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.
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
French Neoclassical Three-Tier Étagère in Brass & Metal, 20th Century
Located in Bradenton, FL
Three-Tier French Brass and Metal Étagère. Étagère features blackened metal with intricately punched brass shelves and graceful X-form side stretchers. Frame has decorative rosette m...
Metal, Brass
$2,940Sale Price / set|25% Off
Early 1900s Globe Wernicke Four Tier Glazed Sectional Barrister's Bookcase
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Globe Wernicke four tier glazed sectional / modular / barrister's bookcase 1920s Comes apart in sections for easy transportation. Height 152cm Width 87cm Depth at top and base plin...
Brass
Pair of Maison Jansen Paris, brushed steel and brass six shelf etageres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Maison Jansen brushed steel and brass etageres. There are six removable glass shelves that set in on cylindrical brass shelf holders. The brushed steel shelves are squar...
Brass, Steel
$3,449Sale Price / set|20% Off
1920s Antique Globe Wernicke Stacking Barrister's Bookcase, USA
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An attractive American Globe-Wernicke stacking barrister’s bookcase dating from the 1920s, constructed in richly toned wood and arranged as four glazed stacking sections above a rais...
Brass
Modern Neoclassical Etagere with Matte Black Metal Frame and Brass Accents
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous modern take on classic neoclassical etagere. Matte black frame offset with brass corners and finials. Unique piece. 5 glass shelves for ample display surface. Curbside to NY...
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Carved Wooden Wall Bracket Shelf
Located in Montréal, CA
This carved wooden wall bracket shelf, likely produced in Italy in the early 20th century, draws on classical architectural forms with a distinctly sculptural presence. The fluted, b...
Wood
Neoclassical Two-Tiered Iron Etagere Server with Glass Shelves, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Neoclassical verdigris finished two tiered etagere / server. There are two glass shelves for items. The top decoration is a large urn centerpiece flanked by two birds.
Iron
Large French Neoclassical Pine Bookcase / Shelving
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large French neoclassical Louis XVI style bookcase - Shelving unit.
Pine
Antique Globe Wernicke Four Tier Glazed Modular Bookcase, 1920s Mahogany
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Globe Wernicke Four Tier Glazed Modular Bookcase, 1920s Mahogany A handsome and highly collectible Antique Globe Wernicke four tier glazed modular / sectional barrister’s bo...
Brass
$7,131Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair of Shelves in Black Lacquered Metal, Brass, Glass and Bronze with Claw Feet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This stunning pair of shelves are made of black lacquered metal, brass and bronze glass shelves. The bottom legs of each vitrine has very nice bronz...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
$3,245Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Silver Gun Metal and Gold gilt Metal Shelves
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice neoclassical style shelves unit is made of silvered gun metal and gilt metal shelves. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Metal
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Style X Form Support Etageres
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome pair of well made and sturdy open Etageres in the neoclassical style. Each with an openwork 3/4 gallery on top, carved frame, four shelves, and...
Wood
Vintage Neoclassical Style Etagere with Antiqued Mirror Shelves
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1950's Neoclassical style etagere with antiqued mirror shelves and "X" form crossbars to sides and top. Black metal frame and gold painted finials. Good condition.
Metal
Pair of Italian Painted Altar Display Pedestal Vitrines
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Italian carved altar pedestal vitrine display shelves or pavilion displays made in the grand neoclassical taste. The pedestals feature a stepped base having four column pillars surmounted by a roof. The frieze is reeded with parcel gilt decoration and has a domed top. The top has acanthus carved designs ending with a large finial...
Wood
Iron Neoclassical Style Étagère with Mirror Shelves
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron neoclassical style etagere with five mirror shelves, gold ball feet and detail. Light age to mirror. Very good condition for age! M...
Metal
Northern European 5 Tier Etagere
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Biedermeier style 5 tier fruit wood etagere, late 19th century. With 5 shelves all 5 shelves are graduated in size with serpentine shaped front edges, each shelf has 4 spire shaped f...
Fruitwood
1980s Vintage Boho Tessellated Stone Obelisk Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a monumental statement with this rare and captivating Vintage Tessellated Stone Obelisk Etagere, a true fusion of classical form and Postmodern design. This striking piece comma...
Stone
Three Shelf White Metal Bakers Rack with Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
iconic Three shelf bakers rack in White metal with brass banding and accents - the piece is a wonderful addition to many kitchen or pantries, or works well in an space needing extra ...
Metal, Brass
Italian Late Neoclassic Finely Turned Walnut 5-Tier Etagere, ca. 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
consisting of 4 cornered columns made up of separate turned sections supporting 5 rectangular shelves with rounded corners
Walnut
20 th c Multitier Corner Etagere Display
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous multitier corner etagere display case ornate. Victorian style.
Wood
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Wood Multitier Stand for Playesvor Plants
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare antique multitier plate stand or plant stand. In 3?tiers with wood inlay, beautiful piece of home decor.
Wood
Set of classic Italian bookcases from the 1950s in wood and bronze
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Set of classic Italian bookcases from the 1950s in wood and bronze
Bronze
Neo-Empire 5-Tier Tall Entry Hall Shelf Bookcase with One Drawer Storage
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black and walnut narrow tall hall 5' console shelf with a one drawer storage compartment.
Walnut
Maison Jansen Marble And Brass Topped Shelving, Early 20th Century
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th century Maison Jansen marble topped shelf with lacquered wood foundation, designed with three side by side drawers above a single shelf case, completed on square and taper...
Marble, Brass
Pair of Early 19th Century Three-Tiered Servers or Consoles
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of handmade antique Italian servers or consoles with three tiers decorated with harlequin designs on the tops. The cases with one drawer an...
Pine
Antique Beste Deutsche Linen Press Mangel Machine
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Beste Deutsche Linen Press Mangel Machine This 19th century machine is made of wood and ornate black cast iron. The three-level glass shelf is visible from a central glass ...
Iron
1960s Roger Thibier Gilt Wrought Iron Gold Leaf Shelf
By Roger Thibier, Robert Thibier
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical French gilded shelf from the midcentury, by the decorators and designers Roger and Robert Thibier from 1960s The frame is composed of wrough...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
19th Century Continental Neoclassical Parcel-Gilt Étagère
Located in Dallas, TX
Superb quality and uniquely designed early 19th century neoclassical mahogany étagère with mirrored back. The shaped top above half round open shelves with supporting columns having ...
Mirror, Mahogany
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 72 in W 34 in D 12 in
Antique Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Oak Five Stack Barrister Bookcase C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Oak Five Stack Barrister Bookcase with Leaded Glass Section Signed C1920 Measures - 72”h x 34”w x 12”d; book clearances of 9.5", 10.5", 8.5", 12"...
Oak
$2,800
H 78.5 in W 34 in D 11.5 in
Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Mission Oak 5 Stack Barrister Bookcase C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Globe Wernicke 5-stack barrister bookcase crafted from Mission Oak, dating to approximately 1920. This piece exemplifies the Arts & Crafts movement with its robust constru...
Oak
Antique Globe Wernicke bookcase
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful antique mahogany Globe Wernicke bookcase in perfect condition. The bookcase consists of 12 stackable sections in 3 different heights. With drawers in the plinths. Origin: ...
Mahogany
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 50 in W 34.25 in D 13.5 in
Antique Globe Wernicke School Oak Three Stack Bookcase C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Globe Wernicke School Oak Three Stack Bookcase C1920. Measures - Overall 50"h x 34.25"w x ...
Oak
$3,795
H 82 in W 33.75 in D 11.5 in
Antique Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Mahogany Five-Stack Barrister Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts five-stack barrister bookcase By Globe Wernicke USA, Circa 1900 Mahogany, with glass front doors and brass hardware. Measures: 33.75"W x 11.5"D x...
Brass
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 56 in W 34.25 in D 12.25 in
Antique Globe Wernicke Oak Four Stack Barrister Bookcase Signed C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Globe Wernicke Oak Four Stack Barrister Bookcase C1920 Measures - 56"H x 34.25"W x 12.25"D; b...
Oak
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 46.5 in W 22 in D 22 in
Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Mahogany 3-Stack Barrister Bookcase c1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An authentic Globe Wernicke sectional barrister bookcase, crafted from mahogany in the Arts & Crafts style, dating to approximately 1920. This three-stack unit features the distincti...
Mahogany
$1,995
H 48.75 in W 34.75 in D 11.25 in
Antique Barrister Bookcase by Globe Wernicke in Tiger Oak Wood
By Globe Wernicke, Globe Wernicke
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Bring a touch of timeless scholarly elegance to your interior with this magnificent antique Globe-Wernicke barrister bookcase, masterfully crafted in rich tiger oak wood. With its di...
Glass, Oak
$821Sale Price|20% Off
H 54.34 in W 34.26 in D 13 in
Romeo Rega 1970s Italian Shelf in Brass and Chrome Minimalist Glass Shelves
By Romeo Rega
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Romeo Rega 1970s Italian shelf in brass and chrome Minimalist glass shelves.
Brass, Chrome
$1,400
H 50 in W 35 in D 11 in
SUPERB OAK Barrister Bookcase by GLOBE WERNICKE - Stickley era W2794 SALE
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
SUPERB "Mission" Barrister Bookcase by GLOBE WERNICKE the ONLY mission style barrister they maid - SALE EXTRA 20% SALE NOW WE HAVE NOW A PAIR TO TIS BOOKCASE, WE...
Glass, Oak
$84,000Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 93.25 in W 73 in D 20 in
1970s Maison Jansen Style Custom Brass and Lacquered Wood Cabinets
Located in Dallas, TX
These magnificent display cabinets came from an upper east side home in NYC. They appear to be custom made and possibly Maison Jansen. They are solid brass with a lacquered wood finish. There is tempered glass on the back and the sides along with four push front glass doors on the front of each cabinet. Each cabinet has five glass shelves. The lower section of the display cabinets has four lacquered doors ornamented by beautiful hammered brass handles. Each concealed section has a lacquered shelf...
Brass
$2,950
H 59.5 in W 34.25 in D 14.25 in
Early 20th C Oak Leaded Glass Barrister Bookcase W Desk attrib to Globe Wernicke
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple and elegant 3 section leaded glass bookcase with a drop down desk and compartment drawers. Total of 6 sections all in oak which includes a top & bottom 3 leaded glass sections and the desk. Desk lid...
Brass, Lead
French Neoclassical Style Five Tier Steel Étagère Shelves
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A striking tall French étagère shelving unit crafted from steel featuring a refined architectural frame in the Neoclassical taste. The dramatic open linear frame features repeated X-...
Steel
Sold
H 36.5 in W 25.25 in D 5 in
A Pierced Carved Wood Multi Shelf Wall Shelf With Central Arched Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
A charming Neoclassical reproduction wall shelf/mirror in mahogany and wood. The arched mirror is Neoclassical in design with columns and pierced fretwork. The mirror has a small sha...
Mirror, Wood
Brass and Brushed Steel Etagère or Shelves Maison Jansen
Located in Greenwich, CT
Brass and Brushed Steel Etagère or Shelves , Maison Jansen , mid 20th century. This is a very solid example, of the highest quality , with 7 glass shelves , brushed steel columna...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 38.19 in W 39.38 in D 8.47 in
Mahogany and Brass Bookcase, Attributed to Maison Jansen, circa 1950
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This delicate bookcase is characterized by clear lines and, despite its filigree structure, has a robust and high-quality construction. It is therefore suitable for decorative and fu...
Brass
Vintage Regency Greek Key Wrought Iron Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace dramatic, Neoclassical elegance with this monumental vintage wrought iron etagere. Masterfully crafted, its impressive form is defined by a continuous band of iconic Greek Ke...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 11.25 in W 9 in D 7 in
Antique French Faux Bois Wall Console Shelf – Rustic Trompe-l'œil Wood Design
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Elevate your space with this stunning antique French faux bois wall console shelf, a masterful representation of the trompe-l'œil technique that mimics the organic beauty of real wood. Crafted from hand-cast concrete or plaster, this piece captures the texture, knots, and grain of natural branches, offering a rustic yet refined statement for interiors that blend nature with timeless elegance. The realistic woodgrain detailing and gnarled branch support structure give this shelf a sculptural presence, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate French country, rustic, or organic modern design. Perfect for displaying sculptures, antique books, or decorative objets d'art, this unique shelf is a functional work of art that seamlessly bridges indoor and outdoor aesthetics. 💡 Styling Ideas: ✔ French Country Charm: Mount above a stone fireplace or wainscoted wall for a rustic-chic effect. ✔ Garden-Inspired Elegance: Pair with vintage terracotta planters...
Metal
Sold
H 84 in W 14.25 in D 30.25 in
1970s Mason Jansen Neo-Classical Style Steel, Brass, Leather Etageres/ Shelf
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1970s Neo-classical style steel and brass etageres in the manner of Mason Jansen. The shelves are wrapped in black leather. There are four brass finials. The piece is most ...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 40.95 in W 29.53 in D 9.06 in
Neoclassical Style Wood and Brass Shelves In the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical style shelves unit is made of wood and brass. This is a very elegant bookcase with 4 wooden shelves surrounded by a brass gallery. This is a French work in the styl...
Brass
Sold
H 35.24 in W 31.11 in D 9.45 in
Neoclassical Style Silvered Metal Shelves Unit in the Style Of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical style shelves unit is made of silvered metal with tainted glass. This is a French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
20th Century Baguès Style Cranberry Lacquer and Brass Étagère
Located in Chicago, IL
20th Century Baguès Style Cranberry Lacquer and Brass 4-Tier Étagère. Ball finials at the top of the brass supports. Paint condition is distressed as pictured, priced accordingly. Th...
Brass
Sold
H 79.5 in W 29 in D 14.25 in
1970s Neo-Classical Style White Faux Bamboo Etageres / Shelves / Bookcases -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of neo-classical style white faux bamboo etageres or book shelves. I have added mirror inserts because the cane had issues in some areas. The paint is vintage but in v...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 49.41 in W 39.38 in D 10.04 in
Mahogany and Brass Shelves Unit Attributed to Maison Jansen, Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical style shelves unit is made of mahogany and brass. This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Brass