Neoclassical Furniture
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.
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Plaster
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Concrete, Limestone, Iron
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Ormolu
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Mahogany
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1860s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Iron
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paint
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Oak, Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Teak
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Upholstery, Giltwood
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone, Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s European Neoclassical Furniture
Limestone
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Leaf
1930s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Textile, Cotton, Maple
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1870s German Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Brass
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1920s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany
1960s Belgian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone, Cement, Stone, Iron, Metal
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
Early 19th Century Irish Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Stainless Steel
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Satinwood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Straw
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Iron
Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Royal Copenhagen, Wedgwood, Carpanese Home Italia, and Maison Jansen. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20 and tops out at $1,200,000 while the average work can sell for $3,466.
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