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 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
19th C. English Georgian Neoclassical Painted Cabriole Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant 19th century English Georgian Cabriole sofa or settee, featuring a beautifully Neoclassical decorated hardwood frame. The graceful case is constructed with an arched crest...
Brass
French 19th Century Giltwood Neoclassical Stool with Rosette Corners
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French 19th-century stool is a refined example of neoclassical design, combining architectural clarity with delicate carved ornament. The square upholstered seat, recently recov...
Fabric, Upholstery, Giltwood
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
$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
Italian Neoclassic Two-Seat Chair Settee, Late 18th C.
Located in East Point, 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
Neoclassical Giltwood and Velvet Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neoclassical giltwood and velvet armchair, circa 1950.
Velvet, Giltwood
Grand fauteuil de bureau néoclassique, datant d'environ 1950
By Maison Romeo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Grand fauteuil de bureau néoclassique, datant d'environ 1950 a vernir et retapissé à l'arrière
Brass
$9,496Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Neoclassical Directory Mahogany & Suede Tri Corner Stools, 1795 - 1803
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Pair of Iconic Stools from the the French Directoire period (1795 -1803). These Elegant and Exquisite Pair of French Directory period stools / benches have dramatic round tap...
Mahogany, Leather, Suede
$1,982 / 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
$1,437 / 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
$1,423 / 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
$1,982 / 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
$1,982 / 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
$742 / 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
$742 / 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
$742 / 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
$769 / 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
$769 / 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
$1,941 / 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
$1,737 / 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
$1,737 / 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
$1,737 / item
Piero Footstool, Turmeric 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
$1,818 / item
Piero Footstool, Nougat Boucle
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, Polyester
$1,743 / item
Piero Footstool, Grenadine
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
$1,743 / item
Piero Footstool, Tangerine
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
$1,743 / item
Piero Footstool, Coconut
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
$1,743 / item
Piero Footstool, Seaweed
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
$1,743 / item
Piero Footstool, Pesto
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
$831 / item
Aurora Footstool, Prussian
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Artichoke
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Ginger
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$742 / item
Aurora Footstool, Citron
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$749 / item
Aurora Footstool, Pepper
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Cotton
$831 / item
Aurora Footstool, Rose
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$831 / item
Aurora Footstool, Olive
Located in Isleworth, GB
The Aurora footstool is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Aurora is an upholstered footstool, perfect for extra seating without taking up precious spa...
Linen
$2,854 / item
Sofia Armchair, Red Velvet
Located in Isleworth, GB
Designed in a classic silhouette, the Sofia is complimented with an overstuffed seat cushion and an inviting, wide shape. Sofia is as comfortable as she is elegant, supported by tap...
Cotton, Upholstery
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
$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
$937Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Queen Maria I style chairs in Noble Wood - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of Queen Maria I style chairs in Noble Wood - 18th century. Portuguese; from the 18th century; in Noble Wood. Backrest in the shape of a hollow shield and upholstered seats in f...
Wood
$426Sale Price|50% Off
Queen Maria style chair in Noble Wood - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Queen Maria style chair in Noble Wood - 18th century. Portuguese chair from the 18th century; made of Noble Wood. Straw seat. Dimensions: 82x52x42 cm
Wood
$1,364Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of four Queen Maria style chairs in vine wood - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Set of four Queen Maria style chairs in vine wood - 18th century. Portuguese from the 18th century; made of vine wood wood. Upholstered seats in fabric. Dimensions: 98x52x42 cm
Wood
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
$1,705Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of three neoclassical Queen Maria style statues in Noble Wood - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Set of three neoclassical Queen Maria style chairs in Noble Wood - 18th century. Portuguese from the 18th century; in Noble Wood; backrest in the shape of a hollow shield and seats i...
Wood
$5,116Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sofa and six chairs by Queen Maria I style pau-oleo wood - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Sofa and six Queen Maria style chairs in oil-wood - 19th century. Portuguese; 19th century in oil-wood; carved and openwork backrest with satinwood inlays. Straw seats. Minor flaws. ...
Wood
$10,218 / 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
$511Sale Price|50% Off
Queen Maria style wood veneer in Noble Wood - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Queen Maria style chair in Noble Wood - 18th century. Portuguese chair from the 18th century; made of Noble Wood. Fabric seat. Dimensions: 90 x 50.5 x 405 cm.
Wood
$1,705Sale Price|50% Off
Queen Maria style sofa in Noble Wood - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Queen Maria style sofa in Noble Wood and jacaranda wood - 19th century. Portuguese; 19th century, made of Noble Wood and jacaranda wood. Straw seat. Dimensions: 88x187x63 cm
Wood
$1,193Sale Price / set|50% Off
Six chairs in the style of Queen Maria style.
Located in Porto, PT
Six chairs in the style of Queen Maria style. Portuguese; 20th century, made of mahogany wood with satinwood inlay. Straw seats. Dimensions: 86x49x41 cm.
Wood
$2,558Sale Price|50% Off
Queen Maria style sofa in Noble Wood - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Queen Maria style sofa in Noble Wood - 19th century. Portuguese, 19th century; made of Noble Wood. Elliptical openwork back. Straw seat. Defect in the tube. Dimensions: 98x170x52 cm.
Wood
$5,116Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of six chairs and a sofa, Queen Maria style, in Noble Wood - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Set of six chairs and a Queen Maria style sofa in Noble Wood - 19th century. Portuguese, 19th century; in Noble Wood with inlays. Straw seats. Dimensions: (sofa) 92x169x52 cm; (chair...
Wood
$511Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of chairs in the style of Queen Maria style.
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of Queen Maria style chairs. Portuguese; 20th century, made of mahogany wood with satinwood inlays. Straw seats. Dimensions: 90x49x40 cm
Wood
$2,950 / set
Pair of 1960’s tufted Italian Benches
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 1960’s tufted Italian Benches. Walnut bleach wood and fabric. Newly reupholstered .
Fabric, 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
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
19th Century Italian Settee with a White, Blue and Gold Leaf Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th century neoclassical Italian settee with a parcel-gilt, and white and blue painted finish. This Piedmontese settee originally h...
Wood
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
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
Neoclassical Marquetry Desk Chair in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
A spectacular Italian Neoclassical style desk chair, in the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini, late 19th c. Exquisite marquetry veneer in rosewood, satinwood and other decorative woods. Front fully decorated with intricate inlaid marquetry foliate designs, back featuring a centered foliate cartouche and corner cartouches rising on four elegant squared tapering legs finished with the original brass castor cups. The shape and the inlaid designs are similar to those on pieces of furniture produced by Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), the foremost cabinet-maker in late 18th-century Milan. Maggiolini and his workshop specialized in marquetry scenes inspired by antiquity, based on drawings by late 18th-century artists and designers such as Andrea Appiani...
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