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.
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Wrought Iron
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Leather, Wood, Giltwood
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Ormolu
1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Birch
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century Canadian Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Satinwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Linen, Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Hardwood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
2010s Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Brass, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Brass, Steel
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Brass
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Beech
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Giltwood
1830s English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
1960s Spanish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Steel
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Alpaca
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Metal
1770s English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Other
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Brass, Nickel
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Silk
1760s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Leather, Canvas
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Metal
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Wood
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Gold Leaf
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Chestnut, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Velvet, Giltwood
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Bronze
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Faux Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Walnut, Down
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Silk, Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Giltwood
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood





