURANO, ITALY 1970
By Venini
Located in PARIS, FR
An important, elegant, luxurious table lamp, Art-Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, composition of 3 generous and sensual pieces of milky white thick blown glass, by yet anonymous art...
Metal
Exceptional Late 19th Century Dutch Delft Blue Brass Gas Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exceptional late 19th-century Dutch Delft blue gas chandelier is distinguished by its elegant architectural silhouette. Four gracefully curved brass arms rise in a double sweep ...
Brass
1970s Brass Pineapple Table Lamp by Virginia Metalcrafters, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
1970s brass pineapple lamp, in the style of Virginia Metalcrafters. The piece includes a black tole shade with gold piping and light-diffuser. Double socket, with chain pulls.
Metal, Brass
Frederick Cooper Brass Neo-Classical Style Table Lamps W/ Dolphins / Koi - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of neo-classical style buffet or table lamps designed by Frederick Cooper. They are solid brass. The dolphin base is a 9” triangle. The pleated linen shades show some ...
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
Huge Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp and Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Monumental alabaster pedestal-mounted large scale neoclassical urn vase lamp. Spain, 1920-1930s. This ginormous urn lamp with handles has an elegant design an amazing aged patina. Standing on classical column pedestal. These opulent alabaster floor lamps provide a charming light and they have a gorgeous appearance when lit. The pedestal and the urn can be placed together or displayed separately as both parts have independent lights. Placed in a main entry hall, besdie a door in any other room or near a console table they will be stunning. Eye-catching used alone or with other alabaster urn table lamps and floor lamps to create a theatrical atmosphere (as shown at the images) On sale as a set ( column pedestal stand...
Alabaster
French Neoclassical Style White Glass and Bronze Pendant Light, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautiful Neoclassical style white milk glass pendant ceiling light fixture with an ornate bronze frame. France, 1920s. This ado...
Bronze
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
$4,800 / item
1900 Caldwell’s Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Caldwell beautiful leaded glass light fixture with interior lights.
Bronze
Bradley & Hubbard Reverse-Painted Glass and Patinated Metal Scenic Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Bradley & Hubbard reverse-painted glass and patinated metal table lamp was crafted during the first quarter of the 20th century and is a remarkable example of th...
Metal, Bronze
French Neoclassical Style Frosted Cut Glass and Bronze Ceiling Light, ca. 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Neoclassical Style ceiling light dating to circa 1910, combining finely cast bronze ornamentation with an elegantly shaped frosted cut glass shade. The design is dist...
Bronze
$6,800 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
1900 Caldwell leaded glass hanging light fixture with interior lights. great condition.
Bronze
1920's Large Leaded Opaline Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's large leaded glass light fixture with 8-10 interior lights.
Opaline Glass
1920 Large Unusual Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's large unusual shape leaded glass light fixture with (8 interior lights)
Art Glass
French Neoclassical Bronze and Leather Urn-Form Peacock Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Neoclassical style table lamp in the form of a leather clad urn with bronze peacocks on either side joined by a decorative rope border with circular bosses in the center. The base wi...
Bronze
Vintage Italian Table Lamps Corinthian Column Black Gold Carved Wood a pair
By Maison Le Dauphin, Henredon, Carole Stupell
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Italian Corinthian column Lamps Style, Vintage, Neoclassical, Mid Century, Traditional, Classic Design: Traditional Corinthian Column lamps in the manner of Chapman, Henredon...
Fruitwood
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
Pair of Blanc De Chine Italian Fruit Basket Topiary Table Lamps C1960
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of tall 37 to the top of the finial table lamps with porcelain blanc de chine topiary in fruit baskets with a gilt band over the b...
Metal
1900 Caldwell Bronze and Leaded Glass Large Lantern
Located in New York, NY
circa 1900 Caldwell patinated bronze and leaded glass large lantern with interior lights (8 Edison base)
Bronze
Pair of Italian White and Mecca Giltwood Hand Carved Lamp Bases Verona, 1980
Located in Milano, MI
From Verona Italy, a pair of late 20th century hand carved mecca finish and ivory painted bases, suitable to make beautiful bedside table lamps, see the holes suitable for wiring in ...
Pine
Italian, Piemontese, Silvered & Gilt Metal & Iron 12-Light Chandelier, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
hanging from a gilt metal crown form top with roundels and leaf forms, the later glass bead chains connecting to a central ring sharing the same pattern as the upper crown and issuin...
Metal
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell bronze sconces with one light
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
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
Caldwell Patinated Bronze Light Fixture with Glass inset Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell gilt bronze and brown patented light fixture with leaded glass, 6 interior lights. Available 8 items, price per item
Bronze
Pair Vintage Italian Baluster-form Verde Antico Marble Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each shapely lamp of well-figured verde antico marble featuring an everted neck above an ovoid body resting on a splayed foot over a circular plinth; all raised on a turned ebonized ...
Marble
Collection of Classic Octagon Closed Bell Pendents
Located in Peekskill, NY
These are nice classic pendents. The shape is a closed bell in an octagon. The look is elegant and up scale. Its milk glass with a unique egg shell finish. It still uses the original...
Milk Glass
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
Antique French Neo-Classical Style Carved Gilt Painted Wood Fragment Table Lamp
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French architectural fragment that has been modified into a table lamp. The wiring is vintage and was completed by B&P in Tennessee. The finish is an antique white and a si...
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Giltwood Urn Table Lamps, Fluted Design
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Neoclassical Urn Form Giltwood Table Lamps, fluted urn on square plinth, pleated cloth shades. Overall: 26" H x 14" Diameter. Provenance: From a Central Park West Estate.
Fabric, Giltwood
$6,800 / item
1930's Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
a circa 1930's leaded glass light fixture with 6 interior lights. Original finish and patina from Waldorf Hotel in NYC. (8 available)
Glass
$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
$2,669Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Style Brass Floor Lamp in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style floor lamp is made of brass. French Work in the style of Maison Jansen. Base a little bit damaged. Circa 1940
Brass
Antique Crystal Chandelier / Flush Mount, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant mid-century ceiling fixture dating to the 1950s, featuring a circular chrome-plated metal frame adorned with faceted crystal elements. The upper band is decorated with geomet...
Crystal
Antique Pair 7ft Bronze Libertas Figural Torcheres Lamps F. De Luca 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A monumental antique Italian Neo-classical pair of bronze 'Libertas' figural torcheres set on shaped marble column bases by Ferdinando De Luca, signed on the bases, circa 1910 in dat...
Marble, 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
French 19th Century Onyx & Brass Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Neoclassical table lamp from the 19th century, carved from onyx as a column adorned with cast brass fittings at the capital and base in the Corinthian order. The new linen s...
Onyx, 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
Wonderful Pair Square Neoclassical Regency Louis XVI Bronze Lantern Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Petite Neoclassical / Regency Louis XVI Style Bronze With Beautiful Open Work And Flower Detail Square Shaped Lantern Fixtures Each Having A 3 Candelabra Light Ce...
Bronze
Monumental Pair of Neoclassical Brass and Veined Onyx Floor Lamps, 1960s–1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A commanding pair of monumental Neoclassical floor lamps dating from the 1960s–1970s, combining impressive architectural scale with richly detailed brass-toned metalwork and beautifu...
Onyx, Brass
1970s Five Crystal Prisms Swag Pendant Chandelier Neoclassical French Inspired
Located in Miami, FL
1970s French inspired 5 pagoda shaped molded and pressed Glass Ornaments Swag Light Fixture. This is made to plug in and hang from a large ceiling with a 12 Feet swag chain. Each cle...
Crystal, Metal
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
$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
1920s Caldwell Silver Plated Light Fixture with Opaline glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s silver plate light fixture neoclassic style with Opaline glass inset and three lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$2,590Sale Price|43% Off
Brushed Metal and Gilt Metal Pineapple Chandelier in the Style of Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice Pineapple chandelier is made of brushed metal and gilt metal. This is a very nice model. This is a work in the style of famous French designer Maison Baguès. Vers 1970
Metal, Steel
Alabaster Urn Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
A neoclassical alabaster urn lamp, France, early 20th century. 5 inches wide by 12 ⅜ inches tall Good overall with small chips and flecks at edges, staining.
Alabaster
19th Century French Cut Crystal Chandelier 8 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 19th century cut crystal chandelier with 8 lights
Crystal