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.
19th Century French Neoclassical Oak Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
A graceful, rare model 19th century French Louis XVI-style settee, handcrafted from solid light oak wood with fluted details and carved aprons - re-upholstered in green cotton velvet...
Velvet, Oak
Neo-classical style chaise longue, France ca. 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exuding timeless refinement and grand European charm, this elegant French neoclassical style chaise longue—or méridienne—is a masterful tribute to antique luxury. Crafted around 1990...
Fabric, Wood
Antique Gunlocke Oak Schoolhouse Chair, Circa 1920s
By Gunlocke
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Oak Schoolhouse Chair – This is a heavy and sturdy chair made for the United States Post Office Made by W.H. Gunlocke Chair Co. Wayland, N.Y. Circa 1920. Each chair measures ...
Oak
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Painted Settee with Carved Swan
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Italian Neoclassical painted settee features a multi-chair back style in a decorative floral painted theme. Slender tapering cabriole legs and a lightly patterned Uphols...
Wood, Paint, Fabric
Pair of Brass Leather Strap Klismos Chairs by Sylvan S. F.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An incredible and luxurious pair of Greco-Roman klismos-form dining chairs crafted out of solid polished brass and woven leather designed by Sylvan Fiss, for Sylvan, San Francisco. T...
Brass
French Neoclassical Directoire Style Iron Sleigh-Form Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and whimsical 20th century painted iron daybed crafted in a French Neoclassical Directoire style. The piece is constructed in a gracefully curved sleigh-form, with each en...
Iron, Wire
Giacometti Style Neoclassical Gilt Iron Daybed or Sofa 7 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stunning French mid-20th century modern daybed or sofa crafted in the Neoclassical taste from gilded wrought iron. The daybed features an elegant gilt decorated wrought iron frame ...
Wrought Iron
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th C. American Empire Flame Mahogany Claw Foot Parlor Sofa Couch 85"
Located in Dayton, OH
Fine American Empire parlor sofa / couch with classical form and masterful carvings. Made of flamed mahogany featuring carved back crest and flared rolled arms accented with carved f...
Mahogany, Burl
Fine Pair Of Antique Carved Oak Frame X Base Curule Foot Stools
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Foot Stools s in Roman Curule style with carved Oak frames having a central Stylized Floral Medallion, carved and turned stretcher and worn Diamond pattern Champagne tone f...
Brass
Pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Walnut Klismos Rope Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sculptural pair of rare mid-century modern neoclassical klismos benches in the manner and style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens. The walnut frames are large measuri...
Rope, Walnut
French Neo-Classical Style Fruitwood & Bronze X Base Benches / Ottomans - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of French neo-classical style x base benches. They have a nice large scale. The caps appear to be bronze. The yellow upholstery is in nice condition. They are unmarked...
Bronze
Pair of Italian Made Brass and Steel Savonarola Armchairs C. 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless Italian elegance into your home with this striking pair of Italian-made Savonarola armchairs, expertly crafted from brass and steel and finished with beautifully u...
Brass, Iron
$7,500 / set
Ralph Lauren Leather Writer's Chair and Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are very pleased to present this iconic American chair and ottoman. Emblematic of Ralph Lauren’s iconic and enduring style, this winged Writer's club chair is masterfully constru...
Leather
1970's Henredon Aged Forest Green Pigskin Leather Chippendale Sofa
By Henredon
Located in Malibu, CA
Henredon Chippendale style light forest green pigskin leather sofa. This vintage sofa in richly aged leather & a naturally textured grain. The hide offers a distinctive patina th...
Leather, Mahogany
Ralph Lauren High Back Tufted Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of 6 classic high-back dining side chairs by Ralph Lauren. These handsome generously sized dining chairs feature tufted backs and seats, aged brass nail head trim, and square ma...
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Nichols and Stone Barely Back Windsor Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th century Nichols And Stone Barely Back Windsor stained ArmChair. Very sturdy. Good vintage condition. Measures 25" in width, 23" in depth and 35.5" tall. Arm height is 2...
Hardwood
Bassett Five-Piece American Traditional Living Room Suite, 1990s
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Beautiful matching Bassett 4-piece living room set from the 1990s. Includes: • Sleigh-arm sofa • Two matching slipper chairs • Solid wood coffee table with 2 drawers All pieces f...
Wood, Walnut
Wrought Iron Black Lounge Chair with White Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Wrought Iron Black Lounge Chair with White Cream Fabric
Wrought Iron
McGuire Antalya Directors Arm Chair Rattan Laced Rawhide Woven Leather
By McGuire
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a a McGuire Antalya directors style dining armchair in rattan with laced rawhide woven leather seat and back. The design is often described as organic modern,...
Leather, Bamboo
Northern Italian Neoclassical Walnut Armchair, early 19thc.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Tuscan Italian Neoclassical walnut armchair, having arched horseshoe crest rail centered by a finely pierced lyre splat, flanked by elegant outscrolled arms that terminate ...
Walnut
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Baker Furniture Italian Neoclassical X-Form Curule Bench Stool Ottoman
Located in Dayton, OH
This elegant Mid 20th century Italian Neoclassical-style X-form curule bench by Baker Furniture features an ornate, ivory-painted wooden frame decorated with delicate, hand-gilded fl...
Fabric, Hardwood, Giltwood
Mid-Century Ladder Back Maple and Rush Seats Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-Century Ladder Back Maple and Rush Seats Side Chairs Measures 18" width, 40" in height, 17" in depth. Seat height 18"
Rush, Maple
Fortuny Textile Pillows with Velvet Backs in Green Motif
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
Mid-Century Cerused Wingback Chair with Celadon Cut Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! The cerused finish is original as is the celadon cut velvet. The velvet is vintage and shows moderate wear. Patina! It is unmarked. Arm; 27.5 Seat; 20”. I am ...
Wood
Neoclassical Style Horned Aluminum Bench after Diego Giacometti
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome French wrought aluminum Neoclassical bench crafted in the style of Diego Giacometti. The bench is constructed on an X-form base with gracefully curved, sleigh end supports...
Aluminum
1990s Rare Ralph Lauren Prototype Writer's Chair in Patinated Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this exceptional Ralph Lauren Writer's Chair prototype, circa early 1990s. This rare piece comes from the estate of the former Vice President of Operatio...
Metal
Stickley Brothers Neoclassical Chaise Lounge, Mahogany Upholstery, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
Elegant chaise lounge or Recamier sofa by Stickley Furniture in left or right wing options. Generous, lithe proportions, Neoclassical in style with bolster cushion. Seat: 16.5" H.
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Russian Empire Period Neoclassical Salon Suite
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive five-piece Russian neoclassical partial gilt carved wood upholstered salon suite. Born in the 19th century, during the ...
Silk, Mahogany, Giltwood
$245Sale Price / item|30% Off
Antique American Empire Side Chair, Hand-Turned Wood, Cane Seat, 1890s
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique American Empire-style caned spindle-back side chair, also sometimes referred to as Victorian style. The chair features a hand turned spindle back, turned legs, and a cane ...
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Neoclassical Style Wrought Iron Curule Savonarola X-Form Bench Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Neoclassical Style Wrought Iron Curule Savonarola X-Form Bench Chair. Item fe...
Iron
20th C Wingback Love Seat in Blue and White Check Homespun Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic wing-back love seat is in amazing condition and great form. The re-pro. blue & cream homespun linen upholstered love seat is amazi...
Pine
Pair of Neoclassical Armchairs by M.G. Bindesbøll, Denmark, ca. 1840
By Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll
Located in Valby, 84
pair of open armchairs in beech, each with an upholstered back panel flanked by turned uprights with ball finials, the continuously curved arm rail sweeping forward above bobbin-turn...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Michael Taylor Neoclassical Curule d'Orsay Ottoman Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome labeled pair of Neoclassical curule-form "d'Orsay" bench seats or ottomans designed by Michael Taylor, San Francisco, CA. Each curule bench features a thick rectangular se...
Brass
Neoclassical Ebonized and Gilded Bench by Baker, USA, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking vintage Neoclassical style ebonized and gilded bench by Baker Furniture Company. Beautiful newly upholstered seat cushion.
Fabric, Giltwood
$10,730 / set
American Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
A set of 10 American Upholstered Dining Chairs, the set consisting of two arm chairs and 8 side chairs. Wrap yourself in luxury while at the dining table, with these beautiful Americ...
Fabric, Mahogany
New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Cushion included.
Iron
Set of 8 Rose Tarlow Solid Wood & Cane Back Armchairs, Made in Los Angeles, USA
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight Rose Tarlow Melrose House armchairs, designed and handcrafted in Los Angeles, California, USA, exemplifying the timeless elegance and quality for which Rose Tarlow is in...
Leather, Wood
Louis XVI Style Vanity Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely made curved and carved gilt wood low vanity chair. The curved demilune back with an openwork carved balustrade band on scrolled supports. With a double leaf back support on ...
Fabric, Giltwood
Pair Custom Mogul Los Angeles Espresso-Brown Velvet High-Back Wing Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Custom Mogul Los Angeles Espresso-Brown Velvet High-Back Wing Chairs with Ebonized Neoclassical Legs Monumental in presence yet refined in execution, this pair of custom-made w...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Vintage Italian Wrought Iron Curule Stools, Set of Three, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Curule style Wrought Iron Stools. A set of three are available, but priced individually.
Iron
Set of Eight Neoclassical Side Chairs by M.G. Bindesbøll, Denmark, ca. 1840
By Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll
Located in Valby, 84
A set of eight side chairs in turned and stained beech, each with an upholstered back panel flanked by bobbin-turned uprights with ball finials, the upholstered seat raised on bobbin...
Wool, Beech
" Klismos" chair, 19th century
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
"Klismos" chair Stained walnut Of unusual design, the chair has a curved back attached to the seat by a triple support, Square seat, saber feet. Northern Europe, probably Denmark. ...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Solid Maple Directors Chairs with Brown Canvas Upholstery, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of vintage solid maple directors chairs. Brown canvas upholstery. Excellent condition. Measurements are 23"W x 18"D x 33"H. Seat height is 1...
Canvas, Maple
Pair of Antique Spanish Walnut Upholstered Stools with Green Leather Seats
Located in Miami, FL
### Description This elegant pair of antique Spanish upholstered stools is handcrafted from solid walnut and combines timeless craftsmanship with everyday functionality. Their gener...
Leather
Six New England Hitchcock Chairs Rosewood Painted & Stenciled Flowering Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of Six New England Hitchcock-Type Stenciled and Caned Fancy Side Chairs Circa 1840 This complete set of six New England side chairs, almost certainly made in Connecticut, belong...
Wood
Pair of Northern Italian Neoclassical Painted Wooden Armchairs, Circa 1830s
Located in Dallas, TX
Neoclassicism was a cultural movement that inspired art and architecture during the 18th and 19th centuries. This pair of Italian armchairs was hand-carved circa 1830 and features no...
Silk, Wood, Paint
Vintage 19th Century Duncan Phyfe Sofa in Barrow Fabric
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Saint Louis, US
An undeniably beautiful and coveted antique 19th Century Duncan Phyfe sofa upholstered in a feline Onyx Merramec Barrow fabric. One of the brilliant...
Fabric, Foam, Mahogany
Ralph Lauren Style English Library Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a modern interpretation of the traditional English library chair. It features an elongated seat, upholstered arms, and a leisurely reclined back. With artful turned-wood d...
Fabric
Pair Maison Jansen Silverleaf 'Montgolfier' Hot-Air Balloon Arm Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Silver Leaf Montgolfier Armchairs, France A refined pair of Maison Jansen style silver-leaf armchairs, France, mid-20th century, modeled after the celebrated late 18th-century “Montgolfier” chair...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Maison Jansen Ram's Head Stool with Suede Seat, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Maison Jansen steel and brass Ram's head stool with suede sling seat. An Iconic piece with chased ram's head at corners and hoof feet at base. This curule stool has polished ...
Brass, Steel
Luxurious Caramel Leather Wingback Chair with Mahogany Legs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Luxurious large caramel leather wingback chair having mahogany carved legs and arms with enveloping interior elbow rests. Handsome ball and claw feet. Arm height 26.5 Between Interi...
Leather, Mahogany
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Leather Sofa Couch
By Classic
Located in New York, NY
Comfy burgundy leather sofa, with brass studs. Classic form, original condition, clean, ready to use. Cushions do sit flat, they were just not p...
Leather
New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Ralph Lauren Barlett Zebra Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Beautiful and soft cushion made with Ralph Lauren Zebra Fabric.
Iron
Custom Made to Order Napoli Chaise Lounge in Velvet Linen or COM
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Napoli Chaise Lounge 27" W x 34" H x 60" D / can be customized to any length The Napoli Chaise Lounge is a timeless nod to vintage European design, effortlessly blending elegance wit...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Wood
1990s Henredon Ralph Lauren Herringbone Library Chairs, Set of 2
By Henredon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This fabulous pair of Henredon Ralph Lauren upholstered arm chairs features a durable herringbone upholstery, creating a vintage look. The ultra ...
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
Classic French Empire Curved Walnut Sofa With Dolphin Arms
Located in Southampton, NJ
A classic French Empire Style curved back settee with distinct Neoclassical design elements in the carved gold dolphin arms & carved Klismos legs. Newly upholstered in gorgeous Medi...
Silk, Walnut
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Oval Back Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A handsome pair of antique Louis XVI style fauteuil armchairs featuring elegant oval backs, scrolling arms, carved rosette details, and fluted tapered legs. These chairs possess the...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Michael Taylor Style Montecito Bronze Aluminum Lounge Chair & Ottoman, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A striking Michael Taylor Montecito-style lounge chair and matching ottoman, circa 1985, combining the relaxed luxury of California indoor-out...
Aluminum
$12,500 / set
Set of Six Italian Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A set of six early 19th century neoclassical gilt and gesso decorated dining chairs. Upholstered rectangular geometric backs featuring stepped sides and flared tops outlined in gilt ...
Wood