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.
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Rush, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Bouclé, Cotton
1810s Welsh Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Art Glass
2010s Romanian Neoclassical Furniture
Other
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Early 1900s English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Maple, Oak, Walnut
2010s Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
2010s French Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Cherry, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Neoclassical Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Velvet, Down
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Nickel, Bronze, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Cotton, Velvet, Down
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Wrought Iron
1970s Belgian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Nickel, Bronze, Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Hardwood
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Mirror, Wood, Beech
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Stone, Chrome
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Wood
Neoclassical furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Read More
What Is Ormolu, and Why Are We Talking about It?
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
New York’s Hirschl & Adler Showcases the American Workmanship and Design Panache of Neoclassical Treasures
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Susanna Salk’s Favorite Designers Show Us How to Play with Patterns
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
6 Creative Ways to Decorate with Sculpture Busts
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.