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
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...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
$4,200 / set
Italian Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Style Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite Italian mid 19th century neo-classical st. settee with an Egyptian revival influence. The light green patinated frame is stunningly decorated with giltwood designs throu...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Acanthus Upholstered Armchairs, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian neoclassical walnut arm chairs with upholstered squared backs, flanking scrolled acanthus arms, upholstered seats with brass tacks, and terminating on turned bulbous ...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Italian Giltwood Slipper Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Neoclassical Italian giltwood slipper chair circa 1810. Masterfully hand-carved and gilded slipper chair with cabriole legs raised upon hoof feet. Upholstered in original - or very e...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of neoclassical side chairs.
Mahogany with carved details.
Category
1820s Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$9,800 / set
Set of Six Italian Neoclassic Period Side Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of six Italian neoclassic period side chairs. Walnut. All matching with elegant carved backs and ovoid floating elements. Good aged walnut patina...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
$4,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Neoclassical Christien Armchair Camel Silver Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
French Neoclassical Christien Armchair, Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A French Neoclassical style ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Plate
Cognac Leather Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining experience. This chair is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern craftsmanship, featuring a b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
$1,749 / item
Neoclassical Brass Mounted Armchairs, Russian 19th Century
Located in El Monte, CA
An elegant pair of Russian neoclassical armchairs that are distinguished by their refined mahogany frames and intricate brass mountings. Geometric lines are contrasted by an open sea...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Italian Neo-Classic Style Painted Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (19th Century) cream painted square bench with swag and festoon decoration supported on tapered fluted and gilt trim legs.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Ebonized and Gilt Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of eight Queen Anne style ebonized and gilt decorated dining chairs. These sleek and stylish dining chairs come straight from a NYC brownstone. The ebonized frames would fit easi...
Category
1940s Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Classic Tufted Tub Back Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Cuba brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31"...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$6,002 / set
Neoclassical Style 1900s French Carved Walnut Bench with Natural Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical style walnut bench from circa 1900 with carved décor, fluted carved legs on arrow feet and cross stretcher. Imbued with the timeless elegance of the Neoclassica...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
1970s, Club Lounge Chair, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A Swedish club lounge chair from the 1970s, upholstered in luxurious green velour fabric. This armchair feature a clean and inviting design with slightly flared armrests, plush seat ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech, Pine
Set of 8 18th Century Venetian Leather Dining Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This set of 8 18th century Venetian leather dining chairs has beautiful features that perfectly embody the style of the time. The carving on the legs is a testament to how fine the c...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather armchair with top-grain Havane brown color leather, with padded cushion and backrest, large nailhead details and square tapered legs....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$2,755 / item
Exceptional Tiger Maple with Leather Armchair
Located in Branford, CT
Truly exceptional hand made tiger maple Queen Anne style armchair. Beautiful leather upholstery. Signed by the craftsman, Brien Pierce and dated April, 1985
Category
20th Century North American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Maple
Elegant Vintage Neoclassical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Lyre Motife
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant vintage mahogany and upholstered neoclassical style bench having a marvelous lyre motife, brass accents, and beautiful legs that terminate in animal feet.
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Traditional Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A traditional brown leather armchair with nailhead trim accents. This classic chair is crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather in a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$3,282 / item
Ralph Lauren Aran Isles Three Seat Sofa & Pair of Armchairs Suite
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of RRP £30,300 Ralph Lauren Aran Isles sofa and armchair suite upholstered in Scottish w...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Wool
Pair of Italian Painted & Gilt Wood Foliate Upholstered Curule Stools, C. 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt wood foliate upholstered Curule stools with flanking central foliage medallions, and resting on scrolled feet with the original connecting cross stre...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Italian Neo-Classic Style Cushioned Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Century) celadon painted bench with gilt trim and open side arms with a raised inSet Set cushion and ribbon carved fluted legs.
Antique condition.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Gold Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (Neopolitan 18th Cent) open Armchairs with square fluted tapered legs and carving on backrail with gold upholstered seat and back
Fabric is worn and has ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold
$15,250 / set
Oak Lounge Chair by Architect Martin Borch, Denmark 1902-1903
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and important chair from 1902-1903 by Danish architect Martin Borch (1852-1937) originally designed for the interior of Rigsdagen and was later used as the chair for the judge a...
Category
Early 1900s Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wool, Oak
Italian Painted and Parcel-Gilt Settee 18th Century
Located in Buchanan, MI
An Italian painted and parcel-gilt settee
18th century
having a pierce carved ribbon crest over a padded back and a stuff over seat, raised on square tapering legs.
Measure: Height 3...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
$7,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Italian Genoese Carved Parcel Gilt Side Chairs, circa 1820-30
Located in Spencertown, NY
The pair of side chairs come from the Palazzo Tursi, Genoa. Residence of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Maria Teresa. Probably designed by Carlo Randoni (1755-1831). They are uphol...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Baker Furniture Klismos Collection Neoclassical Burlwood Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Klismos Collection Neoclassical Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 10
Each chair measures: 24 wide x 24 deep x 38 inches high, w...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Burl
$15,596 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Italian Neo-Classic Style 19th Century White and Gold Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian neo-classic style 19th Century white and gold painted round back carved arm chair with front scroll design and gold damask upholstery.
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Eight Neoclassical Style Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of eight klismos dining chairs constructed in the Greco-Roman neoclassical taste. The chairs feature a tablet back with a curved splat decorated with a disc. The seat ha...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
18th Century Neo-Classical Settee from Tuscany
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 18th century Neo-Classical painted settee from Tuscany. Great patina and nice carvings as well. Upholstered in a pale gray fabric. Very rare. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$4,122 / item
Antique 19th Century Armchair Attributed to Horrix with Victor & Rolf Upholstery
Located in London, GB
Armchair hand carved and ebonised is made in walnut. The frame with details refined inlay patterns in nut wood and boxwood is attributed to Matthijs Horrix, The Hague 1870-1875. The ...
Category
1870s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Damask, Walnut
1970s Sculptural Carved Wood Tassle Rope Settee
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, hand carved wood settee you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best o...
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$8,962 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of Large Late 18th Century Italian Giltwood Settees
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Impressive large scale pair of late 18th Century Italian giltwood settees.
These settees are lovely examples of neoclassical Italian design. The head rail is serpentine in shape and ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Piedmontese Rounded Back Carved and Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Piedmontese (c.1785) open arm chairs with a rounded back having a carved floral crest, the frame carved with wheat, and the legs having a twisted fluting with light g...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Russian Mahogany Scroll Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Russian (19th Cent) mahogany open scroll design Armchairs with gilt carved trim on back and arms and an upholstered seat
Condition consistent with age of piece.
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
$18,500 / set
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
Italian Neoclassic Style White and Gold Painted Carved Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian neoclassic style white and gold painted round back carved armchair with front scroll design and gold damask upholstery (19th century).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Damask, Giltwood
Pair Of Baltic 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Walnut, Fruitwood And Brass Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and extremely unique pair of Baltic 19th century Neo-Classical st. Walnut, ebonized Fruitwood, and brass chairs. Each chair is raised by unique and most decorative squ...
Category
19th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Set of 4 Neoclassical Gustavian Style Chairs, Parcel Gilt & Painted, Sphinx Ca
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of 4 carved side chairs, desk chairs, office chairs. Finely detailed set of Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs each in a nice scalamandre fabric having winged sphinxes on the back res...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Single Neoclassical Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Neoclassical armchairs. Karelian Birch with carved details
and central carved giltwood detail on the backrest.
Category
1820s Baltic Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birch, Giltwood
$12,000
Italian Neo-Classic Upholstered Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Century) pink painted and gilt trimmed rectangular bench with carved apron and legs and upholstered seat
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Open Lattice Dining Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, this chair features a classic silhouette that gracefully blends with any decor style. The chair's standout feature is its exquisite white eggshell inlay o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
$3,948 / set
19th Century Neoclassical Style Polychrome Painted Settee, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Neoclassical Style19th Century Italian polychrome painted settee with sphinx carving on back-splat, cane seat with a custom cushion.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Paint
Classic Blue Velvet Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
The rich deep blue velvet blends perfectly with the polished finish to the legs and the brass nailhead trim details.
Dimensions: 30" W x 26" D x 34" H
Seat - 19" H
Arm - 25" H
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet
$1,632 / item
Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite pair of Vintage Regency French Cane Fauteuils. These armchairs embody the sophisticated charm of French design, showcasing beautifully c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cane
$2,950 / set
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
$2,316 / item
Classical Poltrona Frau Leather Wingback Chair with Matching Ottoman
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderfully crafted wingback chair by Poltrona Frau is a true design classic. The design language as well as the leatherworking show the excellent Italian manufacture in which t...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$5,474 Sale Price
20% Off
Russian 19th Century Neoclassical Brass Mounted Chairs
Located in El Monte, CA
The pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Russian Armchairs are meticulously crafted from mahogany wood with a refined brass inlay detailing the back seat and post. An excellent example ...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Vintage Regency Cast Aluminum Sloped Arm Lounge Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of vintage lounge chairs, evoking the timeless elegance of Neoclassical design. Meticulously crafted from durable cast aluminum and finished in a sophisticated satin ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Aluminum
4 Fine French Art Deco Walnut Bridge Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Four fine French 1940s Neoclassical style walnut bridge armchairs.
Price is chair.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut, Fabric
$2,200 / item
19th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New York, NY
19th century daybed /bench. The daybed has a solid wood frame with stripe fabric.
Category
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$11,500
Continental Neoclassical Style Mahogany Side Chair
Located in Southampton, NY
Continental neoclassical style mahogany side chair. Made in beautiful mahogany wood with an upholstered blue-gray-colored moire silk sea...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Burl
Large Neoclassical Desk Armchair, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large neoclassical desk armchair, circa 1950.
To be revarnished and reupholstered.
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Meyer Gunther Martini Neo-Classical Style Leather & Carved Dolphin Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century Neo-classical style carved dolphin bergere chair by Meyer Gunther Martini. It is marked, and minor wear exists to the leather.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
$1,196 Sale Price
25% Off
Traditional Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A traditional leather swivel chair accented with nailhead trim accents. This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage cigar leather and crafte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
$3,492 / item
214K chair by Micheale Thonet for Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Ravenna, IT
The famous coffee chair designed by Michael Thonet in 1859 is still considered the world's most successful industrial product. It marks the beginning of the history of modern furnitu...
Category
Early 2000s German Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Reed, Hardwood
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Troy, NY
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis. Neoclassical green painted and gilt armchair with caned seat.
After a model by Jean-Joseph Chapuis.
The front legs retain their ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Walnut Wood Duchesse Brisée Armchair
Located in IT
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Walnut Wood Duchesse Brisée Armchair
This particular armchair, called Duchesse Brisée, was crafted in Piemonte during the Neoclassical period, arou...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Regency Concrete Coated Resin Garden Benches - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Transform your outdoor oasis or grand interior with this magnificent set of two Vintage Regency-style Garden Benches. Crafted from durable concrete-coated resin, these architectural ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Concrete
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.