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.
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Oscar Bach Italian Neoclassical Bronze Wrought Iron Marble Console Table 43"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Oscar Bach bronze, wrought iron and marble console table featuring neoclassical styling with a reticulated / pierced and scrolled foliate grapevine design. The black mar...
Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Estate Sterling Silver Sugar and Spice Toast Dusting Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce and unusual Sterling Silver sugar and spice dusting spoon, attributed to R. Blackinton & Co., an American silversmithing firm founded in 1862 in North Attleboro, Massach...
Sterling Silver
Antique Botanical Print of Carnations by Jean-Louis Prévost, 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Botanical Print of Carnations by Jean-Louis Prévost, 1805 Original antique botanical print depicting an elegant bouquet of carnations in richly varied striped, red, purple a...
Paper
Original Antique Print of an Atlas Moth by Bertuch, circa 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Antique Print of an Atlas Moth by Bertuch, circa 1800 Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting the magnificent Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), one of the larges...
Paper
Neoclassical Empire Revival Style Box, Tiger Burl-Esque Lion Heads, Late 20th C
Located in New York, NY
A tiger‑burl‑esque jewelry or decorative box in the Neoclassical Empire Revival style, circa late 20th century. The box is finished in a textured faux‑burl veneer with tiger‑stripe p...
Brass
Brown Jordan “Florentine” 50" Round Glass Patio Garden Table Set - Hunter Green
By Richard Frinier, Brown Jordan
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice vintage 5-piece patio or garden dining set from Brown Jordan, designed by the renowned Richard Frinier in the late 1980s. The "Florentine" collection is among the most sought-af...
Aluminum
$584Sale Price|50% Off
French, 18th Century White Marble Panel depicting a vase
Located in Buisson, FR
Very decorative and beautiful weathered white marble panel depicting a vase. France, circa 1750-1800. Measurements include the wooden base. H:23,5cm W:14,5cm D:7,5cm
Marble
$12,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Large Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass large light fixtures with interior lights.
Glass
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
French Neoclassical Style Frosted Cut Glass and Bronze Ceiling Light, ca. 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Neoclassical Style ceiling light dating to circa 1910, combining finely cast bronze ornamentation with an elegantly shaped frosted cut glass shade. The design is dist...
Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Mahogany Writing Desk with Brass Inlays and Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant antique Spanish writing desk showcases a refined neoclassical design with clean architectural lines and beautifully balanced proportions. Crafted from solid wood with a ...
Brass
Pair of Antique 19th Century Cast Iron Neoclassical Garden Urns
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of 19th century cast iron neoclassical urns, with traces of Gustavian blue paint within the exterior of their reeded bowls. Unmarked, though most likely French.
Cast Iron
Wonderful Vaughan Marble Alabaster Ridged Bowl Art Deco Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vaughan Style Marble / Alabaster Ridged Rim Bowl In The Art Deco Style Light Fixture Chandelier With Two Edison Interior Lights
Marble, Bronze
$584Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
Vintage French Brass and Glass Bar Cart, Neoclassical Style, 1960
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, mid-century French brass and transparent glass bar cart in the style of Maison Jansen, that would be comfortable in a range of decorating tastes from Hollywood Regency to...
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Stone Console Tables with Winged Mythological Stone Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
An extraordinary pair of neoclassical console tables featuring sculptural winged mythological figures supporting substantial travertine t...
Cast Stone, Travertine
French Leather and Brass Two-Tier Table in the Manner of Maison Jansen, C. 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French two-tier occasional table in the manner of Maison Jansen, crafted with leather shelves framed in brass galleries. Clean lines and refined brass detailing exemplify ...
Brass
Set of Four Mario Papperzini Amalfi Iron Lounge Garden Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare set of four of "Amalfi" lounge chairs with adjustable chain backs after the mid-century modern design by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The set features an o...
Brass, Iron
19th Century French Neoclassical Oak Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
A graceful, rare model 19th century French Louis XVI-style settee, handcrafted from solid light oak wood with fluted details and carved aprons - re-upholstered in green cotton velvet...
Velvet, Oak
$4,900Sale Price|30% Off
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Giltwood Marble-top Wall Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic 19th century Neoclassical demilune-console from France, with an exquisite giltwood base supporting an interesting slab of pink marble. The blushing stone is streaked in gr...
Marble
Ralph Lauren Hither Hills Round Oak Extending Dining Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome round oak "Hither Hills" extending dining table made by Ralph Lauren. The Palladian style table features a broad circular top raised on a grouping of four reeded neoclassi...
Brass
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl
By Wedgewood
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...
Pottery
1950s Italian Friedman Brothers Neoclassical Black And Gilt Mirrors - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This pair has timeless elegance! These mirrors were crafted in Italy for Friedman Brothers out of New York. The brothers emigrated from England and were highly regarded for their com...
Wood
19th Century Neoclassical Cast Stone Bird Bath for Garden Decor
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An sublime late 19th century English, cast stone bird bath for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio that both people and avian visitors can enjoy. The wide, shallow bowl rests ...
Stone
Cupid and Psyche Grand Tour Marble Sculpture after Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) Grand Tour white Italian marble sculpture of Cupid and Psyche after Antonio Canova, mounted on variegated light brown marble plinth measuring 22 1/2 by 25 by 1...
Marble
Antique Edwardian Pair Brass & Cut Crystal Ceiling Lights Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional antique pair of Edwardian Neo-classical brass and cut-crystal ceiling lights, circa 1900 in date. These superb lights rach feature a brass body with chased and relief...
Crystal, Brass
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
$5,600Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Karges French Provincial Artist Signed Cherry Chest Faux Marble Top Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
This masterfully executed Karges Transitional Three-Drawer Chest (Model No. 287) bridges the gap between classic European opulence and bespoke American craftsmanship. Drawing heavily...
Hardwood, Paint
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four French Iron Curule Side Chairs with Woven Strap Seats
Located in Troy, MI
This set of four side chairs is constructed in dark-patinated iron in the Curule tradition, each featuring a tall straight back with ball finials and a curved X-form base with painte...
Iron
19th Century English Cast Stone Neoclassical Garden Column Pedestal
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, cast stone pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter, sculpture, or armillary sphere. The column f...
Stone
Exceptional Late 19th Century Dutch Delft Blue Brass Gas Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exceptional late 19th-century Dutch Delft blue gas chandelier is distinguished by its elegant architectural silhouette. Four gracefully curved brass arms rise in a double sweep ...
Brass
Maison Jansen Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Ram's Head Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency brass coffee table ram's head and hoof detailing. It has a rectangular glass top set in the brass frame. Maison Jansen was a prominent French Interior...
Brass
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Victorian Oak Grand Tour Box Neoclassical Inlay Greek Key Vanity Drawer
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique oak box features an intricate Grand Tour style design heavily inspired by Neoclassical and ancient Greek motifs. While the exterior lid showcases a striking burl wood ve...
Oak
Set of Four Brown Jordan-Style Neoclassical Garden Armchairs
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of four cast aluminum garden armchairs crafted in the manner and style of Brown Jordan. Each chair features an ornate neoclassical swag design on the back. The arms wi...
Aluminum
1970s Italian Carved Pine French Louis XV Style Console Tables W/ Hooves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of 1970s carved pine console tables with French Louis XV styling. They have a stain that is comparable to a walnut. The serpentine tops show an intentional di...
Pine
Italian Neoclassical Fruitwood Mirror With Floral, Butterfly and Shell Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid 20th century Italian neoclassical style mirror with fruit wood veneer inlaid with beautifully rendered floral, shell and butterflies in rondels framing the border. Each with it's...
Bronze
Large Terracotta Bust Sculpture of Lovely Neoclassical Female
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally modeled terracotta bust of a female beauty in neoclassical robes set upon circular marble socle. 24 by 16 by 9 inches. Unsigned. 41 lbs.
Marble
Antique Continental Neo-classical Silver Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a elegant antique continental Neo-classical silver pommel ladies walking cane, bearing a European hallmark, Circa 1870 in date. The striking stick features superb trailing r...
Silver
Waterford Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Cake Stand Covered Server and Punch Bowl
By Tiffany & Co., Rosenthal Netter, Marquis by Waterford, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional example of Waterford's renowned craftsmanship, this Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Serving Set is a striking combination of beauty, ingenuity, and versatility. Expertly...
Crystal
Pair Antique Neoclassical Style Corinthian Column Gilt Bronze Candle Holders
Located in New York, NY
Pair Neoclassical style Corinthian column form gilt bronze candle holders Late 19th- Early 20th Century Attractive, well detailed Corinthian column capitals with reeded column bodies...
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Metal Planters, Grey Patina, Laurel Wreath Motif
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Classical metal planters with wreath motif. A pair of American Neoclassical style metal planters with grey patinated color, laurel wreath motifs, acorns and ball feet. This ...
Metal
19th Century French Cut Crystal Chandelier 8 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 19th century cut crystal chandelier with 8 lights
Crystal
"A Nocturnal View of Saddle Rock Lighthouse, Maine" by Hermann Herzog
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas, signed in the lower left. Presented in a period, if not original, frame measureing 22" x 28" including the frame. This wonderfully atmospheric nocturnal harbor scape...
Paint
Faux-Bamboo Brass Coffee Table with Eglomized Mirror Top by Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant coffee table embodies the refinement and French art de vivre of the 1970s. Crafted by the prestigious Maison Baguès in finely worked brass and topped with a magnificent ...
Brass
Pair Salterini Mount Vernon Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Located in Stamford, CT
A restored set of 1940s Salterini "Mount Vernon" pattern Wrought Iron Armchairs with Ottomans in Black. The armchairs recline and sport rear wheels for easy moving. The ottomans are ...
Wrought Iron
$796Sale Price|47% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered Carved Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Neoclassical pedestal with its original silver-leaf gilding. Great to use as a display for a small collection or just with some candles. Italy, circa 1780. Weathe...
Wood
Vintage Chrome and Brass Etagere by Maison Jansen, Italy, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage chrome and brass etagere with three glass shelves and large brass acorn finials. Made in Italy by Maison Jansen. Very versatile and rare piece.
Brass, Chrome
Carrie Bradshaw's Screen Used Burlwood Round Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant round American classical center table screen-used in the parlor of Carrie Bradshaw's Gramercy Park, New York apartment in "And Just Like That…". The table features a drama...
Wood, Burl, Mahogany, Fruitwood
Antique Cast Iron Parisian Balcony Gate Console with Shellstone Top, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Repurposed from a Parisian balcony gate (dating to circa 1900), this console has a cream shellstone top supported by a dark brown cast iron railing. T...
Stone, Metal, Iron, Cast Iron
Italian Neo-Classical Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel & Glass Side Tables Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of Italian neoclassical style drinks tables with Maison Jansen styling. Each table has the Jansen signature steel and brass frame with hoof feet. The glass is removable...
Brass, Steel
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
2 French Painted & Fired Neoclassical Leaded Botanical Stained Glass Windows 62"
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Vintage reclaimed French painted and fired leadedstained glass windows. Features a Neoclassical botanical garden scene with vinbrant flowers and architecture. Signed E Couet alon...
Stained Glass, Wood
A Very Nice Example of a Folk Art Hudson River Landscape Signed G M Willis
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
American School 19th Century A Very Nice Example of a Folk Art Hudson River Landscape signed lower left corner, G. M. Willis oil on canvas. Painting - 18" in., x 24" in., (45.8x 61c...
Canvas
Neo-classical style chaise longue, France ca. 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exuding timeless refinement and grand European charm, this elegant French neoclassical style chaise longue—or méridienne—is a masterful tribute to antique luxury. Crafted around 1990...
Fabric, Wood
Antique Gunlocke Oak Schoolhouse Chair, Circa 1920s
By Gunlocke
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Oak Schoolhouse Chair – This is a heavy and sturdy chair made for the United States Post Office Made by W.H. Gunlocke Chair Co. Wayland, N.Y. Circa 1920. Each chair measures ...
Oak
Antique Plates Neoclassical Design, Early 20th Century, Set of 4
Located in New York, NY
A set of four (4) American transferware dinner plates by Homer Laughlin, each featuring a magenta‑toned Gothic and Neoclassical scenic medallion with architectural elements, figures,...
Ceramic
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.