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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
Pair 1940's Neoclassical style Occasional/ Accent/ Side Chairs
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Neoclassical style Occasional/ Side/ Accent Armchairs. Beautiful chairs with caning intact.
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair 1940's Neoclassical style Occasional/ Accent/ Side Chairs
Pair 1940's Neoclassical style Occasional/ Accent/ Side Chairs

Pair 1940's Neoclassical style Occasional/ Accent/ Side Chairs

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

Pair of French Mid Century Hand Painted Neoclassical Cock Fighting Chairs
Pair of French Mid Century Hand Painted Neoclassical Cock Fighting Chairs

Pair of French Mid Century Hand Painted Neoclassical Cock Fighting Chairs

Brass Chiavari Chair and Stool, Seats Covered in Green Velvet. Italian Work.
By Chiavari
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare set of a brass Chiavari chair and its stool or ottoman with seats covered in red velvet. This is an Italian work. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Brass Chiavari Chair and Stool, Seats Covered in Green Velvet. Italian Work.
Brass Chiavari Chair and Stool, Seats Covered in Green Velvet. Italian Work.

Brass Chiavari Chair and Stool, Seats Covered in Green Velvet. Italian Work.

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

1970s Italian Neo-Classical Style Silver Leaf Bergere Chairs, a Pair
1970s Italian Neo-Classical Style Silver Leaf Bergere Chairs, a Pair

1970s Italian Neo-Classical Style Silver Leaf Bergere Chairs, a Pair

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

Late 19th Century Venetian Neoclassical gondola Armchair in Walnut and Leather
Late 19th Century Venetian Neoclassical gondola Armchair in Walnut and Leather

Late 19th Century Venetian Neoclassical gondola Armchair in Walnut and Leather

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

19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs with Cast Bronze Rams, Pair
19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs with Cast Bronze Rams, Pair

19th-C. Italian Neo-Classical Style Bergere Chairs with Cast Bronze Rams, Pair

Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian brass chair in Neoclassical style from the 1950 s . Pink velvet upholstery . we have one more chair like this slightly different size .
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair
Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair

Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair

Dos Gallos Custom Upholstered Dining or Desk Chair
By Dos Gallos Studio
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

Dos Gallos Custom Upholstered Dining or Desk Chair
Dos Gallos Custom Upholstered Dining or Desk Chair

Dos Gallos Custom Upholstered Dining or Desk Chair

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

Early 19th Century Original Surface Child's Chair
Early 19th Century Original Surface Child's Chair

Early 19th Century Original Surface Child's Chair

George II Library Wing Chair
By Jonathan Sainsbury
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

George II Library Wing Chair
George II Library Wing Chair

George II Library Wing Chair

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, 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 Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850

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

Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four
Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four

Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four

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 1940s Italian Neoclassical Sidechairs
Pair of 1940s Italian Neoclassical Sidechairs

Pair of 1940s Italian Neoclassical Sidechairs

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

Pair of George III Mahogany Armchairs
Pair of George III Mahogany Armchairs

Pair of George III Mahogany Armchairs

Late 19th Century Collection of twelve Chairs
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Late 19th Century Collection of twelve Chairs 1890-1900, Beech wood, Introducing an exceptional collection of twelve chairs from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Two of the...
Category

1890s French Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Beech

Late 19th Century Collection of twelve Chairs
Late 19th Century Collection of twelve Chairs

Late 19th Century Collection of twelve Chairs

Pair of 18th Century Italian Walnut Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian walnut chairs. Outstanding large pair of antique Italian Louis XVI walnut chairs, armchairs or fauteuils ...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Pair of 18th Century Italian Walnut Chairs
Pair of 18th Century Italian Walnut Chairs

Pair of 18th Century Italian Walnut Chairs

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

Set of Four Neoclassical Side Chairs
Set of Four Neoclassical Side Chairs

Set of Four Neoclassical Side Chairs

Fine Pair Of Antique Rosewood Neoclassical Style Chair Frames for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Restoration recommended. Extraordinary Rosewood Chair frame pair with many fine details; With an elegant Classical form, handsome chosen wood with excellent color, well turned and c...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Fine Pair Of Antique Rosewood Neoclassical Style Chair Frames for Restoration
Fine Pair Of Antique Rosewood Neoclassical Style Chair Frames for Restoration

Fine Pair Of Antique Rosewood Neoclassical Style Chair Frames for Restoration

Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s. Chair entirely in walnut wood with worked armrests, as well as the seat and backrest. Dating back to the early 1900s. Go...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s
Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s

Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s

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

19th century desk chair
19th century desk chair

19th century desk chair

Original 2er Set Neobarock Stühle Antik Holz Schnitzerei floral
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 2er Set antike Esszimmerstühle aus dem 19. Jahrhundert zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle stammen aus der Epoche des Neobarocks und bestechen durch ihre aufwendi...
Category

1850s German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Original 2er Set Neobarock Stühle Antik Holz Schnitzerei floral
Original 2er Set Neobarock Stühle Antik Holz Schnitzerei floral

Original 2er Set Neobarock Stühle Antik Holz Schnitzerei floral

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

Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century
Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century

Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century

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

Set of Four German Neoclassical Late 18th Century Side Chairs, David Roentgen
Set of Four German Neoclassical Late 18th Century Side Chairs, David Roentgen

Set of Four German Neoclassical Late 18th Century Side Chairs, David Roentgen

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

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs

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 Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden

Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden

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

Pair of Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Paris, circa 1810
Pair of Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Paris, circa 1810

Pair of Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Paris, circa 1810

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

Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs
Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs

Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs

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

Neoclassical Chair, Germany, Early 19th Century
Neoclassical Chair, Germany, Early 19th Century

Neoclassical Chair, Germany, Early 19th Century

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

6 Neoclassic Chairs in Blackened and Ceruse Oak, circa 1940-1950
6 Neoclassic Chairs in Blackened and Ceruse Oak, circa 1940-1950

6 Neoclassic Chairs in Blackened and Ceruse Oak, circa 1940-1950

Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs feature a tailored neoclassically-inspired architecture evident in the squared seatbacks and slightly trapezoidal ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs
Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs

Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs

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

Pair of Early 19th Century Irish Elmwood Side Chairs
Pair of Early 19th Century Irish Elmwood Side Chairs

Pair of Early 19th Century Irish Elmwood Side Chairs

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

Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs
Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs

Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs

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

Four Italian 'Chiavari' Brass and Velvet Chairs
Four Italian 'Chiavari' Brass and Velvet Chairs

Four Italian 'Chiavari' Brass and Velvet Chairs

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6609
By Carpanese Home Italia
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 Base Neoclassic, 6609
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6609

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6609

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

Elegant Chair in Stained Beech and Brass, France or Italy, circa 1940
Elegant Chair in Stained Beech and Brass, France or Italy, circa 1940

Elegant Chair in Stained Beech and Brass, France or Italy, circa 1940

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

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs in Cherrywood, circa 1940
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs in Cherrywood, circa 1940

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs in Cherrywood, circa 1940

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

Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970
Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970

Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970

Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors
By Modenese Gastone
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

Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors
Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors

Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors

Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese
By Modenese Gastone
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

Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese
Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese

Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese

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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