Neoclassical Furniture
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Item Ships From: Greenwich
Style: Neoclassical
Skirted Upholstered Club Chair, Customizable
By John Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Madison chair features a t-cushion and loose pillow back for additional comfort. The chair is framed in maple and birch.
Price does not include fabric. Fabric shown is for imag...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
Classic Skirted Slipper Chair in Hot Pink Velvet with Contrast Velvet Back
Located in Greenwich, CT
About this piece
Made to order skirted slipper chair. As shown with cotton velvet and cut velvet contrast outside back.
How we work
Made t...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Set of Six English Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine set of six English neoclassical dining chairs, the most unusual back splats with carved rosettes, honeysuckle and wreath carving, th...
Category
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Neoclassical Mirror with Queen Anne Plate
Located in Greenwich, CT
There is nothing new about recycling. This early 19th century English neoclassical giltwood and églomisé mirror is a little gem, made all ...
Category
Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mercury Glass
Decorated Venetian Neoclassical Commode
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine 18th century Italian, probably Venetian three-drawer commode, the top faux painted to simulate Sienna marble, over three graduated drawers festooned with floral and ribbon ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Poplar
Neoclassical Giltwood and Rosewood Pier Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine early 19th century pier table of useful narrow proportions, the original white marble top over giltwood apron with applied bosses, the bold scrolled legs with acanthus leaf...
Category
1820s Irish Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Pair of American Classical Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of brass and wrought iron andirons, the urn finials over hand hammered shafts, the upper section cylindrical, the lower section square divided by ringed collar, standing o...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
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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 lighting, decorative objects, 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 Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Wedgwood, Carpanese Home Italia, and Workstead. 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 $4,125,484 while the average work can sell for $3,450.
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