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Neoclassical Blanket Chests

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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Neoclassical
A large flemish 18th century oak chest
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
A very large flemish 18th century oak linen chest This can be used for general storage. Beautifully aged wood and gorgeous carvings troughout Mid 18th century - Belgium ​ Height:...
Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

A large flemish 18th century oak chest
A large flemish 18th century oak chest

A large flemish 18th century oak chest

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18th Century oak coffer
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18th Century Oak Chest with Wrought Iron
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18th Century Swiss Dowry Chest
Located in Middleburg, VA
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18th Century Swiss Dowry Chest
18th Century Swiss Dowry Chest

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H 31 in W 59 in D 24 in
Antique Coffer, Large, English Oak Chest, Early 18th Century Trunk, circa 1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique coffer, a large English oak chest or early 18th century trunk dating to circa 1700. Substantial oak chest displaying rich, dark color Pegged joint construction...
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Antique Coffer, Large, English Oak Chest, Early 18th Century Trunk, circa 1700
Antique Coffer, Large, English Oak Chest, Early 18th Century Trunk, circa 1700

Antique Coffer, Large, English Oak Chest, Early 18th Century Trunk, circa 1700

H 31.89 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
18th Century Oak Coffer
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
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18th Century Oak Coffer

18th Century Oak Coffer

H 23.63 in W 42.13 in D 20.48 in
Antique Early 18th Century Carved Oak Coffer/Chest
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique early 18th century carved oak coffer/chest having finely carved detail to the panels and frieze, panelled sides, standing on stile feet. A fantastic example in original c...
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Antique Early 18th Century Carved Oak Coffer/Chest
Antique Early 18th Century Carved Oak Coffer/Chest

Antique Early 18th Century Carved Oak Coffer/Chest

H 28.35 in W 53.94 in D 22.84 in
18th Century Oak Coffer
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
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18th Century Antique Neoclassical Blanket Chests

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18th Century Oak Coffer

18th Century Oak Coffer

H 25.6 in W 58.27 in D 22.84 in
Early 18th Century Carved Oak Dutch Maids Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This solid oak carved chest was made in circa 1720 and originated in the Netherlands. It is made in Rebaissance style and it has the typical elevated panels in the front section. T...
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Early 18th Century Carved Oak Dutch Maids Chest
Early 18th Century Carved Oak Dutch Maids Chest

Early 18th Century Carved Oak Dutch Maids Chest

H 25.6 in W 48.43 in D 20.48 in
18th Century Dowry Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming hope chest with many decorative details. Original paint. Interior candle box, mid-1700s!
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18th Century and Earlier Latvian Antique Neoclassical Blanket Chests

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18th Century Dowry Chest
18th Century Dowry Chest

18th Century Dowry Chest

H 41 in W 47.5 in D 30 in
18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest
Located in Wilson, NC
The front of this English oak blanket chest has three recessed panels framed with molded edges and one long drawer with the original open pan...
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18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest

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H 28 in W 43 in D 21 in
Late 18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest
Located in High Point, NC
Late 18th century oak blanket chest from England. The chest has a quadruple paneled top with molded edges, which lifts to an open interior. The four front panels are hand carved with...
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Late 18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest

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H 24.13 in W 56.25 in D 23.13 in
18th Century Continental Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Continental Storage Chest with brass strapwork and studs. Measures: 44" x 21" x 22".
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18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Blanket Chests

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Brass

18th Century Continental Storage Chest
18th Century Continental Storage Chest

18th Century Continental Storage Chest

H 22 in W 21 in D 44 in
Previously Available Items
18th Century Louis XVI Period Burr Elm and Walnut Commode
Located in London, GB
An 18 century Louis XVI Period walnut parquetry commode, the top inlaid with a star motif, the three drawers with burr elm veneered panelling, brass lock escutcheons and handles, all...
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18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Blanket Chests

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18th Century Louis XVI Period Burr Elm and Walnut Commode
18th Century Louis XVI Period Burr Elm and Walnut Commode

18th Century Louis XVI Period Burr Elm and Walnut Commode

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Neoclassical blanket chests for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical blanket chests for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage blanket chests created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical blanket chests made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 blanket chests differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $550 and tops out at $12,000 while the average work can sell for $1,496.

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