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.
21
15
2
to
6
21
17
38
17
23
4,382
2,256
378
193
54
38
28
27
25
25
21
21
17
15
14
10
8
2
4
5
6
23
4
1
3
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
81
79
25
36
24
38
25
27
24
26
23
26
33
19
13
10
9
25
10
10
10
6
5
4
4
3
3
Style: Neoclassical
Number in Set: Set of 6
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
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
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
Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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
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
Set of Six Neoclassical Style Gilt Dining Chairs After Versace
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning set of six shiny gold dining chairs after Versace. The chairs feature thick gilt metal or gilded metal frames made in the neoclassical taste. The chair backs have greek colu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Metal
New England Hitchcock Chairs Rosewood Painted & Stenciled Flowering Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
New England Hitchcock chairs,
Set of Six,
Most likely Connecticut,
Circa 1840
The set of six side chairs have stenciled gilt decorations of flow...
Category
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Wood
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
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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
Classic Skirted Slipper Chair in Hot Pink Velvet with Contrast Velvet Back
Located in Greenwich, CT
About this piece
Made to order skirted slipper chair. As shown with cotton velvet and cut velvet contrast outside back.
How we work
Made t...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
Modern Classic Elizabeth I Armchair in Carved Wood and Patinated Fine Gold Leaf
By Bessa
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
Modern Plathea Dining Chairs Dark Blue Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By 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
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
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
Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our custom bobbin chair, as shown as armchair. Can also be made as a side chair. Can be made with a caned seat or an upholstered seat. Custom finishes. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Cane
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
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
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of eight Queen Anne style ebonized and gilt decorated dining chairs. These sleek and stylish dining chairs come straight from a NYC brownstone. The ebonized frames would fit easi...
Category
1940s Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Wegner Woven
Mid Century Italian Plywood Chair
Baroque Style Chair
Arts And Crafts Oak Chair Antique
Ribbon Back Chairs
Used Steel Folding Chairs
Geometric Office Chair
Gold Italian Dining Chairs
Hollywood Regency Velvet Chair
Heart Chair Retro
Mahogany French Art Deco Chair
Ponti Style Dining Chairs
Low Back Side Chair
Modern Circle Chair
Ear Chair
Mid Century Wood Square Chairs
Ornately Carved Chairs
Red Patterned Chair