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.
$852 / item
Square Small Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bench-made in the USA by master upholsterers, this ottoman is thickly padded and tightly upholstered in geometric pattern fabric, featuring a delicate small welt finish for added ele...
Fabric, Wood
$250Sale Price / set|70% Off
Vintage Burgundy Cut Velvet Ottoman Pouff with Ftinges
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage burgundy cut velvet ottoman pouf with zebra velvet and pink fringes. Plush squicky toy Be. Mine” included with baby laughing. Whimsical home decor furniture.
Textile
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows with Velvet Backs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined pair of decorative pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny textile, featuring a richly layered scrolling foliate motif in nuanced shades of moss green, celadon, and soft tau...
Cotton, Velvet
$1,437 / item
Oak Parquetry Upholstered Bench, Dark Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A dark oak parquetry upholstered bench with tapered legs. Crafted with rustic oak with an upholstered seat, this bench is the perfect addition to the foot of any bed or entryway. S...
Wood
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows with Classical Urn Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of decorative pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny textile, featuring a refined neoclassical urn-and-foliage pattern inspired by 18th-century European ornament. The...
Cotton, Linen
$1,917 / item
Faux Ostrich Leather Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bench-made in the USA, this ottoman features deep button tufting and a plush, dotted faux ostrich leather upholstery in metallic ivory. The small self-welt trim and layered brushed n...
Leather, Wood
$2,568 / item
Embroidered Round Poof
Located in Westwood, NJ
Expertly benchmade and upholstered in the USA, this exquisite vanity-height ottoman features a plush high-density foam cushion, ensuring both comfort and support. The luxurious 100%...
Fabric, Wood
$5,850 / set
Pair Of Italian Painted Draped Poufs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Painted Draped Poufs. Our pair of Italian draped poufs or ottomans are paint decorated lovely shades of Tuscan colors as they hail from ...
Wood
Neoclassical Style Banquette, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Fun and theatrical banquette with a gold-painted wood structure and scrolled arms.
$1,425 / item
Oak Parquetry Upholstered Bench, Light Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Light oak parquetry upholstered bench with tapered legs. Crafted with rustic oak with an upholstered seat, this bench is the perfect addition to the foot of any bed or entryway. ...
Wood
$1,986 / item
Tufted Round Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bench-made in the USA, it features deep hand-tufting and fabric-covered buttons, evoking the refined seating of 19th-century England. The rich brocade-inspired fabric and intricate d...
Brocade, Wood
Midcentury Italian Neo-Classical Silver Leaf Bench / Ottoman In Blue Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century Italian bench with a hand carved and silver leafed frame. The velvet is a blue-gray and is vintage. It is unmarked and in very good condition.
Velvet, Poplar
Antique American Empire Serpentine Mahogany Footstool Ottoman
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique American Empire Serpentine Mahogany Footstool Ottoman 19th century American Victorian Empire box seat footed ottoman. This square serpentine footstool features a bold maho...
Mahogany
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
$935 / item
Canvas and Leather Strap Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A canvas and leather strap ottoman with nailhead trim accents. The classic cube design makes it a perfect transitional piece of furniture to use ...
Leather, Canvas
Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s
Located in Miami, FL
Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s
Leather
Round Pouf on Steel Metal Base with Faux Animal Skin and Self Welt at the Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lido Pouf is the fun younger sister to the Colle pouf shown in faux animal skin with a steel metal base - it can be used as an ottoman or pull up table...
Steel
Neoclassical Plaza Ottoman Eucalyptus Leather Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Neoclassical Plaza Ottoman, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A comfy ottoman with a luxurious touch. Upholstered in high standard Italian beige leat...
Leather
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Giltwood Upholstered Taborets / Benches / Stools
By Stilnovo
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic (Late 18th Century) giltwood taborets / foot stools with circular brown upholstered padded seats, encircled by a carved frieze in an interlocking pattern,...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
French Neoclassical upholstered ottoman, early 20th century.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant ottoman features a rounded, generously padded seat upholstered in a neutral linen textile, finished with hand-applied nailhead trim along the edge. The carved wood frame...
Linen, Wood
1990s Attributed to Ralph Lauren Round Tufted Brown Ottoman Coffee Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite ottoman/coffee table on castors. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The luxurious table is s...
Brass
$3,150 / item
Bleached Wood Hoofed-Foot Ottomans
Located in New York, NY
Pair of square hoofed-foot stools in bleached wood, newly upholstered in neutral linen with brass nail-head trim—perfect as extra seating or chic bedside perches. Priced individually.
Linen, Fruitwood
$11,500 / set
Pair of 19th Century French Giltwood Ottomans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely carved giltwood ottomans. Have been newly upholstered in cheetah-leopard print. Great scale and size.
Fabric, Giltwood
$510Sale Price|40% Off
Neoclassic Style Walnut Stool with Brown Velvet Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
French-inspired neoclassic style walnut stool with brown velvet top.
Walnut
Early 20th-C. Neo-Classical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Eagles
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fantastic bench! It is a neo-classical style carved Italian piece newly upholstered in a flax linen. The supports are wonderful hand carved eagles. It is in very good condi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Custom Ottoman and Wood Table Shown in Suede and Oak with Faux Shagrin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Wolcott ottoman and table is made in custom sizes and wood finishes - can be made with or without the table being upholstered - the ottoman itself is all hand sprung and stitched...
Shagreen, Suede
$2,316 / item
Tufted Velvet Round Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in sumptuous gold velvet fabric, this glamorous ottoman features exquisite button tufting and decorative trim around the base, adding a refined touch to any space. Bench-...
Velvet, Wood
$1,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
Upholstered Ottoman to Match Club Chair Shown in White Faux Skin and Wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Willow ottoman created to match the club chair of same name is shown in matching off white faux skin on wood stained legs. Hand carved and upholstered with feather and down seat ...
Animal Skin, Mahogany
Custom Upholstered Channeled Ottoman on Maple Wood Base with Hand Stitching
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Astor ottoman is completely handcrafted with vertical channeling throughout the sides - interior upholstery is all handstitched with springs and synthetic hair - hand carved mapl...
Suede, Maple
$930 / item
Classic Leather Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A blend of timeless design and comfort! Wrapped in a rich, caramel-hued top-grain leather, this ottoman exudes an air of classic sophistication. Accentuated with oversized antique b...
Leather
$10,800Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of American Flame Mahogany Needlepoint Hall Benches. Baltimore, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American flame mahogany floral needlepoint brass tacked hall benches resting on the original turned bulbous decorative carved feet with...
Brass
Italian Neoclassical Style Painted and Giltwood Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Italian Neoclassical style painted and gilt bench. This Italian 1920s Directoire style bench was taken down to the frame and professionally upholstered with cream striated c...
Wood