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.
Pair of Maison Jansen Bergères Chairs with a matching ottoman
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maison Jansen Bergères and Matching Ottoman in a newly upholstered blue velvet. Ottoman size 21/21/14
Wool, Velvet
Ralph Lauren Writer’s Chair and Ottoman in Amelot Linen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome Ralph Lauren Home Writer’s Chair and matching oversized tufted writer's ottoman finished in Ralph Lauren's Amelot linen ticking stripe fabric. The Italian fabric is 100 pe...
Brass
Pair of Iron Brass Lounge Chairs Manner of Jean Royere
By Jean Royère
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A striking pair of architectural steel and brass lounge chairs in the manner and style of Jean Royère. The chairs feature a geometric diamond-trellis steel frame finished in satin bl...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Klismos Chairs with Caned Seats and Leather Cushions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Klismos Chairs with Caned Seats and Leather Cushions Late 20th Century This elegant pair of Neoclassical klismos-inspired chairs exemplifies the enduring appeal...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Wrought Iron Black Lounge Chair with White Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Wrought Iron Black Lounge Chair with White Cream Fabric
Wrought Iron
Pair Of 19th C. Neoclassical French Carved Walnut Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Labeled Dugard underneath the seats. With carved gadrooned pediment crest rails with center scrolled crests over burled upper backs. The curved arms with carved leafy backs and ribbe...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Fendi Casa Arctic Blue Leather Tunica Lounge Chairs
By Fendi Casa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of Italian Fendi Tunica lounge chairs or slipper chairs circa 2015. The bespoke rare chairs feature a soft and supple arctic blue leather...
Brass
Elegant Empire Style Burl Wood Tub Chair by Wm. Switzser, Vancouver
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Burl wood frame with high back in a closed arm tub shape in sections and sloping arms, the frame in colorful and swirling grain Burl. Raised on square tap...
Burl, Fabric
$6,100Sale Price|35% Off
Massachusetts Martha Washington lolling chair, c. 1785
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Upholstered Martha Washington lolling chair with serpentine crest rail. The chair frame is mahogany with Northern White pine and maple secondary woods. The chair has been stripped of...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique French Curule Throne Chair in Mohair
Located in Southampton, NJ
An extraordinarily comfortable & solid French Curule Throne chair fully restored sparing the original lustered patinated finish, newly upholstered in sumptuous Teal Mohair. Seat: 17"...
Brass
Pair of Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chairs with Outdoor Geometrical Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chairs with Geometrical Fabric
Wrought Iron
Ralph Lauren Antique Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Ralph Lauren antique style lounge chair and ottoman. The frame of the chair and ottoman is giltwood. Chair and ottoman is newly upholstered. Meas...
Upholstery, Giltwood
Elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Klismos Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Klismos chair is renowned for its historical importance, sleek lines and eye-catching design looks just as elegant today. The curved and tapered legs of the Klismos chair are what make its design so unique. In this modern interpretation of the ancient Greek klismos...
Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green grey velvet and birch lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Seat Height (inches): 16” Arm Height (inches): 18.44" All items ship from High Point...
Velvet, Birch
Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chair for Outdoor with Grid Seat
Located in Miami, FL
Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chairs suitable for outdoor. Height to the arm ( low part ) : 25.59in
Wrought Iron
Antique King and Queen Carved Wood Plaid Chairs, a Pair 1900s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful pair of antique carved wood chairs with rolled arms and plaid upholstered seats. This set features carved wood bases with stylize...
Fabric, Wood
$4,900 / item
Wood Framed Chair with Loose Back and Seat Cushions
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Viva club chair is a beautifully styled and comfortable armchair shown with linen cushions and arm pads - all hand sewn cushions with feather and down inserts with carved wood fr...
Linen, Oak
EAST SIDE Lounge Armchair Neoclassical Inspiration Pink Leather and Brass
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
The meeting between postmodern architecture and the vibrant art scene of 1980s New York gives life to this timeless armchair, integrating neoclassical style with the modernity of the...
Wood
$3,200 / item
Skirted Upholstered Club Chair, Customizable
By John Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Madison chair features a t-cushion and loose pillow back for additional comfort. The chair is framed in maple and birch. Price does not include fabric. Fabric shown is for imag...
Upholstery, Maple
Incredible Pair of Compatible Lipstick Red Wing Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of very well made, solid feeling and comfortable wing chairs upholstered in a striking lipstick red leather. Both of the chairs have traditional flat-panel arms and tapered wo...
Brass
Tufted Club Chair in Blue Linen Fabric with Turned Wood Legs and Nailhead Trim
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lewis club chair shown in blue linen fabric with tufted back and self covered buttons. All hair filled and stitched upholstery with hand carved dark m...
Linen, Mahogany
$3,492 / item
Traditional Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A traditional leather swivel chair accented with nailhead trim accents. This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage cigar leather and crafte...
Leather
Oak Lounge Chair by Architect Martin Borch, Denmark 1902-1903
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and important chair from 1902-1903 by Danish architect Martin Borch (1852-1937) originally designed for the interior of Rigsdagen and was later used as the chair for the judge a...
Wool, Oak
A Pair of 1980s Rattan and Rush Lounge Chairs with Ottoman Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rattan and rush lounge chairs with ottoman with canvas loose cushions. Chair is 30" W x 30" D x 38" H. Arm height is 28". Seat interior width is 23" and seat interior depth ...
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Spectacular Pair Large Lounge Chairs with Gold Wash And 2 Lumbar Cushions
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Spectacular pair of vintage large lounge armchairs in velvet cheetah pattern upholstery, wood carved details with gold wash. Two brocade cheetah lumbar pillows.
Wood
$9,600 / set
Set of 4 Italian Patio Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four wrought iron patio chairs in the style of Mario Papperzini . 2 matching Ottoman in an other listing
Iron
Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chair with White Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Wrought Iron Turquoise Lounge Chair with White Cream Fabric
Wrought Iron
1980s Rattan and Rush Chair, Table, and Lamp Set, 3 Piece Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage custom rattan and rush chair, Rattan side table and rush lamp. Lamp does not come with shade. Chair is ready for your choice of Seat cushion to match...
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Pair of Neoclassical Style Rams Head Bergere Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical style ram's head chairs with black vinyl seats. The chairs have caned backs and sides with a solid wood, white painted frame. Carved ram's head to the front of t...
Cane, Wood
Refined Wood Uphostery"Curves" Occasional Chair Parisii Collection
Located in Del Mar, CA
Curves Occasional Chair The Curves Occasional Chair is designed as an invitation to pause. Lounge-like and deeply comfortable, the chair embraces the body with a generous seat, soft ...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,720Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Lounge Chairs circa 1960, Maison Jansen, 2 Pairs Available
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French neoclassical Maison Jansen lounge chairs circa 1960. 2 Pairs available. Priced by pair Original velvet fabric, very good condition. Sturdy and very comfortable.
Velvet, Wood
Gold-Plated Louis XVI Chair from 1860
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Gold-plated Louis XVI chair from 1860 Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its origina...
Gold Plate
Art Deco Loveseat Lisboa Sofa Blue Velvet Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lisboa Sofa, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Lisboa loveseat adds a sophisticated and refined touch to any living area. The sofa is upholstered in dark blue velvet...
Gold Leaf
1950s Americana Style Rocking Chair Art Deco Lounge Chair Black White Armchair
Located in London, GB
A strikingly attractive, very rare and extremely comfortable 1950s ‘Americana’ style large black & white rocking chair in lovely condition. Likely made in the late 1980s/early 1990s,...
Faux Leather
Vintage Regency Tapestry Lounge Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished armchair beautifully captures the grace and romantic ornamentation of the French Provincial style. Featuring an elegantly carved wooden frame, likely walnut or fru...
Brass
$843
Louis XIX Chair
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Louis xix chair Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its ori...
Walnut
$3,492 / item
Traditional Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage Cuba Brown leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather. Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H Arm...
Leather
$1,566
Art Deco Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1950 Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so a...
Walnut