Skip to main content

Neoclassical Lighting

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

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.

to
316
1,528
470
1,966
55
29
Height
to
Width
to
1,176
963
86
181
62
115
57
79
54
62
54
63
58,037
19,058
9,003
8,050
3,921
2,730
1,623
1,611
962
840
790
659
579
540
419
194
129
54
507
1,405
84
519
511
170
84
76
151
63
116
102
78
54
20
18
1,693
859
499
459
397
1,351
748
457
439
335
2,050
2,006
2,026
200
17
17
15
10
Style: Neoclassical
Neoclassical Lantern in Lacquered and Gilded Metal, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical lantern in lacquered and gilded metal circa 1950 etched glass with star pattern. Measure: height with chain: 131 cm (52 in).
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. onyx, ormolu and patinated bronze lamps. Each lamp is raised by an octagonal onyx base with ormolu ball feet, ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Ormolu

Bronze and Gilt Bronze Lamp Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb bronze and gilt bronze lamp table lamp base. Black marble plinth and lamp height of 19", France, circa 1910 Dimensions: Total H 34" D 7.5" W 10" 2 lights CW4156.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu, Bronze, and Marble Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu, patinated bronze, and Rouge Griotte marble lamp signed Clodion. The lamp is raised by an impressive square Rouge Griotte marb...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and Vert de Patricia marble lamps, in the manner of Clodion and after a model by John Flaxman. Each lamp is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. Glass and Ormolu lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. Glass and Ormolu lantern. This stunning frosted and etched glass lantern displays a wonderful baluster shape and is ...
Category

19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Italian Giltwood Wall Sconces in Neoclassical Trophy Form
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Italian wall sconces in Neoclassical trophy form of gilt softwood now electrified. Circa 1860.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Wood

Fine Neoclassical Eight-Light Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine neoclassical eight-light crystal chandelier by La Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat. French, circa 1890. The chandelier having a shallow bowl hung with eight bel...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Cut Glass

Feather Crown Bronze & Crystal Chandelier Attributed to Caldwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A feather crown bronze & crystal six arm, eleven lite Empire, Neo-Classical style chandelier attributed to Caldwell.
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

American Neo-Classical Bronze Hemispherical Martele Ceiling Fixture
Located in Montreal, QC
This is a high-quality example of American craftsmanship, it is very heavy for its size. The shape is reminiscent of an ancient shield, with central boss and a broad flange at the ri...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Russian Neoclassical Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sphinx Candlesticks
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Russian neoclassical gilt and patinated bronze sphinx candlesticks resting on a marble base.
Category

1810s Russian Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu sconces. Each four arm sconce is centered by a most decorative bottom ball below the square tapered central support...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Bronze and Crystal Sconces with Mirror, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of bronze and crystal sconces with mirror. France, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Very Fine Hand Carved Wooden Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine hand carved wooden chandelier. Great carving work. France, circa 1900. 4 lights. Dimensions: Height 37" (can be shortened) ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Wood

Antique Russian Neoclassical Gilt Bronze, Opaline Glass and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Fine Antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze, white opaline glass and crystal multi light chandelier of superb quality and detail....
Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Lacquer and Brass Tables Lamps by Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful lamps from the 1970's in lacquer, chinese ideograms in brass, brass patins. Design Jean Claude Mahey for Maison Romeo Original wire, new shades.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Taupe & Peach Hat Twenty Light Brass Chandelier
Located in Asheville, NC
Taupe colored fabric hats with peach interiors upon a voluminous, twenty candlestick spiral burnished brass chandelier.
Category

1980s North American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Metal Sconces in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
Set of three metal sconces in the neoclassical style French, 20th Century Height 52cm, width 23cm, depth 15cm Each sconce in this set of three is crafted from warmly patinated metal in the Neoclassical style. Each sconce features a shaft-form backplate moulded with fluting, topped with an urn-form finial, and set below with a foliate drop finial. The backplate of each issues two scrolling light...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Metal

1950 Silver Metal Chandelier in the Style of Maison Jansen, in Good Condition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1950 silver metal chandelier in the Style of Maison Jansen. In good condition, with its patina, can be brighter if desired, just clean it with a product for silver metal.  
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate

True Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Onyx Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and onyx lamps. Each elegant lamp is raised by a square onyx base with four handsome paw feet fitted ormolu mounts. The stepped onyx base displays a richly chased wrap around berried laurel band with striking ormolu plaques...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

19th Century Brass Hexagonal Hall Lantern
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century brass hexagonal hall lantern heavily decorated with neoclassical style figureheads, sea creatures and mermaids to the upper section, and terminating with naturalistic sc...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Alabaster, Bronze & Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Alabaster, patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier. This six arm thirteen light chandelier has an oval shaped Alabaster moulded bas...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Cast Bronze and Glass Sconces, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of cast bronze and glass sconces, France, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Iron

English Brass-Plated Sconces
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Original brass-plated sconces sourced from London, England by Martyn Lawrene Bullard Fitted with original candle holders, and wall mounts. Accompanied by brass key ring, suspended u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Metal Sconces Designed in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
Pair of metal sconces designed in the neoclassical style French, early 20th Century Measures: Height 37cm, width 29cm, depth 15cm This fine pair of sconces is crafted in the neoclassical style from metal. Each sconce features a backplate tapering from a wider top to a narrower bottom and moulded with acanthus leaves and other classicising motifs. The backplate of each issues twin scrolled light...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Tall Antique French Neoclassical Gilt & Lapis Blue Églomisé Glass Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A pair of tall and very unique antique French Empire style neoclassical gilt and lapis blue bronze mounted églomisé hand painted and enameled lamps. Each unique lamp is embellished w...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Maison Charles, Pair of Neoclassical Sconces, France, circa 1960
Located in New York, NY
Signed: Charles & Fils. From the small committee room on the 1st floor of the Palais des Consuls in Rouen, these remarkable sconces possess five arms each rising like gilded serpents from their columnar center. Each is crowned...
Category

1960s Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Pair of French Doré Bronze Fine Neoclassical Flame Top Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Exceptional pair of French doré bronze fine neoclassical flame top sconces. Measures: 16" H x 12" W x 5" D.
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Ceiling Pendant from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Neoclassical ceiling pendant in cast aluminum with formed and fitted glass elements.
Category

1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Antique French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mounted Figural Porcelain Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An extremely rare Antique French Neoclassical gilt bronze, patinated bronze and hand painted porcelain figural six arm chandelier. This unusual fixture is embellished with six patin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Silvered Bronze Nickel Caldwell Baguès Neoclassical Urn Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of silvered / polished nickel bronze sconces with a Baguès Paris label in the back in the neoclassical design with urns and ram's head back plate and three candelabr...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated Bronze and marble lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated Bronze and marble lamps. Each lamp is raised on a black Belgian marble and Vert de Patricia ma...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Russian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Glass, Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent Russian 19th century Neo-Classical st. cobalt blue glass, crystal, and ormolu twelve light chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a fine bottom circular pendant with...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Very Fine Bronze & Crystal Chandelier Featuring Hand Cut Crystal Pendalogues
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine bronze & crystal chandelier featuring hand cut crystal pendalogues. 10 Lights. England, circa 1910 NI1206.
Category

1910s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Fine Maison Jansen Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and delicate chandelier Maison Jansen. 6 lights. France, circa 1920 Dimensions: Height 38" x diameter 25 CW4143.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Neoclassical Style Mahogany and Brass Table Lamps, France 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of 1960s French neoclassical style table lamps. Mahogany and brass accents. Faux candle socket decor. Price includes rewiring for the US. Minor dent on one of the lamps ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Bronze Sconces circa 1940, Parchment Lampshade
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of large bronze sconces with two patinas, circa 1940. Parchment shades in poor condition.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Pair of French Doré Bronze Fine Neoclassical Flame Top Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Exceptional pair of French doré bronze fine neoclassical flame top sconces. Measures: 16" H X 12" W X 5" D.
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Large Decorative Chandelier in Wood and Gilded Iron, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large decorative chandelier in wood and wood and gilded iron, circa 1950.   
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Baltic 19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Iron and Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. gilt iron and crystal, twelve light chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a a fine array of prism cut crystals arranged in a mos...
Category

19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Antique Swedish Neoclassical Floor Lamp
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Swedish neoclassical floor lamp, made from steel and brass. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of superb qu...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Fine Pair Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Bow Top Wreath Wall Sconces E.F. Caldwell
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine pair gilt bronze neoclassical bow top two-arm Wall Sconces, By E.F. Caldwell.
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Wonderful Pair of Caldwell Dore Bronze Three-Arm Wall Sconces Putti Urn
Located in Roslyn, NY
Pair of very fine Caldwell doré bronze three-arm sconces with Cherub plaque and urn top in the neoclassical form.
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Library Lamp in Brass with Hunt Design, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical library lamp in brass with hunt design, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Superb Gilt Bronze and Crystal Lantern, France, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze lantern oval convex panels, cut and beveled, France, circa 1900. Dimensions: H 37" D 19" 4 lights AH477.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Two Arm Crystal Wall Sconces, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Painted and gilt bronze two arm crystal wall sconces. Originally candle powered and have been electrified. Early 19th Century
Category

1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Early 20th Century Pair Amber Glass & Bronze Lamps
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 20th Century pair Amber glass and bronze lamps standing on black veined marble circular bases.
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Wrought Iron Sconces from a Chateau in Central France, circa 1940/1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant wrought iron sconces from a chateau in central France. around 1940/1950 3 Wall lights with 3 lights. the price is for one, 3 are available The iron has not been lacquered, n...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Wrought Iron

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu and Crystal Sconces Signed Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and monumental pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and crystal seven arm, nine-light sconces, signed Baccarat. Each lyre shape sconce is centered by a fin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Pair of Renaissance Revival Five-Arm Candelabra Mounted as Lamps
Located in Montreal, QC
A fine pair of Renaissance Revival bronze candelabra, now mounted as lamps. Each slender stem supporting five scrolling arms linked by chains, the trefoil platform base modeled with...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and high quality true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble lamps. Each lamp is raised by four fine ball s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

20th Century Classicist Style Swedish Ceiling Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Swedish ceiling chandelier in classicist style. Solid, silvered brass. Hangings from finely ground crystal. (F-Ra-61).
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Antique French Gilt Bronze Chandelier, Basket of Flowers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large French gilt bronze neoclassical style 17-light chandelier in a form of reticulated basket of flowers mounted with total of 23 arms in the form of tulips, circa 1900. Me...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Patinated Bronze Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome pair of French 19th century neo-classical St. patinated bronze and Vert de Patricia marble lamps. Each lamp is raised by a fine circular Vert de Patricia marble base ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Maison Jansen Floor Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Maison Jansen floor lamp. Base dimensions: 11" / 11".
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Maison Jansen Floor Lamp
Maison Jansen Floor Lamp
$3,375 Sale Price
25% Off
19th Century Giltwood, Brass and Multicolored Cut Glass Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This Italian chandelier is a beautiful, grand piece of design, composed of finely-carved giltwood, faceted clear glass, and jewel-like colored glass pendants. The item will look wond...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large Decorative Chandelier in Wood and Gilded Iron, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large decorative chandelier in wood and wood and gilded iron, circa 1950 Dimension with chain: H 140 cm.
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

2 Large Chandeliers Carved Wood 8 Lights, 20th Century, circa 1930-1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
two large chandeliers carved wood 8 lights, 20th century, circa 1930-1950.
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Red Marble and Ormolu Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century neo-classical st. red marble and ormolu lamp. The lamp is raised by a triangular marble base with concave sides, a mottled border and a bottom ormolu f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Gilt Bronze and Turquoise Porcelain Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of gilt bronze and turquoise porcelain candelabra French, early 20th Century Measures: Height 81cm, width 26cm, depth 26cm These elegant candelabra, crafted from porcelain and gilt bronze, feature vase...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Workstead, Maison Baguès, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $240,000 while the average work can sell for $3,427.

Recently Viewed

View All