Neoclassical Seating
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating
Wood, Upholstery
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Chestnut, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Wood, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Cane, Wood
1980s Colombian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Bone
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Linen, Hardwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Walnut
1980s North American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Ebony, Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Faux Leather, Wood
20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Iron
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Wood, Fabric
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Wood, Fabric
1970s European Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Linen, Wood, Paint
1760s English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Damask, Mahogany
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood