Neoclassical Sofas
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.
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 authentic neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Beech, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Sofas
Chenille
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Sofas
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Jacquard
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
20th Century American Neoclassical Sofas
Brass
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Mohair, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Brass, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Brass
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Wood
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Sofas
Cane, Walnut
20th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Sofas
Leather
20th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Wood
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Serpentine
20th Century American Neoclassical Sofas
Hardwood, Wool
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Burlap, Muslin, Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Cane, Wood, Fabric
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Wood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
1830s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Marble, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Metal
2010s American Neoclassical Sofas
Mahogany