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 Neoclassical Sunburst Crown Ceiling Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of French Neoclassical Crown Sunburst Ceiling Lights in Gilt Wrought Iron _____________________________________________________________ Outstanding neoclassical style gilt iron ...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
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
19th Century Genovese Crystal Giltwood Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
A commanding giltwood and crystal chandelier. Originally designed for candles and subsequently adapted for electrical lighting, the chandelier retains its architectural integrity wh...
Crystal, Iron
2 Small ART-DECO MODERNIST NEOCLASSICAL Craqueled Wood TABLE LAMPS, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A small and elegant pair of ovoid table lamps, to be attributed, France 1960. These pieces bodies are made of massive wood "eggs" lacquered with a cre...
Brass
Brown Patinated Bronze Pendant by Edward F. Caldwell, 1900
Located in New York, NY
1900 Caldwell brown patinated bronze and glass pendant with 4 interior lights (newly UL rewired)
Bronze
Restored Tuscan Brass Chandelier with Hand-Strung Crystal Beads Antique Empire
Located in Berlin, DE
Restored Tuscan Brass Chandelier with Hand-Strung Crystal Beads, Italian Empire Style, circa 1920 A stunning Tuscan chandelier from Northern Italy, dating from around 1920, meticulo...
Crystal, Brass
$593Sale Price / set|40% Off
Visual Comforts Patinated Bronze Neo Classical Empire Brass Shade Table Lamps
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Charming pair of patinated bronze/brass table lamps by Visual Comforts.
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
Italian Brass Chandelier 1920 Hand-Knotted Crystals in Amber Smoke Grey Clear
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant chandelier was crafted in Italy around 1920 and reflects the refined neoclassical Historicist style of the early 20th century. It combines the decorative tradition of th...
Crystal, Brass
$1,150Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical style. Hand-carved alabaster table lamp, Spain, 1950s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-carved alabaster table lamp formed by two assembled parts: base and diffuser. Both pieces are hand-worked and turned, offering vegetal shapes of roses where the light is diffuse...
Alabaster
Neoclassical Brass Lion Head Sconces Rewired Wall Mounted Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Pair of Neoclassical Brass or Bronze Lion Head Sconces, probably English, circa 1950s or earlier. Recently rewired and ready to mount. They retain their warm original patina.
Metal, Brass
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
Huge Spanish Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Table Lamp with Winged Dragons
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Carved Alabaster Urn Lamp with Winged Dragon Handles, Spain, 1930s This stunning Art Deco period alabaster lamp has an elegant neoclassical urn design with foliage carv...
Alabaster
1970s Elegant France Neoclassic Brass Lantern with Curved Glass
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Brass lantern with curved glass from France, 1970. This elegant pendant light features a classic design with a polished brass frame and curved glass panels, creating a timeless look....
Brass
A Superb 19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Lincoln, GB
A Superb 19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamp An elegant and highly refined French celadon porcelain table lamp, dating from the second half of the 19th century. Original...
Brass
Antique NEOCLASSICAL Alabaster Pendant Light w. GREEK KEY Detailing, circa 1920.
Located in Lisse, NL
An exceptional antique amber alabaster ceiling fixture, perfect for an entry hall, bedroom, or any other space. A beautiful and authentic early 20th century alabaster pendant light ...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire, Metal
Classic Brass adjustable Floor lamp 1970s Germany
By Holtkoetter
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Classic Floor lamp . Adjustable in height . comes with a Linen shade . Large E27 bulb needed . foot switch . Nice patine . Good condition .
Brass
Historistic crystal basket chandelier vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic crystal basket chandelier vienna around 1890s Original crystal glass Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
SUPER DESIGN Pendant Light with Stunning Sculptural ARTISTRY Alabaster Shade
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and majestic, three-light alabaster pendant light with gilt bronze ram head mounts. This rare fixture comes with a stunning design and a superbly polished alabaster shade. This...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Table Lamp w/ Floral & Bird Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Wiring, New Shade Dimensions: 23”H x 10”W x 4.75”D Shade: 9"H x 13"W x 13"D This vintage Italian Neoclassical alabaster table lamp showcases masterful craftsma...
Alabaster
$4,800 / item
1900 gilt bronze flush mounted with leaded glass
Located in New York, NY
A 1900 gilt bronze flush mounted light fixture with leaded glass.
Bronze
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 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
A Luxurious MURANO Glass TABLE LAMP by ERCOLE BAROVIER, VENINI, Italy, 1950-1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular, large and heavy table lamp, Art Déco, neoclassical, Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Neo-Baroque, with a massive circular base in Murano glass, open like a corolla, translucent, embed with small air bubbles, 2 wood circles with a patinated bronze veneer surrounding a generous translucent corps capturing light, ornaments plant-inspired made with encrusted golden leaf, impressive and authentic model...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Set of Four Antique Brass Wall Sconce Lamps
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of four antique brass wall sconce lamps. They were made in Belgium, they date from around the 1950’s. The quality is excellent, they have very fine details and are be...
Brass
Urns of Light: Pair of Vintage Neoclassical Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical Urn-Form Table Lamps Mid-20th century This elegant pair of vintage table lamps is modeled in the neoclassical taste, each fashioned as a classical urn with styl...
Wood
Neoclassical Style Brass and Glass Pendant Light with Hand-Painted Landscape
Located in Barntrup, DE
Neoclassical style brass and glass pendant light with hand-painted landscape from circa the 1920s. This stunning Neoclassical-style pendant light fixture features a yellow and pale s...
Brass
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
Palace Size Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cut Crystal Column Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Impressive, oversize, Baccarat quality diamond cut crystal and gilt bronze Neoclassical style table lamp. 19th Century France Circular diamond cut crystal column with finely fluted g...
Crystal, Bronze
French Neoclassical Amber Alabaster and Bronze Pendant Light, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large-Scale French Neoclassical Pendant with Amber Alabaster Bowl and Bronze Details An elegant and substantial French Neoclassical pendant light featuring a richly veined amber ala...
Alabaster, Bronze
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enameled Original antique glass shades
Bronze
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
Pair of Nancy Corzine Neoclassical 22k Topiary Lamps
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of 22k gold embellished table lamps made in the neoclassical taste by Nancy Corzine. The "Topiary" lamps feature a cylindrical fluted Greco-Roman column supporting a rou...
Brass, Gold Leaf
C. 1890 Pair of Meissen-Style Blanc De Chine Porcelain Lamps
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1890 pair of blanc de chine porcelain candleholders converted to lamps. Almost certainly by Voigt & Voigt, Sitzendorf after the great Meissen designs of the 18th century. Each ...
Porcelain
Neoclassical White Florentine Alabaster Table Lamp with Leaf Relief, Italy
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Discover elegance with this finely carved Florentine alabaster table lamp, a timeless and ornate piece. Crafted in the 20th century, its exquisite baluster-shaped design features han...
Alabaster
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
French Neoclassical Style Alabaster and Bronze Pendant Light, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French alabaster pendant light in warm honey tones with bronze and brass detailing. This refined French pendant light dates to the early 20th century and features a beautifu...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Tall Carved Alabaster Marble and Bronze Urn Table Lamp, Italy
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved Italian alabaster marble handled urn table lamp, early 20th century. Classic urn form features decorative bronze fittings, sculptural curved side handles, and a fluted column plinth...
Alabaster, Marble, Bronze
French Louis XVI style Gilt Bronze Lantern Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Gilt bronze lantern with three electrified sockets with faux wax candle covers distinguished by its three lobed glass panels. With original ceiling plate and wiring, ready to hang a...
Bronze
$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
$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
Gilt Sunburst Crown Light Fixture in Wrought Iron and Glass, Spain, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Crown Light Fixture, Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf, Pressed Glass Eye-catching neoclassical style sunburst ceiling light fixture from the Mid-Cent...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$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
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
Large English Bronze Corinthian Column Lantern
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
French Neoclassical Style Amber Alabaster and Bronze Pendant Light, circa 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A refined French Neoclassical pendant featuring a richly veined amber-toned alabaster bowl, elegantly suspended by ornate bronze chains and mounts. This elegant French pendant light...
Alabaster, Bronze
Stiffel Hollywood Regency Obelisk Table Lamp, Brass and Marble
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural obelisk form table lamp was made by Stiffel in Hollywood Regency style; similar designs were created for Stiffel and other manufacturers by Tommi Parzinger. The l...
Marble, 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
Manifattura Artistica Le Porcellane Italian Gold-Plated Table Lamp Hand Painted
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Manifattura Artistica Le Porcellane is an Italian company, which for over 70 years, skilled hands give life to valuable achievement...
Porcelain, Fabric
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
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Column
Located in Barcelona, ES
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Pedestal Stand Gorgeous alabaster pedestal-mounted uplighter neoclassical urn lamp. Italy, 1940s. Amazing aged patina, it provides a charming ligh...
Alabaster
Pair Jansen Style French Gilt Tôle Palm Tree Two-Light Wall Sconces, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Jansen Style French Gilt Tôle Palm Tree Two-Light Wall Sconces, Circa 1960s France, mid-20th century 32 in. H × 16 in. W × 7 in. D This impressive pair of monumental French wal...
Metal
French Neoclassical Style Gilt Brass and Glass Ceiling Light, 1920s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Neoclassical style bronze, brass, and frosted glass ceiling light fixture, circa 1920s. This adorable Neoclassical style three-light ceiling lamp features an impressiv...
Brass
$3,800 / item
1920's Caldwell Flush Mount with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze flush mounted light fixture with Opaline glass inset. From Waldorf Hotel NYC.
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
Vintage Stiffel Neoclassical Brass Cannonball Column Table Lamps - a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Neoclassical Brass Cannonball Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light socket) x 8.25" W x 8.25" D. {3-...
Brass
$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
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
Neoclassical Pair of Wildwood Black and Gold Table Lamps with Paw Feet
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive pair of square columnar neoclassical style table lamps by Wildwood having urn decoration and a rich leathery texture. Fancy antiqued brass paw feet complete the rich styl...
Metal
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