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.
Neoclassical Wood Chair with Brass Inlays, Germany, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Neoclassical chair on square pointed legs with straight frame and trapezoidal upholstered seat and openwork backrest with stylised pointed arches and brass inlays in the form of arca...
Wood
$650Sale Price / set|63% Off
Pair of Jamie Drake Lacquered Transitional Armchairs
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Jamie Drake Lacquered Transitional Style Armchairs, custom made, with oval seat back, pale yellow painted frame, golden yellow upholstery with red trim. 41" H x 24.25" W x 23" D
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of petite vintage armchairs upholstered in plush with tropics print
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of absolutely captivating vintage petite armchairs! They are done in beech and recently reupholstered in plush with tropical print, featuring mon...
Fabric, Beech
$4,950 / set
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...
Wood
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.
Wood, Giltwood
Italian Neo-Classic style (reproduction) cream painted and gilt trim armchair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic style (20th Century) cream painted and gilt trim armchair with fluted legs and open geomegtric diamond \"X\" design back with a stretcher and an off-white uphoste...
Paint
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, Wrapped Metal, Rams Heads, European, Gustavian
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Gustavian or Neoclassical side chairs can be used in any room. Each having fully metal wrapped frames with Finely carved rams heads on the back rests. The finely wrapped metal frames with rose, vine and leaf design tacked securely upon the frames. Enormous time and detail went into the construction of this fine pair of chairs...
Metal
$3,840Sale Price / item|20% Off
Customizable Leather Copa Sofa in American Classical Style, Portugal
Located in New York, NY
The Copa Sofa is the epitome of comfort and warm hospitality, offering a truly welcoming experience. Its design stands out for its versatility and adaptability, seamlessly fitting in...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Neoclassical Empire Style Swan Lounge Chairs Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Neoclassical Empire Swan Arm Giltwood Lounge Chairs Newly Reupholstered in “Kings Gold” Italian Silk Velvet - Pair Striking pair of Neoclassical Empire style lounge chairs ...
Wood, Silk, Giltwood
Vintage Regency Tapestry Lounge Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished armchair beautifully captures the grace and romantic ornamentation of the French Provincial style. Featuring an elegantly carved wooden frame, likely walnut or fru...
Brass
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Edward Wormley Precedent by Drexel Dining Chairs 239-4 8 Available
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley designed for Precedent Side Chairs series 239-4 in 1947, neoclassical area. Set of 4 dining chairs, solid wood construction, natural finish. 8 available
Wood
Antique Pair of Neoclassic Style Armchairs, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style armchairs from the early 20th century. This antique pair of accent chairs from Italy are each carved with n...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Leather Copa Armchair: Modern American Classical Design from Portugal
Located in New York, NY
The Copa Armchair offers an exceptional combination of comfort and warm hospitality, making it the perfect seating choice for any environment. Renowned for its versatility and adapta...
Leather, Wood
19th Century, Six Italian Neoclassical Lacquered Wood Benches
Located in IT
19th Century, six Italian neoclassical lacquered wood benches. Measures: 4 stools: D 46.5 x W 46.5 x H 51 cm 2 benches: D 46.5 x W 82 x H 51 cm T...
Wood
Yakisugi Black Chapel Chair in Oak by Seven Cedars Co Dining Chair
Located in Staatsburg, NY
Seven Cedars Co. has re-contextualized vintage 1940s oak chapel chairs with back pockets in a limited edition run of 50. These elegant chairs have been modernized and treated in the...
Oak
Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique walnut wood chair with armrests, early 1900s. Chair entirely in walnut wood with worked armrests, as well as the seat and backrest. Dating back to the early 1900s. Go...
Walnut
Vintage Regency Red Striated Empire Arm Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant armchair is a superb example of the refined and formal design of the Regency and Empire periods. Its stately presence is defined by a tall, straight back and gracefully ...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair
Located in Lisboa, PT
18th Century Portuguese D. Maria I “Coiffeuse” Side Chair in Rosewood Origin: Portugal, late 18th century Style: D. Maria I (Portuguese Neoclassicism...
Rosewood
Pair Of Lounge Chairs, Balloon Back With Palmettes, Birch, 1800
Located in Madrid, EX
Pair of lounge chairs Balloon back with palmettes and forward-flaring legs Birch and ebony grain Baltic countries circa 1800 Height 93 cm Seat height 43 cm Width 47 c...
Birch, Ebony
Set of 4 Klismos-Style Chairs
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Two chairs and two armchairs. Original cognac-coloured leather seats with fine gold embossed frieze. Dimensions provided below are for the armchairs. The chairs measure (in centim...
Leather, Wood
$4,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Italian Carved and Parcel Gilt Neo-Classical Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely vintage Italian carved and parcel gilt Neo-Classical benches with leopard upholstery. Very fine patina and carvings. Note: There is a tear in the upholstery on one bench. Sold...
Upholstery, Giltwood
$4,200 / set
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...
Fruitwood
$10,084 / set
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, ...
Brass
Walnut Small Bench or Stool, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sidewalk. Walnut wood. Century XVIII. Rectangular board stool with smooth molding on the edge and turned legs in the shape of balusters, which are secu...
Other
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.
Mirror, Wood
Maison Romeo, Large Neoclassical Bergère Chair, circa 1980
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Romeo, large neoclassical bergère chair, circa 1980.
Wood
4 Italian Neoclassic Piedmontese Silver Giltwood Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Italian Neo-Classic (18/19th Century) Piedmontese silver giltwood armchairs with a fluted arched back, concave scroll arms, the back and seat upholstered in a gray two-tone ...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt Red Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic ebonized and parcel-gilt armchairs with square form backrests, two tone red-striped upholstered backs and seats with scalloped rope trim, the arms topped ...
Wood, Giltwood, Fabric, Upholstery
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Troy, NY
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis. Neoclassical green painted and gilt armchair with caned seat. After a model by Jean-Joseph Chapuis. The front legs retain their ...
Cane, Wood
Vintage Neoclassical Sillver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this pair of Vintage Neoclassical Silver Gilt Tipped Lounge Chairs. Perfect for American-style interiors, these chairs feature elegant neoclassical des...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,122 / item
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...
Leather
French Louis XIV Style Salon Suite in the Manner of Guéret Frères
Located in Troy, NY
French Louis XIV Style Salon Suite in the Manner of Guéret Frères. Whimsical and very decorative set of salon furniture consisting of one large chair, ...
Upholstery, Walnut
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.
Silk, Wood
Set of 4 Italian Style Carved Wood Armchairs, 1990s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A striking set of four Italian-style armchairs from the 1990s, featuring beautifully carved wood frames with elegant scroll arms and refined detailing throughout. Each chair showcas...
Fabric, Wood
A pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Walnut and Giltwood armch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most decorative pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Walnut and Giltwood armchairs. Each wonderful armchair is raised on two front turned Walnut legs, ...
Leather, Walnut, Giltwood
Italian Neoclassic Style Upholstered Stool
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic style (circa 1925) parcel gilt & cream painted stool with close buttoned upholstered square seat on cabriole legs with acanthus brackets.
Gold Leaf
Pair of Patinated Wood and Gold Leaf Armchairs by Maison Forest, France
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of patinated wood and gold leaf armchairs by Maison Forest, France, late 19th century.
Gold Leaf
$12,000
Single Neoclassical Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Neoclassical armchairs. Karelian Birch with carved details and central carved giltwood detail on the backrest.
Birch, Giltwood
Antique Viennese Walnut Cane Seat Arm Chair c. Late 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Viennese Walnut Cane Seat Arm Chair, dating to the late 19th century, exudes timeless elegance with its refined design and craftsmanship. Constructed from rich, dark wal...
Cane, Walnut
19th Century Chinoiserie Queen Anne Style Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nicely detailed Queen Anne chair. Seat was originally can but now hard upholstered in new mohair. Strong and sturdy.
Mohair, Wood, Paint
Giltwood and Painted Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely carved giltwood and painted Italian style reproductions. Newly upholstered. Strong and sturdy. Priced per bench.
Fabric, Giltwood, Paint
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...
Brass
Pair of Danish 18th Century Neoclassical White Painted Armchairs
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Each with an oval padded back above a large oval drop-in seat, both covered in striped woven silk and flanked by carved scrolled and padded arms, the apron carved with a Vitruvian sc...
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...
Ormolu
Pair of 18th Century Silver Leaf and Painted Venetian Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th Century silver leafed and hand painted Venetian side chairs. Seat inserts are covered in leather. Excellent condition for their age. S...
Silver Leaf
American Tiger Maple Bench, Great for Hall Way Bench or Bench at Foot of Bed
Located in Buchanan, MI
American tiger maple bench, great for hall way bench or bench at foot of bed. Seat height could be adjusted depending on the height of the cushion on...
Birdseye Maple
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Late 18th Century Oval Stools with Upholstered Seat
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A pair of Italian Neoclassical period oval stools from the 18th century with white-painted bodies, parcel-gilt accents and upholstered seats. Born in the later years of the 18th cent...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Italian Classic Mahogany Scroll Back Tufted Leather Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian set of 2 Classic Mahogany Scroll Back Tufted Leather Side Chairs w/Antique Gold Nailhead Trim - Pair
Leather, Wood
Neoclassical Armchair, Germany 1820-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Beautifully designed Neoclassical Armchair dating back to around 1820-30. The chair comes from southwest Germany, The back has a very pretty open work design with a hand-carved leave design. The armchair comes refinished and has a new upholstery and is covered with a very pretty black woven Jacquard fabric by JAB Anstoetz.
Elm
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!!
Upholstery, Wood
$1,507 / item
two Neoclassical armchairs circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Two Neoclassical armchairs circa 1970 price is for one two are available 6 chairs same model also available.
Wood
Set Eight Fratelli Sanvito Neoclassical Fruitwood and Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Eight Fratelli Sanvito for Versailles Design Center Neoclassical Fruitwood and Upholstered Dining Chairs. Two Armchairs and six side chairs. Fratelli Sanvito chairs are luxu...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Exceptional Tiger Maple with Leather Armchair
Located in Branford, CT
Truly exceptional hand made tiger maple Queen Anne style armchair. Beautiful leather upholstery. Signed by the craftsman, Brien Pierce and dated April, 1985
Leather, Wood, Maple