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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
Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite pair of Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils. These armchairs embody the sophisticated charm of French design, showcasing beautifully c...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Cane

Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils - A Pair
Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils - A Pair

Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils - A Pair

$2,950 / set
19th Century Chiavarine Chairs Turned Walnut with Hand-Carved Seat
By Fratelli Levaggi/Guiseppe Gaetano Descalzi
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

19th Century Chiavarine Chairs Turned Walnut with Hand-Carved Seat
19th Century Chiavarine Chairs Turned Walnut with Hand-Carved Seat

19th Century Chiavarine Chairs Turned Walnut with Hand-Carved Seat

$4,297 / set
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

Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal

Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal

$12,894 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century chairs, with richly carved backs, Berlin
Located in Dresden, DE
Pair of chairs with richly carved decoration openwork backrest with richly carved decoration on the back and legs Mahogany veneer and solid wood Berlin, circa 1820 Height 87 cm...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Early 19th Century chairs, with richly carved backs, Berlin
Pair of Early 19th Century chairs, with richly carved backs, Berlin

Pair of Early 19th Century chairs, with richly carved backs, Berlin

$4,815 / set
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs
By Maison Jansen
Located in Manhasset, NY
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

Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs

Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs

$2,880 Sale Price / set
55% Off
Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.
By Kaare Klint
Located in Milano, IT
COD-750 Six chairs in turned wood with straw seat. Attr. Kaare Klint, Denmark 1940's.
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Straw

Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.
Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.

Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.

$3,820
Mid-19th Century Pair French Provincial Wooden Chairs Yellow Linen
Located in Brescia, IT
These fine French Mid-19th Century wooden chairs have an eclectic style and with theirs yellow linen upholstery they can give a touch of brig...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-19th Century Pair French Provincial Wooden Chairs Yellow Linen
Mid-19th Century Pair French Provincial Wooden Chairs Yellow Linen

Mid-19th Century Pair French Provincial Wooden Chairs Yellow Linen

$2,686 Sale Price / set
25% Off
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

$3,820 / set
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

$650 / set
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

Seven Early 19th Century Neoclassical Italian Chairs, Milan circa 1820
Seven Early 19th Century Neoclassical Italian Chairs, Milan circa 1820

Seven Early 19th Century Neoclassical Italian Chairs, Milan circa 1820

$11,937 / set
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

$4,178
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

$8,356 / set
Shearling Covered Shaped Back Chair with Wood Base and Legs with Metal Cap Feet
By LF Upholstery
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

Shearling Covered Shaped Back Chair with Wood Base and Legs with Metal Cap Feet
Shearling Covered Shaped Back Chair with Wood Base and Legs with Metal Cap Feet

Shearling Covered Shaped Back Chair with Wood Base and Legs with Metal Cap Feet

$5,100 / item
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

$10,744 / set
Antique Ladder Back Writing Chair with Rush Seat
Located in Freehold, NJ
This antique writing chair features hardwood construction, original dark oak finish, ladder back seat with vintage rush caned seat, and a solid o...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Rush, Oak

Antique Ladder Back Writing Chair with Rush Seat
Antique Ladder Back Writing Chair with Rush Seat

Antique Ladder Back Writing Chair with Rush Seat

$715
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

$12,000 / set
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

$1,850 / set
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

Black Leather Armchair
Black Leather Armchair

Black Leather Armchair

$1,146 Sale Price
20% Off
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

$5,013 / set
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

$716
Vintage Neoclassical Sillver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this pair of Vintage Neoclassical Silver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs. Perfect for American-style interiors, these chairs feature elegant neoclassical des...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Neoclassical Sillver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Vintage Neoclassical Sillver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs - a Pair

Vintage Neoclassical Sillver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs - a Pair

$2,850 / set
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

Neoclassical Period Pair of Ashwood Armchairs with Carved Lyre Splat, circa 1790
Neoclassical Period Pair of Ashwood Armchairs with Carved Lyre Splat, circa 1790

Neoclassical Period Pair of Ashwood Armchairs with Carved Lyre Splat, circa 1790

$6,000 / set
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6010
By Carpanese Home Italia
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Chair.     
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather, Wood

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6010
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6010

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6010

$2,745 / item
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

Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Style of Jacob Henri, France 19th Century
Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Style of Jacob Henri, France 19th Century

Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Style of Jacob Henri, France 19th Century

$5,800
Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair
Located in Lisboa, PT
18th Century Portuguese D. Maria I “Coiffeuse” Side Chair in Rosewood Origin: Portugal, late 18th century Style: D. Maria I (Portuguese Neoclassicism...
Category

Late 18th Century Portuguese Antique Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair
Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair

Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair

$5,395
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

$746 / set
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

$1,790
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

Velvet, Oak

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

$5,730 / set
Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style armchairs from the early 20th century. This antique pair of accent chairs from Italy are each carved with n...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy
Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy

Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy

$4,200 / set
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

Armchair Swedish Black Neoclassical, 19th Century Sweden
Armchair Swedish Black Neoclassical, 19th Century Sweden

Armchair Swedish Black Neoclassical, 19th Century Sweden

$1,700 Sale Price
32% Off
Pair of Steel and Gilt Metal Hall Chairs
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
An attractive pair of steel and gilt metal side chairs with black leather seats. Sold in pairs. Four available.
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Steel and Gilt Metal Hall Chairs
Pair of Steel and Gilt Metal Hall Chairs

Pair of Steel and Gilt Metal Hall Chairs

$2,500 / set
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

Leather, Wood, Fabric

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

$2,208 / item
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

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, South German 1810-20
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, South German 1810-20

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, South German 1810-20

$3,939 / set
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

$3,200 / set
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

$1,074

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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