Neoclassical Benches
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.
1
116
10
4
to
9
121
8
130
124
126
1,673
1,537
264
184
144
130
106
105
105
91
85
67
64
53
41
36
35
35
9
42
65
14
14
24
16
2
3
1
5
3
3
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
107
37
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
98
60
39
32
19
80
44
27
25
16
2
2
2
1
1
Style: Neoclassical
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Continental Mahogany and Pine Bench
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular seat with outward scrolling arms applied with roundels; the shaped apron centered by turned roundel, raised on bobbin-turned legs.
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Neoclassical Brass & Wrought Iron Antique Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Highly unique brass & wrought iron neoclassical figural bench. This stunning bench is adorned with a dragon center crest surrounded by warriors & lions r...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Directoire Style Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Directoire style leather bench with a button tufted antique brown leather on an oak base with a warm finish and turned and tapered legs.
Dimension: 51" W x 16" D x 18" H....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Leather, Wood
Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical style narrow bench with cut blue velvet fabric.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Velvet, Fruitwood
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa - Blue
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted Curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Italian Gilt Metal Floral Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian Gilt Metal Floral Bench. The frame is gilt metal, black painted with gold floral arrangements. Original seat fabric. Made in Italy. There is a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Metal
Cerused Oak Neoclassical Style Benches Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Cerused oak neoclassical style benches or loveseats. The benches have newly covered fabric seats with each having 8 legs.
Category
1990s Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Vintage Painted Neoclassical Style Curule Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Curule-form bench, having a padded, crown seat of onyx-printed linen with nailheads, on an ivory painted frame showing natural wear, its fielded apron centered with an acanthus-flank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood
Italian Neoclassical Style Mahogany Cane Seat Bench Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome early 20th century Italian mahogany two seat bench or settee. The bench is crafted in the neoclassical taste featuring a square back with Greco Roman column motif splats. Th...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Early 20th-C. Neo-Classical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Eagles
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fantastic bench! It is a neo-classical style carved Italian piece newly upholstered in a flax linen. The supports are wonderful hand carved eagles. It is in very good condi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
XXth Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Wood Stools
Located in IT
This gorgeous pair of stools was made in Piedmont (northern Italy) in the early twentieth century in Neoclassical style. Their structure is in carved wood and lacquered in shades of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood
English 19th Century Painted Hall Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An amazing painted hall bench – teeming with charm – from 19th century England. The large antique has panels with diagonally oriented wooden slats w...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Fine Italian Style Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very fine wood carved Italian style giltwood bench. Upholstered in Janet Yonati silk velvet. Fine vintage reproduction.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
Jansen Paris Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s to 1940s Giltwood bench. Strong and sturdy. Signed into the wood "Jansen" with numerals. Covered in an embroidered fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century American Mahogany Chair Back Window Bench
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Neoclassic chair back window seat with upholstered box seat in Honduran mahogany. Note the defining carved back rail.
American, New York, circa 1815.
Category
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Swedish Neoclassical Style 1880s Painted Wood Bench with Carved Waterleaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish 19th century painted bench Circa 1880
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th century
Dimensions: 53" W x 18.25" D x 15" H
A Swedish neoclassical style painted wood bench ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Neoclassical Style Carved Gilt-Wood & Upholstered Sofa Bench, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassic style gilt-wood and upholstered sofa bench from the 19th century. This antique sofa from Sweden, approximately 5.75 feet in...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Neoclassical X-Frame Upholstered Benches, 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Pair of Neoclassic X-frame upholstered benches, 20th century. Metal frames with matte silver finish and impressed floral design. Slip seat cushions upholstered in pony hair.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Metal
Pair of Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of Hollywood Regency wrought iron curule benches made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms a...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Ironies Cast Gilt Bronze Bench with Knees and Paw Feet
By Ironies
Located in Miami, FL
Ironies cast gilt bronze pantieres bench with paw feet and animal legs
Offered for sale is an elegant gilt-bronze Pantieres Bench created with four animal legs and paw feet. The s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Bronze
Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Denton bench made by LF Upholstery is shown with brown and taupe patterned horsehair with soft foam padding. It has a hand carved mahogany wood and finished frame with tapered legs - it is shown without trim but can be made custom with choice of pewter or French Natural nailheads or gimp trim...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Modern Solid Patinated Bronze Smoky Glass-Top Low Tables/Benches
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of modern patinated bronze smoky glass-top low tables/benches
These are currently low tables but could easily have a cusion made making them a pair of benches...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Bronze
Antique Painted Bench or Settee, ex-Madeleine Castaing, after design by Chapuis
Located in London, GB
A very decorative 'curule' settee, late 19th century after a design by Jean-Joseph Chapuis.
Provenance: Madeleine Castaing, Maison de Lèves, Chartres, France.
Why we like it
Besides the iconic provenance, this bench is a great example of the 19th century design, informed by classical antiquity. Decorated in the exotic 'Etruscan' style to simulate patinated bronze, with its dramatically exaggerated curves, evoking the ancient Roman 'sella curulis' - a symbol of magisterial power, this settee is truly a special example of its kind. A squab cushion covered in a fabric complimenting other textiles in the existing interior will complete the look of this super-stylish bench.
Provenance – Madeleine Castaing
Together with a pair of armchairs en-suite (sold by us in may 2022), this settee was photographed in the vestibule at Maison de Lèves near Chartres - country house of the iconic French interior designer and antiques dealer Madeleine Castaing (1894–1992). Madeleine married the heir and art critic Marcellin Castaing – the legendary love of her life – who in the 1920's acquired a neoclassical gentilhommière at Lèves, that she had been admiring since her days in a convent school nearby, for her to "unwind" as he explained. The house would become one of her masterpieces as she discovered her own vocation for interior design. Extant photographs reveal a number of changes that had been made to the interiors over time. The writer Maurice Sachs once wrote about Madeleine's passion for her home: “The constant transformations she made to the estate kept her as busy as the world can keep a socialite…”. The contents of Maison de Lèves as well as Castaing's Rue Jacob...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Cane
Pair Antique Footstools or Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair antique footstools or benches on casters with floral upholstery. Good condition overall with slight finish loss due to age and use. Can be...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New York, NY
19th century daybed /bench. The daybed has a solid wood frame with stripe fabric.
Category
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Neoclassical Bench
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an unusual form of neoclassical bench that dates to the early 19th century. The original painted surface has been retained and is richly patin...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated and Gilt Benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and most unique pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated and gilt benches. Each bench is raised by finely carved giltwood hoof feet below the elegant...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Late 19th Century Italian Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th century Italian benches.
Cherry wood.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Cherry
Italian Painted and Parcel Gilt Leather Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom serpentine shaped bench made with antique Italian painted and parcel gilt fluted legs with capital feet. The bench is newly upholstered in chestnut colored leather with self c...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Leather, Giltwood, Wood
Mid-Century Large Scale Neo-Classical Style Italian Iron and Leather Bench
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century large scale neo-classical style Italian iron and leather bench. It has a distressed saddle colored leather, and the iron frame is in very good condition. It is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Italian Neoclassical Style 19th Century Painted Wood Bench with New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Neoclassical style painted wood bench from the 19th century, with new upholstery and gilded accents. Created in Italy during the 19th century, this Neoclassical style pai...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Wood Bench with Solid Seat and Hand-Carved Detail on Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dubois bench by LF Upholstery is a hand-carved bench serving as an example of craftsmanship at its best. Available in choice of size in 3 different w...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Linen, Oak
19th Century English Oak Bench with Three Drawers and Persimmon Upholstery
Located in Middleburg, VA
This unusual 19th century English upholstered bench is a stunner. Made of richly patinated oak with three drawers, four turned posts and original brass hardware. Recently reupholster...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Brass
Italian Style "X" Bench with Chinoiserie Linen Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian style "X" bench in a bleached walnut finish with brass knob details throughout. The bench is newly reupholstered in a soft faded chinoiserie style linen with nailhead trim de...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Linen, Walnut
Elegant Gold Gilt Neoclassical Revival Metal Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stylish and elegant gold gilt iron bench with a high back and arms for comfortable seating. A perfect addition to a uniquely designed home! This would be perfect as a hall bench, i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Pair of Stunning Neoclassical Iron Window Benches by Niermann Weeks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Two elegant iron benches with a gorgeous slate and blue/green patina, neoclassical style with criss cross stretchers and upholstered seats. Niermann Weeks label underside.
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Set of Two Chairs, a Round Table and a Seat Bench, Made in Wood by Don Shoemaker
Located in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Set of two chairs, a round Table and a Seat bench.
made in wood by Don Shoemaeker in Mexico
It has detachable parts that do not need screws to fasten
cueramo wood and granadillo
...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood
20th Century Black Italian Neoclassical Style Ebony Bench - Vintage Ottoman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Neoclassical style ebonized bench made of hand crafted Giltwood, standing on six straight black wooden legs, in good condition. Newly upholstered...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Ebony, Fabric, Giltwood, Upholstery
Vintage Wrought-Iron Diana the Huntress Pattern Garden Bench with Upholstery
By Molla
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Molla painted wrought iron upholstered garden bench from the mid-20th century depicting Diana, goddess of the hunt and her arrows. Created in the midcentury, this exquisite iron bench features a nicely weathered painted finish. Revealing its neoclassical influence, the nicely curved back is adorned with arrow motifs in its upper section that give us a hint about the character depicted below in each pierced splat. We are indeed in the presence of Diana, goddess of the moon and of the hunt, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology. Dressed in her typical garment and showcasing the moon crescent on her head, she is ready to draw an arrow from her quiver. One of her canine companions is placed behind her. Both of them are surrounded by delicate foliage reminding us of Diana's taste for the outdoors. Two scrolling open arms flank the rectangular seat, recovered with a new upholstery. The ensemble is raised on eight slightly splaying legs. With its neoclassical theme and weathered patina, this American painted bench...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Elegant Vintage Neoclassical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Lyre Motife
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant vintage mahogany and upholstered neoclassical style bench having a marvelous lyre motife, brass accents, and beautiful legs that terminate in animal feet.
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
French Modern Neoclassical Mahogany and Suede Tri-Corner Stools, Andre Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of french Directoire period stools / benches with stunning tapered legs that are partially cantilevered over the frame and a rare three leg and three corner structure.
...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Mahogany
Philadelphia Neoclassical Empire Sofa, Attributable to Joseph Barry, circa 1830
By Joseph Barry
Located in Miami, FL
Anything but demure, this handsome and beautifully-crafted neoclassical sofa from Philadelphia is very likely the work of prominent cabinetmaker Joseph B. Barry (1757-1839). With wor...
Category
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
American Tiger Maple Bench, Great for Hall Way Bench or Bench at Foot of Bed
Located in Buchanan, MI
American tiger maple bench, great for hall way bench or bench at foot of bed. Seat height could be adjusted depending on the height of the cushion on...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Birdseye Maple
To Die for Gorgeous Neoclassical Swan Motif Black Iron and Brass Bench
Located in Hopewell, NJ
One of the swankiest benches we've ever seen having ebonized iron frame with solid brass cross stretchers, detailing on the 6 elegant legs including capped feet, and poetic swan deco...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Brass, Iron
Italian 1860s Painted Wood Bench with Gilded Accents and New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian painted wood bench from the mid 19th century, with gilded accents and new upholstery. Born in Italy during the third quarter of the 19th century, this exquisite bench feat...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Custom Made Neoclassical Style Metal Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
This neoclassical style metal bench or stool with two curves and stretcher in between can be used for various seating purposes or at the foot of a bed. The base topped with a piece o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Iron
Italian Neoclassical Cast Aluminum Figural Bench Settee attributed to Molla
By Molla
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Italian neoclassical style cast aluminum figural bench settee attributed to Molla. Listing features heavy cast aluminum construction, pierced filigree de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Aluminum
Monumental 19th Century Northern Italian Hand Painted Bench
By Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful hand painted wood bench was made in Italy in the 19th century.
Since Schumacher was founded in 1889, our family-owned company has been synonymous with style, taste,...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Paint
Neoclassical Golden Wrought Iron Bench with Cushions
Located in Miami, FL
Hollywood Regency Period golden wrought iron bench with original seat cushion.
The bench can be used as is or refinished to taste.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Faux Leopard Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (19th Century) ebonized benches with gilt trim and "X" form design with fluted legs and side arms and faux leopard upholstered seat (PRICED AS Pair).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Faux Fur
French Neoclassical Style Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
A French neoclassical-style bench with upholstered seat and nailhead detailing. Make any room grand with this exquisite neoclassical-style bench from France. The frame needs polishin...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Upholstery
Italian Neo-Classic Style Cushioned Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Century) celadon painted bench with gilt trim and open side arms with a raised inset set cushion and ribbon carved fluted legs.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Gold Leaf
Italian Modern Neoclassical Wood, Brass and Iron Hall or Bedroom Bench
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Italian 19th century neoclassical bench with sober, modern lines, pilaster form legs and gilt bronze lions paw feet. The bench...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Vintage French Empire Style Hand-Carved Curule Upholstered X Frame Black Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very attractive early 20th Century hand carved French Neoclassic / Empire Style X-Form Bench with lightly distressed finish, dramatic whimsical form rolled arms, and beautiful hand c...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Pair of Oval Double Curule Benches, New York, Possibly Duncan Phyfe and Son
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in New York, NY
Pair of oval double Curule benches, circa 1835
New York, possibly Duncan Phyfe and Son
Rosewood (secondary woods: ash and poplar), with gilt-brass castors
Each, 16 3/8 in. high, 2...
Category
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Neoclassical Style Painted and Giltwood Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Italian Neoclassical style painted and gilt bench. This Italian 1920s Directoire style bench was taken down to the frame and professionally upholstered with cream striated c...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Wood
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch
Located in New York, NY
Continental Neoclassic (Possibly Russian, mid 19th Century) karelian birch and fruitwood bench with flaired arms and tapered legs.
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Benches
Materials
Fruitwood, Upholstery, Birch
Neoclassical benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical benches 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 benches, popular names associated with this style include Molla, Niermann Weeks, Theodore Alexander, and Casa Bique. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $420 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $3,800.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
1970s Leather Benches
Antique Style Upholstered Bench
Bench Rattan
Pair Mahogany Benches
Wood Bench Arms Back
Blue And Black Bench
Three Seat Wood Bench
Floating Benches
Large Italian Bench
Floating Bench
American Bench 19th Century
Antique American Bench
Solid Walnut Bench Mid Century
Rushed Bench Seat
Beach Bench
Small Italian Bench
Rush Seat Benches
Bench Rush Seat