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.
Neoclassical Empire Revival Style Box, Tiger Burl-Esque Lion Heads, Late 20th C
Located in New York, NY
A tiger‑burl‑esque jewelry or decorative box in the Neoclassical Empire Revival style, circa late 20th century. The box is finished in a textured faux‑burl veneer with tiger‑stripe p...
Brass
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of a Young Boy Praying - Italy - Circa 1850
Located in Chatham, ON
Exceptional Grand Tour Neoclassical Carrara marble Florentine School sculpture of a young boy praying (likely Saint John the Baptist as a youth) - after a similar sculpture by Luigi ...
Carrara Marble
$576Sale Price|50% Off
French, 18th Century White Marble Panel depicting a vase
Located in Buisson, FR
Very decorative and beautiful weathered white marble panel depicting a vase. France, circa 1750-1800. Measurements include the wooden base. H:23,5cm W:14,5cm D:7,5cm
Marble
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood Dressers or Chests of Drawers, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Empire or Neoclassical style four-drawer commodes, dressers, or chests of drawers By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Beautiful book-matched cherry wood,...
Brass
French Vintage Brass & Glass Trolley Serving Cart
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, mid-century French brass and transparent glass bar cart in the style of Maison Jansen, that would be comfortable in a range of decorating tastes from Hollywood Regency to...
Brass
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
French Neoclassical Directoire Style Iron Sleigh-Form Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and whimsical 20th century painted iron daybed crafted in a French Neoclassical Directoire style. The piece is constructed in a gracefully curved sleigh-form, with each en...
Iron, Wire
Large Terracotta Bust Sculpture of Lovely Neoclassical Female
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally modeled terracotta bust of a female beauty in neoclassical robes set upon circular marble socle. 24 by 16 by 9 inches. Unsigned. 41 lbs.
Marble
Giacometti Style Neoclassical Gilt Iron Daybed or Sofa 7 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stunning French mid-20th century modern daybed or sofa crafted in the Neoclassical taste from gilded wrought iron. The daybed features an elegant gilt decorated wrought iron frame ...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Concrete Pig Sculpture, Charming Garden Ornament, 1960s Decor
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming pig with a lovely, aged patina. This sculpture could be used indoors or out. We see him sitting in a foyer or in an outdoor garden area. Certainly a delightful way to ...
Concrete
19th Century Narcissus Neoclassical Marble Statue on Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Italian Narcissus Neoclassical marble statue on pedestal. Carved Carrara marble figure (61"H x 21"W x 21"D) , gray marble pedestal (17"...
Marble
English Late 19th Century Cast Stone Bird Bath
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An sublime late 19th century English, cast stone bird bath for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio that both people and avian visitors can enjoy. The wide, shallow bowl rests ...
Stone
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
French Pair of 19th Century Cast Iron Urn Planters
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant pair of late 19th century French cast iron planters in the silhouette of “Medici urns”, displaying a Neoclassical taste that has been given a unique identity by way of a p...
Iron
$576Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
Antique Edwardian Pair Brass & Cut Crystal Ceiling Lights Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional antique pair of Edwardian Neo-classical brass and cut-crystal ceiling lights, circa 1900 in date. These superb lights rach feature a brass body with chased and relief...
Crystal, Brass
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Pair of Neoclassical Metal Planters, Grey Patina, Laurel Wreath Motif
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Classical metal planters with wreath motif. A pair of American Neoclassical style metal planters with grey patinated color, laurel wreath motifs, acorns and ball feet. This ...
Metal
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Maison Jansen Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Ram's Head Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency brass coffee table ram's head and hoof detailing. It has a rectangular glass top set in the brass frame. Maison Jansen was a prominent French Interior...
Brass
Circa 1800-1820 English Copper & Brass Jewelry Casket Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1800-1820 copper & brass jewelry casket box, English. Raised on ball feet. Once fabric lined. 4.5" w., 3.5" d., 2.5" h. We are a family business that has been a major source f...
Brass, Copper
Neo-classical style chaise longue, France ca. 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exuding timeless refinement and grand European charm, this elegant French neoclassical style chaise longue—or méridienne—is a masterful tribute to antique luxury. Crafted around 1990...
Fabric, Wood
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century. This exquisite desk is both rich in its material composition and thoughtful in its construction. The des...
Brass
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
$785Sale Price|47% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered Carved Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Neoclassical pedestal with its original silver-leaf gilding. Great to use as a display for a small collection or just with some candles. Italy, circa 1780. Weathe...
Wood
English 19th Century Cast Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, cast stone pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter, sculpture, or armillary sphere. The column f...
Stone
French 19th Century Petite Parcel Gilt Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite 19th century French trumeau mirror that is relatively compact in its proportions yet sophisticated in the Neoclassical decorative elements that project a respect for history...
Gold Leaf
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
18th century pietre dura table attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli circa 1790
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An outstanding table top in marmo e pietre dure, attributed Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836) attr. Roma circa 1790 The tabletop is executed in white statuary marble and displays a highl...
Specimen Marble
Set of Four French Mid-Century Iron Garden Lounge Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming set of four French mid-century modern painted iron patio and garden lounge armchairs finished in a whimsical Gumby green paint. Each chair is constructed with thick linear...
Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Style Brass Side Tables by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of side tables embodies the refinement of French neoclassical style from the 1940s. Crafted in solid brass by the prestigious Maison Jansen, it stands out for its c...
Brass
EDWARDS & BALL - Antique Pair of Sterling Silver Salt Cellars - U.K. - C. 1838
Located in Chatham, ON
EDWARDS & BALL (Henry Edwards and Edward John Ball, Silversmiths, High Street, Birmingham - active late 1830's to 1840's) - Fine quality pair of antique Neoclassical style sterling s...
Sterling Silver
Holly Hunt Rue de Seine Limestone and Iron Cocktail Table 5 Ft
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined Rue De Seine Cocktail Table designed by Holly Hunt measuring over 5 feet square. The bespoke table features a segmented 4-piece pale limestone top set within a hand-forged ...
Stone, Iron
1970s Italian Carved Pine French Louis XV Style Console Tables W/ Hooves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of 1970s carved pine console tables with French Louis XV styling. They have a stain that is comparable to a walnut. The serpentine tops show an intentional di...
Pine
Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a late 19th-century American folk art "Goddess of Liberty" molded copper weathervane mounted on a gallery presentation stand. The figure represents Liberty (also historic...
Copper
Pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Walnut Klismos Rope Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sculptural pair of rare mid-century modern neoclassical klismos benches in the manner and style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens. The walnut frames are large measuri...
Rope, Walnut
Pair of Vintage Ralph Lauren Club Chairs in Brown Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely pair of vintage Ralph Lauren club chairs. Wonderful scale and form. Rich brown leather with lovely patina. Extremely comfortable. S...
Leather
Set of 3 Brass Nesting Tables With Gold Leaf Tops. French Work by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of nesting tables embodies all the decorative refinement of the 1970s. The finely black-lacquered metal structure highlights the gold-leaf gilded tops, creating a sophistica...
Brass
Antique Continental Neo-classical Silver Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a elegant antique continental Neo-classical silver pommel ladies walking cane, bearing a European hallmark, Circa 1870 in date. The striking stick features superb trailing r...
Silver
English Boat Form Etagere Black Lacquer Fish Decoupage Collection Bookshelf
Located in Shreveport, LA
English Boat Form Etagere Black Lacquer Fish Decoupage Collection Bookshelf. Direct from England, a striking boat-form etagere (bookcase) featuring gilt fish decoupage on a deep bla...
Hardwood
Ralph Lauren Leather Full Bed Frame
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful brown leather full bed frame. Nice patina. No rips. Ships from Philadelphia. RL label is present.
Leather
1970s Brass Pineapple Table Lamp by Virginia Metalcrafters, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
1970s brass pineapple lamp, in the style of Virginia Metalcrafters. The piece includes a black tole shade with gold piping and light-diffuser. Double socket, with chain pulls.
Metal, Brass
Custom Made to Order Napoli Chaise Lounge in Velvet Linen or COM
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Napoli Chaise Lounge 27" W x 34" H x 60" D / can be customized to any length The Napoli Chaise Lounge is a timeless nod to vintage European design, effortlessly blending elegance wit...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Plaster Neoclassical Table Lamp, United States, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Handmade plaster table lamps with a geometric, neoclassical form. Available in custom colors and finishes. Two of the pictured variant are available now. H to Top of Harp: 20.5" H t...
Plaster
American Neoclassical Maple Sleigh Queen Size Bedstead
Located in Germantown, MD
American Neoclassical Maple Sleigh Queen Size Bedstead. Comes with slats Measures 63.5" in width, 91.75" in depth at the top, 84.75" in depth at the base and 40.5" in height at th...
Maple
$3,212 / item
French Country Round Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A timeless classic dining table, a piece that exudes rustic charm and invites intimate dining experiences. The table’s beautiful wood surface, with its natural patina, speaks to the ...
Wood
Neoclassical Carved and Painted Console
By Robert Adam
Located in Greenwich, CT
A narrow neoclassical console table after a design by Robert Adam, with carved apron and reeded legs. Sold without top. English, late 19th century. 61” x 18” x 31” high
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Sunburst Crown Ceiling Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of French Neoclassical Crown Sunburst Ceiling Lights in Gilt Wrought Iron _____________________________________________________________ Outstanding neoclassical style gilt iron ...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Antique French Floral Painted Mahogany Dresser with Matching Mirror
Located in Centennial, CO
An absolutely stunning antique and rare circa 1900 French mahogany dresser with three drawers that was professionally hand painted with a basket of flowers, garlands and ribbons on a...
Bronze
Vintage Nautical Maritime Trio of Sailboats Ocean Seascape Oil Painting 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early to mid 20th century nautical / seascape painting depicting a trio of sailboats / ships / fishing boats with red sails and a small flock of seagulls over the water. Gilt composi...
Giltwood, Paint
Italian Neoclassical Marble Bust of Young Woman, 19th Century Grand Tour
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian Neoclassical Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust of a Young Woman. The figure is presented in an introspective pose, her head gently inclined downward, evoking a sense of contempla...
Marble
Pair of Mario Papperzini Amalfi Iron Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare pair of "Amalfi" lounge chairs and matching ottomans with adjustable chain backs. The stylish mid-century modern design after Mario Papperzini's design for John Sa...
Bronze, Iron
Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl
By Wedgewood
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...
Pottery
1970s Italian Neoclassical Mirror & Wall Mounted Iron Marble Top Console Table
By Palladio
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite Italian neoclassical style mirror and console table by Palladio. The mirror frame is giltwood. The console has an iron frame that is black and gilt. It is wall mount...
Marble, Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic vintage iron garden sundial inspired by traditional English estate landscapes, reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Pieces like this bring structure and...
Iron
Pair Antique Neoclassical Style Corinthian Column Gilt Bronze Candle Holders
Located in New York, NY
Pair Neoclassical style Corinthian column form gilt bronze candle holders Late 19th- Early 20th Century Attractive, well detailed Corinthian column capitals with reeded column bodies...
Bronze
English 19th Century Cast Terracotta Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, painted terracotta pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter or sculptural element. The Corinthian...
Terracotta, Paint
Set of Four Italian 1930s Neoclassical Garden Sculptures, The Four Seasons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and beautifully unified set of four Italian Neoclassical garden sculptures from the 1930s, conceived as an allegorical representation of The Four Seasons. Cast in durable grit...
Cast Stone
Antique Swedish Genuine Long Case Clock, Rococo and Neoclassical Period
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique long case clock from Alfta, Hälsingland in Sweden from around 1810. Made by hand in the transition period between rococo and neoclassic, the neoclassical period which is know...
Pine
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.