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
Mid Century Modern Low Profile Table Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Low Profile Table Chairs - Set of 4
Vintage mid century modern set of 4, clean lined, low profile, flared arm, card/game-table chairs. All have their original cog...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair Early French Carved Sculptural Lounge Chairs Neoclassical Hollywood Regency
Located in Wayne, NJ
Gorgeous pair of vintage sculpted line French style armchairs with carved details. The fabric appears to have been re upholstered, at some point, so is in very good condition. A few ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair Side Chairs with Lyre Back
Located in New York, NY
“I know of no other chair like the single [sic] ‘lyre back’ one. . . . I certainly recognize it as a Boston chair considering all the individual elements, but the combination is particularly elegant.” So wrote noted scholar of Boston furniture Page Talbott when a set of four chairs of this design originally surfaced in the 1980s. Although the existence of four chairs in a specific pattern might imply that the chairs were originally part of a larger set, no additional chairs of this form have appeared in the intervening years.
The lyre became a popular motif during the Neo-Classical period, and is frequently encountered as the back splat of klismos chairs, in no example more familiar than in a group of Duncan Phyfe chairs...
Category
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Russian Neoclassical Flame Mahogany Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Russian Neoclassical flame mahogany sofa
Russia, 19th Century
A fine example of 19th Century Russian Neoclassical furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
1980’s Neoclassic Large Scale Armchair with Distressed Finish by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Neoclassic large-scale armchair with distressed finish & fixed seat & loose back cushions wearing taupe & beige fabric w/leaf details by Bernhardt from Vargas Fine F...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
French Early 20th Century Folding Iron Bed
Located in Buchanan, NY
French iron bed, circa 1900, made to be used against the wall. The iron has a nice natural patina.
The bed is sold alone, it does not include a mattre...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Six New England Hitchcock Chairs Rosewood Painted & Stenciled Flowering Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
New England Hitchcock chairs,
Set of Six,
Most likely Connecticut,
Circa 1840
The set of six side chairs have stenciled gilt decorations of flow...
Category
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Sofa Bench Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century French sofa bench, crafted around 1820, showcases the timeless sophistication of early 19th-century furniture design. Made from solid walnut, the bench feat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
A Pair of 1980s Rattan and Rush Lounge Chairs with Ottoman Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rattan and rush lounge chairs with ottoman with canvas loose cushions. Chair is 30" W x 30" D x 38" H. Arm height is 28". Seat interior width is 23" and seat interior depth ...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Neoclassical X Style Steel Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Steel and brass Neoclassical X bench with genuine white leather seat cushion.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Neoclassic French Pair of 19th C. Bergères Armchairs 'Nicely Sized Seats!'
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical pair of carved-wood and upholstered tub-style armchairs from the 19th century. This antique pair of bergères occasional c...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Russian Mahogany Green Velvet Recamier
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (circa 1810) mahogany diminutive recamier with gilt swan carved sides and ball & claw feet front feet and upholstered in a cut green velvet
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Velvet
Neoclassical Stainless Steel & Brass Ram's Head Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage neoclassical steel and brass Ram's head bench by Maison Jansen.
This bench has a steel frame with three Ram's heads on both front & back. Supported by three X legs with brass...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Neoclassical Style Silvered Steel Curule Stool with Swan Heads and Faux-Leather
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative neoclassical style curulle stool is made of silvered steel with swan heads. Silver Plated missing on some areas. The seat is made of a black faux-leathe...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Steel
Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Bench, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish wrought iron Curule bench made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms and feet. These bench are als...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Fauteuils with Cane Backs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Fauteuils with Cane Backs and Twisted Fluted Legs, ca. 1790
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
Maxwell Leather Lounge Chair by Restoration Hardware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bench-made by master craftsmen in Hickory, North Carolina. Kiln-dried, precision-cut, FSC-certified wood frames with mortise and tenon joinery for strength and stability. Heirloom-qu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Sofa Upholstered in White Silk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Finely Carved Mahogany Parlor Sofa Upholstered in Elegant White Patterned Silk Blend Upholstery
This exquisite antique Duncan Phyfe style parlor sofa show...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
Swan Chair by Maison Jansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iron frame chair with classic Maison Jansen brass swan heads and black and white upholstered cushions, circa second quarter of the 20th century. The back cushion has three brass butt...
Category
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Italian Walnut Needlepoint Arm Chairs, 18th century
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian walnut armchairs with arched top, floral carved scrolled arms, original needlepoint, and terminating on bulbous turne...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Baltic Neoclassical Klismos and Curule Form Mahogany Armchairs, Pair, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A chic, rare, and unusual pair of circa 1800 Baltic Directoire style armchairs or fauteuils of both klismos and curule variant form, the solid mahogany frames gilt-metal rosette moun...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Gilded Age Highly Carved Chaise Lounge
Located in Hudson, NY
A fantastic and whimsical chaise lounge. Hand carved with a beautifully patinaed green paint and gilded accents. This truly is large enough for a person to sleep on should one need a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Set of Four Jacques Garcia for Baker Marat Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of four mahogany dining chairs designed by Jacques Garcia for Baker. The Marat dining chairs (Model # BA3848) feature a mahogany ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of English 1900s Neoclassical Style Painted and Gilt Chairs with Feathers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Neoclassical style painted wood side chairs from the early 20th century with parcel gilt décor and carved feather motifs. Created in England at the Turn of the Century which saw the transition between the 19th to the 20th, this pair of Neoclassical style side chairs draws our attention with their shield-style backs adorned with mesmerizing giltwood feathers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Linen, Upholstery
Italian Neoclassical Lyre Back Chairs, Circa 1800
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique Italian Neoclassical lyre back side chairs with carved rosette design at center of curved top back rails.
Circa 1800. Look at all pictures and read condition report ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Neoclassical Style 1880s Painted Wood Bench with Carved Waterleaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish 19th century painted bench Circa 1880
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th century
Dimensions: 53" W x 18.25" D x 15" H
A Swedish neoclassical style painted wood bench ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th-C. Yellow Damask Tufted Sofa / Settee With Down Cushion By Baker Furn.
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a butter yellow damask sofa or settee by Baker Furniture Company. It is in very good condition, and it is marked. The cushion is a down wrap. The piece dates to the later par...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Italian Carved and Gilded Sedan Chair with Original Interior and Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Museum quality. Of all the examples we've seen, this is the best.
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Signed Lloyd Loom White Wicker Chairs W/ Antique Ticking Cushions
By Lloyd Loom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing original white painted Lloyd Loom signed wicker chairs are in amazing as found condition.The seat cushions are custom made from antique 19thc cotton ticking.The inserts...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker
Pair of 19th Century Maple Side Chairs with Rush Seats
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of 19th century maple side chairs with rush seats.
Seats with remnants of paint. Frames tightened. Chairs touched up & polished.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Rush, Maple
Black Leather + Bronze Pompeii Armchair by Alberto Orlandi, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare ‘Pompeii’ black leather and bronze armchair designed by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi. This Neoclassical chair features a sculptural sloped bronze backrest, curved legs, an...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
Kindel "Baltimore" Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful settee by Kindel Furniture
The "Baltimore" settee with painted lacquered finish and brass capped feet
Needs to be reupholstered
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Style Lacquered Gilt Klismos Chair by Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand neoclassical greco-roman style klismos chair lacquer painted by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). The sculptural chair features a large round tablet back decorated with a...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
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)
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green grey velvet and birch lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Seat height 16”.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Wheelchair, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Car with upholstered seat and cushioning of two wheels in the rear and a smaller and addressable by means of a crank, in the front part. The support for the feet has been decorated w...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Michael Taylor Bronzed Metal Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of four bronzed metal klismos patio and garden dining chairs designed by Michael Taylor model # MTD-1006 garden chair. The chairs are crafte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
French Neoclassical Talha Real Sofa Jacquard Silver Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Talha Real Sofa, Neoclassical Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Talha Real sofa adds a sophisticated and refined touch to any living area. The sofa is u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Early 19th Century Hand Painted & Gilt Italian Regency Armchairs in Silk; a Pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Early 19th Regency upholstered armchairs with exquisitely carved decoration featuring ebony & gilt finish over hand carved details.
The ba...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Silk
Hickory Chair Neoclassical Cane Back Chairs in Black and Gold - a Pair
Located in Charleston, SC
This set of elegant side chairs by Hickory Chair showcase an austere neoclassical styling and have been treated with a black and gold finish for decadent visual appeal. Inset cane pa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Porcelain Theo A Kochs, Chicago Barber Chair c. 1920
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Porcelain Theo A. Kochs Chicago Barber Chair, dating to around 1920, is a striking example of early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The chair features a robust po...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Chrome, Iron
19th-C. Neo-Classical Maison Jansen Style Giltwood Bench In Leopard Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique neo-classical style Italian carved giltwood bench in the manner of Maison Jansen. The leopard velvet is new. There is chippiness to the gold leaf frame. Each arm i...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Giltwood
Tufted Velvet Round Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in sumptuous gold velvet fabric, this glamorous ottoman features exquisite button tufting and decorative trim around the base, adding a refined touch to any space. Bench-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Suite of Four Jacob Frères Chairs
Located in Paris, FR
Suite of Four Jacob Frères Chairs, circa 1796.
In the neoclassical style.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Transitional Brown Leather Wing Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Blending contemporary comfort with traditional elements through its exaggerated wings and rich top-grain cowhide upholstery. Masterfully crafted details include flared arms with vert...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Antique King and Queen Carved Wood Plaid Chairs, a Pair 1900s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful pair of antique carved wood chairs with rolled arms and plaid upholstered seats. This set features carved wood bases with stylize...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical style narrow bench with cut blue velvet fabric.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Fruitwood
18th Century French Louis XVI Period Canape Circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 18th century French Louis XVI period canapé, circa 1790, exemplifies the neoclassical style of the era. The refined oval backrest and delicately carved frame are painted...
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Beech, Paint
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa - Blue
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted Curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
American Classical Style Distressed Leather Red - Brown Oversized Club Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A distressed leather classical American club chair exemplifying luxury and comfort in upholstered seating. The chair is enveloped in a rich, supple leather, which has developed a bea...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian Empire Neoclassical Eagle Settee
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire Neoclassical Eagle Settee. Marc Jacobs silk floral upholstered painted and parcel-gilt carved settee/sofa with finely carved eagle arm term...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Wood
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Set of Ten Italian Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant set of ten Italian armchairs is crafted in a refined neoclassical style with a distinctive spiderweb back design. The chairs feature hand-carved wood frames with a timew...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Gilt Iron Neo Classical Bench
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Single gilt iron neoclassical style bench with scrolled arms and faux alligator leather upholstered seat.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Early American Classical Style Maple Continuous Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
Early American Classical Style spindle back Maple Continuous Armchair
Measures 25" in width, 40" in height, 24" in depth. Seat height is 17.5". Arm height is 25.5". Seat interior wid...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple
French Beautifully-Carved Wood Lyre-Back Splat Bench w/Rush Seat , 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassic carved-wood sofa bench with rushed seat from the 19th century. This antique bench from France has been beautifully carved with Neoclassical details, featuring a gracefully curved top rail which gives way to an open back with three widely-spaced back rests; all carved in a lyre motif. The top rail gently wraps to the sides, creating a tub-style effect. Hand-woven rushed seats give this piece a more casual comfort appeal. The wood skirt is a neat, straight line, and is raised upon four slender and curvy legs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique Cast Iron Chairs attributed to Robert Wood Foundry (Pair)
By Robert Wood (American), Wood & Perot Ornamental Iron Works
Located in Carmel, NY
Perfect for your garden and fantastic garden parties all summer long. Heavy cast iron neoclassic garden set. Lyre-back splat with cabriole legs and foliate scrolls Unsigned, but attr...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Blue High Back Leather Wing Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in rich, full-grain Chateau Blue leather, this chair features a dramatic high-back design that creates an elegant silhouette. The winged sides and gently curved arms are ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, 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.