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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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Neoclassical
Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six dining chairs and one armchair on high, elegant square tapered legs with thread inlays. The rear legs are slightly flared and, together with the rounded backrests, give th...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Pair of Cherry Wood Chairs by Pennsylvania House edited by Fantoni, 1970s
Located in Koper, SI
This chairs are made from solid cherry wood with a transparent glossy finish, and belong to the American Homestead Collection by Pennsylvania House ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Vintage Campanino Chiavari chair by Gaetano Descalzi for Fratelli Levaggi 1950s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Campanino Chiavari chair in black lacquered walnut, designed by Gaetano Descalzi and produced by Fratelli Levaggi, this edition dates back to...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Lacquer

19th century desk chair
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
19th century desk chair in original vintage condition.
Category

19th Century Slovak Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

" Klismos"chair, 19th century
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
"Klismos" chair Mahogany, Of unusual design, the chair has a curved back attached to the seat by a triple support, Square seat, saber feet. England or Northern Europe, mid or late 19th century A design developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, the Klismos chair...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

21st Century Green and White Deluxe Chair by Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Created by the skilled craftsmen of Modenese Gastone Interiors, this dining chair, part of the Deluxe collection, presents a curved wooden structure with white finish, silver leaf ap...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf

A SCULPTURAL NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC WROUGHT IRON ARTIST CHAIR, France 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing, sculptural and very decorative chair, Post-Modernist, Neo-Classical, wrought iron structure with a square section with classically inspired decorations, seat and back...
Category

1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Sedia con braccioli in legno di noce risalente all'inizio del 1900
Located in MIlano, IT
Sedia interamente in legno di noce con braccioli lavorati, così come la seduta e lo schienale. Risalente all'inizio del 1900. Buone condizioni, qualche segno del tempo. Misure in cm ...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, South German 1810-20
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Neoclassical Chairs, Germany 1810-20: Exquisite Design with Palmette Motif Discover the elegance of the past with this stunning pair of Neoclassical chairs, hailing from Ger...
Category

1810s German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

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

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

George II Library Wing Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine and well-drawn George II design country house library/drawing room wing chair. This chair is unusual in that it has extremely generous proporti...
Category

18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Feathers

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

Dining Chairs Ellipse Upholstered Red Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
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, Stainless Steel

Dining Chairs Ellipse Upholstered Beige Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
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, Stainless Steel

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

Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four
Located in Parma, IT
Set of 4 classic "Chiavarina" chairs early 20th century. Cherry wood frame with "crosse" backrest, turned front legs and "saber" back legs "seat with "willow laths" fine stuffing. E...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Straw, Cherry

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

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

French Wrought Iron Brown Painting Set of Garden Bistro Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
New French wrought iron painting set of garden bistro outdoor Indoor & Outdoor The price includes two chairs and one white marble top table. Available ...
Category

2010s European Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Modern Classic Elizabeth I Armchair in Carved Wood and Patinated Fine Gold Leaf
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: This is one of the most premium armchairs of Bessa´s collection. Worthy of the grandeur of an empire, it is made with the most premium fabrics on the market, admirably h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Gold, Gold Leaf

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 Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Paris, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of mahogany chairs circa 1810 on balustered front legs and slightly flared back legs. The backs each display a laurel wreath. Stamped Jaco...
Category

1810s French Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Six Super Light Chiavarina Dining Chairs, Painted Wood, Wicker Seat, Italy, 1940
Located in Berlin, DE
Six super light 'Chiavarina' dining chairs in black lacquered beech, cherry or maple wood with original braided wicker seat. This chair, model 'Campanino' was created by Giuseppe Gae...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

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

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 Chair, Germany, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Neoclassical chair on square pointed legs with straight frame and trapezoidal upholstered seat and openwork backrest with stylised pointed arches and brass inlays in the form of arca...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

6 Neoclassic Chairs in Blackened and Ceruse Oak, circa 1940-1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
6 neoclassic chairs in blackened and ceruse oak, circa 1940-1950.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Oak, Velvet

Elegant Chair in Stained Beech and Brass, France or Italy, circa 1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant chair in stained beech and brass, France or Italy, circa 1940.
Category

1940s European Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Four Italian 'Chiavari' Brass and Velvet Chairs
Located in London, GB
Four Italian 'Chiavari' brass and velvet chairs Italian, early 20th century Measures: Height 91cm, width 42cm, depth 40cm The chairs in this set of four are crafted from brass, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Seven Early 19th Century Neoclassical Italian Chairs, Milan circa 1820
Located in Milano, IT
Group of seven chairs Milan, first quarter of the 19th century Carved walnut wood, lacquered in gray green and cream and partially gilded They measure: height 36.61 in (18.11 in ...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Chair, Elisabeth II of Spain Style, Wood, Textile, Spain, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Carved and polychrome wooden chair with cabriolet legs and openwork backrest which has been decorated with a symmetrical composition of Rococo influence in some details and Neoclassical in others. The Elizabethan style was developed in Spain during the reign of Isabel II (Elisabeth II...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Other

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

Black Leather Armchair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautiful armchair is made with a rounded wooden frame. The legs are in stepped black wood and the armchair is upholstered in high quality black leather...
Category

1990s Spanish Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pair of English Mahogany and Leather Armchairs in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of armchairs in the neoclassical in the manner of Robert Adam Constructed in mahogany with hand-painted gilt accents and red leather, each with oval backs enclosed wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Giltwood

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs in Cherrywood, circa 1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of six neoclassical chairs in cherrywood, circa 1940. Three different design on the wood. Very good condition.
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Late 19th Century Venetian Neoclassical gondola Armchair in Walnut and Leather
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original elegant and robust Venetian neoclassical gondola chair. Beautiful to embellish a corner of the house or for a desk table Measure in cm: H 90\45 x W 48 x D 50.  
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970 2 armchairs same model also available.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chiavarine Chairs Turned Walnut with Hand-Carved Seat
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant Mid-19th century Chiavarine side chairs in turned walnut and with hand-carved seat, restored and finished to wax Measure cm: H 101\47 x W 45 x D 45.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

20th Century Neoclassical Style Light-Palisander Chair
Located in Berlin, DE
Very elegant chair in Classicist Style. solid beechwood. Classical upholstery. Backrest black decorated. (C-Sam-6).
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Beech, Palisander

Set of Four German Neoclassical Late 18th Century Side Chairs, David Roentgen
By David Roentgen
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This attractive set of chairs is made in the style of late German classicism and they were probably made in the workshop or the immediate circle of the famous cabinetmaker David Roen...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cherry

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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