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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.

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Style: Neoclassical
Period: 19th Century
Swedish Polychrome Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautifully polychromed bench adds a subtle pop of color. Place in any space to create interest.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Wood

French Beautifully-Carved Wood Lyre-Back Splat Bench w/Rush Seat , 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassic carved-wood sofa bench with rushed seat from the 19th century. This antique bench from France has been beautifully carved with Neoclassical details, featuring a gracefully curved top rail which gives way to an open back with three widely-spaced back rests; all carved in a lyre motif. The top rail gently wraps to the sides, creating a tub-style effect. Hand-woven rushed seats give this piece a more casual comfort appeal. The wood skirt is a neat, straight line, and is raised upon four slender and curvy legs...
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19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Style Birch Veneer Bench Seat
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th/early 20th century Swedish bench seat constructed in the neoclassical or Swedish empire taste. The bench features a blonde birch ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Birch

Pair of Italian Neoclassic Walnut & Oilcloth Upholstered Benches, Early 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
The pair having square tops covered in antique oilcloth upholstery with nailhead trim, raised on square tapering legs
Category

1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Walnut

Italian Neoclassical Blue & Gray Decorated Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical blue and gray decorated bench, the rectangular upholstered seat in flame-stitch bargello needlwork, above a molded seat ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Swedish Neoclassical Style 1860s Painted Bench with Carved Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassical style painted wood bench from circa 1860 with carved fluted legs and distressed finish. Embracing the exquisite subtlety of Swedish Neoclassical design, this painted wood bench from circa 1860 is an impeccable expression of elegance and comfort. Drenched in a soft color, quintessential to Scandinavian taste, the bench exhibits a graceful distressed finish that speaks to its rich history. The bench's seat design effortlessly captures the attention with its flat back and rounded corners in the front, providing both visual interest and ergonomic consideration. Adorned in a used fabric that has withstood the test of time and is in rather good shape, the bench's seat conveys a gentle sense of welcome. Perhaps the most striking feature of this piece lies in its carved fluted legs, a masterful blend of form and function. These legs not only provide support but also impart a gentle sophistication, resonating with the artistic currents of the period. Whether as a stand-alone accent in a foyer or a complementary piece in a living room, this Swedish Neoclassical style painted wood bench radiates understated charm. Its artful design and practical functionality make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate fine vintage furniture...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Neoclassical Style Bench
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical style bench. Severely handsome provincial neoclassical style dark stained wood bench with open double ‘X’ form back and circular metopes terminals at back and sides abov...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Settee in Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Settee in Mahogany with Lyre Shaped Backsplats & Paw Feet
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Italian Neoclassical Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning pair of Italian neoclassical lacquered wood benches. The structure is in lacquered wood in yellow ocher, gold, and ivory white and feature carved wing motifs and fluted legs...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Silk, Wood, Lacquer

19th Century French Louis XVI Painted Footstool ~ Vanity Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Louis XVI painted footstool ~ vanity bench represents a tailored expression of the Neoclassical Revival that for all practical purposes never really ended! handcr...
Category

1890s French Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Fruitwood, Paint

Continental Neoclassical Style Walnut 19th Century Settee with Carved Splats
Located in Atlanta, GA
A continental Neoclassical style walnut four seater settee from the 19th century, with carved splats, upholstered seat, tapered legs and H-Form cross stretcher. Created in Continental Europe during the 19th century, this Neoclassical style walnut settee features an open back with exquisitely carved splats, flowing seamlessly into the tall arms of identical style. The long, rectangular seat, is covered with a new linen fabric, whose neutral tones compliments the walnut's warmth beautifully. The ensemble is raised on ten legs, seven of which are tapered and carved on the knees. They are connected to one another through an H-Form cross stretcher running along the entire width. With its exquisite Classical lines and walnut patina, this Continental settee...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

French Restoration Mahogany and Upholstered Serpentine Bench
Located in New York, NY
Of double-serpentine form; covered in butter yellow horsehair with star-motif with silk rope trim; over a deep shaped apron centered by a foliate cusp; on casters.
Category

1840s Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Bench, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish wrought iron Curule bench made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms and feet. These bench are als...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Antique Painted Bench or Settee, ex-Madeleine Castaing, after design by Chapuis
Located in Richmond, London
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monumental 19th Century Northern Italian Hand Painted Bench
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

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

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

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

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

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

Neoclassical Banquettes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of three neoclassical gilded wood upholstered banquettes. Individually priced.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Fabric, Paint, Wood

Pair of American Flame Mahogany Needlepoint Hall Benches. Baltimore, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American flame mahogany floral needlepoint brass tacked hall benches resting on the original turned bulbous decorative carved feet with...
Category

1820s American Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Walnut Long Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic style (19th Century) walnut long benches with turned tapered legs and upholstered seats (PRICED AS Pair).
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Brass

Swedish Painted Settee with Lyre Back
Located in Pembroke, MA
Nicely-carved, painted Swedish settee in the neoclassical style. The carved elements feature a lyre back terminated with eagles' heads, women's faces on the ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Stools
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Italian, three-legged, neoclassical stools.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Neo-Classic Style Painted Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (19th Century) cream painted square bench with swag and festoon decoration supported on tapered fluted and gilt trim legs.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf

North Italian Late Neoclassical Period Larice Wood Hinged Entry Bench, ca. 1830s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Constructed entirely of Larice (upland Pinewood), of rectangular form and having a hinged top opening to reveal a storage well, raised on square tapering legs
Category

1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Italian Curule Walnut Bench
Located in Charleston, SC
Elegant Neoclassical Italian bench, circa 1815, with a curulean frame and coral suede upholstery was made in the early 19th Century. A rel...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Walnut

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.

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