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.
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Giltwood
18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Brass, Stainless Steel
16th Century British Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs
Cane
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Gold, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Leather, Wood
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Sheepskin, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Teak
20th Century Polish Neoclassical Chairs
Textile, Beech
2010s Brazilian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Chrome
2010s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Leather
20th Century German Neoclassical Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s North American Neoclassical Chairs
Bronze
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood