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.
$5,029 / item
Paul Mathieu Bench, Vaisseau Hammered Brass
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Medium Hammered Brass metal-clad bench is clad in hand-applied Medium Hammered Brass over a wood substrate in the Vaisseau vessel form. The piece translates the Vaisseau vessel for...
Brass, Sheet Metal
$7,314 / item
Raj Chair, White Bronze Metal Clad Throne Seat
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Bronze metal-clad chair is clad in hand-applied White Bronze over a carved wood frame in a Raj-inspired throne form. The piece renders a Rajasthani royal chair form in hand-a...
Silver, Sheet Metal
$10,971 / item
Paul Mathieu Day Bed, Copper Metal Cladding
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Copper chaise is clad in hand-applied Copper metal over a teak and engineered wood structure. The piece combines generous lounge proportions with the warmth of hand-applied copper ...
Copper, Sheet Metal
$4,571 / item
Paul Mathieu Chair (with Arms), Jali Openwork Back
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A jali-carved wood and metal chair that features an open jali-carved back panel set within a metal-clad frame. The piece carries the geometric discipline of Rajasthani jali carving i...
Wood, Teak
$4,571 / item
Paul Mathieu Chair (Armless), Jali Openwork Back
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A jali-carved wood and metal chair that features an open jali-carved back panel set within a metal-clad frame. The piece carries the geometric discipline of Rajasthani jali carving i...
Wood, Teak
$42,000 / set
Set of 8 Russian Neo-Classic Mahogany Green Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 Russian Neo-classic mahogany & brass mounted side chairs with green leather upholstered seats & backs and brass filigree panel and fruitwood inlaid trim (early 19th Cent)
Brass
Antique Gilt Wood Salon Chair by S.J Waring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely well made antique gilt wood salon chair by S.J Waring (later known as Waring and Gillows). This was made in England, it dates from around the 1880-1900 peri...
Cotton, Giltwood
$4,900 / item
Wood Framed Chair with Loose Back and Seat Cushions
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Viva club chair is a beautifully styled and comfortable armchair shown with linen cushions and arm pads - all hand sewn cushions with feather and down inserts with carved wood fr...
Linen, Oak
Round Pouf on Steel Metal Base with Faux Animal Skin and Self Welt at the Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lido Pouf is the fun younger sister to the Colle pouf shown in faux animal skin with a steel metal base - it can be used as an ottoman or pull up table...
Steel
Neoclassical Cherry Desk Armchair in Tan Leather, France, 1940s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Neoclassical Cherry Desk Armchair in Tan Leather, France, 1940s. French workshop, desk armchair, cherry and leather, France, 1940s. The back is filled with a shallow reeded panel se...
Brass
Rare Neoclassical Style Side Chair with Caduceus Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very rare caduceus carved back to a traditional neoclassical style side chair. The richly historical and ancient Caduceus symbol features ...
Wood
$5,154 / set
Pair of American West Leather Armchairs
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered with vintage style Havana brown leather. This handsome chair has been given some angles that you will enjoy. The seat back almost wants to be a wing but is gently angled ...
Leather
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
Russian Neoclassic Silk Winged Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Russian Neoclassic Karelian birch winged armchair upholstered in green striped silk with scrolled sides on splayed legs with casters (19th Century)
Silk
Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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. ...
Brass
Russian Neoclassic Armchairs, Gilt & Green Paint, Silk Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Russian Neoclassic (early 19th Century) parcel gilt and dark green painted armchairs with scrolled arms with bird heads and red damask silk upholstered seats. (PRICED AS Pair...
Upholstery, Giltwood, Wood
$1,737Sale Price|20% Off
Walnut Armchair From the Late 19th Century in Black Leather
Located in Opole, PL
Elegant late 19th-century armchair, circa 1890, crafted from walnut and upholstered in black leather. The chair features a distinctive oval medallion backrest, gracefully shaped open...
Leather, Walnut
Italian Neoclassic Maroon Lacquer and Gold Damask Upholstery Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic-style (19th Century) X design maroon lacquered armchair with gilt floral trim and gold damask upholstery.
Wood
Neoclassical Style, Occasional Chairs, Carved Wood, Silk, England, 19th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Neoclassical Style, Occasional or Side Chairs, Carved Wood, Silk, England, 19th c. Pair of stained wood and silk occasional chairs having a later red and white striped traditional f...
Silk, Wood
Vintage Ralph Lauren Rush Seat Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking high-back side chair, manufactured by the prestigious EJ Victor, masterfully blends Mediterranean rusticism with the refined elegance of high-end traditional design. Th...
Brass
$1,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
Upholstered Ottoman to Match Club Chair Shown in White Faux Skin and Wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Willow ottoman created to match the club chair of same name is shown in matching off white faux skin on wood stained legs. Hand carved and upholstered with feather and down seat ...
Animal Skin, Mahogany
$550Sale Price / set|42% Off
Pair of American White Paint-Decorated Rush Seat Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of American White Paint-Decorated Rush Seat Chairs. 37" H x 23" W x 21" D; seat: 19" H. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Rush, Wood, Paint
19th Century Fine Neoclassical Bench
Located in New York, NY
A fine Neoclassical bench in a lyre form. Beautifully finished, exposed walnut frame with tight seat and sides. Upholstered in creme silk satin. An elegant piece to add seating to a...
Walnut, Silk
Pair Of Italian Neoclassical Maple Armchairs Attributed Pelagio Palagi
Located in Essex, MA
Each with tablet crestrail with inlaid anthemion , the arms with carved griffon supports all raised on carved cabriole legs with hoof feet. These chairs are diminutive. Newly covered...
Other
Suite of Three Italian Neoclassical Polychrome Painted Side Chairs, circa 1780
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Suite of three Italian neoclassical polychrome painted side chairs, circa 1780 Antique, excellent and rare suite of three Northern Italian (probably Venice) Neoclassical side chai...
Wood
Custom Upholstered Channeled Ottoman on Maple Wood Base with Hand Stitching
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Astor ottoman is completely handcrafted with vertical channeling throughout the sides - interior upholstery is all handstitched with springs and synthetic hair - hand carved mapl...
Suede, Maple
$3,598 / item
Black Leather Accent Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in rich Onyx Black leather, this chair is designed to make a statement. Its contrasting oak wood frame adds a touch of classic charm, while the nailhead trim along the ed...
Leather, Wood
$1,120Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bisquit Tufted Dining Side Chair with Wood Legs and Balloon Shaped Back
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Clara chair is a classic style with an all upholstered back and seat with hand stitched bisquit tufting and buttons covered in same material, seat h...
Fabric, Mahogany
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!!
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
$10,514Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Walnut Wood Duchesse Brisée Armchair
Located in IT
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Walnut Wood Duchesse Brisée Armchair This particular armchair, called Duchesse Brisée, was crafted in Piemonte during the Neoclassical period, arou...
Wood, Walnut
Série de 6 chaises et 2 fauteuils en chêne et velours ras d'origine.
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Série de 6 chaises et 2 fauteuils en chêne et velours ras d'origine. une autre série du même modèle mais avec une patine et un tissu différent est également disponible dans une autr...
Velvet, Oak
Italian Neoclassic Open Armchairs, Maple with Black Lacquered Mermaids
Located in Queens, NY
2 Italian Neo-classic-style (19th Century) maple open arm chairs with carved black lacquered mermaid on arms and beige upholstery (PRICED EACH)
Upholstery, Maple
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Painted Window Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
The Vintage Italian Neoclassical Painted Window Bench is a unique and stylish piece of furniture that can add a touch of elegance to any room. Its neoclassical design and unique shap...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian Neo-Classic Giltwood Side Chair with Floral Stripe Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic (18th Century) giltwood side chair featuring a shaped oval back upper section having a carved foliate crest and upholstered in a floral stripe pink and beige patt...
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood, Upholstery
Italian Neo-Classical Side Chair, Wood & Gold Leaf, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (19th Cent) brown painted and gilt trimmed side chair with oval open carved shield form back and striped upholstered seat.
Gold Leaf
Vintage 18th Century Israel Cope Scroll Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite antique settee is a masterclass in Neoclassical design, featuring a graceful scroll-arm silhouette characteristic of the early 19th-century Federal style. Adorned with...
Rush, Wood
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Loveseat with Striped Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Neo-classic (18/19th Cent) white painted and gold trimmed loveseat with a shaped front and center leg with striped upholstered seat and back A few small stains on seat fabr...
Wood, Paint, Upholstery
$1,960 / item
Pair of Chiara Dining Chairs, Mustard
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Chiara dining chair is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Chiara is a lacquered wood dining chair with a natural woven cane seat and would suit ant...
Cane, Wood
$1,421 / item
Giulia Chair, Olive
Located in Isleworth, GB
This beautiful occasional chair is offered in many different fabrics within our collections, it has a softly rounded back and an over-stuffed seat cushion, meaning comfort is never s...
Linen
$1,408 / item
Giulia Chair, Oxford Blue
Located in Isleworth, GB
This beautiful occasional chair is offered in many different fabrics within our collections, it has a softly rounded back and an over-stuffed seat cushion, meaning comfort is never s...
Linen
$1,408 / item
Giulia Chair, Dusky Pink
Located in Isleworth, GB
This beautiful occasional chair is offered in many different fabrics within our collections, it has a softly rounded back and an over-stuffed seat cushion, meaning comfort is never s...
Linen
$3,429 / item
Sofia Armchair, Prussian
Located in Isleworth, GB
Designed in a classic silhouette, the Sofia's magnificent shape is complimented with an overstuffed seat cushion and an inviting, wide shape. Sofia is as comfortable as she is elega...
Linen
$1,960 / item
Pair of Chiara Dining Chairs, Natural
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Chiara dining chair is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Chiara is a lacquered wood dining chair with a natural woven cane seat and would suit ant...
Wood, Lacquer
$1,960 / item
Pair of Chiara Dining Chairs, Ocean
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Chiara dining chair is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Chiara is a lacquered wood dining chair with a natural woven cane seat and would suit ant...
Wood, Lacquer
$734 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pavlova
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$734 / item
Aurora Footstool, Cannoli
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fa...
Cotton
$734 / item
Aurora Footstool, Red Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$734 / item
Aurora Footstool, Limoncello
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$734 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pistachio
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our new Dolce Daisies fabr...
Cotton
$761 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Powder
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$761 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Tobacco
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$761 / item
Aurora Footstool, Raphia, Clay
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious space or as an elegant dressing table stool. Featured here in our embroidered Raphia fab...
Cotton
$1,799 / item
Piero Footstool, Citron
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,799 / item
Piero Footstool, Ginger
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Cotton
$1,920 / item
Piero Footstool, Prussian Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,920 / item
Piero Footstool, Olive Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,920 / item
Piero Footstool, Rose Linen
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Linen
$1,718 / item
Piero Footstool, Zucchini Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester
$1,718 / item
Piero Footstool, Daffodil Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our little Piero footstool is your new best friend – it has a flip top cushion where Portuguese Estremoz marble is the surface on one side, and a cushion on the other side, meaning i...
Velvet, Polyester