Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
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 Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
2010s French Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s French Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century American Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Ormolu, Bronze
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s French Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
17th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Ash, Olive, Walnut
2010s Italian Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
1830s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s French Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze, Ormolu
1870s Italian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Rosewood
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
19th Century Chinese Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak, Mirror
2010s Latvian Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Brass
20th Century American Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Silver, Vermeil
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1830s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass