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.
Pair of Palm Tree Chrome and Brass Neoclassical Style Wal Lights
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of palm tree neoclassical style wall Lights is made of chrome and brass. This isi a French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Neoclassical Painted Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console, buffet, or bedside tables with this elegant pair of vintage Neoclassical table lamps. Crafted circa 1960, each lamp is designed in the form of a classical amphora...
Wood
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
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
$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
$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
$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
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
French 19th Century Carved and Painted Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th-century French chandelier with carved acanthus leaf and eagle head motifs, painted to look like brass. The wood canopy is decorated with beads and a small artichoke drop fini...
Brass
$3,249Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Tripode Floor Lamp with Claw Feet after Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style tripode floor lamp is made of brass with claw feet. This is a French work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
Wonderful French Neoclassical Bronze Crystal Regency Baltic Empire Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French neoclassical bronze and crystal chandelier in the Regency, Baltic design. Each of the eight arms are draped with delicate crystals, and fished with an elegant cut crystal bobéches that sits on a waterfall bronze...
Crystal, 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
$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
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
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
Cupid Cherub Form Gilt and Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Louis XVI style chandelier in the form of a patinated bronze figure of Cupid suspended from twisted cord-form supports, holding two electrified candles and original fr...
Bronze
Pair of Monumental Gilt Bronze and Glass Floor Standing Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of monumental gilt bronze and glass floor standing candelabra Crafted in the neoclassical style, this pair of floor-standing candelab...
Ormolu, 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
$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
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
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
$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
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
$4,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Empire Wall Sconces in Bronze, Neoclassical Style, Late 1800s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
French Empire Wall Sconces Bronze Arrow Medusa late 1800s. 2 arms per each sconce unmarked 21 h x 12.5 w 4.5 d inches Retrofitted in France from can...
Bronze
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
Large Neoclassical Style Brass and Plate Glass Lantern
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style brass and plate glass lantern, French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 119cm, diameter 64cm Made from polished brass and plate glass, this large lantern...
Brass
Pair of Palm Tree Chrome & Brass Table Lamps in the Style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of neoclassical style table lamps is made of chrome and brass. This is a French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970
Brass, Chrome
$3,736Sale 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
Vintage Chapman Neoclassical Table Lamp, Glass & Brass, 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chapman neoclassical crystal and brass column table lamp.
Brass
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
$1,242 / set
Pair of Antique Italian Marble Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of antique Italian marble table lamps, dating from around the 1930’s. The quality is excellent, the marble is a beautifu...
Marble
Palm Tree Table Lamp In the Style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pineapple table lamp is made of black lacquered and gilt metal. This is a French work in the Style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970
Metal, Brass
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Corinthian Table Lamp by Edward F. Caldwell, 1960s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Corinthian Table Lamp, gold leaf with patina. Roman Greek inspired. Preowned vintage condition. Tested and working, original brass finial. Near mint c...
Brass, Gold Leaf
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
Neo-Classical Carved Grand Tour Style Gilt Tole Wall Sconces By Palladio - Pair
By Palladio
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Italian neo-classical style carved giltwood and tole wall sconces by Palladio. They have mail and female facing intaglio inspired busts. Each sconce has a gilded ur...
Metal
$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
$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
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...
Gold Leaf
$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
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
2 Historistic table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
2 Historistic table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1920s Solid brass Very beautiful cut glass rods Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shades are replaced ( new )
Brass
$380Sale Price|23% Off
Neoclassical Urn-Form Greek Key Table Lamp with Draped Swag
Located in Elkhart, IN
A handsome late 20th century Neoclassical table lamp in an urn-form silhouette, detailed with a Greek key border, squared handles, and sculptural draped swag. The mottled brown and m...
Composition
$3,800 / set
1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze 2 lights sconces
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
Frederick Cooper, Lenox, Neoclassical Style, White Porcelain, Table Lamps, 1980s
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company, Frederick Cooper
Located in Stamford, CT
Frederick Cooper, Lenox, Neoclassical Style, White Porcelain, Giltwood, Table Lamps, 20th c. Pair of porcelain table or desk lamps designed by Frederick Cooper for Lenox and produce...
Porcelain
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
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Bronze
$1,177Sale 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
Pair of Carved Alabaster Columnar Lamps with Ionic Capitals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of columnar-form table lamps, of carved alabaster, each a round, fluted, tapered column, with Ionic capital, on round foot, raised on square graduated plinth bases. Stock ID:...
Alabaster
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
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
Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Style Iron Torchieres
By Maison Baguès, Maison Honoré, Maison Charles, Maison Jansen
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of antique French Neoclassical style iron torchieres. Stunning pair of French Neoclassical style iron torchères, torchiere, torche`re lamps or floor lamps, circa 1920, possibly ...
Iron
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Blue Porcelain Urn Form Brass Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Blue Porcelain Urn Form Brass Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 24.5" H (to light socket) x 6.5" W x 6.5" D. {3-...
Porcelain
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
Pair 1920's Bronze and Beveled Cobalt Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light bronze sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Bronze Sconces with Scrolled Arms
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Silver Plated Sconces With Convex Mirrored
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Silver plated sconces with cracked mirrored backplate.
Silver Plate, Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920s Gilt Bronze and Crystals Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sunburst sconces with crystals. Available in silver plate
Crystal, Bronze