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.
Italian Neoclassical X-Form Stool
Located in Sheffield, MA
An elegant Italian neoclassical X-form stool painted Ivory and decorated with giltwood floral and vegetal ornaments. The stool has upholstered seat covered in paisley design fabric. ...
Wood
Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Denton bench made by LF Upholstery is shown with brown and taupe patterned horsehair with soft foam padding. It has a hand carved mahogany wood and finished frame with tapered legs - it is shown without trim but can be made custom with choice of pewter or French Natural nailheads or gimp trim...
Mahogany
$2,374 / item
Carlotta Ottoman, Ginger
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our Carlotta ottoman is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Carlotta is a great alternative to the classic coffee table but will be equally at home at t...
Cotton
$900 / set
Pair Antique Footstools or Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair antique footstools or benches on casters with floral upholstery. Good condition overall with slight finish loss due to age and use. Can be...
Hardwood
$870 / item
Aurora Footstool, Oxford Blue
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$2,374 / item
Carlotta Ottoman, Artichoke
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our Carlotta ottoman is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Carlotta is a great alternative to the classic coffee table but will be equally at home at t...
Cotton
$1,801 / item
Piero Footstool, Artichoke
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
Denim Leather Ottoman Footstool with Cabriole Legs
Located in New York, NY
Tufted leather ottoman with brass tack trim and carved cabriole, ball and claw foot legs. Manufactured by the "Classic Leather" furniture company. Clean, original, ready to use condi...
Leather, Wood
Pr. Continental Neoclassic Walnut Veneered & Upholstered Round Footstools, 19thc
Located in Atlanta, GA
the footstools of circular form with velvet upholstered tops, the cases covered in walnut veneer with a bottom band of patterned veneer, raised on shaped (later) bakelite feet
Walnut
Pair of Italian Painted & Gilt Wood Foliate Upholstered Curule Stools, C. 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt wood foliate upholstered Curule stools with flanking central foliage medallions, and resting on scrolled feet with the original connecting cross stre...
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pavlova
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Cannoli
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fa...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Red Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Limoncello
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pistachio
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$762 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Powder
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$762 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Tobacco
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$762 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Clay
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$1,801 / item
Piero Footstool, Citron
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,801 / item
Piero Footstool, Ginger
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,922 / item
Piero Footstool, Prussian Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,922 / item
Piero Footstool, Olive Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,922 / item
Piero Footstool, Rose Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,720 / item
Piero Footstool, Zucchini Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester
$1,720 / item
Piero Footstool, Daffodil Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester
$1,720 / item
Piero Footstool, Turmeric Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester
$1,720 / item
Piero Footstool, Cinnamon Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester
$1,801 / item
Piero Footstool, Nougat Boucle
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton, Polyester
$1,726 / item
Piero Footstool, Tangerine
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,726 / item
Piero Footstool, Grenadine
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,726 / item
Piero Footstool, Coconut
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,726 / item
Piero Footstool, Seaweed
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,726 / item
Piero Footstool, Pesto
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$822 / item
Aurora Footstool, Prussian
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Artichoke
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Ginger
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$735 / item
Aurora Footstool, Citron
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pepper
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$822 / item
Aurora Footstool, Rose
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$822 / item
Aurora Footstool, Olive
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Moss
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Dusky Pink
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
French Neoclassical 19th Century Carved Giltwood Footstool with Linen Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical carved giltwood footstool from the 19th century with custom linen upholstery. This exquisite 19th-century French giltwood footstool...
Upholstery, Giltwood, Linen