Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
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.
1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Brass
1990s American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Down
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Wood, Leather
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
2010s American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
2010s American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Linen, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Gold Leaf
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Wood, Cane
1940s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Chenille
1940s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Walnut
1870s German Antique Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Walnut
1850s German Antique Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Oak
20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Oak
1980s European Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
1930s Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Stainless Steel
1930s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Early 2000s Italian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
1930s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1970s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Metal
1960s Finnish Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fiberglass
1970s English Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Iron
20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Iron
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Walnut, Wood
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood, Paint
2010s North American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan, Bentwood
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Hardwood
1940s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany