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 Russian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Composition
2010s Spanish Neoclassical Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Spanish Neoclassical Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut, Burl
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Cherry
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Nickel
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Fruitwood, Olive
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany, Oak
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Paint
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Steel, Iron
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone, Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Furniture
Velvet, Feathers
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
Early 1800s German Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Alabaster, Bronze
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1870s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Linen, Wood
1920s German Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
1850s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Chestnut, Walnut
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Metal, Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Fruitwood, Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood, Glass
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Pottery
1860s Danish Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Cement
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Enamel
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Burl, Walnut
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Cotton, Chenille
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Giltwood
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
20th Century European Neoclassical Furniture
Softwood