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
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
French Neoclassical Sofa Dormeuse Jacquard Champagne Handmade Portugal
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Sofa Dormeuse, Neoclassical Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The sofa Dormeuse adds a sophisticated and refined touc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Galvin Classic Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
With three loose back cushions and boxed cushion seats, with scrolling arms, raised on square tapered legs, with nailhead trim details.
A classic design that works well with almost ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Queen Anne Style Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nicely detailed Queen Anne chair. Seat was originally can but now hard upholstered in new mohair. Strong and sturdy.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mohair, Wood, Paint
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
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of 6 Neoclassical Gilded Green, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Dining chairs Swedish set of 6 neoclassical gilded green, Sweden. A set of six dining chairs made during the neoclassical period in Sweden, circa 1800-1810. Original gilding with gre...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
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
Large Ottoman Made From a 19th Century Architectural Stoneware Capitol
Located in Hudson, NY
A stunning and original ottoman. Made from a 19th century architectural stoneware capital. The top and a gray mohair buttoned and tufted. The top is easily removable should you wish ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Stoneware, Mohair
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
Italian Carved Wood Triple Splat Back Cherry Settee, Circa 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Cherry carved splat back settee with floral scrolled motif, scrolled flanking arms , connecting serpentine stretchers, and terminating on the original slipper feet. Settee ha...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry, Upholstery, Wood
Set of 6 Neoclassical Chairs, Germany 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs
Discover a rare find with our exquisite set of six Neoclassical chairs originating from around 1800’s Southern Germany. Crafted from cherry wood veneer...
Category
1790s German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
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 Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birch, Giltwood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Carved and Painted Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly upholstered in turquoise color high-end fabric. Strong. Sturdy. Comfortable.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Set of 8 Russian Neo-Classic Mahogany Green Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 Russian Neo-classic mahogany & brass mounted side chairs with green leather upholstered seats & backs and brass filigree panel and fruitwood inlaid trim (early 19th Cent)
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
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 Neoclassical Painted & Upholstered Medallion Arm Chairs, C. 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical painted and upholstered arm chairs with flanking foliage medallions, carved incised beading, lambs tongue, bulbous fluted arm supports, and resting bulbo...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine, Paint
Classic Upholstered Dining Chair (Sets of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
A beautiful homage to English influence in 19th-century design, where elegance meets modern comfort. Slender saber legs and a sculptural wooden frame define the base, offering a deli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of Italian Neoclassical mahogany chairs adorned with patinated brass mounts from Italy. These chairs feature bold saber shaped legs and vertical lyre shaped back supp...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass
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
Elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Klismos Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Klismos chair is renowned for its historical importance, sleek lines and eye-catching design looks just as elegant today. The curved and tapered legs of the Klismos chair are what make its design so unique. In this modern interpretation of the ancient Greek klismos...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Royal Classic Blue Armchair in Damask and Walnut Finish by Modenese Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Excellency could not go further than this special collection of the noble blue living room furniture set. The curve shape seat is inviting an...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Marble, Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
Italian Neo-Classic Horse Hair Settee
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Neo-classic style (18th Cent) brown lacquer and black stenciled Settee with blue velvet upholstery on back, side arms, and seat
Some loss to...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Continental Neoclassic Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Continental neoclassic style mahogany side chairs with squared back and pierced vertical splat above turned legs. (possibly Italian, 19th century).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Neoclassical Giltwood and Ebonized Benches
Located in New York, NY
Each rectangular seat upholstered in green and off white striped silk taffeta over a rail carved with ebonized bellflower garlands and supporting an outward scrolling armrest to one ...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Giltwood
Swedish Polychrome Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautifully polychromed bench adds a subtle pop of color. Place in any space to create interest.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Neo-Classical Style Ebonized Bench With Gilt Accents Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a neo-classical style bench with an ebonized frame and gilt accents. It is attributed to Maitland -Smith and dates approximately to the l...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 5639
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Three seater sofa characterized by a soft backrest perfectly shaped that enhances the comfort.
The wooden frame improves the classic look of the sofa and give a more elegant feeling.
On the backrest and on the sitting pillows...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Wood
20th Century Classizim Style Empire Swan Chaise Longue
Located in Berlin, DE
Maple roots on solid beechwood, partially ebonized and gilded.
(J-Sam-7).
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Beech, Maple
18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry And Upholstered Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
An 18th Century Neoclassical Dutch Marquetry Satinwood inlays And Upholstered Armchair. Frame in good antique condition. Need new upholstery. We can have it Reupholstered to suit you...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Karges Neo Classic Dining Arm Chairs
Located in Portland, OR
Karges may not be familiar to you but it has been called "The Last Great American Furniture Company". Karges represents high quality hand-made beautiful furniture. These dining chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Twelve Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and high quality complete set of twelve Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated and giltwood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by handsome giltwood paw feet ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood, Leather, Wood
Swedish Neoclassical Style Carved Gilt-Wood & Upholstered Sofa Bench, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassic style gilt-wood and upholstered sofa bench from the 19th century. This antique sofa from Sweden, approximately 5.75 feet in...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Office Swivel Chair with Capitonne Real Leather and Golden Finishes by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This Modenese Gastone Interiors custom item has been designed and produced for top managers and company owners. Its unique authority and quality materials represent the perfect solut...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Neoclassical Painted Vanity Bench ~ Footstool is a truly tim
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Neoclassical Painted Vanity Bench ~ Footstool is a truly timeless design that dates back to the classical ages of ancient Greece and Rome. Surprisingly comfortab...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Neoclassical French Armchairs, 1950's
Located in North Miami, FL
These French armchairs have the original crackled paint and fleurette accents and sabots, they have been reupholstered with an amazingly soft and rich rust tone suede leather. THIS ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
A Set of Eight Navy Wicker Dining Chairs with Cushions
Located in New York, NY
A Set of eight great-looking navy wicker dining chairs arm chairs with cushions in a crisp navy and white stripe cotton fabric
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wicker
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
Art Deco Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1950
Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its original conditi...
Category
1940s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Italian Set of Six Neoclassical Style White-Grey Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique set of six Italian dining room, side chairs made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, patinated in light grey in the late Neoclassical style with scrolled back rest and beaut...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
Chair, Elisabeth II of Spain Style, Wood, Textile, Spain, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Carved and polychrome wooden chair with cabriolet legs and openwork backrest which has been decorated with a symmetrical composition of Rococo influence in some details and Neoclassical in others. The Elizabethan style was developed in Spain during the reign of Isabel II (Elisabeth II...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Other
19th Century Painted French Foot Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine little accent foot stool. Strong and sturdy.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Berlin Iron
Fine Pair of 19th C Decorative Italian Painted and Parcel Gilt Armchairs of Neo-
Located in Benington, Herts
Extremely fine pair of decorative 19th Century Italian painted and parcel gilt armchairs of neo-classical design.
Italian Late 19th C - Circa 1880.
Oozing style these very attr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Beech
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
Baltic Neoclassical Daybed
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century mahogany and fruitwood baltic daybed. Having scroll form sides with central ebonized panel. Upholstered in stiped silk fabric.
Category
1850s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Gold-Plated Louis XVI Chair from 1860
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Gold-plated Louis XVI chair from 1860
Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its origina...
Category
1850s German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Plate
Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs, Style of Jacob Henri, France 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Set of four Neoclassical Chairs, France 19th century
The slightly bent backrests are decorated with a rosette and lambrequin decor. The design and motif was developed by the French...
Category
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
Italian Gilt Metal Floral Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian Gilt Metal Floral Bench. The frame is gilt metal, black painted with gold floral arrangements. Original seat fabric. Made in Italy. There is a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal
Primitive Painted Bench
Located in Bradenton, FL
Exceptional example of an original condition 19th century Pine bench in old grey paint over the original red. A very nice tight solid bench in good to excellent condition with no rep...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Pine
French Maison Jansen Neo-Classical Style Steel Brass Tiger Velvet Daybed Settee
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is late 20th century French Maison Jansen style steel and brass neo-classical daybed. The tiger velvet cushion and pillows could be Scalamandre, but I have no way of knowing for...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of 18th Century Silver Leaf and Painted Venetian Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 18th Century silver leafed and hand painted Venetian side chairs. Seat inserts are covered in leather. Excellent condition for their age. S...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Painted Side Chairs Great Form and Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of Italian neoclassical painted side chairs
19th century. Amazing form and carving, lovely old patina. Priced per chair.
Measures: Height 34 1/2 inches.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Art Deco Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1950
Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its original conditio...
Category
1940s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
Custom Upholstered Channeled Ottoman on Maple Wood Base with Hand Stitching
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Astor ottoman is completely handcrafted with vertical channeling throughout the sides - interior upholstery is all handstitched with springs and synthetic hair - hand carved mapl...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Maple, Suede
Pair Neoclassical Style Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair neoclassical style side chairs. The chairs have black lacquered wood frames, a decorative gold pattern with a round bronze insert to ...
Category
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Bronze
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Neoclassic, 6436
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
2 seater sofa characterized by a soft backrest that enhances the comfort.
The wooden carved legs improves the classic look of the sofa and give a m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Set of six Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Germany 1810-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs
Beautifully designed set of six Neoclassical chairs dating back to around 1810-30. The chairs come from Southwest Germany. The back has a very pretty open work design with a hand carved leave design. The Neoclassical chairs are refinished and have a new upholstery and are covered with a very pretty black and white striped woven...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Elm
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.