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 Style Carved Swan Arm Painted Bergere Chair, Circa 1940
Located in Rochester, NY
1940's Neoclassical style large bergere chair in the original pale mustard ochre painted surface. The arms ending in finely carved and beautifully detailed swans. Re-upholstered abou...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Neo-Classical Style Italian Carved Fruitwood And Painted Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of Italian neo-classical style carved fruitwood bergere chairs. The have carved and painted frames. The upholstery is an seafoam blend of some sort and in very good con...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$2,755 / item
Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather armchair with top-grain Havane brown color leather, with padded cushion and backrest, large nailhead details and square tapered legs....
Leather
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Oval Back Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A handsome pair of antique Louis XVI style fauteuil armchairs featuring elegant oval backs, scrolling arms, carved rosette details, and fluted tapered legs. These chairs possess the...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Meyer Gunther Martini Neo-Classical Style Leather & Carved Dolphin Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century Neo-classical style carved dolphin bergere chair by Meyer Gunther Martini. It is marked, and minor wear exists to the leather.
Leather, Wood
Pair Italian Neoclassical Tub or Gondola Bergeres, c. 1800
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful pair of early 19th century Italian Neoclassical Barrel Back or Gondola Bergres. The form of the chairs is highly influeced by the French Directoire style, althoug...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Tufted Club Chair in Blue Linen Fabric with Turned Wood Legs and Nailhead Trim
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lewis club chair shown in blue linen fabric with tufted back and self covered buttons. All hair filled and stitched upholstery with hand carved dark m...
Linen, Mahogany
Pair of Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Bergéres Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Russian Neoclassic (1st Quarter 19th Century) brass mounted mahogany bergeres Armchairs upholstered in red damask silk and on brass casters (PRICED AS Pair)
Brass
Mid-Century French Neo- Classical Style Beech & Navy Velvet Bergere Chairs -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century French neo-classical style carved beech bergere chairs in a navy velvet. The frames have carved laurels and finials and scrolling open arms. They are un...
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Italian Walnut Bergere Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Walnut Bergere armchairs with carved molded reeded edges, floral corner decorative finials, flanking scrolled arms, floral corner rosettes, and terminating on the ori...
Silk, Upholstery, Walnut
$2,273Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Neoclassical Chair by Jean-Maurice Rothschild, France, 1948
Located in Brussels, BE
Fine low chair from the end of the forties with new yellow fabric covering. Two-tones wood frame. By J.M. Rothschild, France, 1948.
Fabric, Mahogany, Sycamore
Neoclassic French Pair of 19th C. Bergères Armchairs 'Nicely Sized Seats!'
Located in East Point, GA
A French Neoclassical pair of carved-wood and upholstered tub-style armchairs from the 19th century. This antique pair of bergères occasional c...
Wood
Maison Roméo (attribué à) grande bergère néo-classique circa 1970
By Maison Romeo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Maison Romeo, grande chaise Bergre néoclassique, vers 1970
Beech
Upholstered Club Chair Shown in Tweed Fabric with Nailhead Trim and Carved
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Colin club chair is an elegant addition to your Den or Library. All handcrafted in our shop in Brooklyn, it is upholstered with hand tied springs and ...
Linen, Mahogany
$3,116Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Generous Italian Neoclassical Style Bleached Fruitwood Bergere /Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Generous Italian Neoclassical Style Bleached Fruitwood Bergere/Armchairs Italy, 20th century A pair of beautiful Italian Neoclassical-style Bergere Armchairs, crafted in the ...
Fruitwood
Pair of Midcentury French Bergeres in Brown Leather & Walnut 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Leather Bergeres with carved walnut frames. Upholstery tacks frame the edges. Creases in the seat cushions but not worn thru. Will try to have them recolored. Otherw...
Leather, Walnut
1940s French Neo-Classical Style Carved Bergere Chair W/ Red Leather
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This handsome chair dates approximately to the 1940s. It has French styling but I believe it to be American. The ebonized details with the wonderfully patinated ochre backdrop just e...
Wood
19th Century Italian Venetian-Style Bergère Armchair in White and Gold
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Venetian-style (19th Century) white and gold painted and carved high back bergère with white upholstery. Some loss to finish, minor stains on upholstery."
Upholstery, Giltwood
Russian Neoclassic Silk Winged Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Russian Neoclassic Karelian birch winged armchair upholstered in green striped silk with scrolled sides on splayed legs with casters (19th Century)
Silk
Pair Of Italian Neoclassical Maple Armchairs Attributed Pelagio Palagi
Located in Essex, MA
Each with tablet crestrail with inlaid anthemion , the arms with carved griffon supports all raised on carved cabriole legs with hoof feet. These chairs are diminutive. Newly covered...
Other
Pair of bergere armchairs
Located in Torino, IT
Pair of classic bergere armchairs. Elegant armchairs with a classic and refined style. French production from the 1940s. Classically structured armchair with large ears typical of...
Velvet, Wood
$3,001Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.62 in W 25.99 in D 25.6 in
19th Century French Louis XV Bergère Armchair
Located in Munich, DE
19th century French Louis XV Bergère armchairs in their original patina still very comfortable, perfect for deco or your next project...
Wood
Pair of French Louis XV Style Carved Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 34 1/2 in W: 27 1/2 in D: 28 1/2 in SH: 19 1/4 in Introduce timeless French elegance to your interior with this exceptional Pair of Mid-20th Century French Louis XV ...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,995 / set
H 32.5 in W 27.75 in D 30 in
Pair of Louis XV Style Carved Bergere Chairs With Blue Upholstery
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 32 1/2 IN W: 27 3/4 IN D: 30 IN SH: 19 3/4 IN Graceful French elegance meets exceptional comfort in this distinguished pair of Louis XV Style Bergère chairs, attribu...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,650 / set
H 33 in W 26.88 in D 25 in
Pair Of Vintage Louis XVI Style Carved And Upholstered Fauteuils
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of elegant fauteuils have low oval shaped backs and carved reeded and scrolled arm ends on tapering supports with fluted bases. The wide oval seats are raised on fluted tape...
Fabric, Wood
$850
H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 23 in
Vintage French Louis XV Style Green Painted Gold Gilt Cane Bergere Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Reproduction French Louis XV Style Green Distressed Painted Gold Gilt Cane Be...
Cane, Wood
$1,940 / set
H 34 in W 28 in D 28 in
Pair of Glamorous Louis XV Style Bergeres - Meyer Gunther Martini NYC, 1940's
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of glamorous benchmade Louis XV style carved wood bergere armchairs in nicely aged original soft dry cream white painted surface and original shimmering metallic rich gold and o...
Other
Pair of French Louis XV style Bergere Chairs, C. 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The wood frames are carved with the top rails decorated with floral crests with painted gilt details, all over fluffy cushions and seat rails supported by the cabriole legs. Ready to...
Fabric, Wood
$3,495 / set
H 38 in W 32.75 in D 33.75 in
Oversized Pair of Louis XVI Style Distressed Paint Decorated Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 38 in W: 32 3/4 in D: 33 3/4 in SH: 20 1/2 in Elegant in form, generous in scale, and exceptionally inviting, this Oversized Pair of Louis XVI Style Distressed Pain...
Wood
$3,800 / set
H 33.5 in W 26.5 in D 28.5 in
A Pair of French Louis XV style painted bergere chairs, C 1920.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of French Louis XV style painted bergere chairs C 1920, having exaggerated lines and very nice carvings throughout the frames.
Fabric, Wood
$4,200 / set
H 38.75 in W 26.5 in D 23 in
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Carved and Painted Bergère Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of antique French Louis XVI bergère armchairs featuring beautifully carved and painted wood frames with graceful rounded backs, upholstered sides and generously proporti...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Louis XV Style Fauteuil New Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this very elegant large and comfortable pair of French Louis XV style fauteuil armchairs combining classic Louis XV proportions with a refreshed, transitional aesthetic. Ea...
Wood, Fabric
Carved Walnut Bergere Chairs, Louis XV Style, Upholstered, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
A lovely, solid pair of carved Walnut Bergere chairs in whimsical raised trunk elephants upholstery. Nicely maintained all original conditi...
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Regency Mahogany Bergere/library Arm Chair.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
Gillows mahogany bergere arm chair circa 1815. The chair has an arched top cresting rail, down swept arms resting on sabre legs ending on angled brass square castors. The back rail i...
Cane, Mahogany
$4,995 / set
H 36.75 in W 28 in D 30 in
Pair of Pearson Louis XVI Style Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Fauteuils
By Pearson Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Pearson Louis XVI Style Upholstered Fauteuils with matching pillows. Golden Cream color. Very comfy feather and down filled cushions Measures 28" in width and 30" in depth an...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 35 in W 22 in D 25 in
Italian Neoclassical Period Light Walnut and Upholstered Bergere, ca. 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a domed backrest continuing to enclosed sides with shaped openings, the front legs forward curved with shaped feet, the rear legs splayed
Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 25 in D 23 in
Italian, Tuscany, Neoclassic Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchair, ca 1820-1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
of generous proportions with a concave bergere design and having a slightly raised backrest, the sides continuing to scrolled arms, covered entirely in what appears to be original (a...
Walnut
Sold
H 32.5 in W 22.75 in D 22 in
Pair Italian, Lucca, Neoclassic Walnut & Upholstered Bergeres, ca. 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
these bergeres, also known as barrel chairs, have tight seats and shaped walnut frames, the rear of the chairs with vertical framework, the chairs raised on tapering cabriole legs
Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
English Hunt Style Leather & Fruitwood Hickory Chair Bergere Chairs - Pair
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a classical pair of mahogany arm chairs with mottled garnet / red leather upholstery. They were manufactured by Hickory Chair Furniture Company. They are marked and date to t...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.5 in W 20 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Italian Carved Wood White Lacquer Shell & Dolphin Grotto Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun chair! It is a mid-century white lacquered shell form grotto chair with carved dolphin / serpent arms and leg supports. The white lacquered finish is a vintage finish. ...
Wood
Sold
H 36.5 in W 31.25 in D 35.75 in
French Bergère Chair European Antique Chair Accent Armchair French Countryside
Located in Rochester, NY
A painted and upholstered French Bergère chair having flared arms circa 1930. Newly Reupholstered. Gorgeous navy patterned fabric and a gorgeous classic accent chair.
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 35 in W 26 in D 28 in
Italian Neo-Classical Style Walnut & Gilt Bergere Chairs In Green Velvet - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1940s Italian carved walnut and gilt Bergere chairs newly upholstered in a green velvet. They are unmarked and in very good condition. The legs are fluted and taper...
Velvet, Walnut, Down
Sold
H 32.5 in W 26 in D 28.5 in
Pair 20th Century Empire Style Gold Gilt Ram Heads Bergère or Tub Chair
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of 20th Century classically styled gilt wood bergére chairs newly upholstered in a white cotton ticking fabric with feather down wrapped s...
Wood, Giltwood
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...
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...
Leather
Swedish Neoclassic Style Painted Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Swedish Neoclassic style painted Armchair, with a caned barrel back accented with carved Vitruvian scrolls, a tight seat upholstered in performance Belgian linen sits on exquisite fl...
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 30.71 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Neoclassical Style Italian Brass and Fabric Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of neoclassical style armchairs, with feet and columns to support the armrests, in brass. The upholstery was redone twenty years ago but is worn and stained, a new upholstery is...
Brass
Sold
H 36 in W 30.5 in D 28 in
Italian Neoclassical Period Walnut & Upholstered Bergere, 2nd Quarter 19th Cen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Of barrel shape with a fluted channel shaped carving throughout, with an upholstered seat and back, raised on fluted tapering legs.
Walnut
Sold
H 33.86 in W 30.71 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Neoclassical Style Italian Brass and Fabric Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of neoclassical style armchairs, with feet and columns to support the armrests, in brass. The upholstery was redone twenty years ago but is worn and stained, a new upholstery is...
Brass
Regency Mahogany Spoon Back Bergere Armchair, Circa 1825
Located in Sherborne, GB
This Regency mahogany Roman spoon back Bergere armchair has a wonderful flowing shape to it’s cresting rail, classical sweeping arms and sabre front and ba...
Mahogany