Neoclassical Armchairs
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
19th Century Russian Giltwood Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
Period Early 19th Century Russian Giltwood and Painted Armchair or Bergere. In style of Rossi. Incredible proportion and size. Good size for modern sitting...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
Neoclassical Style 1850s Gray Painted and Carved Armchairs with Guilloches, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Neoclassical style wooden armchairs from circa 1850 with carved guilloche friezes, Classic light gray painted finish and carved finials. These exquisite Swedish Neo...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wood
2oth C. A Pair of Custom Upholstered Armchairs in Scottish Wool Plaid and Velvet
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th c. USA, a pair wingback armchairs, newly upholstered in a dark Scottish wool plaid fabric, which adds a touch of sophistication and a masculine feel. The plaid pattern is s...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Italian Carved and Gilded Sedan Chair with Original Interior and Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Museum quality. Of all the examples we've seen, this is the best.
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Rams Head Savonarola Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb pair of Maison Jansen Attributed brass and steel ram's head savonarola stule or cerule style armchairs. They feature naturalistic cast rams heads of the highest qua...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Neoclassical Style Steel Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of neoclassical style steel armchairs circa 1920-1939, France. Woven wire mesh seat (with minor losses and restoration - see photos). Protruding neoclassical style two-sided med...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Bona Lilium Chair
Located in București, RO
Bona Lilium Armchair
Step into the enchanting world of the Bona Lilium armchair. Every brushstroke weaves a captivating narrative of a royal lifestyle. Within its intricate design li...
Category
2010s Romanian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Fauteuils with Cane Backs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Fauteuils with Cane Backs and Twisted Fluted Legs, ca. 1790
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Russian 19th Century Neoclassical Brass Mounted Chairs
Located in El Monte, CA
The pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Russian Armchairs are meticulously crafted from mahogany wood with a refined brass inlay detailing the back seat and post. An excellent example ...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Italian Neo-Classic Gilt and Painted Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-Classic (18th Century) white and gilt trimmed arm chair with carved trim and beige upholstered oval back and seat (AS IS-losses to painted finish and carvings)
Condition...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Neo Classic Mahogany Dining Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a flame mahogany veneered bar top rail and a solid splat, this chair exudes sophistication and charm.
The upholstered seat, showcased in Performance fabric, offers both c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs W/ Faux Tortoise & Silver Gilt Frames - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of neo-classical style bergere chairs with faux tortoise and silver gilt frames the upholstery is in good condition and is a flax cotton linen blend. They have a very ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Oval X Back Chairs, a Pair
Located in Hartville, OH
One of the most widely recognized and iconic Barry designs for Baker. These X back beauties are in exceptional vintage condition.
Condition Disclosure:
Please understand nearly all...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Elegant 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Richmond, London
A superb quality pair of open armchairs, after late 18th century designs by Gillows of Lancaster and London, the manufacture attributable to Gillow & Co. English, circa 1880.
Eight side chairs en-suite available as well (side chair is shown in the last photo).
Why we like them
Wonderfully elegant model, looking very delicate but in fact unusually strong - the sign of a skilled craftsman. Interestingly, chairs of this exact model can be seen on a painting by Walter Dendy Sadler (British, 1854-1923), The After Lunch Conversation, 1889, sold at Doyle, New York, 21 May 2024, lot 83.
Design
These chairs correspond to Gillows’ 'Garforth pattern', which first appeared in 1795 and was probably an adaptation of Georges Jacob's design of circa 1792 for Marie-Antoinette's dairy at Rambouillet. Gillows made the chairs not only in mahogany but also japanned and they appear to have been particularly popular among the genteel, professional and merchant classes in the north of England. In 1796 the Earl of Strafford purchased six white and green japanned chairs for Wentworth Woodhouse...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Kenneth Lynch and Sons Filigree Design Star& Dolphin patio set, Rare, circa 1950
Located in San Jose, CA
Kenneth Lynch & Sons Filigree Design
Star & Dolphin pattern Dining set
Four arm chairs and table with opening for umbrella.
This set will last you another 70 years
Circa 1950's
OF...
Category
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Painted & Parcel Gilt Armchairs C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Neoclassical style armchairs with a painted & parcel gilt finish. This style is characterized by its neoclassical elements, including straight lines, fluted legs, and intri...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Gold Leaf
Almost Pair of Italian Neoclassic Arm Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
In the 18th Century and early 19th Century, Chairs in continental Europe
were constructed of beechwood, on account of it's lightness and acceptance of stain and finishes.
The chairs ...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry And Upholstered Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
An 18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry Satinwood inlays And Upholstered Armchair. Frame in good antique condition. Need new upholstery. We can have it Reupholstered to suit you...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Side Armchair, France cca 1880
Located in Lucija, SI
Antique side armchair made in France about 1880
Very good condition for such old chair
Rare item
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Vintage Red Tufted Leather Arm Chairs
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of vintage Chesterfield style arm chairs feature vintage red leather upholstery, tufted seat backs, and hardwood arms and base.
Dimensions: 25w 26d 35h 20sh 25ah
Conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather
Black Leather + Bronze Pompeii Armchair by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare ‘Pompeii’ black leather and bronze armchair designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. This Neoclassical chair features a sculptural sloped bronze backrest, curved legs, an...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
A set of four exquisite Regal Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Painted Wood, Original Upholstery
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Russian Neoclassical Mahogany Armchairs, Pair, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An incredibly rare and unusual pair of circa 1800 Russian or Baltic Directoire style armchairs or fauteuils of both klismos and curule variant form, the solid mahogany frames gilt-me...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of White Leather + Brass Pompeii Armchairs by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of rare white leather and brass ‘Pompeii’ armchairs designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. These Neoclassical chairs feature elegant curved backrests and white leather ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Brass
18th Century Carved and Painted Neo-Classical Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous and rare carved and painted Neo-Classical style chair. Upholstered in 1958 in Fortuny. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Molla premium aluminum outdoor patio furniture, seahorse and seashell motif
By Molla
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage 1950's Patio Set by Molly of Italy.
5 piece set
Molla's vintage outdoor furniture designs are timeless.
Italian Neoclassical Cast Aluminum...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
C1940 Bankers Dining Room Armchairs 3 Square Back 1 Round back Available
By Gunlocke
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous collection of hardwood bankers chairs often found in offices, jury rooms, conference centers etc. Created from oak maple and walnut these chairs are heavy duty quality seating, great for a dining area. 3 chairs available and have some variations to them, 3 are more square in the back. Different makers, some are gunlocke chair co...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Maple, Oak, Walnut
Blue Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Chateau Blue leath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Classic Blue Leather Swivel Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic style Chateau Blue leather upholstered armchair, upholstered with pure aniline top grade leather, with large nailhead details on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 32" W x 30" D x...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Classic Black Leather Swivel Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic style Onyx Black leather upholstered armchair, upholstered with pure aniline top grade leather, with large nailhead details on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 32" W x 30" D x 3...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Traditional Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage Cuba Brown leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather.
Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H
Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H
Arm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Cuba Brown Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Cuba Brown leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Traditional Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in classic Chateau Blue leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather.
Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H
Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H
Arm 2...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Black Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Onyx Black leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Traditional Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our classic Onyx Black leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather.
Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H
Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H
Ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Early 19th Century armchairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs made in France about 1810. The armchairs have Egyptian heads carved on their armrest and at the foot end lion feets. There are four equal chairs, it is possible t...
Category
1810s French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Vintage Cerused Oak Armchairs in the Neoclassic Manner
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Vintage Cerused Oak Armchairs in the Neoclassic Manner
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Antique American Maple Gilt & Ebonised Frame & Rush Seat Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Lambert Hitchcock Maple Gilt & Ebonised Frame With Rush Seat Chair
Provenance purchased from a Country Estate in Wiltshire, UK.
Lambert Hitchcock (May 28, 1795, Cheshire, Connecti...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Maple
Havana Brown Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in brown leather, its...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Italian Neoclassical Armchairs by Thomasville Pair
By Thomasville
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of Italian Neoclas...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Maison JANSEN (attributed to) neo-classical velvet armchair circa 1940/1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Maison JANSEN (attributed to) neo-classical velvet armchair circa 1940/1950
Category
1940s Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Neoclassical Style Green-Painted Armchairs, 2
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical Style Green-Painted Armchairs, two associated, one in the French Louis XVI taste with carved crest rail above an upholstered back with down swept acanthus carved arms a...
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique French 19th Century Neoclassical Louis XVI Carved Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautifully carved exquisite neoclassical pair of walnut French chairs handcrafted in the early 19th century. Each chair consists of an elegantly carved wood frame with acanthus lea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Armchairs with Fornasetti Linen Fabric
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of neoclassical style armchairs come from a nineteenth-century villa on Lake Como, the gray and white lacquered armchairs, shabby chic effect, are covered with original For...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Russian Upholstered Armchair, Circa 1890
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Neoclassical style Russian upholstered armchair with spring coil construction, tub back form, covered in textured fabric with double welt construction. The chair resting upon taperin...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Set of 2 Armchairs
Located in Lučenec, SK
A beautiful set of two armchairs in a stunning blue. It may be of interest that this set was manufactured as a custom order and the customer had made a funny variation in one of the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Gilt Armchair after Thomas Chippendale - Two Available
Located in Richmond, London
An exceptional George III style giltwood armchair, after one of Thomas Chippendale's most beautiful models. Two armchairs available - select quantity 2 to purchase both armchairs.
E...
Category
Early 20th Century British Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood, Upholstery
Pair Italian Neoclassical Parcel Gilt Cream Louis XVI Directoire Arm Chairs (A)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Parcel Gilt Cream French Louis XVI Directoire Arm Chairs (A). Item features dream and gold gilt finish, solid wood f...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair Of Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Scroll back of generous proportions. Gilded details at top of back. Scroll arms with acanthus carving. Raised on turned tapered legs. Casters. Manly size scale.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of armchairs features high, rounded backrests and C-shaped armrests. They stand on octagonal legs with leaf capitals and bases as well as sabre legs. The intricat...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry, Fruitwood
Classic Tufted Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a tufted and upholstered backrest and cushion, with brass nailhead trim details raised on traditional square tapered legs.
Dimensions: 33" W x 34" D x 39"
Seat - 18.5" H
Arm - ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Rose Tarlow Painted Parcel Gilt Brighton Armchairs
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of lacquer painted armchairs by Rose Tarlow, Melrose House, Hollywood, CA. Known as Brighton armchairs they feature a carved decorative...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Sparta Armchair
Located in London, GB
A bold and sensual chair that is voluminous in scale. Pronounced by its prominent bolster arms and curved covered seat and back.
Available in mohair velvet, cotton velvet, alpaca wo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Mohair, Velvet
American West Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered with vintage style Havana brown leather. This handsome chair has been given some angles that you will enjoy. The seat back almost wants to be a wing but is gently angled ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Classic Wingback Leather Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With brown traditional top grain Vintage Havana leather, with high classic wingback backrest and boxed cushion seat raised on tapered legs.
Dimensions:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of American West Leather Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered with vintage style Havana brown leather. This handsome chair has been given some angles that you will enjoy. The seat back almost wants to be a wing but is gently angled ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Classic Blue Velvet Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
The rich deep blue velvet blends perfectly with the polished finish to the legs and the brass nailhead trim details.
Dimensions: 30" W x 26" D x 34" H
Seat - 19" H
Arm - 25" H
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Neoclassical armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, GF Modern, Greenapple, and Modenese Gastone. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $88,000 while the average work can sell for $4,800.
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