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.
Florence Wall Mirror in White Ash, American Classical Style, Moldova
Located in Naperville, IL
Open up your space with the Florence Wall Mirror. A round frame with detailed carvings surrounding the central mirror, adding a stylish texture to your entrance or living room. This Florence Mirror...
Ash
$18,000
Neoclassical Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Italian neoclassical giltwood mirror, 18th century.
Giltwood
Neoclassical Georgian English Oak Fire Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A deeply carved, late 18th / early 19th century English oak Georgian era fire mantel, circa 1800. Highly decorative, this antique fireplace is carved to the frieze tablet with the ma...
Wood, Oak
Antique Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Hand Painted 59" Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Hand Painted 59" Trumeau Wall Mirror. Item feat...
Glass, Wood
Neoclassical 2 Section Gold Gilt Pier Mirror
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Wonderful two section neoclassical gold leaf gilt mirror, it retains the original mirror and gold gilt. Measuring 19 1/8 inches wide x 35 3/8 inches high x 2 3/4 inches deep, Minor w...
Wood
Neoclassical Mirrored Sconces, Bronze, Crystal, Early 20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of mirrored wall lights, sconces, possibly Maison Baguès. This stunning pair of large and very impressive wall sconces in a dore bronze finish having a Russian neoclassical flai...
Bronze
Neoclassical Empire Gilt Wood Rectangular Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
This rectangular mirror was handcrafted in Spain in 1970 in the Neoclassical Empire style. The piece features a solid wooden frame that has been hand carved, emphasizing symmetry, cl...
Gold
Neoclassical Cast Iron and Brass Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Custom wall mirror features an antique, neoclassical, cast iron and nickel plated fireplace surround with brass accents and beveled mirror.
Brass, Iron
$1,391Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Bronze and Wrought Iron Mirror Attributed to René Prou, France 1937
By René Prou
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant wrought iron mirror with fine bronze details. Attributed to René Prou. Around 1938. Litt: similar bronze details in "les décorateurs des années 40" by Bruno Foucart- Norma...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This endearing French mantel clock combines lustrous ormolu and sumptuous white marble, making for a light and yet majestic work that perfectly compliments the masterfully executed N...
Marble, Ormolu
Fruitwood and Ebonized Parcel Gilt Neoclassical Pier Mirror
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fruitwood & Ebonized Parcel Gilt Neoclassical Pier Mirror Circa 1800 Height 67 in. Width 33 in. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman Boston M...
pair of Sicilian 18th century Neo-Classical st. Mahogany and Giltwood mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant pair of Sicilian late 18th century Neo-Classical st. Mahogany, patinated Wood and Giltwood mirrors. This exceptional pair of mirrors are raised on bottom Mahogany plin...
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Giltwood
Mirror, Carved and Gilded Wood, Glass, circa Early 19th Century, Ferdinand VII
Located in Madrid, ES
Mirror Fernando VII. Carved and gilded wood, glass. Towards the beginning of the 19th century. Rectangular mirror made of wood carved in its color, combin...
Wood
Neoclassical Empire Rectangular Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire rectangular handcrafted mirror, made in Spain circa 1970. The mirror features a rectangular hand carved wooden frame with a gold foil finish. Fully handcrafted, t...
Gold
$6,957 / set
19th Century Pair Girandole Mirrors
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century pair girandole mirrors with bevelled glass and brass frames with arched tops and bases. Each with a pair of scroll stemmed candle holders.
Brass
Petite French Giltwood Mirror with Urn and Laurel Crest, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
This small French mirror from circa 1920 is a poetic echo of neoclassical grandeur, carved in wood and adorned with a lustrous gold finish. Measuring approximately 14 inches wide, 2 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian Neoclassic Style White and Gold Painted Floral Design Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic-style (20th Century) white painted and gilt trimmed rectangular wall mirror with fluted sides and an upper section with carved floral designs and a small oval inse...
Wood
Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated wood and Giltwood mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated wood and Giltwood mirror. This wonderful arched mirror is set within a patinated off white/grey ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Classicism Wall Mirror, circa 1780, German
Located in Berlin, DE
Colored and partially gilded body decorated with garlands. Original mirror glass. Museum worthy of 1780. (M-38).
Wood
$12,000 / item
Neoclassical Circular Giltwood Mirrors
Located in New York, NY
Pair of neoclassical circular giltwood and grey bole mirrors Contemporary Measures: Diameter 35 1/2 in. 1915B.
Giltwood
Neoclassical Northern Italian Pier Mirror, Mahogany with Ebony and Gilt Bronze
Located in Buchanan, MI
Neoclassical Northern Italian pier mirror, mahogany with ebony and gilt bronze accents.
Ormolu
Italian Neoclassic Giltwood Mirror with Neptune Crest, 18th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic (late 18th Century) carved giltwood mirror with a filigree carved cresting top featuring a reclining figure of Neptune.
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian Early 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Giltwood and Gouache Trumeau Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. giltwood and gouache trumeau mirror. The mirror retains its original mirror plate set within a fine mottled beaded wraparo...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Neoclassical Style Gold Foil Hand Carved Wooden Pair of Mirrors, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of neoclassical Regency style hand carved cornucopia mirrors, finished in gold foil. Fully handcrafted, each mirror features detailed carving in the cornucopia motif, executed u...
Gold Leaf
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
French Neoclassical Round Gilt Wood Mirror with Eagle Crest
Located in Ross, CA
Rare French Second Empire period carved gilt wood round mirror, decorated with ball molded frame, with imperial eagle atop with wings spread, acanthus leaves...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique French Ebony Dressing Table Mirror
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mirror will look wonderful placed on a woman’s dressing table. It features an ebony frame which is intricately carved with a variety of motifs, inspired by classical design. The item is composed of an oval mirror, which is set within a shaped rectangular wooden frame. The frame is crowned by a medallion containing a portrait of a woman’s head in profile. This is decorated with a ribbon bow and flower swags which are held by two female figures, positioned either side of the medallion. The women have classical style nude...
Mirror, Wood, Ebony
$9,800 / item
Custom Black Glass and Brass Full Length Mirror
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom Black Glass and Brass Full-Length Mirror Currently out of stock but available for custom order in different sizes. Inquire with Venfield about customization and estimated pr...
Brass
Italian Gilt Wood & Gesso Shell Cornice Acanthus Foliage Wall Mirror, C. 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian gilt carved wood and gesso central shell cornice scrolled acanthus foliage wall mirror, Late 18th Century. Mirror retains the original glass and wood backing.
Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Italian Neoclassical Mirror
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful 18th century neoclassical carved and giltwood Italian mirror.
Giltwood
Regency Rectangular Handcrafted Gold Foil Wood Mirror Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted carved Regency Style wood mirror covered in gold foil.
Mirror, Wood
Italian 18th Century Baroque Walnut and Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Italian 18th century neo-classical st. walnut, giltwood, ebonized fruitwood and polychrome mirror. The mirror retains all of its original mirror plates throughout fram...
Mirror, Walnut, Giltwood
19th Century Pair of Giltwood Girandoles
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century pair of neoclassical style giltwood rectangular girandoles. Later adapted for electricity. The frieze with carved tied ribbon and carved acanthus leaves flanked by class...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian 19th c. Neo-Classical st. patinated Wood and and Silvered Mecca mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming Italian late 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated Wood and and Silvered Mecca mirror. This wonderful patinated Turquoise rectangular mirror is set within a most decora...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Regency Rectangular Handcrafted Gold Foil Wood Mirror Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted carved Regency Style wood mirror covered in gold foil.
Mirror, Wood
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror, 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Italian neoclassical giltwood mirror with delicate carving throughout.
Mirror
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
Pair 19th Century Giltwood Trumeau Pier Mirrors With Period Compartmental Plates
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Pair 19th Century of giltwood trumeau pier mirrors with period compartmental plates set within ornate giltwood frames. The frames are intricately car...
Giltwood
Pair of Neoclassical Style Wood Carved and Gilded Mirrors, 20th Century French
Located in El Monte, CA
This exceptional pair of Neoclassical-style hand-carved and gilded wood mirrors features an elaborate and richly detailed design. The crest features a prominent palmette motif flanke...
Mirror, Wood
Neoclassical Empire Gilt Wood Rectangular Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
This rectangular mirror was handcrafted in Spain in 1970 in the Neoclassical Empire style. The piece features a solid wooden frame that has been carefully hand carved, emphasizing sy...
Gold
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Trumeau Mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely decorative large scale true pair of Italian early 19th century neo-classical st. patinated wood trumeau mirrors. Each mirror is raised by an elegant mottled ...
Wood
Regency Rectangular Handcrafted Gold Foil Wood Mirror Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted carved Regency Style wood mirror covered in gold foil.
Mirror, Wood
Neoclassical Empire Rectangular Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire rectangular handcrafted mirror. Rectangular hand carved wooden structure with gold foil finished, Spain, 1970.
Gold Leaf
Regency Rectangular Handcrafted Gold Foil Wood Mirror Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted carved Regency Style wood mirror covered in gold foil.
Mirror, Wood
Regency Rectangular Handcrafted Gold Foil Wood Mirror Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted carved Regency Style wood mirror covered in gold foil.
Mirror, Wood
Italian Mid-19th Century Neo-Classical St. Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome Italian mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. giltwood mirror. The rectangular original mirror plate is framed within a giltwood lattice designed frame with lovely palmettes ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Continental Mid-19th Century Neoclassical St. Three-Panel Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and unique Continental mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. painted and gilt, three panel mirror. The giltwood frame is designed with four vertical columns separating the...
Mirror, Giltwood
Delano Oval Mirror in Ash Wood, American Classical Style, Moldova, New
Located in Naperville, IL
This classic flower oval mirror will greatly enhance your traditional room décor. The Delano mirror is a perfect complement to your home space. Mirrors can be mounted vertically or h...
Ash
French 19th Century Neo-Classical Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive French 19th century Neo-Classical giltwood mirror. The original mirror plate is framed within a fine Coeur de Rai border. At the base is a rectangular plinth with s...
Mirror, Giltwood
$3,449Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century French Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A neoclassical carved giltwood wall mirror, France, late 18th century, circa 1770-1790, elaborately carved frieze decor, the corners each with a sunflower, the crest with an urn and ...
Glass, Giltwood
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Mahogany and Ormolu Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Mahogany and ormolu mirror. The mirror retains its original mirror plate with beautiful finely detailed mirrored berried laurel branc...
Ormolu
A Stunning Italian 7+ Ft Tall Mirror w/Carved Neoclassic Floral Bouquet, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian large-sized elaborate floor mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from Italy features a elaborately carved Neoclassical carved-wood urn, located atop the mirro...
Mirror, Wood
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Walnut and Giltwood Mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very elegant pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. walnut and giltwood mirrors. Each has a rich and warm walnut veneered frame. The three mirror plates are separated by two vertical walnut columns accented by gilt plinths...
Walnut, Giltwood
German 18th Century Neo-Classical Period Burl Walnut, Giltwood and Mecca Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and very unique German 18th century neo-classical period burl Walnut, giltwood, and Mecca mirror. The mirror retains its original mirror plates each framed within a mo...
Mirror, Walnut, Giltwood
Swedish 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Etched Giltwood And Ormolu Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality Swedish early 19th century Neo-Classical st. etched mirror plate, Giltwood and Ormolu mirror. The original double frame vertical beveled mirror plate i...
Ormolu
Set of 4 Season's Gilded and Painted Mirrors. Sold Seperately
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 polychromed and gilded Neoclassical mirrors representing the four seasons. Original mirror glass has some age-related loss to plaiting and spotting. SOLD SEPARATELY. Weig...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of French, 19th Century Giltwood Mirrored Back Wall Sconces
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 19th century giltwood mirrored back wall sconces. A finely gilt pair of two-arm carved gilt wall sconces. These very decorative pair o...
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. mahogany and ormolu mirrors. The original beveled mirror plates are framed within a striking and most decorative mahogany bor...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Burl Walnut and Ormolu Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and extremely high quality French 19th century neo-classical st. burl Walnut and ormolu mirror. The mirror is raised by a straight base with a fine mottled ormolu band. Le...
Ormolu
Neoclassical Hand-Carved Gold Leaf Mantle Mirror, Italian, Early 1800s
Located in Viterbo, VT
Neoclassical mantle mirror hand-crafted in Italy in the early 1800s. The mirror is a beautiful accent piece that adds elegance and style to a room....
Gold Leaf
Pair of Neo-Classical st. Rosewood, Giltwood & ebonized Fruitwood mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive and unique pair of Continental 19th century Neo-Classical st. Rosewood, Giltwood and ebonized Fruitwood mirrors. This wonderful pair are raised by handsome ebonized...
Mirror, Fruitwood, Rosewood, Giltwood