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.
$1,274Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Silvered Gilt Carved Wood Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Foliage Floral Petite Wall Mirror, Carved Wood, Silver Leaf. A lovely hand carved small mirror with silver leaf finishing, Spain, early 20th century...
Silver Leaf
French Neoclassical Style Bronze Dressing Tabletop Mirror
Located in Barntrup, DE
Gorgeous French dressing tabletop mirror, made of bronze and adorned with floral and leaf motifs. Beautifully shaped mirror. France, 1930s. Dimensions: height: 36 cm / 14.17 in; widt...
Bronze, Brass
20th Century Classicist Style Tulip Mirror Commode
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Classicist style tulip mirror commode Noble mirror commode in classicist style. Mirror-veneered tulip on pinewood partially ebonized. (D...
Wood, Pine
$4,425 / set
Pair Of Italian Neoclassical Style Mirrors
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Mirrors, Offered is a beautiful pair of Italian Palladian architectural style horizontal painted and gilt wood mi...
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Italian Triptych Mirror or Three-Part Folding Mirror
Located in Round Top, TX
This handsome Italian Triptych mirror is complete with its original mercury glass. Features wood carvings attached on top and four metal, remov...
Mercury Glass, Mirror, Wood
Italian Neoclassical Style Gilt Metal Mirror, Palladio Attributed
By Palladio
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Neoclassical style gilt metal mirror, Palladio attributed. Stunning Italian 1960s Neoclassical style gold gilt metal oval mirror with trophy crest and floral and foliate swags. This great vintage Italian gilt mirror...
Metal
$2,322Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mirror Made of a Burr Walnut Marquetry and Brass, circa 1960
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful mirror is made of a burr walnut marquetry surrounded by two brass frames. This is French work, circa 1960.
Brass
Octagonal Murano Glass Mirror, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Octagonal Murano glass mirror, Italy, early 20th century.
Glass, Mirror
$9,880Sale Price|29% Off
Large 44" Malachite, Brass and Classical Wood Frame Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an incredible malachite mirror, very heavy and extremely well made, featuring an intarsia of malachite with brass edging and a classically carved wood frame. The reverse has...
Malachite
Mirror in Metallic Leaf by Lam Lee Group Dallas, 1990s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Mirror in metallic leaf by Lam Lee Group Dallas, 1990s. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (fumigated crates or boxes) for...
Silver Leaf
Highly Decorative 19th Century Venetian Glass Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
A highly decorative late 19th century Venetian glass mirror with reverse etched patterning and detailed hand painted enamelled blue glass p...
Glass
18th Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Carved and Giltwood Mirrors
Located in IT
18th century, pair of Italian neoclassical carved and giltwood mirrors Size H 70.5 cm x W maximum 50 cm x W 43.5 cm frame x D 3 cm. The pair of delightful mirrors was made in south of Italy (Sicily) in the neoclassical period, towards the end of the 18th century. They are composed of a box frame, in carved wood...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
$1,409Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Double Headed Eagle Mini Sized Mirror in Carved Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Neoclassical small carved mirror in the form of a crowned bicephal eagle. Spain, 1930s Highly decorative frame with a double-headed eagle surmounted by a crown, symmetric wings and t...
Gold Leaf
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Giltwood Neoclassical Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Giltwood Neoclassical mirror. One large rectangular mirror surrounded by ebonized moldings flanked by 2 smaller panels below a ebonized composition panel below acorn & gilt crown molding.
Mirror, Wood
Mid 20th Century Venetian Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
A Venetian mirror in the classical style from the mid 20th century.
Mirror
Green Painted Continental Eglomise Mirror with Neoclassical Decoration
Located in Essex, MA
This is a refined neoclassical-style wall mirror with strong decorative symmetry and elegant painted and gilt detailing. Overall, the piece reflects a late 18th-century neoclassical influence, with a palette and stylization often associated with early 20th-century reinterpretations—particularly in the French or Swedish Gustavian taste. A green-painted continental eglomise wall mirror with black column supports and gilded hoof feet. It is decorated at the top with crossed gilt arrow...
Mirror, Wood
$18,000
Neoclassical Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Italian neoclassical giltwood mirror, 18th century.
Giltwood
French Rectangular Silver Gilt Wall Mirror (H 19 1/2 x W 12 1/4)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French wall mirror from the 19th c., featuring a silver gilt rectangular frame around an original mirrored glass. Dimensions are H 19 1/2 inches x W 12 1/4 inches.
Silver Leaf
Late 19th Century French Vanity Bronze Mirror
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite late 19th century French Louis XV vanity mirror. The bronze carved mirror features impressive details with two cherubs. The mirror ...
Bronze
$1,819 / set
H 39.38 in W 27.56 in D 0.79 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Oval Mirrors Brass and Bronzed Mirror, 1970
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of mirrors, with a simple brass frame and beveled edge mirrors in a gilt bronze colour, was created in Italy in the 1970s. They have been polished.
Brass
$852
H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 1.58 in
Colored Mirror with Irregular Shape in the style of Ettore Sottsass, Italy 2010s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made with different colored mirrors, wood and metal. Limited production. This mirror is in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. The decorative objec...
Metal
18th Century Italian Walnut Octogonal Mirror
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A late 18th century Italian walnut octagonal mirror. Apart from minor restorations this mirror is in pristine condition and can be hanged in two directions.
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Hermes Silver Gilt Hand Mirror Paris Circa 1950
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A Mid 20th century boxed Silver gilt Hermes hand mirror Marked Paris Date Circa 1950. This charming and elegant Hermes hand-mirror has a pivoting bevel ...
Silver
$9,322
H 4.73 in Dm 32.29 in
Vintage Wall Mirror attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich by Fontana Arte, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s-1960s. This extremely rare mirror is designed by Guglielmo Ulrich for Fontana Arte. The external frame is made in teak. It is a beautiful back-illuminated wall mirror, which features a carved silver mirror...
Brass
$22,000 / set
H 61 in W 39.75 in D 3.5 in
Large Pair of 19th Century French Regence Style Repousse Mirrors
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French repousse mirrors in the regence style dating from the late 19th century. These impressive mirrors are beautifully made an...
Brass
19th Century English Regency Gilt Neoclassical Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
19th century carved giltwood mirror. The oval mirror plate within rectangular frame, surmounted by classical frieze with figures flanked by Reeded Pilasters.
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair 1960's Palladio Italian Gilt Mirrors
By Andrea Palladio
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking pair of Palladio-style gilt mirrors is a beautiful interpretation of one of Italy's most celebrated architectural and decorative traditions. Inspired by the timeless de...
Mirror
Mid Century Italian Giltwood Mirror Palladio
By Palladio
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful classic. Mid Century Hollywood Regency carved wood and gilt mirror. Uniquely large. Italian made by Palladio. Circa 1960's.
Giltwood
$773Sale Price|31% Off
H 23.63 in W 23.23 in D 5.91 in
Early 20th Century Baroque Style, Century Style Giltwood Carved Mirror
Located in Vienna, AT
Made in early 20th in Baroque style giltwood carved mirror, the shaped frame carved with floral motifs, leaves, flowers. Water gilding of polished and matte quality, with some bleedi...
Mirror, Hardwood
Italian Decorative Floral Brass Mirror, Gio Ponti Style, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and unique decorative Italian mirror in solid brass. This stylish mirror was produced in Italy during the 1950s and designed in the distinctive style of Gio Ponti. Fully ori...
Metal, Brass
Baker Furniture Company Empire Mahogany & Gilt-Wood Mirror, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire mahogany & gilt-wood mirror by Baker Furniture Company Additional information: Materials: mahogany, mirror Please note that this item contains materials that are legally...
Mahogany
$727Sale Price|28% Off
H 49.61 in W 30.32 in D 4.73 in
Floor Mirror in Oak Wood Frame, Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Floor Mirror in Oak Wood Frame, Early 20th Century This exquisite vintage floor mirror is a true gem from the early 20th century, crafted from solid oak wood. Its elegant design fea...
Mirror, Oak, Wood
Sold
H 71 in W 31.5 in D 18.13 in
Cheval or Standing Dressing Mirror with Inlaid Mahogany Frame from England
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful large English cheval or full-length dressing mirror, in the Neo-Classical style, featuring a rectangular beveled mirrored glass panel, framed in mahogany with inlaid stri...
Metal, Bronze
Antique Carved And Gilt Three Part Over-The-Mantel Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The three part beveled mirror with classic 19th c. details. The cornice with attached balls (a few missing on the left) and three projecting leafy column supports with rosettes on th...
Mirror, Wood
Fine Mahogany Cheval Beveled Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made and graceful Cheval Mirror. The adjustable cheval mirror with tall turned frame with pointed finials. Turned horizontal stretchers top and bottom, raised on curved feet w...
Mirror, Wood
Neoclassical Style Brass Psyché Mirror
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style psyche mirror is all made of brass with a beveled oval mirror on its center. This psyche mirror is reclining. This is a...
Brass
18th Century Style Jerry Solomon Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror
By Jerry Solomon
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th Century style Jerry Solomon Neoclassical giltwood mirror. Additional information: Materials: giltwood, mirror Color: Gold Period: 2000 - 2009 Styles: Neoclassical Item ...
Giltwood
Neoclassical Italian Mirror, Circa 1800
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful Italian mirror combines intricate gilt-wood artistry with the clean and refined lines championed in the neoclassical aesthetic. Striking for its large scale, measuring...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Wall Mirror in Red Wood and Decorative Plaques
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid antique mirror dating from the 1900s, of fine French manufacture. The mirror is a very beautiful and simple wall mirror with a very beautif...
Metal
Antique Gilt Wooden Wall Mirror
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid antique mirror dating from the 19th century, of fine French manufacture. The mirror is a very beautiful and simple wall mirror with a very...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 43.5 in W 28.25 in D 3 in
21st C., Unusual Rectangular Wall Mirror, Pierced Gilt Frame Over Beveled Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
21st c., Large rectangular Neo-classical style gilt wall mirror with a pierced design frame and beveled glass, unmarked. The execution of this custom mirror creates a classical yet crisp effect. Unlike more typical examples of Neo-classical style, the piercing on the frame is overlaid on top of the mirror glass. This construction creates a beautiful glistening effect as each of the 1.5" interlocking cutouts is a mini mirror...
Mirror, Wood
Gilt Neoclassical La Barge Mirror
By La Barge
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality carved and gilt mirror by La Barge with original label. Mirrored panels with rosettes and hanging garland. Raised carved flanking griffin's in and ebonized panel.
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Mirrors
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fantastic pair of 19th century Italian mirrors with a later antiqued mirror plate. They are of fantastic size and are beautifull...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 19 in W 7.75 in D 0.5 in
Antique Victorian Bradley & Hubbard Brass Neoclassical Dolphin Vanity Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Bradley & Hubbard brass rectangular wall mirror featuring neoclassical motifs, including an urn flanked by dolphins / delphins / Dauphin / Fish. Attributed to #3502. Measu...
Brass
Vintage Neoclassical John Richards Gilt Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage Neoclassical mirror. Made by the iconic John Richards group. Beautiful and dramatic black and gold finish. Acquired from ...
Gold
Sold
H 48 in W 24 in D 1.5 in
Italian Neoclassic Style Gilt Wood Mirror w/Bow-Tie & Urn Carved Crest, Mid 20th
Located in East Point, GA
An Italian style mirror with it's original gilt finish from the mid 20th century. This American vintage mirror was designed in Italian style with ...
Wood
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Mirrors
Located in Essex, MA
Each crest with ostrich plume and pair of exotic birds flanked by two handled urns over a mirror plate with outer mirror bands, the base with leaf swag flanked by leaf pendants. Thes...
Giltwood