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.
Vintage Neoclassical Style Floral Etched Glass Column Brass Reading Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Neoclassical Style Floral Etched Glass Column Brass Reading Floor Lamp. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 57.5" H (to finial) x 48" H (to light socket) x 7.5" W x 7.5" D...
Brass
1900’s Caldwell Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Caldwell silver plated 8 lights chandelier very unusual floral design
Silver Plate
Neoclassical Silvered Bronze Table Lamp, E.F. Caldwell Style, 1920s
Located in Stamford, CT
A very fine bronze table lamp in the neoclassical style with a silver finish. The square base with four ball and claw feet, holding a handsome turned shaft with hammered decoration. ...
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Scrolled Arms Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's silver-plated Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms. selling as a pair
Bronze, Silver Plate
$1,502 / set
Pair of Antique Neoclassical Style Chandeliers
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of antique Neoclassical style chandeliers, made in England and dating from around the 1950’s. The quality is superb, they are made from patinated brass and each hav...
Brass
Vintage Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Steel and Brass Adjustable Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Maison Jansen Style Italian Neoclassical Steel and Brass Adjustable Pole Floor Lamp. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 47" H (to finial) x 67" H (to light socket) x 12" ...
Brass, Steel
$4,800 / item
Pair Of 19th C. Giltwood Mirrored Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of giltwood sconces, in classical form, each surmounted by carved fluted flower-filled urn draped with swags, shield shaped mirror plate, two candlearms; not electrified. Stock...
Mirror, Wood
1920’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
Pair of Italian Gilt Carved Wood & Crystal Eight Bronze Arm Chandeliers, C. 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian gilt carved wood and crystal chandeliers with eight bronze arms. Originally candle powered and have been electrified. Late 18th Century
Crystal, Bronze
Pr. French 19th Century Empire Neoclassical Style Parcel-Gilt Bronze Wall Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine Pair of French, 19th Century Empire-Neoclassical style parcel-gilt and patinated bronze five-light wall lights (Sconces). The elongated dark patinated two-tone frames, ea...
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze One light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s gilt bronze sconces neoclassic style with one light
Bronze
Neoclassical Table Lamp Brass and Marble Urn Shaped Base Black Tapered Shade
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Neoclassical table lamp composed of an antiqued brass finish body with ornate embossed details, black and dark green marble base and details, inline switch on a bro...
Marble, Brass
Antique French Neoclassical Louis XV Onyx Urn Figural Bronze Cherub Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Neoclassical Louis XV Style Onyx Urn Figural Bronze Winged Cherub Table Lamp Raised on Paw Feet. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 30" H (to finial) x 24.5" H (to...
Onyx, Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Red Marble Lamps
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FINE PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL ORMOLU-MOUNTED ROUGE MARBLE TABLE LAMPS France, probably Paris, circa third quarter of the 19th century Item # 404LBP26Q A magnificent pair of Neoclassical vases converted into lamps, they are designed loosely after the influential vases of Antiquity known as the Medici and Borhese Vases. Those Kraters were executed in marble and have been widely considered the finest and most well-conceived vases of Antiquity. They have been frequently copied and have been the inspiration for many decorative arts, including the present pair. The original vases feature bas-relief scenes in the Medici vase of a seated Iphigenia beneath a statue of Diana surrounded by Achilles, Ulysses and Agamemnon and in the Borghese vase a scene of drunk Silenius, Dionysus wearing his animal skin garment and Ariadne all together accompanied by a procession of revellers. The present example departs from antiquity, focusing only on the Bacchic revellers and have repeated this motif across the field of the vase. They carry in their outstretched arms wreathes and long drapes of their garments, several carrying in hand the Thrysus. The chorus of figures is loosely reminiscent to the Borghese Dancers, also known as the Dancing Hours, executed in bas relief in marble...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Chapman Neoclassical Rams Head White Porcelain Blanc de Chine Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chapman Neoclassical Rams Head White Porcelain Blanc de Chine Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 22" ...
Porcelain
Large French Neoclassical Style Bronze Three-Light Wall Light, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Impressive neoclassical or Louis XVI style wall light, decorated with ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves,...
Bronze
Early American Art Glass Foil Shade Lamp, Blue with Red Flowers Antique Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very well made Lamp shade in light blue glass with red (Pansy,s ) flowers shade is at 18" diameter. The base is spelter and painted gold with double sockets with poll chains. The c...
Art Glass
$4,100 / set
Italian Bronze Pair Cherub Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian bronze cherub sconces.
Bronze
$7,200 / set
Pair of Maison Baguès style Bronze Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Baguès style faux bamboo bronze tripod floor lamp. 54" H without shade. US wired and in working condition. This iconic Paris-based c...
Bronze
$12,000 / item
1900's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Chandelier with Cherubs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Caldwell Neoclassic gilt bronze chandelier with cherubs atop and engraved body. Available pair, also in one chandelier in...
Bronze
19th century Caldwell Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Sconces Single Light
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th century Caldwell gilt bronze neoclassic design one light sconces with comedy's faces. Unusual and impressive design
Bronze
chandelier 5 arm branch ormolu brass neoclassical mask acanthus greek key
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
FINE, 19TH CENTURY, NEO-CLASSICAL, ORMOLU CHANDELIER, WITH 5 BRANCHES HEADED BY FEMALE MASKS, ELECTRIFIED, 31” high, 25” diameter - Injects classical elegance, grandeur and atmosphe...
Brass
$1,256 / set
Pair of Antique Italian Marble Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of antique Italian marble table lamps, dating from around the 1930’s. The quality is excellent, the marble is a beautifu...
Marble
1940's French Large Opaline Glass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940's French Opaline glass table lamps with gilt details
Opaline Glass
$2,294Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Style Brass and Wood Floor Lamp in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual neoclassical style floor lamp is made of brass with a mahogany round shelf. Thisis a French work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
Vintage Brass Stiffel 4 Light Floor Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This floor lamp is made by Stiffel. It has 4 lights and it's made of brass. It has 2 prongs and plugs in to a 110v socket. It has a brass finial and it comes with the shade.
Brass
$6,900 / set
Pair of Maison Jansen Floor Lamps
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Jansen floor lamp with three lights, two patinas gun metal and brass. Three bulbs 100w each. US wired and in working condition. Shade: 17" diameter base, 8.5" H, 13...
Brass
Baltic Crystal, Cobalt Glass, and Gilt-Bronze Three-Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
With round cobalt glass bowl trimmed in gilt bronzel banding and issuing three electrified candlearms; suspended by three gilt-bronze chains hung fro...
Crystal, Bronze
1930s French Fleur-de-Lis Pendant Lamp Forged Iron and Steel Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Pendant French Style Old Chandelier in Stainless Steel & Forged Iron from Mexico circa 1930s. The chandelier is divided into four sections displaying a Fleur de Lis cutout. ...
Stainless Steel, Iron
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Classical Silver Plate Column Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of classical silver plate column lamps, with urn and swag decoration on the base. Working, original condition, shades and finials not in...
Silver Plate
$2,388Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Nickel & White Opaline Ostrich Egg Table Lamp in style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Gilt nickel and white opaline ostrich egg table lamp. French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970 We can have the table lamp rewired by our electrician for a French use bu...
Metal
Italian Onyx Marble and Brass Column Table Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
Italian Onyx Marble and Brass Column Table Lamp. Good vintage condition. Optional shade has a small tear inside that is not visible. Lam...
Onyx, Brass
Four 19th Century German Neoclassical Wall Sconces, Werner und Neffen, Schinkel
Located in Essex, MA
A set of four German Neoclassical gilt bronze and cut glass three-light wall appliqués, in the manner of Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841), by the bronzeure Werner und Neffen Berli...
Crystal, Bronze
$853 / set
Pair of Antique Gilt Wood Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning, large and impressive pair of antique gilt wood table lamps. They were made in England, they date from around the 1930-50’s. The quality is outstanding, they ...
Giltwood
Danish Neoclassical Bronze Table Lamp with Animal Paw Base
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish table lamp crafted in bronze and dark-patinated brass, featuring a slender column and a three-footed base with decorative animal paws. Inspired by classical antiquity and arch...
Brass, Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Urn Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stately Antique Italian Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Urn Form Table Lamps on Gold Gilt Wood Bases - a Pair. Item features a high-quality, heavy construction, appr...
Alabaster
$1,342Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th C French Neoclassical Gilt Opaline Glass Lamps 'Venus & Neptune'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th C French Neoclassical Gilt Opaline Glass Lamps 'Venus & Neptune' The Vases, France, Later 19th Century - Lamped in the 20th century A truly stunning pair of French Ne...
Opaline Glass
Large French Antique Bronze Candelabrum by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Large French Antique Bronze Candelabrum by Barbedienne French, 19th Century Height 295m, width 73cm, depth 73cm This magnificent candelabrum is an impressive example of 19th-century...
Marble, Bronze
$3,400 / item
1930 Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920 silver plated one light sconces. Price per set of two sconces
Silver Plate, Bronze
$9,620 / item
Classic Brass Hall Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic Brass hall lantern and based on a 1940's French design, this hall lantern marries a flowing shape with clean lines. The brass echoes the war...
Brass
Maison Baguès Bronze and Enamel 'Feuillage' 3-Light Wall Sconces France, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Maison Baguès 3 lights wall sconces in great bronze quality and colorful enamel. Both came from the same house. Original foil label on the reverse, Baguès, Paris. Pe...
Bronze, Enamel
Neoclassical Style Brass Floor Lamp in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style floor lamp is made of brass with a black shade, gilt inside. This is a French Work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
Baccarat Signed Chandelier Glass and Gilt Bronze, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Baccarat signed chandelier. Glass and gilt bronze, 19th century. Gilt bronze and transparent glass chandelier with eight lights. The upper part has a series of curved sticks from whi...
Bronze
$784Sale Price|20% Off
1950's French Neoclassical style "Winged Lion Holding Lamp" Table Lamp
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Neoclassical style "Winged Lion" Patinate & Gilt Metal Table Lamp. Shade is included.
Metal
$5,432Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Brushed Steel & Brass Floor Lamp In the Style of M. Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual pair of neoclassical style floor lamps is made of brushed steel and brass with hunting horns. This is a French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1940
Brass, Steel
Exquisite Pair of Magnificent Gilt Bronze & Rock Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Pair of Gilt Bronze & Rock Crystal Wall Sconces in the Neoclassical style. France, circa 1900. 3 lights each. Dimensions: Height 31 1/2" Width 12 1/2" Depth 11" CW...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
1900's Caldwell Bronze Engraved Chandelier with 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell 6 lights bronze chandelier with engraved body
Bronze
$16,000 / item
Late 19th Century Caldwell Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th Century Caldwell neoclassical style bronze chandelier with Greek key design and crystals hangings
Crystal, Bronze
$1,272Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Table Lamp in patinated metal. 1940s.
By Metal Art
Located in Bromma, SE
Neoclassical Metal Table Lamp in Column form. Sweden, 1930s. Atelier made lamp shade is included, pick any of the shades on the pictures. Great Condition with only small signs of ...
Metal
$1,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair French Neoclassical Crystal, Silverplated & Engraved Mirror Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Neoclassical Crystal, Silverplated, and Engraved Mirror Sconces France, 1920-1940, Art Deco in period, Neoclassical in design A stunning pair of French Neoclassical...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$3,800 / item
1920s Neoclassic Style Caldwell Mirrored Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style sconces with edged mirrored back plate
Bronze
Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. Great Condition. All original. France, circa 1920. Dimensions: Height 17 1/2" Diameter 12" CW5518
Crystal, Bronze
Neoclassical Bronze Lantern with Corinthian Columns, 1930
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
Neoclassical Brass & Silver Plated Lantern with Strong Rounded Faux-Glass Plast
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical large lantern is made of brass and silver plated with strong plastic rounded faux-glass. This is a French work, in the style of famous Maison Jansen, circa 1970.
Brass, Silver
Fine Large Pair of Antique Neoclassical, Campagna Shaped Bronze Urns or Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique neoclassical grand tour period, two-toned patinated and doré bronze, Campagna shaped two handled urns. Each beautifully resting on an original rouge marble pli...
Marble, Bronze
Large Alabaster Table Lamp
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A super quality large white alabaster table lamp, in very good overall condition, rewired and ready for use. 20" high without shade 6" square base You are welcome to view this item...
Alabaster
$14,850Sale Price / set|25% Off
Fine Pair French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Putto Wall Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and charming pair of French 19th century neoclassical style figural gilt-bronze five-light wall sconces. Each wall light depicting a putto with his torso leaning forward ...
Bronze
$2,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair c1913 E.F. Caldwell Neoclassic Bronze & Silverplate Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair of Documented c1913 Bronze/ Silverplate Neoclassical Wall Sconces by E.F. Caldwell. Please look closely at the pictures the detail is amazing! I purchased these directly from an...
Bronze
1920’s Silver Plated Chandelier 6 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated chandelier with six lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated one light sconces
Bronze