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.
Pair of Italian Style Carved Wood Armchairs, 1990s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautiful pair of Italian-style armchairs from the 1990s, featuring elegantly carved wood frames with graceful scroll arms and refined detailing throughout. These chairs showcase ...
Fabric, Wood
1920s Oak Heraldic Bench with Spanish & French Royal Alliance Crest
Located in London, GB
This 1920s oak bench features a carved heraldic crest representing the alliance between the Spanish and French royal families. Crafted from solid oak, it has a decorative shaped back...
Oak
18th Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Lacquered and Gilt Wood Armchairs
Located in IT
Pair of Neoclassical armchairs in carved, lacquered and gilded wood, Italy, late 18th century This refined pair of armchairs was made in Turin, Italy, during the Neoclassical period...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price|53% Off
Early 20th Century American Bamboo Cane Chaise Lounge, Original Parts
Located in Wainscott, NY
Early 20th Century American Bamboo Cane Chaise Lounge, Original parts Very special and unique cane and bamboo chaise lounge. All original materials.
Bamboo, Cane
$16,000 / set
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...
Tapestry, Wood, Giltwood, Velvet
$3,204
Fauteuil en bois laqué
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fauteuil en bois laqué France, 1950 Fauteuil en bois laqué mouluré et sculpté. Piétement galbé réuni par une entretoise en X. Garniture en cuir brun foncé. Style Louis XV. H 116 x L...
Wood
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
$8,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs, Germany, 1800-1810
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique set of six Neoclassical chairs, Germany 1800-1810, cherrywood. Beautiful harp motif on the back of the chairs with exquisitely carved details. The c...
Cherry
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
Vintage George IV English Regency Style Black Leather Chairs - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage George IV English Regency Style Black Leather Chairs with Metal Lion Head Arms and Saber Legs - Pair This striking pair of vintage English Regency style chairs beautifully ...
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of eight Queen Anne style ebonized and gilt decorated dining chairs. These sleek and stylish dining chairs come straight from a NYC brownstone. The ebonized frames would fit easi...
Wood
Classic Cabot Wrenn Caesar High Back Regency Taupe Leather Swivel Desk Chair
By Cabot Wrenn
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous traditional and classic style Caesar high back regency taupe leather swivel and tilt executive office desk chair by Cabot Wrenn. The beauty of the Caesar executive chair lie...
Metal
Italian Neoclassic Two-Seat Chair Settee, Late 18th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian two-chair back carved-wood settee from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This antique tête-à-tête (loveseat) from Italy features a straight top-rail along back, above...
Wood
Set of Eight Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Giltwood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and complete set of eight Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated and giltwood dining side chairs from Tuscany. Each chair is raised by patinated fluted leg...
Wood, Giltwood
Italian Neo-Classic Side Chair, Cream with Gilt Trim, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic style (20th Century) cream painted and gilt trim side chair with fluted legs and open geomegtric diamond \"X\" design back with a stretcher and 0ff-white upholste...
Paint
Italian Neo-Classic Armchair, Cream with Gilt Trim, 20th Century
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
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
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
Patinated Wood and Gold Leaf Seven Pieces Suit, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Patinated wood and gold leaf seven pieces suit. Attributed to Maison Jansen, France, late 19th century. One large sofa, two armchairs and four chairs. Dimensions: Large sofa: 106 c...
Gold Leaf
$514Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ladder Back Writing Chair with Rush Seat
Located in Freehold, NJ
This antique writing chair features hardwood construction, original dark oak finish, ladder back seat with vintage rush caned seat, and a solid o...
Rush, Oak
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
Vintage English Regency Style Ash Wood Dining Chairs in Brown Leather - Set of 8
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage English Regency Style Ash Wood Dining Chairs Upholstered in a Patterned Brown Leather with Nail Head Trim - Set of 8 This set of eight chairs would be a sumptuous addition t...
Leather, Wood
Exceptionally rare 18th Century “Coiffeuse” chair
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
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
A pair of chairs crafted from birch and curly birch (Karelian) featuring clean lines and balanced proportions characteristic of Russian transitional furniture from the early 1800s. T...
Ebony, Birch
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
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs, Germany around 1810
Located in Leimen, DE
Step into the elegance of the past with this remarkable set of 6 original Neoclassical Chairs, dating back to the early 19th century in southern Germany. Crafted from exquisite cherr...
Cherry
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
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
Neoclassical Giltwood and Velvet Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neoclassical giltwood and velvet armchair, circa 1950.
Velvet, Giltwood
$4,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of six Italian neoclassic period side chairs. Walnut. All matching with elegant carved backs and ovoid floating elements. Good aged walnut patina...
Walnut, Velvet
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...
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.
Silk, Wood
$10,297 / 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
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
Italian Neoclassical Style High Back Brass Inlay Dining Side Chairs - Set of 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Style High Back Brass Inlay Dining Side Chairs - Set of 8. Listing includes 8 side chairs with brass inlay, lattice cutouts, tall curved backs, solid woo...
Wood
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
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
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
Floral Bench with Painted Wood Frame
Located in New York, NY
A charming upholstered bench with a curved seat covered in a warm-toned floral textile featuring a structured, repeating motif. The painted wood frame has a soft, neutral finish with...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$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
18th Century Italian Neo-Classical Giltwood Armchairs, Carved Design
Located in Queens, NY
2 Italian Neo-classic (Neopolitan 18th Cent) open arm chairs with square fluted tapered legs and carving on backrail with gold upholstered seat and back (PRICED EACH)
Gold
Pair of Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Bergéres Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Russian Neoclassic (1st Quarter 19th Century) brass mounted mahogany bergeres Armchairs upholstered in red damask silk and on brass casters (PRICED AS Pair)
Brass
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
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
Refined Wood Uphostery"Curves" Occasional Chair Parisii Collection
Located in Del Mar, CA
Curves Occasional Chair The Curves Occasional Chair is designed as an invitation to pause. Lounge-like and deeply comfortable, the chair embraces the body with a generous seat, soft...
Upholstery, Wood
Minimalist Steel Upholstery "Classic" Love Seat Parisii Collection
Located in Del Mar, CA
CLASSIC LOVESEAT A contemporary heirloom The Classic Loveseat is defined by softness, structure, and symbolism. Its fully upholstered form invites ease, while the sculptural metal ...
Steel
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
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
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 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
$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
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
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...
Giltwood
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