Neoclassical Seating
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
Pair of 19th Century Italian Carved and Painted Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly upholstered in turquoise color high-end fabric. Strong. Sturdy. Comfortable.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Giltwood
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.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Italian Neoclassical Window Bench
Located in Buchanan, MI
An Italian neoclassical window bench with deep set, buttoned turquoise uph top, mirrored mounted parcel gilt frame.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mirror, 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.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
Classical in form, with gorgeous detail, these upholstered seats are well-made and in great condition!!
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant bench in patinated wrought iron and bronze. The sabots are reminiscent of Giacometti's work for Jean-Michel Frank. 3 benches are available; the price i...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
19th Century Russian Giltwood Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
Period Early 19th Century Russian Giltwood and Painted Armchair or Bergere. In style of Rossi. Incredible proportion and size. Good size for modern sitting...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
C1940 Bankers Dining Room Armchairs 3 Square Back Available
By Gunlocke
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous collection of hardwood bankers chairs often found in offices, jury rooms, conference centers etc. Created from oak maple and walnut these chairs are heavy duty quality seating, great for a dining area. 3 chairs available and have some variations to them, 3 are more square in the back. Different makers, some are gunlocke chair co...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple, Oak, Walnut
Russian Neoclassical Mahogany Armchairs, Pair, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An incredibly rare and unusual pair of circa 1800 Russian or Baltic Directoire style armchairs or fauteuils of both klismos and curule variant form, the solid mahogany frames gilt-me...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
4 Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs on Castors, By Maitland-Smith
A set of four exquisite Regal Gilt Leather Tooled Bronze Lion Head Armchairs by Maitland-Smith. Standi...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Baroque Style Sofa with fine floral silk upholstery
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning Italian neoclassical baroque Three-Seater Sofa, a symphony of opulence and comfort designed to adorn your space with unrivaled elegance.
Carved from the finest materials,...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Neoclassical Ebonized Side Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Side chair with a shield-shaped backrest and an ebonized frame boasting elegant sabre legs. The backrest is highlighted with brass profiles and veneered in rich walnut, adding a touc...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
20 th Century klasszikus ullo szalon goblen garnitura
Located in Kerepes, HU
Ez egy klasszicista stílus ülő szalon garnitúra, finom es elegáns kecses jelenéséével. Maga a szövetben áll a különlegesé, amiben egy hímzett szövetről, kárpitról van szó, régi góbén...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric
Bona Lilium Chair
Located in București, RO
Bona Lilium Armchair
Step into the enchanting world of the Bona Lilium armchair. Every brushstroke weaves a captivating narrative of a royal lifestyle. Within its intricate design li...
Category
2010s Romanian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Neoclassical Swedish Satinwood Daybed or Recamier
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb example of the neoclassical daybed or recamier that dates to the Swedish Biedermeier Period. The recamier is in overall very good condition. It is upholstered in a n...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Satinwood
Six Piece Rattan Ficks Reed Set, Two 94" Rattan Sofas, Chair, Ottoman Two Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in Stamford, CT
A spectacular pair of Ficks Reed rattan sofas in an original factory finish: a pale blue wash. Original cushions to use or for reupholstery. All cushions and rattan pieces are in gre...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
Pair of White Leather + Brass Pompeii Armchairs by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of rare white leather and brass ‘Pompeii’ armchairs designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. These Neoclassical chairs feature elegant curved backrests and white leather ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Black Leather + Bronze Pompeii Armchair by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare ‘Pompeii’ black leather and bronze armchair designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. This Neoclassical chair features a sculptural sloped bronze backrest, curved legs, an...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Leo Armchair Lounge Chair Jacquard Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Leo Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Leo puts a modern twist on the traditional armchair.
The sumptuous upholstery in mint green...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Bouclé, Cotton
Brown Jordan Wrought Iron Swivel Chairs
By Brown Jordan
Located in Cumberland, RI
This vintage wrought iron patio furniture set by Brown Jordan is perfect for your outdoor deck, garden, or patio. The swivel seats are comfortable and perfect to relax in poolside.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
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...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
Brown Jordan Chaise lounge chairs with cushions, wheels, adjustable back, MCM
By Brown Jordan
Located in San Jose, CA
Set of 2 beautiful chaise lounge chairs by Brown Jordan with cushions
Made of wrought iron
On wheels and multi-adjusting back
One of the wheels has the rubber trim around it missing ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Painted Wood, Original Upholstery
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Hitchcock style Ebonized Side Chairs
By Hitchcock
Located in Denton, TX
Late 20th century Hitchcock style chairs. These are ebonized then hand stenciled with a Neo Classicial design. Very sturdy.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple, Paint
18th Century Carved and Painted Neo-Classical Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous and rare carved and painted Neo-Classical style chair. Upholstered in 1958 in Fortuny. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
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 16”.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Birch
18thc American Stenciled Ladderback Chair with Rush Seat and Original Finish
Located in Savannah, GA
This rare 18th century painted oak and stenciled New England ladderback chair features a heavily defined lower stretcher, graceful arms terminating in round knobs, and three slats in...
Category
1780s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Oak
Italian Venetian Gold 6-Piece Living Room Set
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Italian Venetian-style (19th Cent) walnut high-back salon / living room set with carved cupid heads and gold upholstery. (3 side chairs, 2 arm ch...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
French Antique Neoclassical Style Slipper Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Carved Wood, Original Upholstery
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Beautifully-Carved Wood Lyre-Back Splat Bench w/Rush Seat , 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassic carved-wood sofa bench with rushed seat from the 19th century. This antique bench from France has been beautifully carved with Neoclassical details, featuring a gracefully curved top rail which gives way to an open back with three widely-spaced back rests; all carved in a lyre motif. The top rail gently wraps to the sides, creating a tub-style effect. Hand-woven rushed seats give this piece a more casual comfort appeal. The wood skirt is a neat, straight line, and is raised upon four slender and curvy legs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Lovely Pair of Painted 18th century Neoclassical Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
1790 French Neoclassical beautiful original grey painted side chairs with traces of old gilding, carved with acanthus leaves, wheat and urns. Reeded legs.
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Neoclassical Klismos Dining Chairs After Kipp Stuart - Set of 4
By Kipp Stewart
Located in west palm beach, FL
An extraordinary set of four vintage Boho dining chairs. The classic Klismos shape done in the manner of Kipp Stuart. Brilliant wood grain detail and a beautiful patina from time to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six dining chairs and one armchair on high, elegant square tapered legs with thread inlays. The rear legs are slightly flared and, together with the rounded backrests, give th...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
2 x armchairs Drexel Heritage Furnishings Inc. USA By Shirley Brackett
By Sidney Lawrence Brackett
Located in WEERT, NL
2 x armchairs Drexel Heritage Furnishings Inc. USA By Shirley Brackett
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
18th Century Neo-Classical Settee from Tuscany
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 18th century Neo-Classical painted settee from Tuscany. Great patina and nice carvings as well. Upholstered in a pale gray fabric. Very rare. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Neo-Classical Style Ebonized Bench With Gilt Accents Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a neo-classical style bench with an ebonized frame and gilt accents. It is attributed to Maitland -Smith and dates approximately to the later part of the 20th century. It is ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Klismos Stools
Located in London, GB
A pair of Regency style 'Klismos' stools or benches, upholstered in John Boyd Textiles horsehair fabric.
Why we like them
These super smart Klismos stools are inspired by ancient Gr...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair Of Italian Brass Curule Benches With Lions Heads
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Brass Curule Benches With Lions Heads.
This great pair of antique Italian brass curule benches feature 4 lion's heads and paw feet. They have been taken down to the f...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Classic Blue Velvet Loveseat
Located in Westwood, NJ
Draped in sumptuous navy blue velvet, this loveseat features classic deep button tufting that creates a sophisticated diamond pattern.
The graceful curves of its silhouette are high...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Windsor Fan Back Brace Back Side Chairs by Tubb - Set of 4
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Windsor Fan Back Brace Back Side Chairs by Tubb - Set of 4
Hand Made, Pine Seat Bottoms, Hardwoods used for the Fan Back and Turned Legs
Original Finish, Good Sturdy Condition, Nat...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Early 19th Century Painted Swedish Farm Dining Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Set of six early 19th century painted Swedish farm dining chairs circa 1810-1829. Sturdy, stable. All joints tightened. No wobble. Remnants of old and early paint. Interesting steel ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Steel
Molla premium aluminum outdoor patio furniture, seahorse and seashell motif
By Molla
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage 1950's Patio Set by Molly of Italy.
5 piece set
Molla's vintage outdoor furniture designs are timeless.
Italian Neoclassical Cast Aluminum...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Medium Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen settee in emerald green velvet and gilt frame, signed underneath with remnants of Jansen stamp. Incredible collectors piece, wi...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Blue Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Chateau Blue leath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Cuba Brown Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Cuba Brown leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Four Mario Papperzini Salterini Amalfi Style Barstools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of four iron counter height barstools made in the manner and style of Mario Papperzini for John Salterini mid-century modern designs. The Amalfi stools have an iconic...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Black Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Onyx Black leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Classic Black Leather Swivel Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic style Onyx Black leather upholstered armchair, upholstered with pure aniline top grade leather, with large nailhead details on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 32" W x 30" D x 3...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Classic Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality black leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an air of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Classic Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality Cuba Brown leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an ai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Classic Tufted Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Havana Brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Three Neoclassical Style Aluminum Lattice Seat Barstools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of three wrought aluminum barstools featuring a neoclassical style lattice strap seat. Made in the midcentury style of Mario Papperzini and John Salterini. The aluminum ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, Modenese Gastone, Greenapple, and GF Modern. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $3,861.
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