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.
$4,400 / set
1930 Brown Patinated Caldwell Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Caldwell 1920's bronze sconces with twisted arms
Bronze
Mid 20th Centuy Onyx Marble Urn Form Table Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
A vintage onyx marble table lamp, featuring a warm amber glow when illuminated. Material: Carved from natural onyx marble, showing unique brown and ivory veining. Design: A neoclas...
Onyx
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
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Serge Roche Inspired White Tole Metal Wall Sconces, Three Available
By Serge Roche
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Serge Roche inspired white tole metal wall sconce. They are electrified and in working order. They are not terribly old. There are three available.
Metal
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enameled Original antique glass shades
Bronze
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
$4,800 / item
1930's Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's leaded glass light fixture with 2 interior lights
Bronze
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
$168Sale Price|20% Off
Small Italian Lamp in White Marble, circa 1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Small desk/bedside lamp in white/beige marble with chiseled bronze edge. Cream and gold lampshade. Neoclassical style, Italy, circa 1920. In very good condition, electricity redone...
Marble, Bronze
A NEO-CLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC TABLE LAMP by MAISON CHARLES, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
A large and very elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, with an ionic column body, original cylindrical lampshade, with elegant psychedelic metallic decorati...
Metal
18th century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Floor Candelabra
Located in IT
18th century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Floor Candelabra This outstanding pair of large pyramidal candelabra in finely carved and gilded wood was produced in Northern It...
Wood
Classical Paavo Tynell Chandelier 1355, Brass, String, & Birch, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of Paavo Tynell’s classical 1930s lamps. The model is 1355, featuring dark stained birch details and three patinated cast brass arms, each diverging into two with...
Brass
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Bronze
$4,950 / set
Pair of Baccarat Spiral Urn Glass Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine pair of glass lamps, from the original Baccarat molds, by Paul Hanson; each a spiraling urn with gilt bronze scrolling handles, on round plinth cut in diamond pattern, on a base...
Marble
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 ...
Metal
2 Neoclassical Grecian Cameo Face Ceramic Torchiere Table Lamps 28"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage off-white porcelain mantel urn table lamps with brass bases, stenciled with neoclassical motifs including the heads of a Roman / Greek soldier and noblewoman. Topped ...
Brass
$3,250 / item
Workstead Pendolo Pendant II Large
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Pendolo Pendant II explores two opposing cone forms, and the latent tension between gravity and levity within their arrangement. Configured as a horizo...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
Impressive Neoclassical Patinated Bronze & Glass Pendant Chandelier Lantern
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful vintage neoclassical style lantern of patinated bronze and paneled glass having 8" of chain and original canopy. 4 interior bulbs.
Bronze
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Carved and Painted Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant pair of Italian carved and painted table lamps crafted circa 1950, each designed in a classical urn form with richly applied decorative detail. The sculptural bodies feature ...
Wood
Wonderful Sherle Wagner French Bronze Glass Dome Flush Mount Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French bronze & milk glass dome flush mount light fixtures in the style and manor of Sherle Wagner style fixture
Bronze
1970s Neo-Classical Style Faux Horn & Brass Table / Desk Lamp By Chapman
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a neoclassical style desk or table lamp that is a faux horn mounted to a brass support. It is adjustable by the knob in the back. It is by Chapman. There is wear to the brass.
Composition, Brass
Antique Italian Gilt Metal and Painted Wood Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stately antique Italian six light chandelier crafted with gilt metal chains, crown candle cups and acanthus leaves with turned wood bulbs ...
Metal
$3,800 / set
1920s Neoclassical Silver Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s neoclassic style silver plated sconces with two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$3,780Sale Price|20% Off
Exquisite Early 19th Century Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Sconces
Located in London, GB
Exquisite early 19th century neoclassical carved giltwood sconces We are proud to offer a pair of exquisite early 19th century neoclassical hand carved wooden sconces, each having d...
Walnut
Sunburst Crown Light Fixture in Gilt Wrought Iron and Glass, Spain, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Crown Light Fixture, Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf, Pressed Glass Eye-catching neoclassical style sunburst ceiling light fixture from the Mid-Cent...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$704Sale Price / set|36% Off
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...
Porcelain
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Art Glass Rabbit Figurine Lamp Finial
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cute Art Glass rabbit figurine on brass base lamp finial.
Art Glass
1920’s Caldwell Silver Plated Bronze and Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell etched mirrored sconces with silver plated arms for two lights
Bronze
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.
Bronze, Steel
$3,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of NeoClassical Onyx Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
A pair of carved Oynx Urn form lamps mounted on lacquer and gilded Mahogany bases, new wiring. Pagoda lamp shades. Two horizontal sockets with pull cords in each lamp. Brass posts an...
Onyx
1900's Gilt Bronze Caldwell 8 lights Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Caldwell gilt bronze 8 lights chandelier
Bronze
Pair of Gilded Wood Urns Shaped Lamps, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Antique gilded wood vase lamps urn shaped circa 1890 mounted on Lucite bases, rewired for US and working. New shades, 12" diameter x 8" height. Overall height, 24".
Linen, Lucite, Wood
19th Century Antique Russian Crystal & Gilt Bronze 8-Arm Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (1st Quarter 19th Century) crystal & gilt bronze chandelier with 8 swirl design arms with lights emanating from a ring base below 2 smaller rings with swirl extensions
Crystal, Bronze
Neoclassical Style 20-Light Chandelier
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Neoclassical style gilt bronze and crystal 20-light chandelier, approximately 50-70 years old.
Crystal, Bronze
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...
Metal
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
$2,020Sale Price / set|20% Off
c1900 French Antique Pair Neoclassic Cast Brass Candle Holder Wall Sconces - Koi
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Antique c1900 French Neoclassical style Mirror Backed Cast Brass Candle Holder Wall Sconces. Highly detailed, high quality. Koi fish detail, Neoclassical elements. Beveled mirro...
Brass
Worked metal table lamp, "Flora Imperiale," 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Refined vintage style table lamp, perfect for adding an elegant touch to any room. The machined metal base features a rich raised floral motif with attention to detail, while the opa...
Metal
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.
Brass, Bronze
$3,895 / set
Pair Neoclassical Faux Porphyry Urn Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of faux porphyry urn form lamps. Dark porphyry painted and lacquered urn lamps, United States, 20th century. Dimensions: 9" diameter top of urn x 13...
Porphyry
$3,800 / set
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.
Bronze
Handsome Black & Gold Lion Motif Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive large black and gold table lamp having reclining lion sculpture on stepped base and elegantly shaped black lamp shade.
Metal
$3,800 / set
Caldwell Sconces With Rams Heads
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with Rams Heads and two lights
Bronze
$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
$2,195 / item
Workstead Bole Sconce in Color
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Bole positions a rotund form beneath a fabric shade, presenting a grounded yet buoyant composition for the wall. Available in White or Black Enamel, each version provides the perfect...
Enamel
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
Pair of Brass & Alabaster Wall Sconces in the Neoclassical Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of cast brass and alabaster wall sconces. The sconces have a wonderful shape, they are very unique and well made. Manuf...
Alabaster, Brass
$5,800 / item
1940’s French Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940’s French gilt bronze chandelier with 12 lights
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
$2,250 / set
Pair Of Fine Cut Crystal Urn Form Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The finely cut crystal neoclassical form urns with faceted necks, faceted and textured swirled bodies and faceted feet on gilt leafy metal bands. With tall ribbed scrolled gilt handl...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$1,191Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Kaiser Porcelain Urn Lamps with Gilt Swan Handles
By Kaiser
Located in Bruton, GB
An elegant pair of mid-century porcelain urn lamps by Kaiser, West Germany, dating to the mid-20th century. Each lamp features a finely proportioned classical urn form, finished in a...
Ceramic
Neoclassical Silver Plated and Brass Floor Lamp in the Style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style floor lamp is made of silver plated and brass. The lamp is composed of 4 lights on top of 4 brass sleeves on trumpets. It has a brass ring on top o...
Brass, Silver
$1,950
Maison Jansen Table Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Superb Maison Jansen two patina brass and gun metal tale or desk lamp, US rewired and in working condition 1 light, 60 watts max bulb Without shade:19" H Shade: 14" diameter, 12"...
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
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass original condition Original patina
Brass
A Magnificent Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Magnificent Baccarat Style Crystal Chandelier featuring a multi-baluster stem and thumb cut scroll arms in two tiers adorned with hand cut drop crystals. Originally for candles now...
Crystal
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Chandelier
Located in Essex, MA
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical 5 Arm Chandelier. All original parts. Five arms issue from gilded glass bowl. Rings with jewels surround arms and structure. Hand blown and cut ...
Blown Glass
Sconce Antique French Bronze Wall Sconce Louis XVI/Neoclassical 19th Century
Located in Bastogne, BE
Antique French wall sconce, dating from the 19th century, showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted from bronze, it features an intricately detailed rose with petals and a ribbon b...
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze neoclassic style sconces with two lights
Bronze
1920's Large Caldwell 5 Lights Sconces with Acanthus Leaves
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's large Caldwell 5 lights bronze sconces with acanthus leaves
Bronze