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: USA
Style: Neoclassical
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rounded Tub Club Chair on Swivel Shown in Linen Fabric with Wood Arm Post Detail
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Vila Club Chair from LF Collection is a great addition to any room - shown with off white linen fabric but also available made to order in COM - with mahogany wood post...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Fabric, 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
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
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
Set of 8 Mastercraft Silk Velvet Dining Chairs
By Mastercraft
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
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
Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Style of Jacob Henri, France 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Set of four Neoclassical Chairs, France 19th century
The slightly bent backrests are decorated with a rosette and lambrequin decor. The design and motif was developed by the French...
Category
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Cherry
1970s Italian Neo-Classical Style Silver Leaf Bergere Chairs, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a chic pair of Italian neo-classical style silver leaf arm chairs. The cushions are in a neutral flax colored linen and are in very good condition, There are two pairs availa...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Linen, Poplar
Shearling Covered Shaped Back Chair with Wood Base and Legs with Metal Cap Feet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Willow club chair is a whimsical chair that can be used in any room - shown covered in shearling with button detail on inside back with a contrast...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Mahogany
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
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
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
Armchair Swedish Black Neoclassical, 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish black neoclassical, 19th century, Sweden. An armchair made in Sweden during the 19th century in the neoclassical style. Black paint...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Chairs
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
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
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
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
Neoclassical Single Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A fine neoclassical armchair.
Mahogany with patinated brass inlay, details and sabots.
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Brass
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
Set of Four Neoclassical Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A set of four neoclassical side chairs.
Mahogany with patinated brass inlay, details and sabots.
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Brass
Wrought Iron and Brass Curule Chairs, 1960's
Located in Rochester, NY
Four wrought iron metal mesh classical style curule form chairs ( three side chairs and one armchair ) with brass urn finials at top posts in overall nicely aged original surface. Lo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Painted Side Chairs Great Form and Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of Italian neoclassical painted side chairs
19th century. Amazing form and carving, lovely old patina. Priced per chair.
Measures: Height 34 1/2 inches.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Giltwood
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of Italian Neoclassical mahogany chairs adorned with patinated brass mounts from Italy. These chairs feature bold saber shaped legs and vertical lyre shaped back supp...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Brass
Stylish Antique Neoclassical Recamier Bench or Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
The show stealer chair in the room, a glamorous asymmetrical Recamier chair with elegant sloping back, 41.5 at the highest point and 27 at the arm. Ebon...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 1940s Italian Neoclassical Sidechairs
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of carved and inlaid fruitwood Italian neoclassical side chairs with carved wood details throughout and tapered legs. Newly upholstered in caramel silk velvet.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th century white and green armchairs. Pair of beautiful armchairs made in Sweden during the transition of 18th and 19th century. White painted with green ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Pair of Mahogany Neoclassical Style Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mahogany, Neoclassical style armchairs with painted inlay back. Hand painted inlay features cherub and leaf details. Tapered legs and black back spindles. Great age and patin...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Neoclassical Walnut Armchairs, Italy, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of neoclassical carved walnut fauteuils with carved lyre shape backsplat, sitting on carved and fluted legs. Recently re-upholstered, Northern Italy, 18th century.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of 6 Neoclassical Gilded Green, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Dining chairs Swedish set of 6 neoclassical gilded green, Sweden. A set of six dining chairs made during the neoclassical period in Sweden, circa 1800-1810. Original gilding with gre...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Monumental 19th Century Northern Italian Hand Painted Bench
By Schumacher
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
Set of Eight American Black Lacquered and Gilt Fancy Chairs Baltimore, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
Set of Eight American black lacquered and gilt fancy chairs with painted bird, floral, and shell motif. Two arms and six sides. Chairs have cane seats with...
Category
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Pine, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Early 19th Century Original Surface Child's Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing untouched surface is to beat the band. It was found in New England & the chair is in great condition and has wonderful form. It has been well love and used.The wear is...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Pine
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian neoclassical walnut arm chairs with upholstered squared backs, flanking scrolled acanthus arms, upholstered seats with brass tacks, and terminating on turned bulbous ...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of George III Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Oval upholstered back with oval carved paterae and bellflower crestrail , carved downswept arms and serpentine upholstered seat raised on stop fluted tapered square legs , spade feet.
Category
1770s English Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Other
Neoclassical Period Pair of Ashwood Armchairs with Carved Lyre Splat, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian neoclassical pair of ashwood armchairs with carved lyre splat, circa 1790.
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Ash
Vintage French Empire Style Hand-Carved Curule Upholstered X Frame Black Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very attractive early 20th Century hand carved French Neoclassic / Empire Style X-Form Bench with lightly distressed finish, dramatic whimsical form rolled arms, and beautiful hand c...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Pair of Italian Walnut Needlepoint Arm Chairs, 18th century
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian walnut armchairs with arched top, floral carved scrolled arms, original needlepoint, and terminating on bulbous turne...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
Classical in form, with gorgeous detail, these upholstered seats are well-made and in great condition!!
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Fruitwood
Set of Four Directoire Style Antique Side Chairs, New Scalamandre Fabric, 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
Four Directoire style Italian chairs in Louis XVI fashion having new Scalamandre fabric. Each in a fine parcel gilt and paint decorated finish. The neoclassical design having carved ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Early 19th Century Irish Elmwood Side Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Matched pair of late 18th/early 19th century Irish Hepplewhite elmwood side chairs with removable seats.
Category
19th Century Irish Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of six Italian neoclassic period side chairs. Walnut. All matching with elegant carved backs and ovoid floating elements. Good aged walnut patina...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
19th C. Continental Side Chair
Located in Doylestown, PA
A 19th Century Continental diminutive Side Chair in Fruitwood, upholstered in Vintage African Kuba Cloth.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Fruitwood
Set of Six Neoclassical Klismos Style Dining Chairs by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional set of neoclassical klismos style mahogany dining chairs by Henredon. The set features a dramatic dark polished finish near ebony in c...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
4 Stenciled New England Hitchcock Style Chairs with Cane Seats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four stenciled new England hitchcock style or fancy chairs. The condition for the age is very good - a rich deep patination from years of careful wear. The painting / stencil is of l...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
Egyptian Style Winged Neoclassical Giltwood Arm Chair with Cheetah Velvet, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Priced each.
Egyptian Style Winged neoclassical cream and gold giltwood armchair w cheetah velvet. Featuring dramatic giltwood arms and was freshly upholstered in Clarence House ch...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Giltwood
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
Linen, Wood, Paint
Tessellated Bone Chairs with Brass Rams Heads by Enrique Garces
Located in North Miami, FL
Tessellated bone gives these circa 1980's Enrique Garces Neoclassical side chairs with brass rams heads a fresh modern spin. Upholstered in cream linen, we imagine these as a pair pl...
Category
1980s Colombian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Bone
Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Bergère Chair in Leopard Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Italian neoclassical style carved bergère chair. The frame is painted ivory with turquoise contrasting color. The leopard velvet is recent.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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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