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.
French Hexagonal Bronze and Frosted Textured Glass Hanging Lantern, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French bronze hexagonal lantern with frosted textured glass, 1920s – an elegant Neoclassical-inspired pendant light. An elegant French hexagonal lantern from the 1920s, crafted from...
Bronze
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
$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
18th Century Large Pair of Italian Gilded Handled Vases Neoclassical Carving
Located in Milano, MI
Set of two large 18th century Neoclassical giltwood vasesa pair of carved and giltwood handled centre vases, on square base, portapalme realized in carved Cembran pinewood with Neoclassical foliate motifs carved with vegetal patterns. Could be mounted as large table lamps or used as decorative vases. This pair of antique lamp bases...
Wood
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
Maison Jansen Sconces Solid Bronze & Blown Glass Flame Shade France 1950, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern sconces, wall lights in solid bronze by Maison Jansen. Featuring a torch in black finish with a blown glass flame shade....
Brass, Bronze
A SCULPTURAL NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Bronze TABLE LAMP by FONDICA, France 1990
By Fondica
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful, neo-classical, sculptural Table Lamp, double nickeled bronze base with snakes reliefs, square nickeled metal structure with a simple rectangular shade, attributed to Fon...
Bronze, Silver Plate
Monumental Pair of Rouge Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Torchères
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in London, GB
Monumental Pair of Rouge Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Torchères After Carrier-Belleuse, Albert-Ernest (French, 1824–1887) Height: 282cm, width: 70cm, depth: 75cm This ...
Rosso Antico Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$899Sale Price / set|59% Off
Pair of Vintage Ivory White Assembled Porcelain, Gilt Hand Painted Table Lamps
Located in Lomita, CA
Designers Delight! This pair of gilt and ivory hand painted lamps is unique because they share a similar palette. The colors are neutral with shades of green, white, yellow and grey. Each lamp is from the second third of the 20th century and they are assembled here to create a great opportunity for statement lighting. One lamp features a single hand painted gardenia with a signature that reads W. H. Tonn. It is from an American workshop, according to the appraiser. It is 30.5 inches tall and 6 inches deep and wide at the base. The other lamp is of baluster form, with a vintage botanical pattern...
Porcelain
Mid-century wrought iron lantern from France, 1950s
Located in Lyon, FR
Cute mid-century wrought iron lantern, made in France, 1950s. Wrought iron structure, frozen glass lampshade, nice making details : floral ornaments, metallic lace and twists. Perfec...
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Copper Lantern
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century hanging lantern light fixture is a stunning blend of rustic charm and architectural presence. Crafted from copper, it features eight glass-paneled sides, each w...
Brass, Copper
A Large 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Ormolu and Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Large 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Ormolu and Cut Crystal Chandelier. The chandelier is constructed with a circular ormolu framework suspended with multiple graduated strands...
Crystal, Ormolu
Tall Neoclassical Electrified Silver Plated Column-Form Oil Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Tall, neoclassical, electrified, column-form oil lamp, England, circa 1880s. Stepped - up square base. 38 inches high Ito top of finial) height is adjustable x 6 1/2 inches wide (at ...
Silver Plate
$4,980Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Large c1810 Russian Baltic 24K with Cut Crystal Wall Sconces Original Cond.
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Quite a Rare Pair of Early 19thc c1810 Russian Baltic 24K Gold with Cut Crystal Wall Sconces. In their original unelectrified state. I purchased these while I was in Ireland. They ar...
Bronze
Antique French Neo-Classical Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Urn Lamp
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely antique French neo-classical style gilt bronze and black veined marble lamp. It has a urn form with draped gilt bronze floral foliate. It is unmarked and in working ...
Marble, Bronze
1900 Caldwell Silver Plated Engraved Small Chandelier 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell silver plated bronze small chandelier with 6 lights. Engraved flowers on body and cups
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Style Bronze Candlestick Table Lamps, France 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 1960s French Neoclassical style bronze "Bougeoirs" candlestick table lamps. The candlesticks were wired for use as petite table lamps. Wired for USA, candelabra sockets.
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
American Neoclassical Brass Bank Lantern with Milk Glass Cylinder Shade, 1929
Located in Stamford, CT
Large 1929 American Neoclassical cylinder lantern in brass with a 42-inch milk glass shade, salvaged from a historic 1929 bank building. The pendant stands 42 inches high and measure...
Brass
Duck' Desk Lamp Wood Metal and Brass De Stijl Edition, 1970s
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This table lamp is a representative creation of the taste for animal sculpture in high-end decoration during the late 20th century. The structural design relies on a rectangular base...
Metal, Brass
1900 Caldwell Neoclassical Pendant Light, Gilt Plaster and Glass
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1910 Caldwell gilt plaster and leaded glass neoclassic style pendant with interior lights
Glass
1900's Caldwell Style Bronze Engraved Chandelier with 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell style 6 lights bronze chandelier with engraved body
Bronze
19th-C. French Neo-Classical Style Porcelain & Gilt Bronze Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are beautiful! This is a pair of French neoclassical style white porcelain lamps with gilt and gilt bronze accents. The wiring is new, and I believe they are signed up inside t...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Crystal and Gilt Bronze Large Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century gilt bronze and rock crystals large chandelier with 30 lights. picked up from Aspen.CO from Marshall field state
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Louis XVI Revival Style French Crystal and Bronze Chandelier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A breathtaking French crystal and bronze chandelier, adorned with delicate crystal flowers and cascading tiers of droplets. Featuring eight lights, this exquisite piece showcases a f...
Crystal, Bronze
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
Glass and Bronze Chandelier, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Thirty lights chandelier. Bronze and glass, late 19th century. It is necessary to emphasize the variety of forms and the quality of the colorless glass. The profiles of some beads (...
Bronze, Other
20th Century Italian Six-Light Chandelier in Silvered Wood & Iron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully aged Italian chandelier featuring a carved silvered wood central column with fluted and gadrooned details. Six hand-forged iron arms extend in graceful scrolls, each su...
Silver, Iron
Pair of Painted Neoclassical Lamps with Parchment Shades
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of painted neoclassical style fluted column lamps with capitals crowned with hand painted parchment shades. The lamps are newly rewired and ready to use.
Wood, Parchment Paper
Mid-Century Neo- Classical Style Cast Brass Magnifying Glass Sconces, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century cast brass magnifying glass sconces. They are not electrified and are unmarked. They are in very good condition.
Brass
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Hollywood Regency Style Sconces, Set of 3
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant wall sconces from Italy in neoclassical and Hollywood Regency style. The set consists of three wall sconces in neoclassical style. The design imitates classic wall candle ho...
Metal
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
$671Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Sconces Having Classical Masks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of French Neoclassical style gilt bronze sconces having classical masks. 19th C.
Bronze
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Pedestal, Hand-Carved, Italy, 1940s
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
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Alabaster Trophy Cup Urn Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Alabaster Trophy Cup Figural Twin Handle Urn Form Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 32" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light sock...
Alabaster
Monumental Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Urn Table Lamps with Classical Relief
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Monumental Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Urn Table Lamps with Classical Relief. The bodies are crafted from black basalt, a fine-grained, unglazed stoneware developed by Josiah Wedg...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1900's White Molded Glass Light Fixture with Cherubs
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's white molded glass light fixture with cherubs design 4 interior lights.
Art Glass
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
Wonderful French Doré Patina Bronze Bow Neoclassical Crystal Shade Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French gilt doré and patina bronze bow top neoclassical fixture centered by a crystal shade and three lights surrounding this beautiful chandelier. Measures: 40" H x 2...
Bronze
$76,533Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century Baccarat Crystal Chandelier, 36-Light, Neoclassical Style
By Baccarat
Located in Madrid, ES
A grand 19th century French Baccarat crystal 36-light, triple-tier chandelier. At over one meter high and wide, this large and impressive style of crystal chandelier began to appear ...
Crystal, Metal
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
Pair of Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant pair of French Neoclassical bronze table lamps, originally candlesticks, later converted to electricity, featuring refined classical ornament and a contrasting black central ...
Bronze
Extraordinary Pair Italian Neoclassical Rock Crystal Three-Light Wall Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Extraordinary Pair Italian Neoclassical Rock Crystal Three-Light Wall Sconces Italy, 20th Century An extraordinary pair of Italian Neoclassical three-light wall sconces, exquisit...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Metal
French Neoclassical Bouillotte Lamp, Brass with Tole Shade, 1880s
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Bouillotte lamp with its original painted tole shade. Bouillotte is a card game, popular in France during the 18th & 19th centuries. For light, they would use a speciali...
Metal, Brass
Stiffer Brass Double Candle Aladdin Table Lamp Brass & Marble MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stiffer Brass Double Candle Aladdin Table Lamp Brass & Marble MINT
Marble, Brass
Fine French Bronze Neoclassical Baltic Empire Crystal Square Basket Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Very Fine French Bronze Pierced Filigree & Maiden Mask Neoclassical / Baltic Empire Crystal Swag Basket Chandelier In A Square Form With 4 Lights Arou...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique French Brass and Bronze Pendant Light with Cut Glass Lampshade, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French brass and bronze pendant light with cut glass lampshade from around 1900. This beautiful antique neoclassical-style pend...
Brass, Bronze
$6,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated sconces neoclassical style with three lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Interior Table Lamps Set 2 Vintage Bedside Lamps Floral Home Lighting
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of vintage table lamps with a frosted glass bell-shaped lampshade on an elegant, smoothly curved brass leg. The stable round base ensures safety and comfort of use of the table...
Brass
20th Century French Chandelier - Inspired By Coco Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 20th-century French chandelier, inspired by the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel, beautifully blends vintage charm with refined craftsmanship. Its gilded metal frame is...
Metal
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
Neoclassical Urn Shaped Marble Table Lamp Italy, C.1950
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical urn shaped marble table lamp Italy, C.1950 Neoclassical urn form table lamp. Veined marble example on a stepped square base....
Marble
Wonderful Pair Square Neoclassical Regency Louis XVI Bronze Lantern Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Petite Neoclassical / Regency Louis XVI Style Bronze With Beautiful Open Work And Flower Detail Square Shaped Lantern Fixtures Each Having A 3 Candelabra Light Ce...
Bronze
$13,250
Carved Alabaster Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully hand-carved alabaster chandelier with the classic circular flared design. Held by 3 claws, chains and acanthus leaf canopy.
Alabaster, Metal
$214Sale 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
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Beveled Clear Glass Hexagonal Lantern, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French brass and beveled clear glass hexagonal hanging lantern from circa the 1920s. This adorable three-light antique pendant lantern features...
Brass
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Engraved Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's silver plated Caldwell chandelier with unusual scrolled arms with 8 lights
Bronze
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
19th Century Pair Swedish Empire Birch Wall Mirrors with Brass Candleholders
Located in Madrid, ES
A pair of Swedish Empire wall mirror sconces crafted in birch veneer with solid brass detailing, dating to the early 19th century, circa 1820. Each rectangular mirror is framed by el...
Brass
Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Malachite Neoclassical Style Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of large gilt bronze and malachite neoclassical style candelabra French, 20th century Measures: Height 122cm, diameter 60cm This large...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze