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
269
1,456
439
1,855
60
30
Height
to
Width
to
1,123
914
86
180
62
115
58
81
56
64
56
64
56,488
19,158
8,861
7,767
3,788
2,678
1,945
1,572
1,572
898
831
742
619
595
526
405
200
131
55
480
1,320
90
492
472
157
84
72
145
56
105
102
80
52
20
19
1,614
834
478
424
385
1,294
717
442
425
313
1,945
1,898
1,920
193
18
16
15
10
Style: Neoclassical
French Set of Six Giltwood Sconces
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This set of six, antique French sconces are full of period detail referencing Neoclassical themes - they will add instant panache to any room, or rooms! They are a beautiful scale to...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wire
Pair of Maison Jansen Style 2 patina brass and gun metal Wall Sonces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Jansen Style 2 patina brass and gun metal Wall Sonces.
Original White opaline glass shades
Backplate is 3.5 diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Steel
A 1900s Neoclassical White and Gold Capodimonte Porcelain Italian Table Lamp
By Capodimonte
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The lamp features a white and gold color scheme, with intricate details including a winged female figure and elaborate scrollwork. The lamp has been manufactured in the early 1900s, ...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Candleholders, Calamine, Marble, France, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of candlesticks made in calamine on dark marble bases that have two sculptures of children in similar positions. The proportions, positions, decorative elements, etc. of these t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Other
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
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Alabaster Urn Uplighter Lamp, White and Yelow Color, France, circa 1940
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculptural alabaster Art Deco period Urn table lamp with neoclassical design, France, 1940s.
This elegant carved alabaster neoclassical 'upligh...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Lamp on Column
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...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Pair of Patinated Terracotta Lamps circa 1960/1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of patinated terracotta lamps circa 1950/1960
wear on lampshades.
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Neoclassical Chapman Winged Lion Lamp
Located in west palm beach, FL
This vintage Neoclassical Chapman Winged Lion Lamp embodies elegance and grandeur, featuring a striking winged lion sculpture crafted with intricate d...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Circular glazed brass hall lantern in the neo-classical style
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century circular glazed brass hall lantern in the neo-classical style, English, circa 1900.
Brass work decorated with Vitruvian scrolls and oak leaf motifs.
Twin light ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Egyptian Revival Part Ormolu D'appliques Wall Lights, c 1830
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French neoclassical pair of ormolu bronze d'appliques wall lights in an Egyptian revival style. These have been part gilt to enhance the detailed figures, each w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Mid-Century Rembrandt Onyx and Gilt Metal Patinated Torchiere Table Lamps, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Mid-Century Rembrandt Onyx and Gilt Metal Patinated Torchiere Table Lamps. Measures 6" in width, 6" in depth and stand 18" tall to the top of the light blb socket.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Onyx, Metal
Antique Russian Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Large Unique Antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze, crystal and blue glass chandelier of fine craftsmanship embellished with cut crystal prisms, crystal chains and a central blue cobalt glass dish...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porcelain, Milk Glass, Plaster
1920's Caldwell Flush Mount with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze flush mounted light fixture with Opaline glass inset. From Waldorf Hotel NYC.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Single Vintage Handcrafted Wall-Mounted Brass Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Single wall hanging lantern arch style made of solid brass, quality workmanship, bevelled glass, electrified with 3 40/watt lights, beautiful patina great light exposure. Working and...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Large French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Cut Rock Crystal Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Pair of Large French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Cut Rock Crystal Lamps. The upper sections are made up of one solid piece of hand-carved and hand-polished columnar nat...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Neoclassical Bronze Urn Bow Tassel Filigree 2-Arm Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French neoclassical style bronze urn, bow, tassel and filigree 2-arm sconces
Completely rewired with new sockets and wiring.
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Large White Alabaster with Black Veins & Bronze Pendant Chandelier, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical-style pendant light made of black veined white alabaster with bronze fixtures.
This stunning ceiling light fixture dates back to the 1920s. It features a beautif...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze, Brass
Maitland Smith Penshell Obelisk Brass Lion Head Accent Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning pair of table lamps by Maitland-Smith. Body of the obelisk featuring a penshell veneer, contrasted by patinated brass accents.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Antique French Neoclassical Tole Floor Lamp & Original Tole Shade
Located in London, GB
Antique French Neoclassical Tole floor lamp & original Tole shade in an ivory colour, dating from around the 1900-1920 period, all in good original con...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
A Bronze Maison Charles Table Lamp Model 'Fractal'
Located in London, GB
A tall bronze Maison Charles 'Fractal" table lamp a rarer model now. Original shade. signed at base as in images. Currently re wired for UK but can be changed for any specific code i...
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
Category
1990s European Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
2 Antique French Neoclassical Brass 5 Arm Torchiere Wall Sconces Rose Shades 39"
Located in Dayton, OH
Exceptional pair of French Neoclassical / Louis XVI wall sconces. Made of bronze featuring Neoclassical styling with torchiere column topped with ribbon and bow design and frosted g...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Style Brass and Glass Pendant Light with Hand-Painted Landscape
Located in Barntrup, DE
Neoclassical style brass and glass pendant light with hand-painted landscape from circa the 1920s.
This stunning Neoclassical-style pendant light fixture features a yellow and pale s...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
French Neoclassical Style Bronze and Glass Ceiling Light Fixture, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical style bronze, brass, and glass ceiling light fixture, from circa the 1920s.
This adorable Neoclassical style three-light ceiling lamp features an impressive and o...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Bronze Doré Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
A large 19th century pair of single arm bronze doré single arm sconces from France.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Large Neoclassical Solid Brass Urn Table Lamp
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Stately urn shaped solid brass table lamps features large neoclassical style urn on square ebonized bases. As shown without shades they stand 26 inches tall making an impressive stat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1920's American Leaded Glass Light fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's American leaded glass light fixture with 8 interior lights.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Two Historistic Wall Lamps Vienna Around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Two historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s
Polished and stove enamelled
Original antique glass shades.
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Antique Round Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Simple in style and inspired by a 17th-century antique, this lantern features fine decorative details, from the crown at the top, to the finials on its underside. Handcrafted from br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Workstead Pendolo Flush Mount Small
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Pendolo Flush Mount is a versatile flush-mount fixture, capable of serving as a down-light or directional wall washer. Available in either Natural Burlap o...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
Wonderful French Neoclassical Swan Bronze Ormolu Mounted Cut Crystal Pair Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French neoclassical swan bronze ormolu mounted cut crystal lamps
Completely rewired.
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Fine Italian Mid-Century Table Lamps by Seguso
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand blown, with a gold-dusted glass tulip shape shade mounted on a bronze base.
Original "SB/351 Murano Seguso Vetri d'Arte" label.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Vintage Wall Applique Lights Objects Sconces, 1920s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful sculptural pair of bronze/brass wall lights sconces.
France, 1900s-1930s
Lamp sockets: 1.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Andre Arbus Bronze Sconces Black Finish Hand Holding Light, Wall Lamp 1950 Pair
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Andre Arbus style sconces in bronze, black finished Hand holding one light, very heavy and well done.
The Pair comes with Custom made Black & Gold Paper Shade.
US re...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pillaret Trio Table Lamp by Studio Dunn
By Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
Our clover-shaped table lamp compels attention with both organic flow and precise symmetry. The optional diffusor softens the light above, while the three-column shade creates a lumi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Pair of Vintage Neoclassical Carved & Painted Wood Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Rewired, New Lamp Shades
Materials: Painted Carved Wood
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Majolica Pair of Wall Brackets for Sconces
Located in Milano, MI
Early 19th century Neoclassical carved and gilded wall brackets realized with a white ivory color majolica demi vase of the Italian manufacture Gi...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Maiolica, Giltwood, Canvas
Pair of Neoclassical Italian Carved Gold Giltwood Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Pair of vintage Italian neoclassical style carved gold giltwood candlesticks converted to beautiful table lamps, features white cream gesso and gold gilt polychrome finish, solid car...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Foliage Crown Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of light fixtures in gilt iron with foliage design. Spain, 1940s.
These eye-catching flush mounts feature an structure made of gilt metal leaves surrounding a central light. The...
Category
20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Vintage Neoclassical Five Arm Metal Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
A small but with great presence vintage gold and bronze-like metal chandelier has the earmarks of the neoclassical style: five leaf-like armatures attached to a center urn topped by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of Antique French Blue Opaline and Gilt Bronze Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Antique French blue opaline and gilt bronze lamps, 2nd-half of the 1800s. Perched atop the Blue Opaline are gilt bronze acanthus plants based of...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Neoclassical Brass and Marble Tall Table or Buffet Lamps
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of brass and marble tall table or buffet lamps in a neoclassical barley twist design with cherub detail and a square marble base. 37" tall x 6 1/2" square base. Shades are not i...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass
Neo-Classical Style Table Lamps By Frederick Cooper - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome pair of neo-classical style table lamps by Frederick Cooper. The colors are right on trend this season. The switch is on the cord, and they are in working order. T...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
French Giltwood Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A turn of the century French gilded chandelier of neoclassic style, with scrolling oversized arms and twisted body and pomegranate finial.
Measurements:
Height: 36"
Diameter: 35"
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Giltwood
c1870 French Bronze Sculpture Lanmp "Diogenes" Greek Philosopher by Barbedienne
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1870 French Neoclassical Bronze Sculpture Table Lantern of "Diogenes" by Leblanc Barbedienne. Small bulb inside the lantern is amazing. This sculpture is very highly detailed.
Category
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Venetian Bronze & Decorative Etched Mirrored Wall Sconces, C. 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Venetian two-arm bronze mirrored wall sconces with etched decorative floral, bird, and butterfly motif. Sconces retain the origina...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
André Arbus French Bronze Neoclassical Hand Wall Lights/Sconces
Located in North Miami, FL
Bronze Andre Arbus wall sconces depicting hands holding torchieres, topped with their ORIGINAL frosted glass diffusers.
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Ormolu Corinthian Column Sinumbra Base Table Lamps, France, circa 1825
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite pair of neoclassical Corinthian column form table lamps converted to electricity in the early 20th century from circa 1825 French Sinumbra oil lamp bases, the lost-wax-c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Bronze Putti Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French neoclassical style white marble and bronze putti lamps from the 19th century, with shades. Created in France during the 19th centur...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Gold Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Holders, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of French gold gilt bronze candlestick holders in the Neoclassical style, circa mid to late-19th century, France. A raise...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze and mirrored backplate Caldwell sconces. Small size.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Opaline Vaseline Glass Table Lamps - A Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Opaline Vaseline Glass Table Lamps - A Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 28.5" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light socket) x 6.5" W x 6.5" D. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass
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.