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.
$4,800 / set
1930's Neoclassic Column Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's neoclassic column shape bronze table lamps. In very good condition.
Bronze
Italian, Piemontese, Late Neoclassic Gilt Metal & Blown Glass 4-Light Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
the top issuing 4 scrolls with hanging pendants and applied rosettes, the standard surrounded by blown glass balls and issuing 4 scrolling arms (all metal surfaces gilded), the arms ...
Blown Glass
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Frosted Cut Glass Ceiling Light, circa 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
French neoclassical style ceiling light fixture from circa 1910, with an ornate brass body and a beautiful frosted cut glass lamp shade. One sock...
Brass
$4,800 / set
1900's Caldwell Mirrored Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique a pair of circa 1910's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with mirrored backplate
Bronze
Italian Empire Crystal Single-Light Chandelier
Located in Chireno, TX
Italian Empire crystal single-light gilt-tole chandelier circa 1830-1849. Mostly original single-light chandelier in neoclassical style. Clear, amber, cobalt blue and light blue crystals. Newly wired for use within the USA. Includes additional chain (not included in listed height) and a gilded canopy. Perfect powder room, dressing room or entry light...
Crystal, Iron, Tin, Gold Leaf
Wonderful French Dore Bronze Louis XVI Set Four Bronze Bow Top Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very fine set of four French Louis xvi style ormolu wall sconces with three-branches, each surmounted by a bow on top. Two Pairs Available, Each Pair Sold Separately Rewired with...
Bronze
19th Century Classical Russian Emerald Glass Domed Pendant with Bronze Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This stately classical pendant was realized in Russia during the 19th century. It features a domed translucent body blown in a rich emerald green glass; a sculptural undulating finia...
Bronze
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
2 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The glass sticks are replaced ( new )
Brass
$9,800 / set
Pair of 1900s Caldwell Gold Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell gold plated sconces with cherubs and two lights
Gold, Bronze
Antique Silvered Metal 6-Light Chandelier Attributed to Edward Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
Silvered metal chandelier in the neoclassical style attributed to Edward F. Caldwell, measuring 22 inches across and 40 1/2 inches tall, with original ceiling plate, decorative chain...
Metal
$380Sale Price|23% Off
Neoclassical Urn Form Greek Key Table Lamp
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous neoclassical style urn form table lamp with Greek key and swag details Measures: 5.75"W x 5.75"D x 26"H. Very good original vintage condition. Powers on.
Composition
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Glass and Brass Pendant, Italy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Hand made glass and brass pendant made in Italy in 1970s. Rewired: 1x100W, E25-E27 bulb US wiring compatible
Brass
Historistic Wall Lamp Around 1890s with Original Glass Shade
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic wall lamp around 1890s with original glass shade Polished and stove enameled Original glass shade.
Brass
$7,700 / item
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...
Brass
$2,200 / item
Hand-Forged Custom Round Iron "Miami" Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
Handmade from our exclusive design and newly wired using all UL listed parts. Forged iron with handmade chain and canopy. Three upright standard size sockets rest on cupped iron bobe...
Iron
$2,895 / item
Workstead Tube Sconce / Flush Mount Hewn Brass
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
The TUBE SCONCE / FLUSH MOUNT MEDIUM is a versatile slim sconce, our take on a classic vanity fixture. Mounted either vertically, horizontally, or flush mo...
Brass
French Neoclassical Hanging Lantern
By Loyzaga
Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México
French Neoclassical six light lantern in brass with pinecone details on the bottom. Available in different finishes.
Brass
Pair of Andre Arbus Bronze Arrow Sconces 2 Lights, Wall Lamp French Neoclassical
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Andre Arbus style arrow sconces, wall lights in bronze with black & gold clip on Paper Shades. US Rewired and in working condition, each Sconce takes 2 light bulbs wi...
Brass, Bronze
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...
Brass, Bronze
$1,950
19th Century French Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 19th-century French lamp is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design, combining luxurious materials with intricate craftsmanship. The base is made of finely cut crystal, s...
Bronze
Antique Italian Polished Pink and Black Marble Petite Table Lamp Pair
Located in Savannah, GA
This petite pair of antique Italian pink and black polished marble table lamps feature a neoclassic urn-shaped design on a four inch square base. The six side shades are original and...
Marble
American Classical Brass Wall Sconces, Rewired, 1960, USA
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful pair of wall sconces made of solid brass newly rewire with two 60/watt light each. Ready to use.
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
Pair of Nancy Corzine Neoclassical 22k Topiary Lamps
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of 22k gold embellished table lamps made in the neoclassical taste by Nancy Corzine. The "Topiary" lamps feature a cylindrical fluted Greco-Roman column supporting a rou...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Pair of Louis the 15th style Gold Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall sconces is made of gold gilt bronze. This is a French work in the style of Louis the 15th. Circa 1940
Bronze
$87,400 / set
Four Antique Gilt Bronze Fifteen-Light Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These gilt bronze (ormolu) wall sconces are magnificent pieces, each holding fifteen lights. The sconces will look beautiful either mounted onto the wall in a line, or paired and pla...
Ormolu, 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
Pair of Finnish Neoclassical Table Lamps, Cast Brass & Green Onyx, Valinte 1970s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pair of Finnish Neoclassical-Style Table Lamps by Valinte, Model 24142, 1970s A refined pair of neoclassical-style table lamps manufactured by Valinte in Finland during the 1970s, m...
Onyx, Brass
Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconce with Dual Candle Design
Located in Houston, TX
This hand-forged iron wall sconce brings timeless European elegance and warmth to any space. Featuring graceful scrollwork and a dual-candle design, it evokes the romantic charm of 1...
Wrought Iron, Metal, Steel, Iron
Antique Pair French Ormolu Mounted Siena Marble Table Lamps 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An antique pair of French ormolu mounted and Giallo di Siena marble Neo Classical table lamps, Circa 1870 in date. The pair are of baluste...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Italian Gilt Metal and Crystal Two-Light Sconces in the Style of Bagues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of sconces, each having a backplate of scrolling gilt metal, adorned with faceted crystal prisms, drops, and pendants; floral rosettes petals pay homage to the styles of Maison ...
Crystal, Metal
Maison Tisserand Art & Styles Paris Pair of adjustable Bronze Sconces
By Tisserant
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Bronze retractable Sconces made by the famous Maison Tisserand ( signed in the back ) US rewired and in working condition, dimmer on each socket. 100 watts bulb max or LED . ...
Bronze
Late 19th Century, Pair of Metal Column Table Lamps
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Late 19th century pair of metal column table lamps with ormolu mounted capitals on stepped square bases with a black gloss finish.
Ormolu, Metal
$3,600 / set
Fine Pair Of Carved And Gilt Chandeliers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely crafted and elegant pair of carved and gilt wood six light chandeliers in an antiqued finish. The baluster form standard with a high leafy base. Six squared and curved light...
Metal, Other
Pair Of Decorative Painted Neoclassical Urn Style Metal Table Lamps
Located in Bruton, GB
An elegant pair of metal, neoclassical revival table lamps featuring refined architectural forms and sculptural urn style handles. Each lamp is designed with a tapered central panel ...
Metal
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
$1,272Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Table Lamp in patinated metal. 1940s.
By Metal Art
Located in Bromma, SE
Neoclassical Metal Table Lamp in Column form. Sweden, 1930s. Atelier made lamp shade is included, pick any of the shades on the pictures. Great Condition with only small signs of ...
Metal
Antique Brass and Wood Tripod Floor Lamp, Early 20th Century
Located in Hudson, NY
Antique wood tripod base w/ adjustable neck / Hand-painted custom shade / Raw brass hardware / Black silk cord / Double pull chain sockets Quantity : (1) Materials : Wood / Brass Col...
Brass
French Neoclassical Bronze and Leather Urn-Form Peacock Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Neoclassical style table lamp in the form of a leather clad urn with bronze peacocks on either side joined by a decorative rope border with circular bosses in the center. The base wi...
Bronze
$945Sale Price / set|32% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Faux Alabaster Table Lamps Beige
Located in Miami, FL
Wired and fully functional. Measures: 33.50" high x 18" wide x shade depth 13.25".
Porcelain, Wood
Italian Reproduction Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant Italian reproduction lamp blends perfectly with modern or antique home decor! Fit with a custom oval shaped silk shade. The lamp featur...
Metal
Pair of Miniature 19th Century French Bronze Flame and Urn Fragment Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of miniature 19th century French bronze flame and urn fragment lamps. Each features an urn-form bronze body raised on a circular base, fitted with a decorative shade and surmoun...
Bronze
$3,400 / item
1930 Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920 silver plated one light sconces. Price per set of two sconces
Silver Plate, Bronze
Polished Ochre Marble Lamps
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of solid marble table lamps with a subtle mottled ochre veining having tall slender urn form over rectangular plinths with ogee molded bases. Italy, early 20th c. Now wired as...
Marble
$4,800 / set
1920’s Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces silver plated finish
Silver Plate, Bronze
Neoclassical, Basket Pendant Light, Bronze, Crystal, France, 20th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Neoclassical, Basket Flush Mount Pendant Light, Bronze, Crystal, France, 20th c. A chrome and brass flush-mount ceiling fixture featuring four lights, elegantly dressed with cascadi...
Crystal, Brass
$5,237 / item
Venus I Floorlamp
Located in London, GB
A monumental floor up-lighter lamp modelled after the harmonious curves of the female form. Sold individually. Available in UK, EU, and US compliant formats. In picture 3, Venus II i...
Plaster
$5,800 / set
1900's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900 gilt bronze Caldwell sconces with two lights
Bronze
Set of Six French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Three-Arm Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning high quality complete set of six French 19th century Neo-Classical st. three arm ormolu sconces. Each sconce in centered by a striking pierced palmette backplate from wher...
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...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of Mid-Century porcelain with hand painted fruit and giltwood bases Mabro
By Mabro Murano
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous classic style urn shaped porcelain table lamps with hand painted fruit on the vine. Giltwood bases, high quality from the Mabro co. Italy C1965. Shades are ok but not new, ...
Brass
$5,800 / set
1940's English Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1940's English neoclassic style gilt bronze sconces.
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassic Gilt Swedish Chandeliers, Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's eight-arm neoclassic style gilt bronze Swedish chandeliers with crystal pendants and original patina. Sold individuall...
Crystal, Bronze
Large French Neoclassical Style Bronze Three-Light Wall Light, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Impressive neoclassical or Louis XVI style wall light, decorated with ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves,...
Bronze
$1,342Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th C French Neoclassical Gilt Opaline Glass Lamps 'Venus & Neptune'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th C French Neoclassical Gilt Opaline Glass Lamps 'Venus & Neptune' The Vases, France, Later 19th Century - Lamped in the 20th century A truly stunning pair of French Ne...
Opaline Glass
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Bronze
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
Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass Star Brass Pendant Light Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Vaughan Bell Jar Glass Star Brass Pendant Light Lantern Fixture, With A 3 Light Cluster, Accompanied By Chain And Canopy For Installation.
Brass