Neoclassical Armchairs
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.
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 authentic neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Leather, Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Gold Leaf
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Brass, Steel
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
2010s Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Marble, Gold Leaf
2010s Great Britain (UK) Neoclassical Armchairs
Lacquer
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Steel
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Cane, Fruitwood
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Armchairs
Gold, Gold Leaf
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Brass
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Metal
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood, Mahogany
1830s Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Textile, Silk, Walnut
2010s Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Giltwood
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery, Giltwood
1840s German Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Bronze
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Pine
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Chrome
20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Aluminum
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s Portuguese Neoclassical Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany, Giltwood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Beech
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Metal
2010s Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Marble, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Marble, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Iron
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Canvas, Maple
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Walnut
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Giltwood
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Fruitwood
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Leather, Giltwood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Beech
20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Metal
1770s English Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Other
20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Linen, Wood, Paint
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut