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Neoclassical Chairs

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
Color:  Brown
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 Chairs

Materials

Giltwood

Set of Four Italian 1790s Neoclassical Period Music Chairs with Gilded Trellis
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Set of four Italian Neoclassical period painted wooden music chairs from the late 18th century with new upholstery. Each chair features a curved back, delicately accented by volutes on the sides, painted motifs on the upper rail and a gilded trellis. This open back flows seamlessly into the rear legs. The seat has been reupholstered with a sturdy cotton double welt fabric. Each seat is raised on a simple apron resting on four saber legs, adorned with additional foliage motifs, which create a perfect continuity with the upper rail and side posts. With their elegant Neoclassical lines, subtle painted décor and light color palette, this set of four Italian music...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 8 Mastercraft Silk Velvet Dining Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Set of 8 vintage Mastercraft Neoclassical style dining chairs. These ebonized chairs with bronze sabots have been newly modified and professiona...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Tan Leather Upholstered Side Chair with Saddle Stitch Detail and Wood Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Emile chair from LF upholstery shown in tan leather with handcrafted saddle stitch detail on the inside back and seat give a sophisticated look to a ...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Baker Furniture Vintage Cane and Faux Bamboo Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s pecan wood open armchair having a cane seat above x form cross stretchers by Baker Knapp and Tubbs.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Faux Bamboo

Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Style Walnut Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical style walnut armchair with velvet seat. Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs Italian
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of Six Walnut Neoclassical Dining Chairs with urn carved back splat sitting on four tapering legs. Italian, Circa 1850. The drop in seats recently upholstered.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Classic Leather Dining Chair With Capitoné Backrest
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered armchair of classic style. Body of contained dimensions, and straight lines that seek to contrast with the curves of the interior of the arm and back, which provide a tou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Antique Pair Regency George IV Neo-Classical Architectural Mahogany Hall Chairs
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of antique Regency carved mahogany hall chairs, in the Neo-Classical style, 1830's. The chairs having an architectural twin 'Swan's Neck' pediment to the top & flanking a...
Category

1830s English Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Baker Neoclassical Style Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A Classic and handsome pair of baker neoclassical style occasional chairs newly upholstered in a creamy white ecru velvet with black grosgrain detai...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

CASA BIQUE White Tessellated Marble Neoclassical Side Chairs - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of neoclassical style side chairs by Casa Bique, of Thomasville, North Carolina, USA. Solid wood frame with tessellated white marble veneers, high backs, pink velvet like fabr...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Marble

Neoclassical Empire Style Curule Leg Ebonized Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic Empire style curule leg armchair featuring an ebonized lacquer finish. Decorated with neoclassical gilt embellishments depicting mermaids and mythi...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint, Linen

19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs with Cast Bronze Rams, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are so elegant! This is a pair of late 19th century Italian neo-classical style arm chairs. The frame is a carved mahogany with peg construction. The grey linen blend upholster...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Solid Maple Directors Chairs with Brown Canvas Upholstery, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of vintage solid maple directors chairs. Brown canvas upholstery. Excellent condition. Measurements are 23"W x 18"D x 33"H. Seat height is 1...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Maple

Late 19th Century "Owl Eyes" Ice Cream Parlor Chairs Set of Six
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Great set of 6 ice cream parlor chairs from the late 19th century. Brand New hardwood plywood seats. Disregard seat pics with multiple color fa...
Category

1890s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Iron

George II Giltwood Banquet Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine George II gilt-wood banquet chair with a classical rake to the back on acanthus and shell carved legs terminating in a carved hairy paw claw foot...
Category

18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Giltwood

Early 19th Century Hand Painted & Gilt Italian Regency Armchairs in Silk; a Pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Early 19th Regency upholstered armchairs with finely carved decoration featuring ebony & gilt finish over hand carved details. The back an...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Giltwood, Silk

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
19th century painted Italian armchairs in Neoclassical style having gilt detail, a rounded back, upholstered seat and curvaceous arms.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style armchairs from the early 20th century. This antique pair of accent chairs from Italy are each carved with n...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Unusual Early 20th Century Photographer's Posing Chair with Ornate Carving
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a very unique photographer's posing chair from the early 20th Century. Chair features original upholstery, tooled leather, ornately carved wood fr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Plitman Banquet Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Plitman banquet chair is a mahogany dining chair hand carved in the Chippendale style and upholstered with client’s own fabric. Bespoke sizing, d...
Category

16th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Greenapple Chair, Ellipse Chair, Set 6 Chairs, Blue-Grey, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 6 Ellipse chairs, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Sycamore

Pair of Neoclassical Style Michael Taylor for Baker Spoon Back Slipper Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a pair of neoclassical style spoon back slipper chairs designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture. Black frames with beig...
Category

1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of English 1900s Neoclassical Style Painted and Gilt Chairs with Feathers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Neoclassical style painted wood side chairs from the early 20th century with parcel gilt décor and carved feather motifs. Created in England at the Turn of the Century which saw the transition between the 19th to the 20th, this pair of Neoclassical style side chairs draws our attention with their shield-style backs adorned with mesmerizing giltwood feathers...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Linen, Upholstery

Pair of Ebonized Leather Rope Klismos Chairs After Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of large klismos chairs featuring a dramatic ebonized black lacquer finish and leather woven rope strap seats. The oversized chairs are unsigned, however they are made...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian Neoclassical Lyre Back Chairs, Circa 1800
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique Italian Neoclassical hand carved lyre back side chairs with rosette carving at center of curved top back rails. Both chairs with early period construction and nicely ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique King and Queen Carved Wood Plaid Chairs, a Pair 1900s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful pair of antique carved wood chairs with rolled arms and plaid upholstered seats. This set features carved wood bases with stylize...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Hollywood Regency Faux Bois Cane Dining Armchair Bright Green Upholstery
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful wood faux bois armchair with cane back and bright green upholstered seat. A Hollywood Regency staple, faux bois furniture is a highly ...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Carved Walnut Arm Chair with Swan Form Arms
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an exceptional piece! It is a 19th century Italian neo-classical style carved walnut arm chair with swan form arms. The gilding is worn...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, Wrapped Metal, Rams Heads, European, Gustavian
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Gustavian or Neoclassical side chairs can be used in any room. Each having fully metal wrapped frames with Finely carved rams heads on the back rests. The finely wrapped metal frames with rose, vine and leaf design tacked securely upon the frames. Enormous time and detail went into the construction of this fine pair of chairs...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Metal

18th C. Pair of Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Armchairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Grand Pair of 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Armchairs. These gracefully designed chairs are supported by two tapered square back legs and two carved rosettes abov...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical Marquetry Desk Chair in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
A spectacular Italian Neoclassical style desk chair, in the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini, late 19th c. Exquisite marquetry veneer in rosewood, satinwood and other decorative woods. Front fully decorated with intricate inlaid marquetry foliate designs, back featuring a centered foliate cartouche and corner cartouches rising on four elegant squared tapering legs finished with the original brass castor cups. The shape and the inlaid designs are similar to those on pieces of furniture produced by Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), the foremost cabinet-maker in late 18th-century Milan. Maggiolini and his workshop specialized in marquetry scenes inspired by antiquity, based on drawings by late 18th-century artists and designers such as Andrea Appiani...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Baltic 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Walnut, Fruitwood And Brass Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and extremely unique pair of Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. Walnut, ebonized Fruitwood, and brass chairs. Each chair is raised by unique and most decorative squ...
Category

19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Italian Neoclassic Tall Bar Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian neoclassic bar stool, with a leather upholstered oval padded back and circular swivel seat, on turned legs, joined by an "X" stretcher with brass footrest mounts. Dime...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Neoclassical Low Back Armchairs, c. 1825
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 19th century, this pair of lightweight Russian armchairs stand on elegantly tapered sabre legs and feature low, arched backs and turned arms decorated with acanthu...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Rococo Dining Chair in Black and Gold Finish by Modenese Luxury Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
A glimpse to the past, with this handcrafted luxury piece of timeless rococo beauty. An elegant floral upholstered seating gracefully on top of the contrast black painted carving woo...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs, Germany, 1800-1810
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique set of six Neoclassical chairs, Germany 1800-1810, cherrywood. Beautiful harp motif on the back of the chairs with exquisitely carved details. The c...
Category

Early 1800s German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Custom Bobbin Arm Side Chair with Caned Seat by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom bobbin chair with caned seat. These chairs are made in Alder with a variety of finishes. Can be made with a caned seat or with an upholst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Maison Jansen Style, Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Brass and Red Velvet Chairs
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice set of 4 neoclassical style chairs is made of brass and red velvet. This is a French work, In the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Plathea Dining Chairs Dark Blue Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pleathea Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Plathea creates an elegant, classic comfort in your dining room. Upholstered in dark blue ve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
High-end palaces need high-end furniture, and the mission of Modenese Gastone Interiors is to serve this purpose. This majestic shiny dining ...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Switzerland 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Set of four Neoclassical Chairs, Switzerland 19th century. These unique chairs are made of cherry wood. The slightly bent backrests are decorated with hand-carved decor. At the uppe...
Category

1840s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Fine Pair of 19th C Decorative Italian Painted and Parcel Gilt Armchairs of Neo-
Located in Benington, Herts
Extremely fine pair of decorative 19th Century Italian painted and parcel gilt armchairs of neo-classical design. Italian Late 19th C - Circa 1880. Oozing style these very attr...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Beech

Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Embellish your dining room with a curved-lines neoclassical side chair by Modenese Luxury Interiors. This refined seating element, commonly used in bespoke interior projects, present...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

18th Century Pair Swedish Two Tone Neoclassical 'Restored' Club Side Chairs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and very decorative set of two Swedish neoclassical chairs / side chairs from the 18th century in two tone. Both are completely r...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Jacquard, Beech, Walnut

Shaped Curve Back Dining Side Chair with Self Button Detail and Nailhead Detail
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Menton chair is a beautifully styled side chair shown in off white fabric with and self covered buttons on the inside back - nailhead trim outlining t...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Linen, Mahogany

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6609
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Chair with wooden base and upper part upholstered. Characterized by a soft backrest that hugs you and enhances the comfort. On the back there is a stylish leather brown handle with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather, Wood

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6010
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Chair.     
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved and Painted Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of 18th century Italian painted and carved neoclassical armchairs Carved and paint decorated all over, top rail with center profile bust medallion, serpentine arms, twist arm...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Beech

Dos Gallos Custom Upholstered Dining or Desk Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom classic continental style suitable for dining or as a desk chair. Can work in Spanish, English, classic, farm house or modern interiors, depending on finish and fabric. For pl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Rare Neoclassical Style Side Chair with Caduceus Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very rare caduceus carved back to a traditional neoclassical style side chair. The richly historical and ancient Caduceus symbol features ...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

Wheelchair, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Car with upholstered seat and cushioning of two wheels in the rear and a smaller and addressable by means of a crank, in the front part. The support for the feet has been decorated w...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of French Mid Century Hand Painted Neoclassical Cock Fighting Chairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of neoclassical cock fighting chairs with lyre backs and swivel seats. Hand painted with bronze rods in the lyre. Seat height is 19inches.
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

1940s Neo-Classical Style Carved Mahogany Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved mahogany neo-classical style side chairs. The backs are carved urns with ram form accents. The striped upholstery is vintage but in good condition. They are ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of neoclassical side chairs. Mahogany with carved details.
Category

1820s Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Early 20th Century Walnut Chair, 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian early 20th century walnut chair, 1900s Walnut chair with studded seat, worked legs and tips. Dating back to the early 1900s. Go...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Neoclassical chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical chairs 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 chairs 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 chairs 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 chairs, popular names associated with this style include Greenapple, GF Modern, Modenese Gastone, and Chiavari. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $3,245.

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