Neoclassical Chairs
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.
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wicker
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Rosewood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Rush, Walnut
1780s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Oak
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Maple
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Cherry
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Cherry
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Walnut, Lacquer
20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Iron
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wicker
Late 18th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Rush, Mahogany
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
19th Century Slovak Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Metal
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wicker, Wood
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Metal
1810s German Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Cherry
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Rush, Maple
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Rush, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Chairs
Metal
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Mohair, Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Giltwood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Neoclassical Chairs
Wood, Leather
2010s European Neoclassical Chairs
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Canvas, Maple
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Marble
Early 1800s Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Faux Leather, Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Bronze
1890s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Iron