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
Leather, Modern Copa Armchair
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...
Category
2010s Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, South German 1810-20
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Neoclassical Chairs, Germany 1810-20: Exquisite Design with Palmette Motif
Discover the elegance of the past with this stunning pair of Neoclassical chairs, hailing from Ger...
Category
1810s German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Neoclassic (Possibly Russian, mid 19th Century) karelian birch and fruitwood bench with flaired arms and tapered legs.
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fruitwood, Upholstery, Birch
2 Swedish Neoclassic Birch and Silk Stools
Located in Queens, NY
2 Swedish Neoclassic style parcel gilt & patinated birch stools with a gold damask silk upholstered seat above laurel leaf headed legs joined by a turned H stretcher (PRICED EACH)
Category
20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Birch
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
1900s Italian Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of finely carved 1900s. Possibly late 19th Century. Giltwood armchairs. Possibly English, but most likely Italian. Upholstery is new. Fabric is high end designer in an Asian mot...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6639
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
3 seater sofa.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Pouff with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6088
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Pouff with wooden base and upper part upholstered. The base and the pouff itself have a round shape.
The capitonnè upholstery complete the classic look.
Finishing is cod. 18 turtledove (40% gloss).
The upholstery is in velvet cod. 9124 cat. D brown...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Wood
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
Wood, Leather, Fabric
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6344
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.
Finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather, Fabric
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Pouff with Wooden Base Neoclassic, 6087
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Oval pouff with wooden base and upper part upholstered. The base and the pouff itself have a round shape.
The capitonnè upholstery complete the classic look.
Finishing is cod. 18 turtledove (40% gloss).
The upholstery is in velvet cod. 9124 cat. D brown...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather, Fabric
Elegant Chair in Stained Beech and Brass, France or Italy, circa 1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant chair in stained beech and brass, France or Italy, circa 1940.
Category
1940s European Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
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
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
Pair of 18th Century Russian Neoclassical Period Mahogany Parcel-Gilt Armchairs
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A pair of Russian Neoclassical period mahogany parcel-gilt armchairs from the second half of the 18th century, with palmette motifs, black upholstered seats with nailhead trims and scrolled foliage. Each of this exquisite pair of Russian armchairs...
Category
18th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Neoclassical Giltwood and Velvet Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical giltwood and velvet armchair, circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
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.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Dark Walnut Dining Chair with Armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
High-end palaces need high-end furniture, and the mission of Modenese Gastone Interiors is to serve this purpose. This majestic shiny dining ...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Royal Late 18th Century Neoclassical Berlin Side Chairs
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The finely carved unusual splat with two horse heads in the centre holding draperies in their mouth above a classcial pierced splat decorated with further draperies and supported by ...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Modern Solid Patinated Bronze Smoky Glass-Top Low Tables/Benches
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of modern patinated bronze smoky glass-top low tables/benches
These are currently low tables but could easily have a cusion made making them a pair of benches...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Neoclassical Style Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated and giltwood armchairs. Each armchair is raised by circular tapered feet at the with giltwood bands, Fine l...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Russian Mid 19th Century Neoclassical St. Mahogany & Giltwood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and extremely unique pair of Russian mid 19th century neo-classical st. Mahogany and giltwood armchairs. Each chair is raised by elegantly curved legs with beautiful g...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated and Gilt Benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and most unique pair of Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated and gilt benches. Each bench is raised by finely carved giltwood hoof feet below the elegant...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of Four Baltic Empire Chairs
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An extraordinary set of four Baltic neoclassical parcel-gilt and silver gilt side chairs each with scrolled and circular backrest and applied with anthemion and palmette decoration. Upholstered in an elegant gold and white jacquard fabric.
Category
Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birch
Delicate Loveseat in White Tones and Grey Upholstery by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Wrap up your classy villa living areas with this slim and delicate two-seater loveseat by Modenese Luxury Interiors, showing up in one of our most sold catalogues. It features an ivo...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Soft Classic Italian Capitone Armchair in Ivory and Gold Leaf Lacquer Finish
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Marvelous grey satin armchair with capitone buttons. This seating features a wooden structure decorated in ivory and gold leaf lacquer finish. Modenese Gastone represents the appropr...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf, Silver, Gold Leaf
Side Chiar in Walnut Finish and Ivory Satin New 18th Century by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Embellish your dining room with a curved-lines neoclassical side chair by Modenese Luxury Interiors. This refined seating element, commonly used in bespoke interior projects, present...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold 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...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Bespoke Gilded Armchair in Ivory Capitonne and Lion Carvings
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Luxury capitonne armchair with unique lion foot carved design. The seats are in mixed fabric and leather pattern. The capitonne upholstering is elegant in shape but yet very comforta...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
EAST SIDE Lounge Armchair Neoclassical Inspiration Pink Leather and Brass
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
The meeting between postmodern architecture and the vibrant art scene of 1980s New York gives life to this timeless armchair, integrating neoclassical style with the modernity of the...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Metal Base Neoclassic, 6737
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Armchair.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6437
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Armchair characterized by a soft backrest that enhances the comfort.
The wooden carved legs improves the classic look of the sofa and give a more e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Leather
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.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage French Empire Style Curule X-Frame Black Carved Wood Upholstered Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Hand-Carved Curule Upholstered X Frame Black Bench. Item featured has a lightly distressed finish, rolled arms, and beautiful hand carvings throughout. Ci...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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.