Neoclassical Credenzas
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.
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 authentic neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
2010s French Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood, Cherry, Oak
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass, Bronze
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
2010s European Neoclassical Credenzas
Cherry, Oak
2010s French Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass
2010s French Neoclassical Credenzas
Cherry, Oak, Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Paint, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Marble, Brass, Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood
2010s Latvian Neoclassical Credenzas
Onyx, Stainless Steel
2010s French Neoclassical Credenzas
Cherry
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Elm
20th Century Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Credenzas
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Oak
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Neoclassical Credenzas
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Credenzas
Mahogany
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Credenzas
Walnut
1970s North American Vintage Neoclassical Credenzas
Stainless Steel