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.
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
1990s French Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Iron
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1990s Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain, Fabric
1970s Mexican Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Plywood
1970s German Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Blown Glass
1990s Austrian Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Enamel
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Cherry
19th Century Chinese Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate, Ormolu
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Hardwood
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Hide, Giltwood
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Fruitwood
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Glass, Giltwood
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Brass
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1850s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Chestnut, Walnut
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Brass, Bronze
1790s Russian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Fruitwood, Rosewood, Tulipwood
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Furniture
Stone, Brass
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Mahogany
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Pottery
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Maple
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Plaster
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone
1920s German Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
1890s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Stone, Marble
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Steel, Iron





