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
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Carved and Gilt Fauteuils by Michael Taylor Designs In
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large scale comfortable chairs with overall carved and gilt frames. The crest rails with scrolled flower centers and canted ends. Ribbed ribbon twist arms with leafy ends, the seat r...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Fine Set Of Eight Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs With Red Silk Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly elegant set of Chairs with a very interesting and somewhat complex Neoclassical styling. With four arm and four side chairs. Fine wood frames in a dark stain with scro...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 13 Fine French Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 13 fine French Neoclassical cherry wood dining chairs in an Empire-Directoire style with carved and blackened wood details.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
Italian Neoclassical Lyre Back Chairs, Circa 1800
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique Italian Neoclassical hand carved lyre back side chairs with rosette carving at center of curved top back rails. Both chairs with early period construction and nicely ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Grand Pair of Northern European Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of Northern European mahogany and bronze mounted Neoclassical armchairs of great scale and design, early 19th Century and in the Neo-Grecian manner, the slightly scrolled back o...
Category
1830s European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Dining Chairs Ellipse Upholstered Beige Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Painted Neoclassical Style Curule Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Curule-form bench, having a padded, crown seat of onyx-printed linen with nailheads, on an ivory painted frame showing natural wear, its fielded apron centered with an acanthus-flank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Salvatore Leone for Thonet Bentwood Cane Armchairs
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of early bentwood and cane armchairs made by Salvatore Leone for Thonet in Modena, Italy. Rare pair of armchairs featuring a transitional style with a turned wood back support and iconic Thonet "Cafe Daum...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Beech
Cerused Oak Neoclassical Style Benches Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Cerused oak neoclassical style benches or loveseats. The benches have newly covered fabric seats with each having 8 legs.
Category
1990s Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Set of Eight Italian Bleached Dining Chairs C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight bleached Italian Neoclassical style dining chairs. The chairs are newly upholstered in Belgium linen with a self cord detail.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
1980s Rattan and Rush Chair, Table, and Lamp Set, 3 Piece Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage custom rattan and rush chair, Rattan side table and rush lamp. Lamp does not come with shade. Chair is ready for your choice of Seat cushion to match...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Chiavarina Chairs in Cherry Wood and Straw Seat, Early 20th Century, Set of Four
Located in Parma, IT
Set of 4 classic "Chiavarina" chairs early 20th century.
Cherry wood frame with "crosse" backrest, turned front legs and "saber" back legs "seat with "willow laths" fine stuffing. E...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Straw, Cherry
Pair of Ebonized Leather Rope Klismos Chairs After Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of large klismos chairs featuring a dramatic ebonized black lacquer finish and leather woven rope strap seats. The oversized chairs are unsigned, however they are made...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Early 20th-C. Neo-Classical Style Carved Mahogany Bench with Eagles
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fantastic bench! It is a neo-classical style carved Italian piece newly upholstered in a flax linen. The supports are wonderful hand carved eagles. It is in very good condi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Blue Velvet Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of French Louis XVI style armchairs standing on four straight fluted legs. The chairs have been bleached and refinished. The armchairs are also newly upholstered in a steel blue...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint, Velvet
18th Century Dutch Inlaid Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18th Century Dutch inlaid side chairs. Strong and sturdy, but delicate with different exotic inlaid woods. Ball and claw foot motif. Back...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique 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
Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, Wrapped Metal, Rams Heads, European, Gustavian
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Gustavian or Neoclassical side chairs can be used in any room. Each having fully metal wrapped frames with Finely carved rams heads on the back rests. The finely wrapped metal frames with rose, vine and leaf design tacked securely upon the frames. Enormous time and detail went into the construction of this fine pair of chairs...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
XXth Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Wood Stools
Located in IT
This gorgeous pair of stools was made in Piedmont (northern Italy) in the early twentieth century in Neoclassical style. Their structure is in carved wood and lacquered in shades of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Walnut Small Bench or Stool, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sidewalk. Walnut wood. Century XVIII.
Rectangular board stool with smooth molding on the edge and turned legs in the shape of balusters, which are secu...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Other
Updated Traditional Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Updated Traditional Sofa that is stylishly expressive with its low-key elegance. A low back and sloping arms cradle the loose back pillow and creat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric
Vintage Conant Ball Low Back Bow Back Maple Windsor Spindle Chair
By Conant Ball
Located in Germantown, MD
1970s Conant Ball low back windsor chairs. Solid maple wood construction. Excellent condition.
Low back and bow back with spindles.
Measuremen...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple
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
Pair of Steel and Gilt Metal Hall Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
An attractive pair of steel and gilt metal side chairs with black leather seats. Sold in pairs. Four available.
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Steel
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Bleached Wood Stools with New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French neoclassical style bleached wood stools from the early 20th century, with fluted legs and new upholstery. Created in France during...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Italian Hand Carved & Painted Floral Day Bed . Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian gilt carved wood and painted day bed with carved fluted serpentine headboards, floral medallions , reeded posts , floral carved skirt , and terminating on fluted legs. Late 1...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
1900s Italian Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of finely carved 1900s. Possibly late 19th Century. Giltwood armchairs. Possibly English, but most likely Italian. Upholstery is new. Fabric is high end designer in an Asian mot...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Elegant Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant set of four neoclassical dining chairs, American, circa 1950s. They retain their original vibrant yellow ostrich print vinyl upholstery.
Category
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Folding Iron Bed
Located in Buchanan, NY
French iron bed, circa 1900, made to be used against the wall. This bed is not for sale, for rental only. Additional pillows and fabrics are available ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Upholstered Daybed with Mattress and Decorative Bolster on Wood Base and Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Randolph daybed is a stylish and modern piece that can be used in any room. Hand made in our shop in Brooklyn it has a foam mattress wrapped in down & feather with a loose decora...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Foam, Oak
Six Neoclassic Caned and Decorated Adam Style Dining Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive set of six dining chairs having two armchairs and four sides, crafted with mahogany in a neoclassic Adam style with painted decoration...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
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
Set of Ten Steel and Gold Gilt Neoclassical Chairs, 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
A wonderful set of ten custom-made steel and gold gilt dining chairs with leather seats. This spectacular set of chairs is hand-crafted with no...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Steel
Classic Skirted Slipper Chair in Hot Pink Velvet with Contrast Velvet Back
Located in Greenwich, CT
About this piece
Made to order skirted slipper chair. As shown with cotton velvet and cut velvet contrast outside back.
How we work
Made t...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
18th Century Painted Venetian Settee
Located in Rochester, NY
`Antique 18th century Venetian settee in beautifully aged old painted and worn parcel gilded surface. Early construction. Losses to gilding showing und...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th Century painted Italian low side chairs. Newly upholstered in aqua velvet. Flower garland and urn motif.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Fine Italian Style Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very fine wood carved Italian style giltwood bench. Upholstered in Janet Yonati silk velvet. Fine vintage reproduction.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
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
Italian Neoclassical Style Iron Scrolled Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Italian iron daybed featuring large, dramatic scrolled ends with x-form stretchers. The daybed has a fitted cushion measuring 8 inches deep upholstered with newer fabric. Sup...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Iron
Jansen Paris Giltwood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s to 1940s Giltwood bench. Strong and sturdy. Signed into the wood "Jansen" with numerals. Covered in an embroidered fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Neo Classic Mahogany Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Neo Classic mahogany side chair, the flame veneered bar top rail and solid splat above an upholstered seat, on square tapering legs.
Dimensions: 20" W x 25" D x 37" H.
Seat 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Sofa Versailles, Capitonné Backrest, Italy
By VG New Trend
Located in Treviso, Treviso
VG furniture represent luxury in terms of exclusivity, distinction and high quality. They are the result of sophisticated and exclusive design with a strong identity and are the outc...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Spruce, Plywood
Neoclassical Style Large Caned Sofa
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large neoclassical style caned sofa. Clean lines throughout with a flat crest rail, carved at the center with scrolled acanthus. Outward rolled arms are ...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood, Fabric
Early 19th Century Venetian Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th century Venetian armchairs. Newly-upholstered in designer fabric. Heavy for their size. Comfortable.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
1950s Maison Jansen Style of Neoclassical Wrought Iron Lyre Arm Back Chair with
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
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
André Arbus Pair of Ash Wood Neoclassical Armchairs, 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
These elegant André Arbus armchairs are sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. They were designed and prod...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Hollywood Regency Faux Bois Cane Dining Armchair Bright Green Upholstery
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful wood faux bois armchair with cane back and bright green upholstered seat. A Hollywood Regency staple, faux bois furniture is a highly ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Wood
André Arbus Pair of Ash Wood Neoclassical Armchairs, 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
These elegant André Arbus armchairs are sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room in your home. They were designed and prod...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
Tufted Club Chair in Blue Linen Fabric with Turned Wood Legs and Nailhead Trim
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lewis club chair shown in blue linen fabric with tufted back and self covered buttons. All hair filled and stitched upholstery with hand carved dark m...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Linen, Mahogany
18th Century Original Black Painted Ladder Back Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine hand made ladder back chair has the original rush seat and original black painted surface. The condition is very good and sturdy with a fine aged patina.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Pine
Armchair Swedish Black Neoclassical, 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish black neoclassical, 19th century, Sweden. An armchair made in Sweden during the 19th century in the neoclassical style. Black paint...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Jacques Adnet Neoclassic High Back Side Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
This tall back, neoclassic side chair is attributed to French designer Jacques Adnet circa 1945. The tight back and seat is enhanced with an appliqued decorative banding front and ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Pair of Italian Neoclassical Lacquered Wood Armchairs
Located in IT
18th Century pair of Italian Neoclassical Lacquered wood armchairs.
Measurements: cm H 108 x W 73 x D 77, seat cm H 46 x D 51 x W 61.
This elegan...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
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
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
Stylish Set of Six Classic Ring Back Bleached Oak Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful contrasting muted colors in this set of 6 bleached oak ring back side chairs. Lovely reeded seat rails and khaki finish.
New high quality cotton ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Oak
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
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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