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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
Pair of French 1900s Side Chairs with Caned Seats
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional pair of French 1900s neoclassical style side chairs with caned seats and brass detailing. This pair of neoclassical style s...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Wicker

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

Gilt Brass Chiavari Chair Neoclassical Style
Located in Hanover, MA
Neoclassical style gilt brass Chiavari chair with original claret red velvet upholstery, circa 1955. The brass has a gilt wash or gold plating giving it an extra rich and refinied ap...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Neoclassical Lounge Chairs circa 1960, Maison Jansen, 2 Pairs Available
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French neoclassical Maison Jansen lounge chairs circa 1960. 2 Pairs available. Priced by pair Original velvet fabric, very good condition. Sturdy and very comfortable.
Category

1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs, Germany, 1800-1810
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique set of six Neoclassical chairs, Germany 1800-1810, cherrywood. Beautiful harp motif on the back of the chairs with exquisitely carved details. The c...
Category

Early 1800s German Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cherry

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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian / Neoclassical Period Sofa Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
Elegant 19th century Swedish Gustavian /Neoclassical period sofa settee, beautifully carved wood frame and scraped to its most original worn patina - with some old paint remnants. Sw...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Paint, Pine

Set of Six 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent set of six late 19th century carved Italian dining armchairs crafted in the neoclassical taste. The chairs feature large painted square frames with round arms and legs ending...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Eight Dining Chairs in the Neoclassic Manner
Located in New York, NY
Set of Eight Dining Chairs in the neoclassic manner - chairs are hand-painted and gilded with fluted legs and shield-backs - very comfortable.
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

André Arbus Living Set Ash Wood Four Armchairs Coffee Table 1940s
Located in Paris, IDF
This elegant André Arbus living room set is sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. Including four armchairs and a coffee table, it was designed...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

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

Bridgewater Style Club Chair with Linen Button Closure Slipcover with Drop Skirt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Coteau club chair is a comfortable and relaxed look - the slipcover has special button closure which also gives a distinct view from back of club chair - hair filled scroll back and saddle arms with a feather and down loose seat cushion. Shown with tan linen slipcover...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Linen

Classic Leather Chaise Lounge
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A timeless leather chaise lounge, upholstered in rich, deep brown leather. Designed with comfort in mind, it features a plush, feather-stuffed back cushion for soft, supportive loung...
Category

Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Parkbänk Nr. 3 by Folke Bensow for Näfveqvarns Bruk
Located in London, GB
An original Nr. 3 Parkbänk designed by Folke Bensow for Näfveqvarns Bruk in the 1920s. The cast iron ends to the bench show fine craftsmanship, with their design pulling away from t...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Iron

A Significantly Important and Rare 18th Century French Sleigh Form Crown Chair
Located in Hastings, GB
This outstanding piece of French Nobility history with its opulent hand painted lacquered decoration featuring classical figures and motifs, set upon a deep, dark olive green backgro...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair. Neoclassic Dining, Side, Accent Chairs Made in Italy, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of Italian neoclassical side, or dining chairs, constructed of metal with faux gilt decoration, and chic leopard print seat cushion...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Metal

Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our custom bobbin chair, as shown as armchair. Can also be made as a side chair. Can be made with a caned seat or an upholstered seat. Custom finishes. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cane

Vintage Ornate Rattan Tete a Tete Patio Gossip Chair
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Rattan 2-Person Patio Gossip Bench. This rattan bench is perfect for outdoor seating and can also be used indoors. It comfortably accommodates two people in a unique gossip style, al...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Rattan

Danish neoclassical chair original painted decorations, Denmark 1860’s
Located in Valby, 84
A charming Danish neoclassical chair from the 1860s, featuring its original hand-painted decorations in black and gold. This exquisite piece showcases the refined craftsmanship and e...
Category

1860s Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Neoclassical Style Steel Curule Garden Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Italian polished steel patio and garden dining armchairs featuring neoclassical style curule legs. Hand-crafted from thick steel with an open design and dramatic pro...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Steel

C. 1840's Antique American Classical Mahogany, Tapestry Style Upholstery, Sofa!!
Located in Austin, TX
Handsome Antique Sofa, American Classical Mahogany, Tapestry Style Upholstery, Circa 1840's, 19th Century!! Experience the charm of a classic American mahogany sofa from the mid-19th century with this antique piece. Upholstered in striking multicolor tapestry fabric, this sofa features scrolled feet and carved stiles that add to its elegant appearance. The seating area is perfect for conversation and can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for your entryway, foyer, living room, or guest room. This circa 1840's antique sofa is a beautiful settee that brings a touch of Victorian style to any space. The upholstery fabric is complemented by the mahogany frame in brown, and the sofa comes as a unit that requires no assembly or additional parts. The model is perfect for creating a seating area where you and your guests can relax and enjoy each other's company. American Classical Mahogany Sofa...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

Pair of Ralph Lauren Leather Clivedon Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of neoclassical style Clivedon dining chairs designed by Ralph Lauren. The Italian bench made bespoke chairs feature a klismos style beech frame with a rich faux Macass...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Nickel

1950s lyre back and Swan head wrought iron armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by Maison Jansen neoclassical wrought iron Lyre arm back chairs with brass swan heads at top round brass rings on arms and brass feet. From a Palm Beach estate meticulously ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

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

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

English 19th Century Painted Hall Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An amazing painted hall bench – teeming with charm – from 19th century England. The large antique has panels with diagonally oriented wooden slats w...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

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

Iron lyre back settee with brass swans heads and paw feet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A completely restored triple back settee … Fresh muslin fabric.. the settee folds away for storage… The Swan heads are brass as well as the paw feet.. seat is 44“ x 15“ deep.. 50.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Custom King, Queen Full or Twin Spool Bed by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom bobbin bed with spool/bobbin head and foot board. Shown here in a twin size, in mahogany. Can be made in oak, mahogany, walnut or alder in a variety ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

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

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

Woodard Chantilly Rose Wrought Iron Tete a Tete, Pair Arm Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
This is the classic vintage Woodard Chantilly Rose wrought iron Tete a Tete - a pair of attached arm chairs with a small round glas...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Barclay Butera for Baker Furniture Co. Leather & Suede Wingback Chairs, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of leather and suede wingback chairs designed by Barclay Butera for Baker Furniture Company. They are in very good condition with lite wear. They are marked and date t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Wide Mahogany Armchairs by Baker with Jack Lenor Larsen Textile
Located in Dorchester, MA
From the Baker Furniture Company, this pair of capacious mid-century armchairs features wide curved frames of mahogany loosely inspired by the Far East. The seat and center backrest ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of French Neoclassical-Style Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of French Neoclassical-Style Giltwood Armchairs Country: France Materials: Carved Gold-Leaf Wood, New Alpaca Mohair Condition: Newly Reupholstered, New Alpaca Mohair Style: ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Alpaca

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

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

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

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

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

French Bergère Chair European Antique Chair Accent Armchair French Countryside
Located in Rochester, NY
A painted and upholstered French Bergère chair having flared arms circa 1930. Newly Reupholstered. Gorgeous navy patterned fabric and a gorgeous classic accent chair.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Baker Limited Edition Thomas Pheasant Milling Road Upholstered Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional mahogany upholstered bench designed by Thomas Pheasant for Baker in a limited edition series of 15 pieces. 1989-2002 As seen in architectural Digest. Solid dark mahog...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

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

Set of 8 Italian Neoclassical Dining Chairs with Painted Murals & Tiger Velvet
Located in Saint Louis, MO
By far one of the most beautiful and unique sets of Dining Chairs our shop has ever carried, we are delighted to present this one of kind Set of Eight drop dead gorgeous Italian Neoclassical Chairs each with unique gilded hand painted Greco Roman murals...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Giltwood

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

Set of Four Neoclassical Style Brass & Red Velvet Chairs in Maison Jansen Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and rare set of 4 neoclassical style chairs is made of brass and red velvet. This is a French work, in the style of famous designer Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Classic Leather Sofa Couch
By Classic
Located in New York, NY
Comfy burgundy leather sofa, with brass studs. Classic form, original condition, clean, ready to use. Cushions do sit flat, they were just not p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Plitman Banquet Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Plitman banquet chair is a mahogany dining chair hand carved in the Chippendale style and upholstered with client’s own fabric. Bespoke sizing, d...
Category

16th Century British Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Denim Leather Ottoman Footstool with Cabriole Legs
Located in New York, NY
Tufted leather ottoman with brass tack trim and carved cabriole, ball and claw foot legs. Manufactured by the "Classic Leather" furniture company. Clean, original, ready to use condi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Early 19th Century American Mahogany Chair Back Window Bench
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Neoclassic chair back window seat with upholstered box seat in Honduran mahogany. Note the defining carved back rail. American, New York, circa 1815.
Category

1810s American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

A SCULPTURAL NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC WROUGHT IRON ARTIST CHAIR, France 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing, sculptural and very decorative chair, Post-Modernist, Neo-Classical, wrought iron structure with a square section with classically inspired decorations, seat and back...
Category

1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th C Wingback Love Seat in Blue and White Check Homespun Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic wingback love seat is in amazing condition and great form. The repro. blue & cream homespun linen upholstered love seat is amazing...
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Italian Upholstered X-frame Stools
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th century Italian upholstered X-frame stools Italian, c. 1840 Height 53cm, width 49cm, depth 40cm This pair of refined stools features a plush, upholstered seat and an el...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Walnut

Classic Leather Dining Chair With Capitoné Backrest
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Upholstered armchair of classic style. Body of contained dimensions, and straight lines that seek to contrast with the curves of the interior of the arm and back, which provide a tou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather

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

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

19th C. Italian Carved Throne Chair with Needlepoint Upholstery
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 47 1/4 in W: 27 in D: 32 in SH: 18 in This 19th C. Italian Carved Throne Chair with Needlepoint Upholstery is made of the highest...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Rams Head Savonarola Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb pair of Maison Jansen Attributed brass and steel ram's head savonarola stule or cerule style armchairs. They feature naturalistic cast rams heads of the highest qua...
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

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.

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