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.
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Berlin Iron
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Zinc
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Enamel
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century Swiss Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Enamel
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1840s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Enamel
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Fir
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Upholstery, Wood, Paint, Fabric
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paper
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paper
1990s North American Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Wood
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Philippine Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Copper
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1940s English Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Oak, Wood
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum, Iron
1940s European Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Ironstone
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Wrought Iron
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Velvet
1890s English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Paint
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Rush, Mahogany
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Copper
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Creamware
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Wicker, Wood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Glass
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Porphyry
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze