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.
$6,500 / set
Neoclassical Style Urn and Serpent Lamps
Located in Hudson, NY
Seldom Seen pair of George Sellers plaster serpent lamps, each with urn form body and coiled snake in black. George Sellers is a classically-trained artist who studied sculpture in I...
Plaster
$18,000 / item
1900s Caldwell Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1900’s Caldwell large white leaded glass light fixture with interior lights.
Glass
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
19th Century Pair of Italian Porcelain Capodimonte Vases as Table Lamps
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This delightful pair of porcelain Capodimonte vases have been converted to table lamps. The vases have a raised pattern and are hand-painted and mounted on a two-tier gold leaf plint...
Porcelain
2 Maitland Smith Neoclassical Acanthus Carved Candlestick Buffet Lamps 33"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage Maitland Smith carved acanthus brass candlestick / candelabra buffet / banquet / table lamps. Includes large oval pleated shades. Dimensions: 23" x 11" x 33" H
Brass
Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass 8 Arms Lustre Antique Neorenaissance
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite neo-renaissance brass chandelier, a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and its e...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century 6 lights Louis XIV Lantern in antique bronze finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Large lantern in the French Louis XIV style of the 19th century, made of antique bronze and bevelled glass, in the “Versailles” style, with six lights, topped with a royal crown, mal...
Bronze
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern. Offered is a outstanding mid century Italian Neoclassical style octagonal brass and beveled glass lantern. This lantern comes with 3 feet of he...
Brass
Italian Neo-Classic Candlestick Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassical (18th Century) distressed white painting and gilt trim candlestick table lamp (unfinished on back)
Paint
Vintage French Neoclassical Green Jasperware Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Neoclassical Green Jasperware Candelabra Table Lamps By Wilmar Co. - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 35" H (to finial) x 26.5" H (to light socket) x 8"...
Metal
Charles et Fils Pair of Bronze & Blown Opaline Glass Globe French Sconces 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Charles et Fils bronze two arms holding up a round blown opaline glass shade. French neoclassical design wall light from the 1950s. US wired and in working condition. Mea...
Bronze
Vintage Sconces Pair Wall Lamps Louis XVI Style, France, Mid 20th Century
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of vintage French wall sconces. These stunning pieces are crafted from richly gilded bronze, boasting intricate detailing reminiscent of the Louis XVI style, or perhaps the bro...
Bronze
1900 Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze Caldwell Chandelier 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 neoclassic style gilt bronze chandelier by Caldwell beautiful details. 6 lights
Bronze
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
1920s Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's medium size leaded glass chandelier with flowers ornaments on body
Glass
Neoclassical Style Ivory Color Alabaster Amphora Shaped Table Lamp
Located in Barntrup, DE
Neoclassical style amphora-shaped ivory and light brown veined alabaster lamp, Italy, circa the 1930s. Impressive Italian Neoclassical style amphora-shaped lamp made of beautifully v...
Alabaster
$222Sale Price|35% Off
French Alabaster Neoclassical Pedestal Lamp-Column Lamp-Silk Lamp Shade-60
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
Magnificent French finely carved Alabaster Lamp in Neoclassical Style and with Silk Shade from the 60s The soft Colors vary from beige to brown-rose and reflect the Classic Style T...
Alabaster, Metal, Metallic Thread, Brass
Timeless Elegance: Pair of Antique Verdigris Brass Wall Lanterns
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Illuminate your entryway, patio, or garden with this exquisite pair of antique wall lanterns. Crafted from solid brass and boasting a beautiful...
Glass
Italian Mid-Century Flower-Shaped White Alabaster Table Lamp or Mood Lamp, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Italian mid-century flower-shaped white alabaster table lamp or mood lamp, from the circa 1950s. Absolutely adorable white/ivory color alabaster table lamp o...
Alabaster
$4,800 / item
Bronze and Alabaster Sconces by Thierry Despont
Located in Hudson, NY
The work and designs of Terry Desmond have been legendary for their quality and attention to detail. These sconces by Terry are no exception. While Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023) was ...
Alabaster, Bronze
$3,400 / set
1920 Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze one light sconces with sunburst design backplate
Bronze
Pair of French Bronze and Glass Mirrored Half Lantern Wall Sconces, 1970s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A pair of mirrored half lanterns wall sconces, France, ca. 1970s. Those highest quality wall lights are made of solid bronze surrounded by three glass panel and rectangular mirrored...
Bronze
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
$409Sale Price|30% Off
John Richard Neoclassical Chalkware Amber & Gold Glass Vase Lamp 35"
By John Richard
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage John Richard neoclassically inspired table lamp with painted chalkware column base supporting an amber glass trophy urn shaped vase topped with gold and caged with single lea...
Metal
$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
Historistic Ceiling Lamp Vienna Around 1890s with Glass Sticks
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic ceiling lamp vienna around 1890s with glass sticks Polished and stove enamelled Glass sticks are replaced ( new ).
Brass
Pair 1920's Bronze and Beveled Cobalt Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light bronze sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Bronze
Barovier Toso Neoclassic Obelisk Iridize & Gold Infused Murano Glass Table Lamps
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful pair of large monumental table lamps or side table lamps. Made of iridize and gold infused Murano glass, made by Barovier & Toso Murano, Italy. Each light requires one Euro...
Metal, Brass
$625Sale Price|30% Off
Large Neoclassical Carved Gilt Wood Lamps - Pair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Neoclassical antique carved wood with a stacked urn and pillar silhouette. Gilded and French-wired, on square bases with four feet and beeswax candlestick-style necks. Recently rewir...
Wood
Wonderful Pair French Neoclassical Dore Bronze Regency Four-Arm Candelabra Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of doré bronze large candelabras with centre flame, detailed surrounded by four arms with filigree, fluted center shaft and finely etched filigree pedestal base. ...
Bronze
3 Historistic wall lamps with opal glass shades vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
3 Historistic wall lamps with opal glass shades vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled 3 original antique glass shades
Brass
Historic chandelier vienna around 1890s with original antique glass shades
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic chandelier vienna around 1890s with original antique glass shades Polished and stove enameled original antique glass shades
Brass
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce. Priced each. Two available.
Giltwood
Bronze Neoclassical Table Lamp in style Maison Baguès - France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Neo-classical lamp in polished and patinated bronze in the style of Maison Baguès. This lamp will ship from France and can be returned to either France or to an upstate NY USA facili...
Bronze
$5,503Sale 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
French Neoclassical Style Amber Alabaster and Frosted Glass Chandelier, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical amber alabaster chandelier featuring decorative glass shades and bronze accents. An elegant French Neoclassical chandelier from the early 20th century, featuring...
Alabaster, Bronze
Pair of Monumental Gilt Bronze and Glass Floor Standing Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of monumental gilt bronze and glass floor standing candelabra Crafted in the neoclassical style, this pair of floor-standing candelab...
Ormolu, Bronze
Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass Table Lamps - a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass and Ivory Enamel Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light socket) x 6...
Metal, Brass
$12,000 / item
1900's Caldwell Bronze Chandelier with Greek Key
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Caldwell neoclassic style chandelier with Greek key design
Bronze
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
A Fine Silver over Bronze Billiard/ Over Counter Light
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Silvered Bronze "T" shaped, 4 Light Chandelier having metal shades. Europe, circa 1990. 4 Lights. Dimensions: Height 59" Width 52" Depth 16" CW5639
Bronze
$750Sale Price|21% Off
French Empire Neoclassical Style Tole Lamp
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite French Empire tole lamp featuring a columnar form with gilt decoration over a black background. Hand-painted wreaths and vines adorn the column with a maiden playing a horn...
Tin
Pair of Neoclassical Column Lamps, USA, circa 1950s
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome pair of metal lamps, featuring a neoclassical motif in a verdigris bronze finish. All new wiring and three-way sockets in bronze tone. N...
Metal
1930's Pagoda Shape Bronze Black and Gold Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze pagoda style double light sconces with scrolled arms.
Bronze
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass original condition Original patina
Brass
Neoclassical Bisque Porcelain Figurative Greek Key Urn Table Lamp, Bavaria
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Neoclassical style matte white bisque porcelain table lamp made in Bulgaria, Germany. This Classic urn shaped lamp is mounted on a brass plinth base and features dimensional figures ...
Brass
Large Neoclassical Style Brass and Plate Glass Lantern
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style brass and plate glass lantern, French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 119cm, diameter 64cm Made from polished brass and plate glass, this large lantern...
Brass
Antique Silvered Metal Crown-Form Chandelier, Europe, Early 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional antique European chandelier, dating to the early 20th century, distinguished by its dramatic crown-form silhouette and fine...
Metal
Chic Pair of Dorothy Draper Style Urn Base Floor Lamp Side Tables
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Chic Dorothy Draper style black and white floor lamps side tables having white ceramic urn shaped bases, black slate round table tops and squar...
Slate
French 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Ceramic Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century slender chandelier made of cast, gilt bronze and accented with a spike at the bottom in cobalt ceramic–vitrified by fire to a depth of color and sheen that could ...
Metal
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Russian Neoclassic Bronze and Ormolu Candlestick Lamp
Located in Essex, MA
Originally one of a pair of figural candlesticks. Finely cast and chased with a candleholder now fitted with a two light modern fixture. T...
Other
A SHABBY-CHIC SEVENTIES NEOCLASSICAL TABLE LAMP, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant, luxurious and very large table lamp, Art-Deco, Post-Modernist, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, Cylindrical base and ovoid body in thick white enameled ceramic, gilded bronze ...
Metal
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
1930's French Gilt Bronze Light Fixtures with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930 French gilt bronze light fixture with 2 interior lights, and Opaline glass inset from a Paris Hotel (available also in silver finish)
Bronze
Bronze Chandelier with Ram's Heads in the Louis XVI Style. French work in the st
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant 6 lights chandelier is made of bronze. It is decorated with ram's heads on the top and ornaments on the arms. This is a French work in the Louis XVI style. In t...
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
$3,400 / set
1910 American Federal style sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1910's American style bronze one light sconces with arrows and stars in design. Unusual arm shape
Bronze
Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass 3 Arms Lustre Antique Neorenaissance
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite neo-renaissance brass chandelier - a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and its ...
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th-Century Carved Alabaster & Ormolu Urn-Form Table Lamp, Italy
Located in Skien, NO
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Alabaster Table Lamp A refined neoclassical table lamp from the early 20th century, expertly hand-carved from creamy-white alabaster with brass ornam...
Alabaster, Brass
$1,250
Sun Shaped Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine & Elegant Gilt Iron Sun Shaped Pendant. 2 lights. Italy, circa 1960. Dimensions: Height 6" Diameter 23" CW5557
Iron