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.
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Style: Neoclassical
19thc Large French Neoclassical Bronze & Porcelain Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Large French Neoclassical style Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Wall Sconce. Painted porcelain insert. Bronze lattice work, fruit basket detail.
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Italian Mangani Firenze Porcelain Table Lamp with Gilt Floral Decoration
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Mangani Firenze Porcelain Table Lamp with Gilt Floral Decoration
Offered for sale is an elegant Italian Mangani Firenze Porcelain gilt floral table lamp. The lamp is delicat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Neoclassical style gilt bronze, beaded crystal and frosted glass chandelier, with 10 interior lights, circa 1930s.
Category
1930s European Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Large Neoclassical Style Carved Oakwood and Alabaster Chandelier, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Neoclassical Style Carved Oakwood and Alabaster Chandelier, Germany, circa the 1920s.
This impressive Neoclassical style chandelier in oak is finely hand-crafted, made in the first third of the 20th Century.
Impeccable details of carved leaves are seen throughout the chandelier, especially in the six arms, and in the base, imposing canopy, and ornate finale. Six adorable white alabaster lampshades with darker edges in the shape of flames.
This antique wooden chandelier...
Category
1920s German Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Antique Neoclassical Figural Marble Lamp with Tole Bouillotte Shade
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique neoclassical figural marble lamp with tole Bouillotte shade.
Additional information:
Materials: Marble, Tole
Color: Antique White
Perio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble
Vintage Bronze Wall Lamps, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Elegant mid-century bronze wall lamps with frosted glass.
The lamps emit a soft light.
Tested and ready for use with a regular e14 lamp.
1960...
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Painted & Parcel Gilt Lamps w/ Parchment Shades
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of neoclassical style lamps with hand painted parchment shades. The neoclassical style draws heavily on classical antiquity, with elements such as symmetrical shapes and decora...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Gold Leaf
Historistic Wall Lamp Around 1890s with Original Glass Shade
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic wall lamp around 1890s with original glass shade
Polished and stove enameled
Original glass shade.
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1940's French Large Opaline Glass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940's French Opaline glass table lamps with gilt details
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Opaline Glass
1930 Etched Mirror Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1930 bronze and etched mirror backplate sconces with two lights
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Old Paris Armorial Urn Lamps, 19th Century France
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Lovely pair of old Paris urn lamps, 19th century. Armorial decoration with swan shape handles. Original finials top the lamps. Overall dimensions includi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
French Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite mid-century floor lamp is a stunning example of craftsmanship from France, produced in the 1940s. Crafted from black forged iron, the lamp features beautifully designe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
2 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s
Brass polished and stove enameled
The glass sticks are replaced ( new )
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 is replaced ( new )
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1900 Caldwell Etched Mirror Single Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Caldwell etched mirrored sconces with one light. Available 2 pairs
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Louis XV Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Sconce
Located in Lomita, CA
The Louis XV style gilt cast bronze figural wall sconce is from the late 19th Century. The two-light sconce featuring a nude male figure against a shaped back, issuing a pair of ta...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful French Bronze Neoclassical Baltic Cut Crystal Bowl Empire Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Gilt Bronze Neoclassical / Baltic Six Candelabra Light Chandelier With Cut Crystal Center Bowl Having Three Internal Lights.
This Beautiful Fixture Has Been Compl...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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
Italian Alabaster Grand Tour Style Table Lamp With Columns
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th century Italian Grand Tour alabaster lamp with two Roman columns. Lamp rests on gold square metal base. Original alabaster finial. In good working condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble
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
French Neoclassical Style Carved Silver Giltwood & Marble Draped Urn Lamps, Pair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Highly detailed pair of French neoclassical style silver leaf giltwood urn lamps featuring hand carved draped foliate garland motifs. These Louis XVI style lamps are mounted on marbl...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Silver Leaf
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
Pair of Italian White and Mecca Giltwood Hand Carved Lamp Bases Verona, 1980
Located in Milano, MI
From Verona Italy, a pair of late 20th century hand carved mecca finish and ivory painted bases, suitable to make beautiful bedside table lamps, see the holes suitable for wiring in ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Pine
Liberty Style Chandelier Centre Light
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Liberty Style Chandelier Center Light
Made around the turn of the century incorporating Classical style with Art Nouveau influences, the eight branch ar...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair 19th C., Russian Neoclassical Bronze, Iron & Feather Pulled Floor Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair, Magnificent 19th Century Bronze, Iron & Feather Pulled Floor Lamp Torchieres.
Likely Russian in original, possibly outdoor light posts from an important building. Extremely heavy gilt bronze bases with Neoclassical scroll work accented by fine wrought iron feathers. The center stem (which hides the electrical work) is surrounded by 4 finely cast bronze rods with additional central twists for detail. Studded iron work gives further support and detailing.
The lamps have a detachable "hood" that showcases a later feather pulled art glass shade, each custom made to fit the lamps very eloquently by James Lundberg of Lundberg Glass...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 20th-century French lantern showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Its gilded metal frame, adorned with ornate scrollwork and intricate detailing, embo...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
1900's Large Caldwell Gilt Bronze Neoclassic Chandelier with 30 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Caldwell 30 lights chandelier with Neoclassic design. (pair available)
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze one light sconces.
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Maison Baguès Bronze Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Classic and elegant bamboo style, circa 1950s original Maison Baguès floor lamp. US rewired. Maximum wattage: 100W.
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Two Patina Bronze Neoclassical Floor Lamp Tripod
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical two patina bronze floor lamp with a tripod claw feet base, made in france in the 1950s.
Original European wired takes one regular Light bulb or LED comes with a foot sw...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 1950s Modern Neoclassical Style Gilt and Faux Marble Table Lamps
Located in Miami, FL
Featuring a double socket cluster, this pair of very elegant table lamps have a stem of gilt tole leaves rising from a column footed neoclassical urn wi...
Category
1950s Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Neoclassical Alabaster Torch Sconces
Located in New York, NY
These pure white sconces sit upon torch like bases, illuminating the room in the fusion of classical and romantic forms, typical of the neoclassical period. Alabaster lighting was the first used electrical lighting in Europe, prized for its ability to softly diffuse light.
As mentioned above, the Neo-Renaissance style was in reality an eclectic blending of past styles, which the architect selected on the whims of his patrons. In the true Renaissance era there was a division of labour between the architect, who designed the exterior highly visible shell, and others—the artisans—who decorated and arranged the interior. The original Italian mannerist house was a place for relaxation and entertaining, convenience and comfort of the interior being a priority; in the later Baroque designs, comfort and interior design were secondary to outward appearance. This was followed by the Neoclassical period, which gave importance to the proportions and dignity of interiors, but still lost the comfort and internal convenience of the mannerist period. It was during the Neo-Renaissance period of the 19th century that the mannerist comforts were re-discovered and taken a step further. Not only did the improved building techniques of the 1850s allow the glazing of formerly open loggias and arches with the newly invented sheets of plate glass, providing the first "picture windows", but also the blending of architectural styles allowed interiors and exteriors to be treated differently. It was at this time that the concept of "furnishing styles" manifested itself, allowing distinctions to be made between interior rooms...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood & Crystal 8 Light Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood & Crystal 8 Light Chandelier with Blue & Topaz Colored Glass Pendents, ca. 1790
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass
Jacques Adnet Style Bronze Horse Sconce Wall Lamp French Neoclassical
Located in Miami, FL
Jacques Adnet style neoclassical bronze horse head sconce, wall light, lamp with form fit original shade.
In perfect working condition and takes 2 l...
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Maison Charles Huge Brass 'Corinthian Column' Table Lamp France, circa 1970s
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Maison Charles very large tall cast brass table lamp with original height adjustable brass metal shade. Opulent, ornate and decadent - everything you would expect from beautifully cr...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
1900 Caldwell Neoclassic Gilt Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1900 Caldwell neoclassical gilt bronze sconces, newly rewired (UL)
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Porcelain Lamps
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Italian Neoclassical style porcelain lamps.
Stunning pair of Italian Neoclassical style Porcelain lamps with opposing Greek inspired faces, gilt swan handles and brass bases....
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
Small French 1950s Basket Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely little basket chandelier was made in France in the 1950s.
An elegant design, with lots of detail. Please see the picture of the view from underneath - a great lit...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Pair of French Neoclassical Bronze Mounted Opaline Vases, Now as Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French neoclassical bronze mounted opaline vases, now as lamps
France, 20th century
Each one with a white opaline glass urn of typ...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Crystal Neoclassical Style Column Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Crystal Neoclassical style column lamp. Vintage bronze and crystal two-light lamp in roman empire classical style consisting of serpentine form crystal fluted shaft with acanthus ban...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Fine Pair Of Neoclassical Style Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A refined and very decorative pair of metal lamps in a very well done timeworn paint application in Tan and Bone. With lovely proportions and elegant presentation, the Urn has folia...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Neoclassical Style Greek Key & Urn Cast Metal Wall Candle Sconces Signed Empire
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a great looking pair of neoclassical style sconces with a streamlined urn shape in the center and Greek Key designs where the arms meet the urn. The sconces were once electri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of Huges French Torchères, 4 Pairs Available
Located in Miami, FL
Rare set of 8 French torchères, 4 pairs, iron and glass flame. Perfect for an impressive decor.
Sold by pair
From a French Chateau in Lorraine.
1 light, 60 watt max bulb.
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Iron
Neoclassical 19th Century Pine Urn Form Finial Made into Table Lamp, US-Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Neoclassical carved pine urn form finial with swag motif, made into a table lamp wired for the USA. This exquisite table lamp artfully repurposes a 19th-century Neocla...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Equestrian Inspired Faux Bois & Faux Bamboo By Chelsea House
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this lamp! It is an equestrian inspired lamp with faux bois drum shade. It is a large ceramic base with faux bamboo rings woven with a faux canvas ribbon. The shade is paper w...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
1920's Gilt Bronze Flush Mounted with Opaline Leaded Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's leaded glass light fixtures with 2 interior lights, from Waldorf Hotel in NYC
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Neoclassical Style Bronze and Frosted Cut Glass Flush Mount
Located in Barntrup, DE
A French neoclassical style flush-mounted ceiling fixture from the 1920s with a bronze fixture and beautiful frosted glass lamp shade.
One socket for an E14-size light bulb.
Dimensio...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair, Arlus Style Neoclassical Hand Nickel & Round Opaline Glass Sconces France
By Arlus
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French neoclassical polished Nickel wall sconces figuring a hand holding a globe.
Each takes one light bulb with max. 60 watts.
U...
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Nickel
Pair Of Giltwood Two-Light Mirror Sconces
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stunning pair of Italian giltwood wall sconces, each with a shield shaped mirror and two arms with singular candle caps. The two arms of light reflect in the mirrors for an opulent l...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair of Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconces with Scallop Shell Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt bronze wall lights in the Louis XV style with scallop shell form and two candelabra-size sockets. Ready for use.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Double Dolphin Brass Bouillotte Lamp With Tole Shade
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Neoclassical style brass bouillotte lamp with twin dolphins at the base and a cream colored tole shade.
Early 20th Century
Dimensions: 12ʺW × 8ʺD × 21ʺH
Good vintage c...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Jacques Adnet Style French Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Brass sconces in the Style of Jacques Adnet .
US rewired and in working condition.
2 lights, 60 watts max bulb.
Category
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
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
Wonderful Large French Bronze Regency Empire Curved Glass Panel Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large french bronze read & x pattern Regency / Empire style curved glass panel lantern fixture with 4 candelabra lights.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Wall Sconces Polished Brass & Glass Jules Leleu Style - Pair 4 available
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
French Neoclassical Polished Brass and Faceted Glass pair of Sconces, Wall lights in Jules Leleu style.
Priced by pair. We have 4 Pair available.
Pair with three arms available Stock...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
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
Pair Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Two-Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Italian carved giltwood wall lights in the neoclassicals style.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wood
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.