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 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
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
$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
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
Large Pair of Neoclassical Style Carved Italian Alabaster Lamps
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Fantastic Large Pair of Neoclassical Style Carved Italian Alabaster Lamps. Each with carved draped design. Wired and in good working condition. The lamps measure 25" to the socket.
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
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Light Fixture with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style light fixtures with beautiful Opaline glass inset.
Bronze
$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
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
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
Finest Quality Cut Crystal Chandelier by F & C Osler, c. 1850
Located in Baltimore, MD
Finest quality twelve-arm, six-light, cut crystal chandelier by F & C Osler, c. 1850. Multi part baluster and tulip form shaft connected to a unique Osler patterned armature, with ...
Crystal
$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
French 19th Century Silverplate Altar Candlestick Lamps
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, 19th century pair of very tall silver-plated altar candlesticks from a church or cathedral, electrified as table lamps to illuminate the home and spirit. The slender columns ...
Metal, Silver
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
$2,104Sale Price|25% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Style Faux-Bois Metal and Brass Table Lamps
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and simple pair of neoclassical style table lamps is made of faux-bois metal and brass. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Metal, Brass
$280Sale Price / set|30% Off
2 Neoclassical Grecian Cameo Face Ceramic Torchiere Table Lamps 28"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage off-white porcelain mantel urn table lamps with brass bases, stenciled with neoclassical motifs including the heads of a Roman / Greek soldier and noblewoman. Topped ...
Brass
Vintage Italian Carved Alabaster Urn Table Lamp, Flowers & Leaves
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Italian hand-carved Alabaster table lamp features baluster urn form with a wreath of flowes and leaves accentuating the top of the urn. The body of the lamp is mounted on ste...
Stone, Alabaster, 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
Gilt Brass Reading Floor Lamp with Articulated Arm Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Gilt brass floor reading lamp with a fluted shaft topped with a spinning-top finial. Articulated double-pivot arm allowing the light to be directed, stepped circular base. Conical bl...
Brass
Monumental German Neo-Pompeian 25-Light Bronze Chandelier with Serpents, 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
An extraordinary architectural chandelier in bronze, created as much as a sculpture as a source of light. Dating to around 1900, this monumental European chandelier is an exceptiona...
Bronze
Impressive Turn of the Century Alabaster Dome Bronze Chandelier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large bronze and alabaster dome chandelier. Neo Classical style cast bronze frame with beautiful embellishments throughout. Greek key band goes around the frame which holds a grand v...
Alabaster, Bronze
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
Historistic table lamp with original cut glass shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic table lamp with original cut glass shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
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
Maison Charles French Art Deco Red Acorn Nickel-Plated Table Lamp & Shade, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Superb Art Deco table lamp by Maison Charles nickel-plated finish with a burgundy red acorn in the center. US Rewiring and takes two light bulbs max. 40 watts. Comes with black and...
Chrome, Nickel
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
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
Decorative Formal Style Brass 2-Light Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Brass floor lamp having two bulbs supported by coiled brass arms, with original oval shade, shade shows some discoloration. Nice decorative lamp, well made, clean, ready to use condi...
Brass
$3,476Sale Price|41% Off
Signed Maison Charles "Eagle" Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Superb Maison Charles lamp, bronze eagle, original bronze shade. Three lights, 60 watts per light. US rewired and in working condition.
Bronze
Wonderful Set 3 French Maison Bagues Gilt Bronze Art Glass Flush Mount Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Set Of 3 French Maison Bagues Style Gilt Bronze & Starburst Art Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Fixtures Each Sold Individually Currently 3 Available
Bronze
Classic Elegant Cast Brass & Glass Lantern Chandelier
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic and elegant columnar brass and glass lantern having 4 candle lights.
Brass
Pair Antique American Porcelain Neoclassical Greek Revival Lamps Vintage
Located in Wilton, CT
Great pair of Neoclassical porcelain lamps with Greek key design, circa 1930. Gray and white color theme with gilt highlights would fit in a Hollywood Regency setting. Top quality do...
Porcelain
$450
Alabaster Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Large alabaster Neoclassical style urn lamp. Some gray coloring throughout the alabaster. Brown discoloration on the neck and body. Please see the photos. Early 20th century. Rewired...
Alabaster
Rare, Large and Original Reflectolyte Flush Mount Lamps
Located in Peekskill, NY
Reflectolyte flush mount fixtures have always been popular because of their unique look. The glass dome has a fluted pattern that simply hangs from 3 hooks making it easy to clean an...
Porcelain, Milk Glass, Plaster
Pair of Dudson Brothers Hanley Blue Jasperware Neoclassical Column Table Lamps
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A refined pair of English jasperware column lamps produced by Dudson Brothers, executed in cobalt blue stoneware with applied white neoclassical ...
Stoneware, Glass
Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Leaf Bulbous Table Lamps Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Leafy Bulbous Table Lamp on Gold Gilt Metal Bases - a Pair. Item features a high-quality, heavy construction, approx ...
Alabaster
Vintage Italian Table Lamps Corinthian Column Black Gold Carved Wood a pair
By Maison Le Dauphin, Carole Stupell, Henredon
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
$1,140Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire or Neoclassical Style Gilt Metal Mounted Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Lomita, CA
The color and the elegance of this French Empire, Neoclassical style lamp in yellow with a swan makes it a standout. It is both dramatic and formal with a beautiful swan mount. The l...
Porcelain
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Large English Neo-Classical Cannister Style Tole Metal Table Lamps - Pair
By John Richard
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an offering for a pair of large scale tole tea canister style table lamps designed by John Richard. They have wonderful, vibrant colors with the dominant being a distressed ...
Metal
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
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 Style Cast Glass and Brass Pendant Light Fixture, Circa 1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Neoclassical style ceiling fixture. Cast glass bowl with brass hardware. Recently cleaned and professionally re-wired, ready for installation. In excellent condition. We wil...
Brass
Hurricane Lantern Rattan Pendant by Dunlin, Handwoven Natural Finish
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
DUNLIN Hurricane Rattan Lantern Pendant in Natural Rattan & Weathered Brass Designed by DUNLIN in Sydney in 2024, the Hurricane Lantern Pendant is a generously scaled, handwove...
Rattan
$1,650 / set
Pair of Maison Lancel Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of brass 2-tone Maison Lancel sconce.
Brass
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
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
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Medicis Brass Tables Lamps Attributed to Maison Charles, France 1960;
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant pair of neoclassical brass table lamps with original black silk lampshades. The interior of the lampshades is gold leaf. The lamps presenting a Medicis urn with a palmtree. A...
Brass
Wonderful Vaughan Brass Star Glass Crystal Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vaughan Designs Brass With Star Glass / Crystal Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture Having 2 Candelabra Sockets Inside.
Brass
$7,800 / item
Bronze and Leaded Glass Flush Mount, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 bronze base and leaded glass top flush mount with interior lights. Big size of light fixture
Bronze
$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
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 Large Antique Italian Alabaster Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of large antique Italian alabaster table lamps, dating from around the 1930’s. The quality is excellent, the alabaster has a gorgeous lustre and they are a large, i...
Alabaster
$3,250 / set
Pair of French Maison Lancel Brass Hand Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Lancel “Hand” sconces US rewired and in working condition 40 watts max bulb. Priced by pair Back plate: 3 inches diameter. Custom backplate available.
Brass, Bronze
$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
Art Deco Alabaster Urn Uplighter Table Lamp, White Color France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculptural alabaster Art Deco period urn table lamp with neoclassical design, France, 1960s. This elegant carved alabaster neoclassical 'uplighter' urn lamp will be a nice addition p...
Alabaster
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
Amethyst Austrian Neoclassical Theme Campana Urn Mounted As A Lamp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A spectacular amethyst vase featuring faceted diamond cuts, fan cuts and faceted border. The lamp with bronze Bacchus masks with handles, hand-chased grape leaves and an egg/dart rim...
Crystal, Bronze
Handsome Black & Gold Lion Motif Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive large black and gold table lamp having reclining lion sculpture on stepped base and elegantly shaped black lamp shade.
Metal
$4,901Sale Price|20% Off
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