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
H.E. Freund Artist’s Stool in Original Paint, Denmark, 1830s
Located in Valby, 84
rare and historically significant artist’s stool, attributed to Danish sculptor Hermann Ernst Freund (1786–1840), retaining its original white painted surface. Crafted in Denmark dur...
Category
1830s Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Antique Italian Neoclassical Louis XVI Petite Giltwood Bergeres, Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Italian neoclassical Louis XVI Petite Giltwood Bergeres ~ Armchairs are the perfect choice for cozy seating groups, bedrooms, or anywhere a surprisingly comfortable seat with...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Giltwood
Pair of French Neoclassical Bronze Benches /Ottomans Kravet Cashmere Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Neoclassical Bronze Benches /Ottomans Kravet Cashmere Upholstery
France, 1950s
A stunning pair of French neoclassical bronze benches/ ottomans, originating from the 1950s, exuding timeless elegance and sophistication. Each piece features a harmonious rectangular design, graced with recently reupholstered seats in luxurious Kravet Cashmere fabric.
The ottomans stand...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
$3,840 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Twentieth Century custom mahogany and faux alligator bench
Located in Winnetka, IL
A handsome custom mahogany bench reupholstered with rich navy blue faux alligator leather ;having cross stretchers and silver nail head trim . Perfect for the end of the bed or pull ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French Antique Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous, antique pair of French arm chairs in the neoclassical style.
Each chair consists of an elegantly carved wood frame with a distressed paint finish and new linen upholstery....
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$3,195 / set
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
$22,000 / set
Pair of Rose Tarlow Painted Parcel Gilt Brighton Armchairs
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of lacquer painted armchairs by Rose Tarlow, Melrose House, Hollywood, CA. Known as Brighton armchairs they feature a carved decorative...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Classic Antique Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a gracefully curved urn form splat back adorned with exquisite figured Cerejeira veneers, known for their beautiful swirling patterns that captivate the eye. The veneers fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
$4,392 / set
Pair of Vintage Cast Metal Chairs by Karl Freidrich Schinkel
By Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vintage Cast Metal Chairs by Karl Freidrich Schinkel
We believe these are mid to late 20th century productions. They are heavy, but not as heavy as iron. Easier to manage. ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Painted Neoclassical Side or Desk Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted Neoclassical side or desk chair with laurel wreath & studs.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
German Austrian Neoclassical Eagle Form Armchair
Located in Huntington, NY
German Austrian neoclassical eagle form armchair, circa 1860.
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold, Brass
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Oak and Leather Armchairs by De Coene Frères
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of neoclassical style armchairs is made of oak and leather. This is a Belgian work by De Coene Frères. Circa 1940
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Oak
$7,114 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Painted Decorated Green Settees with Cream Upholstery
Located in Essex, MA
Magnificent pair of matching benches or small settees made in the French Louis XVI neoclassical taste . Beautifully carved green painted frames decorated with a neoclassical motif vi...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Pair of Russian Oak Carved Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Russian (mid 19th Cent) oak carved Armchairs having a steeple form high back with an applied upholstered back panel, seat and arm rests
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Oak, Upholstery
$39,500 / set
Long Upholstered Bench with Nail Head and Fluted Leg Details
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Large 9' Neoclassical upholstered bench with nail head details and fluted brown finished legs.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Armchair by ES and Stool Neoclassical 18th Century Sweden Gilded and Green
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made during the 18th century in Sweden. Attributed to the royal chair maker Ephraim Stahl. Gilt wood with green details. Upholstered in a Pierre Frey.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Neoclassical Golden Wrought Iron Bench with Cushions
Located in Miami, FL
Hollywood Regency Period golden wrought iron bench with original seat cushion.
The bench can be used as is or refinished to taste.
F-739-335
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Curved Sofa with Scroll Arms and Loose Seat Cushion with Wrap around Wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Verona sofa, part of the signature collection of LF Upholstery, is a new take on a Classic style - inverted scroll arms with a shaped back and a loos...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Michael Taylor Designs White Klismos Lacquered Dining Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic Michael Taylor design white dining chair featuring a cream lacquered finish. Designed in the neoclassical taste with a greco-roman klismos chair inspiration. The seat has a ta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Beech
Six French Neoclassical Dining Chairs in Off-White Velvet by Maurice Hirsch
Located in Astoria, NY
Exquisite mid-20th-century set of six dining chairs by the esteemed French maker Maison Maurice Hirsch, celebrated for neoclassical designs inspired by the grandeur of the Louis XVI ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
" Klismos"chair, 19th century
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
"Klismos" chair
Mahogany,
Of unusual design, the chair has a curved back attached to the seat by a triple support,
Square seat, saber feet.
England or Northern Europe,
mid or late 19th century
A design developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, the Klismos chair...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Michael Taylor Teak Klismos Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Michael Taylor was a iconic interior designer, and also designed
a number of pieces of furniture.
The Klismos design dates back to Ancient Egyptian chairs as well
as Ancient Greek. ...
Category
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Teak
Antique Swan Carved Claw Foot Mahogany Settee
Located in Woodbury, CT
Very rare early 1900's Empire/Classical swan carved mahogany settee. Featuring tall swan carved arms, deep seat, claw and ball carved feet, nailhead trim, and the most whimsical frame.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
Arden sofa with velvet fabric and opening in arms with inside wood panels
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautifully crafted Arden sofa shown in velvet fabric with back cushions. Upholstered arms with inside wood panel made in and finished in dark walnut. Down & feather envelop seat cus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Reupholstered Pair of Arm Dining Chairs for Mastercraft
Located in Medina, OH
Indulge in the timeless sophistication of these ivory colored Mastercraft dining chairs. The sleek, rounded design, completed with a black lacquered hardwood frame exudes modern lux...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
French Neoclassical Sofa Donna Jacquard Champagne Handmade Portugal
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Sofa Donna, Neoclassical Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
This Sofa adds a sophisticated and refined touch to any li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Plate
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
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
19th Century Russian Empire Period Neoclassical Salon Suite
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive five-piece Russian neoclassical partial gilt carved wood upholstered salon suite.
Born in the 19th century, during the ...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Mahogany, Giltwood
Brass Chiavari Chair and Stool, Seats Covered in Green Velvet. Italian Work.
By Chiavari
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare set of a brass Chiavari chair and its stool or ottoman with seats covered in red velvet. This is an Italian work. Circa 1940
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
$2,134 Sale Price
26% Off
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
Pair Of Italian Painted Draped Poufs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Painted Draped Poufs.
Our pair of Italian draped poufs or ottomans are paint decorated lovely shades of Tuscan colors as they hail from ...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
$5,850 / set
Hepplewhite Sofa
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine Hepplewhite design parcel gilded sofa with arched shaped serpentine crest rail, straight front rail and fine tapered and fluted legs. This sofa is classically upholstered and although appearing formal in design, is extremely comfortable, with secret hidden...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Serpentine
$24,429 / item
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
Antique Biedermeier Sofa Made of Velvet Fabric and Carved Wood
Located in Milano, IT
Impressive Biedermeier sofa of Northern European origin from the early 1900s. The majestic sofa features a colossal wooden frame with several special fea...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
$9,011 Sale Price
20% Off
French Wrought Iron Brown Painting Set of Garden Bistro Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
New French wrought iron painting set of garden bistro outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor
The price includes two chairs and one white marble top table. Available ...
Category
2010s European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
American Neoclassic Upholstered Rosewood Pedestal Piano Stool, c. 1830
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American neoclassic upholstered seat piano stool. The seat rests on a fluted and truncated columnar pedestal with trefoil platform base on turned and suppressed bun feet. Rosewood an...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood, Pine
Set of Eight Michael Taylor Margot Dining Chairs Distressed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of eight Michael Taylor Margot labeled dining chairs featuring a weathered and distressed finish to mimic age. The set consists of six side chairs and two host armchairs mea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Theodore Alexander Gregory Neo-classical Style Bench
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning contemporary Neo-classical style Gregory bench by fine quality luxury furniture designer Theodore Alexander.
The Gregory features a sophisticated Louis XVI style Neoclas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
George II Giltwood Banquet Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine George II gilt-wood banquet chair with a classical rake to the back on acanthus and shell carved legs terminating in a carved hairy paw claw foot...
Category
18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
$6,026 / item
Pair of New England Hitchcock Style Chairs with Woven Rush Seats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of New England Hitchcock Style or Fancy chairs. Hand painted / stenciled with a deep and rich patination from years of good wear. The seats are woven rush seats and are in very ...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Rush, Wood, Paint
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
Six Lyre back chairs with brass swan heads and paw feet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A completely restored set of six lyre back chairs with brass swan, heads and brass paw feet… the chairs also fold… the chairs can be used as dining chairs and also used outside… T...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Neoclassical Style Partial Gilt, Mahogany & Brass Nail Trim Tufted Leather Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
A Neoclassical Style Partial Gilt, Mahogany and Brass Nail Trims Tufted Leather Bench.
Measures 54" in width, 17" in depth and stands 31" in height. Seat height is 18" and width is 31".
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Solid Brass Italian Chiavari chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian brass chair in Neoclassical style from the 1950 s . Pink velvet upholstery .
we have one more chair like this slightly different size .
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
$1,150 Sale Price
32% Off
Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 4 Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Salon Chairs ~ Side Chairs feature a tailored neoclassically-inspired architecture evident in the squared seatbacks and slightly trapezoidal ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Swedish Neoclassical Period 1780s Painted Sofa with Carved Guilloche Frieze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassical period painted wood sofa circa 1780 with oval back, carved guilloche frieze, scrolling arms, seven legs and carved rosettes. Celebrate the classical elegance w...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Romantic Pair of Elegant French Neoclassical Armchairs with Bronze Figural Arms
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Bought in France, these French inlaid mahogany neoclassical armchairs or fauteuils are incredible works of art having original petit point tapestry seats, exceptional bronze figurine...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of Hollywood Regency wrought iron curule benches made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms a...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
$2,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of French Neoclassical Painted Louis XVI Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
French neoclassical giltwood dining chairs featuring a compound shaped rectangular back, carved foliate crest, ornate painted frame with decorative embellishments, padded back and se...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Club Chair with Loose Back Cushion and Hand Rolled Seat and Wood Turned Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Gladys club chair is a deco Classic beauty with loose back cushion made of feather and down and square back and arms with clean seams - it has a solid seat with hand-stitched rolled mattress edges...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Dark Brown High Back Leather Wing Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in rich, full-grain Newark brown 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
$4,071 / item
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
Tan Leather Upholstered Side Chair with Saddle Stitch Detail and Wood Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Emile chair from LF upholstery shown in tan leather with handcrafted saddle stitch detail on the inside back and seat give a sophisticated look to a ...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Kay Fisker (1893–1965) Attributed Klismos Chair in Oak, Denmark, circa 1922
By Kay Fisker
Located in Valby, 84
Refined Klismos chair attributed to Kay Fisker, crafted in stained oak and retaining its original leather upholstery. The chair embodies Fisker’s early architectural approach — a dis...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
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
$1,400 / item
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.