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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
Armchair by ES and Stool Neoclassical 18th Century Sweden Gilded and Green
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made during the 18th century in Sweden. Attributed to the royal chair maker Ephraim Stahl. Gilt wood with green details. Upholstered in a Pierre Frey.  
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Giltwood

18th Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Stools
Located in IT
18th century, pair of Italian neoclassical carved giltwood stools The fine pair of neoclassical stools, made in Sicily (Italy) in the second half of the 18th century, consists of ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood, Giltwood

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6443
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Modular sofa characterized by a soft backrest that enhances the comfort. The wooden carved legs improves the classic look of the sofa and give a mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Klismos Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Klismos chair is renowned for its historical importance, sleek lines and eye-catching design looks just as elegant today. The curved and tapered legs of the Klismos chair are what make its design so unique. In this modern interpretation of the ancient Greek klismos...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Carved patinated wood and silk stool. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carved patinated wood and silk stool. France, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood

Chair, Elisabeth II of Spain Style, Wood, Textile, Spain, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Carved and polychrome wooden chair with cabriolet legs and openwork backrest which has been decorated with a symmetrical composition of Rococo influence in some details and Neoclassical in others. The Elizabethan style was developed in Spain during the reign of Isabel II (Elisabeth II...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Other

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Stool with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6112
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Bar stool.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs in Cherrywood, circa 1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of six neoclassical chairs in cherrywood, circa 1940. Three different design on the wood. Very good condition.
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cherry

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 5939
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
3 seater sofa.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

French Neo-Classical Style Tiger Velvet Daybed Settee - Pair Available
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is late 20th century French Maison Jansen style steel and brass neo-classical daybed. The tiger velvet cushion and pillows could be Scalamandre, but I have no way of knowing for...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Side Armchair, France cca 1880
Located in Lucija, SI
Antique side armchair made in France about 1880 Very good condition for such old chair Rare item
Category

1880s French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

18th Century Dutch Inlaid Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18th Century Dutch inlaid side chairs. Strong and sturdy, but delicate with different exotic inlaid woods. Ball and claw foot motif. Back...
Category

18th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

20th Century Classizim Style Empire Swan Chaise Longue
Located in Berlin, DE
Maple roots on solid beechwood, partially ebonized and gilded. (J-Sam-7).
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Beech, Maple

19th Century Painted French Foot Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine little accent foot stool. Strong and sturdy.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Berlin Iron

Primitive Painted Bench
Located in Bradenton, FL
Exceptional example of an original condition 19th century Pine bench in old grey paint over the original red. A very nice tight solid bench in good to excellent condition with no rep...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Pine

19th Century Carved Fruitwood Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of carved fruitwood armchairs from England in the neoclassical style. The carvings have an urn with overflowing flowers and vines. The chairs are upholstered in silk w...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Carved Fruitwood Armchairs
19th Century Carved Fruitwood Armchairs
$3,360 Sale Price / set
27% Off
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Tapestry Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Italian Neoclassical open arm chairs with carved white painted frames having gilt details. The oval chairbacks and seats are upholstered with French Aubusson tapestry, havi...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Tapestry, Wood, Giltwood, Velvet

Jansen Paris Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s to 1940s Giltwood bench. Strong and sturdy. Signed into the wood "Jansen" with numerals. Covered in an embroidered fabric.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Silver Leaf Stool in Dark Blue Fabric by Modenese Luxury Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This elegant stool features a solid carved wood frame, premium fabric dark blue upholstered seats, cabriole legs in silver wood finish and a wooden round...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

19th Century Fancy Original Painted Rocking Chair from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This untouched original painted 19th century rocking chair is in pristine condition. The paint on this rocking chair is untouched. This is truly is a rare find. This item has wear co...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous, antique pair of French arm chairs in the neoclassical style. Each chair consists of an elegantly carved wood frame with a distressed paint finish and new linen upholstery....
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Set of Four 19th Century Upholstered Walnut X-frame Stools
Located in London, GB
Set of four 19th century upholstered walnut X-frame stools Italian, c. 1840 Height 53cm, width 49cm, depth 40cm Wonderfully made in Italy in around 1840, this set of four X-frame ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood, Walnut

Pair of Antique Neoclassical Armchairs, Early 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique neoclassical armchairs with flame mahogany frames, Velvet Upholstered seat, and Gilt-brass Hardware. These beautiful armc...
Category

Early 19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Michael Taylor Teak Klismos Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Michael Taylor was a iconic interior designer, and also designed a number of pieces of furniture. The Klismos design dates back to Ancient Egyptian chairs as well as Ancient Greek. ...
Category

Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Teak

Small Settee in the Neoclassical Taste
Located in New York, NY
Small Settee in the neoclassical taste Boston, Massachusetts (active 1804–17), about 1810 Mahogany (secondary woods: ash) Measures: 35 1/8 in. high, 59 3/4 in. long, 19 1/8 in. deep Although the diminutive scale of this settee places it in a unique category, the piece itself partakes of a vocabulary that is common in Boston furniture of the Late Federal period. Its sabre legs, for example, as seen straight on from the left and right ends, are closely related to the legs, as seen from the front, on a group of chairs of undisputed Boston origin, including a spectacular armchair with scrolled arms (see Stuart P. Feld, Boston in the Age of Neo-Classicism, 1810–1840, exhib. cat. [New York: Hirschl & Adler Galleries, 1999], p. 37 no. 6 illus. in color), as well as a number of side chairs, including a set made for Nathan Appleton (see Page Talbott, “Boston Empire Furniture, Part I,” The Magazine Antiques, CVII [May 1975], p. 887 fig. 12). In all, the legs are ornamented with two bold, somewhat flattened reeds set between corner beads, a pattern which is repeated here on the front and end seat rails as well. The superb quality of the piece is further demonstrated in the finely drawn profile of the arms, as well as the delicately bulbous surface of the fronts of the arms and legs. As in the best of the related chairs, the sabre legs end in delicately carved paw feet. The added refinement of the beautifully carved rosettes at both the fronts and backs of the arms suggests that the piece may have been designed to be used in the round. Stylistically harmonious with these pieces is also a group of larger sofas with frontally set sabre legs and scrolled arms (see Page Talbott, “Seating Furniture in Boston, 1810–1835,” The Magazine Antiques, CXXXIX [May 1991], p. 963 pl. 11) that represent an indigenously Boston form. Although none of the furniture in this group has been effectively attributed, they can certainly be related to various Boston card tables...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Living Room Set Likely By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. solid Rosewood and ormolu armchairs and matching settee likely by François Linke. The pair of armchairs an...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Ormolu

Four Italian 'Chiavari' Brass and Velvet Chairs
Located in London, GB
Four Italian 'Chiavari' brass and velvet chairs Italian, early 20th century Measures: Height 91cm, width 42cm, depth 40cm The chairs in this set of four are crafted from brass, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 5937
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Armchair.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 5637
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Armchair characterized by a soft backrest perfectly shaped that enhances the comfort. The wooden frame improves the classic look of the sofa and give a more elegant feeling. On the backrest and on the sitting pillows...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather, Fabric

Classic Tufted Black Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Onyx black 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

Mid-Century office chair in wood, American Clerk chair 1930s
Located in Argelato, BO
Antique swivel office armchair in solid wood, made in the 1930s and perfectly preserved. The armchair, in excellent state of conservation, will give elegance and character to your ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Rose Tarlow Feather Chairs with Fortuny Seats
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of four dining chairs designed by Rose Tarlow having Fortuny fabric seats. Known as feather chairs the bespoke set has a custom lacquered finish. The frames were inte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of "Nana and Poppa" Barrel Backed Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of “Nana” and “Poppa” walnut barrel backed chairs from the area of Genoa. Upholstered in new Correggio silk fabric. "Nana" chair slightly smaller than "Poppa" chair measuremen...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Painted Settee with Lyre Back
Located in Pembroke, MA
Nicely-carved, painted Swedish settee in the neoclassical style. The carved elements feature a lyre back terminated with eagles' heads, women's faces on the ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Antique Neoclassical Armchair in Wood and Velvet Late 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Neoclassical Armchair in Wood and Velvet, Europe, 19th Century. This is a wonderful antique armchair in a distinct neoclassical style. Majestic appearance with elegant detai...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Antique Italian Neoclassical Style Armchairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique 17th century neoclassical style armchairs with original walnut finish (restored condition). Inside back, seat and arms uphol...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Italian Neoclassical pair of painted side chairs great Form and Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of Italian neoclassical painted side chairs 19th century. Amazing form and carving, lovely old patina. Priced per chair. Measures: Height 34 1/2 inches. Would look great in of...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Giltwood

Wood and Gold Leaf Three Piece Suite, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and gold leaf three piece suite. France, late 19th century. Attributed to Maison Jansen. Dimensions: Large sofa: 91 cm height, 137 cm width, 67 cm depth, 48 cm seat height....
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Elegant White Piano Stool with Gold Leaf Decorations by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Enjoy your unique customized piano while playing it sitting on one of our most beloved poufs. Its four empire legs end with a firm and robust lion's paw and all its wooden surfaces a...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Large Neoclassical Desk Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large neoclassical desk armchair, circa 1950. To be revarnished and reupholstered.
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Pair of Neoclassical Style Brass Chairs attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative pair of neoclassical style chairs is made of brass with a Royal blue velvet seat. This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

American Classical Style Distressed Leather Red - Brown Oversized Club Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A distressed leather classical American club chair exemplifying luxury and comfort in upholstered seating. The chair is enveloped in a rich, supple leather, which has developed a bea...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Baltic Neoclassical Daybed
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century mahogany and fruitwood baltic daybed. Having scroll form sides with central ebonized panel. Upholstered in stiped silk fabric.
Category

1850s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of 18th Century Italian Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Low, deep, and wide, this pair of armchairs is exceptionally comfortable, and the gold and black color scheme is very dramatic. What’s most distinctive about them from a design point...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wool, Wood

1970s Neoclassical Swedish Club Chairs Upholstered With Green Velvet Fabric
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful neoclassical club chair upholstered with green velvet fabric. The fabric is the original one and stil in very good and clean condition. Allover this chair in in very good c...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech, Pine

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6436
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
2 seater sofa characterized by a soft backrest that enhances the comfort. The wooden carved legs improves the classic look of the sofa and give a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather, Fabric

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6439
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
3 seater sofa characterized by a soft backrest that enhances the comfort. The wooden carved legs improves the classic look of the sofa and give a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

High-End Gilded Two Seater Beige Sofa by Modenese Luxury Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Bright up and indulge your living space with this beige & gold bespoke sofa of two seats. A classic shape is enhanced with clean neutral tone, pleated texture, capitonné back and a plush seat cushion. Accompanied with the elegant matching gold damask fabric on over the seat and upholstered around the back of the sofa. Splendidly standing on the specially gilded lion sofa...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Marble, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Six Neoclassical chairs circa 1970 2 armchairs same model also available.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th century Walnut Windsor Side Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
This antique Windsor chair features a gracefully curved back with turned spindles and a contoured solid wood seat, offering both comfort and timeless charm. Crafted in a traditional ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry And Upholstered Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
An 18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry Satinwood inlays And Upholstered Armchair. Frame in good antique condition. Need new upholstery. We can have it Reupholstered to suit you...
Category

Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Kingwood, Satinwood, Walnut

Vintage Conant Ball Low Back Bow Back Maple Windsor Spindle Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
1970s Conant Ball low back windsor chairs. Solid maple wood construction. Excellent condition. Low back and bow back with spindles. Measuremen...
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Maple

19th Century Italian Set of Six Neoclassical Style White-Grey Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique set of six Italian dining room, side chairs made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, patinated in light grey in the late Neoclassical style with scrolled back rest and beaut...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Pine

Neoclassical Statement Arm Chair
Located in Medina, OH
This ornate armchair is a fusion of classic design and modern flair with this gorgeous abstract cut velvet! The cream colored background fabric, adorned with a striking black, abstr...
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Fine Pair Of Antique Rosewood Neoclassical Style Chair Frames for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Restoration recommended. Extraordinary Rosewood Chair frame pair with many fine details; With an elegant Classical form, handsome chosen wood with excellent color, well turned and c...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Ferguson Copeland Tortoise & Silver Leaf Upholstered Brighton Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Ferguson Copeland Tortoise and Silver Leaf Upholstered Brighton Armchair. Feature a Bent Rattan frame with leather strap joints, brown painted and Metal Silver leaf stretcher legs ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Metal

Early 19th Century Venetian Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th century Venetian armchairs. Newly-upholstered in designer fabric. Heavy for their size. Comfortable.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Office Swivel Chair with Capitonne Real Leather and Golden Finishes by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This Modenese Gastone Interiors custom item has been designed and produced for top managers and company owners. Its unique authority and quality materials represent the perfect solut...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fine Pair of 19th Century Continental Carved Mahogany Library Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Each with padded back and armrests within a channeled frame, enriched with stylized foliate and floral motives; the over-uphosltered seat over a deep seat rail and boldly reeded fron...
Category

1870s French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Foam, Mahogany

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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