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.
Vintage Neoclassical Urn Table Lamps, White Porcelain, France, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Vintage White Porcelain Neoclassical table lamps. Striking pair of Urn shaped lamps with figural handles. The top has a solid...
Porcelain
Faux-Bamboo Bronze Floor Lamp By Maison Bagués
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice faux-bamboo Bronze Floor Lamp. French work by Maison Bagués. Circa 1940
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1930 Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair pf circa 1930's gilt bronze sconces with sunburst shaped backplate
Bronze
Neo-Classical Style Carved Wood Sconces W/ Urns & Draping Laurel Garland -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale neo-classical style carved wood sconces attributed to Hendrix Allardyce. The wiring and candle covers are new and in working order. Note the lovely gilt urns wi...
Metal
Historistic Table lamp with original antique glass shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic Table lamp with original antique glass shade vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enameled Original antique glass shade
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.
Metal
$35,000 / item
1900's Large Neoclassic Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's probably Caldwell 30 lights Neoclassic silver plated bronze chandelier with beautiful details, original finish and patina
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
1920's Caldwell Double Lights Sconces with Mirror Backplate
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with sunburst shaped etched mirrored back plate
Bronze
Set Of Two Wall sconces Lumière In Antique Brass Finish
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set Of Two sconces In Antique Brass Finish The sconces set of two in a rich antique brass finish is a majestic decorative ensemble inspired by the grandeur of 18th-century French sc...
Brass, Iron
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
Vintage French Bisque White Porcelain Maritime Figural Cherubs Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Bisque White Porcelain Maritime Figural Cherubs Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 37.5" H (to finial) x 27" H (to light socket) x 9" W x 9" D. {3-Way...
Porcelain
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
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
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Baccarat 'Atrib.' Crystal Flush Mount Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique French Ormolu mounted Baccarat ( atrib.) crystal flush mount chandelier. France, circa 1900s Attributed to Baccarat An impressive, diminutive work, which displays the s...
Crystal, Metal, 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
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
Beautiful Pair French Cut Crystal Doré Bronze Ormolu-Mounted Neoclassical Lamps
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
Beautiful pair of leaded cut crystal urns with etched body and fluted top sitting on graduated crystal pedestal. Doré bronze ormolu filigree handles al...
Crystal, Bronze
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
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
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
$950 / set
Pair of French Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French dolphins sconces. 80w each. US wired and in working condition.
Metal
Decorative Formal Style Brass 2-Light Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Brass floor lamp having two bulbs supported by coiled brass arms, with original oval shade, shade shows some discoloration. Nice decorative lamp, well made, clean, ready to use condi...
Brass
Pair of Gilt Italian-Made Three-Arm, Three Shade Table Lamps - Laudarte SRL
By Laudarte Srl
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., a stunning pair of Italian-made table lamps by Laudarte S.r.l., designed by the renowned architect Giovanni Maria Malerba. This model, named "Persepolis," showcases an exqui...
Metal, Gold
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Brass Lantern Hanging Pendant with Handblown Circular Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish 20th century brass lantern hanging pendant with handblown circular glass.
Bronze
Neoclassical style brass chandelier decorated with pearl garlands. French work.
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style chandelier is made of brass and decorated with pearl garlands. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Brass
$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
1920’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. Great Condition. All original. France, circa 1920. Dimensions: Height 17 1/2" Diameter 12" CW5518
Crystal, Bronze
$1,516Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Italian Carved Giltwood Neoclassical Quiver Motif 3-Light Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian carved giltwood neoclassical Quiver motif 3-light sconces Italy, circa 1950s Each one of good size, well carved giltwood quiver motif backplates, fitted with thr...
Metal
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Corinthian Column Marble Base Table Lamps Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Corinthian Column Marble Base Table Lamps - a Pair. Lamp design slightly different between lamps with examples pictured (see pic 5). One base slight...
Marble, 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
$3,800 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with rampant lions on backplate.
Bronze, Silver Plate
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
Large English Brass Oil Lamp Converted to Electrical Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Antique English brass oil lamp, converted to electrical table lamp. Fluted column on four feet brass base. Recently rewired with one brass Edison E-27 light socket for a large sized ...
Brass
Pair of Torchers Neoclassical Wrought Iron , Bindesbøll
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Antique Wrought Iron Torcheres, 19th Century Design attributed to Thorvald Bindesbøll (1896–1908) & Vilhelm Bissen (1836–1913) An impressive and decorative pair of tall ...
Wrought Iron
$933Sale Price|80% Off
Very Large Wall Lamp with Swan Figure Very Beautiful
Located in Wien, Au
Very large and heavy wall lamp with swan figure, excellent original condition very beautiful and nice patina, very fine work.
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
$3,400 / set
1920 Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze one light sconces with sunburst design backplate
Bronze
Vintage Chapman Neoclassical Table Lamp, Glass & Brass, 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chapman neoclassical crystal and brass column table lamp.
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
Hillebrand Halogen Bronze Floor lamp 1980s Germany
By Hillebrand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Floor lamp . Excellent quality by Hillebrand Germany 1980s Halogen .with good working dimmer . Ideal reading light Please don't hesitate to reach out for alternative s...
Bronze
Historistic Wall Lamp, Vienna Around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate
Bronze
$219Sale 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
1900's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Engraved Sconces with 2 lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1900's Caldwell gilt bronze engraved sconces with 2 lights
Bronze
$4,800 / item
Bronze and Alabaster Sconces by Thierry Despont
Located in Hudson, NY
The work and designs of Terry Desmond have been legendary for their quality and attention to detail. These sconces by Terry are no exception. While Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023) was ...
Alabaster, Bronze
Italian Empire Crystal Beaded and Gilt-Tole Chandelier
Located in Chireno, TX
Italian Empire crystal beaded and gilt-tole chandelier with seven lights (six arms and one central light). Created circa 1820-1839 in the Genoa region of Italy. Mostly original and n...
Crystal, Iron, Tin, Gold Leaf
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
Wonderful French Bronze Readed & X Louis XVI Lantern Fixture Curved Glass Panels
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French bronze readed & X pattern, Louis XVI style lantern fixture having 3 curved glass panels and on the interior a rewired with new sockets 3 candelabra light clust...
Bronze
19th Century French Cut Crystal Chandelier 8 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 19th century cut crystal chandelier with 8 lights
Crystal
$16,500 / set
Stunning Pair of Neoclassical Sconces by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning and large pair of neoclassical style crystal and gilt bronze sconces by Baccarat. Signed "Baccarat" in raised lettering on the bobeches. Provenance: Estate of the late mothe...
Crystal
Signed E. F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze and Crystal Louis XVI Style Chandelier
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fabulous signed twelve light gilt bronze and crystal chandelier by Edward F. Caldwell and Company is of the finest quality. It features beautifully chased Neo-classical motifs ...
Crystal, Ormolu
Fine and Elegant Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine and elegant neoclassical gilt bronze chandelier. 6-light. France, circa 1910 Dimensions: Height 25" x diameter 23" CW3304.
Bronze
Neoclassical French Flush Mount Greek Key Brass Decoration Cut Glass Shade, 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Superb neoclassical French flush mount Brass “décor à la Grecque” with round cut glass shade. US Rewired and takes 2 light bulbs with max. 60 watts or LE...
Brass, Aluminum
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
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
$750Sale Price|21% Off
French Empire Neoclassical Style Tole Lamp
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite French Empire tole lamp featuring a columnar form with gilt decoration over a black background. Hand-painted wreaths and vines adorn the column with a maiden playing a horn...
Tin
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern. Offered is a outstanding mid century Italian Neoclassical style octagonal brass and beveled glass lantern. This lantern comes with 3 feet of he...
Brass
$700 / item
Bronze & Crystal Pendant/Plafonnier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine & Elegant Bronze & Cut Crystal Pendant. 1 light. France, circa 1930. 2 available. Dimensions: Height 7" Diamter 9" CW5555
Crystal, Bronze