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.
Empire Style Lacquered Burl Wood Desk
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Quatrain for Fournier Collections custom lacquered burl wood desk with three drawers supported with black columns and gilded capitals....
Wood, Giltwood, Burl
Two Monumental Figural Gilt Wrought Iron Benches, Oscar Bach, c. 1910, USA
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare and architecturally scaled gilt wrought iron bench attributed to Oscar Bach, a master of American Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical decorative metalwork. This monumental figural ben...
Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Antique French Brass & Bronze Bed , Doble Size
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish and unusual French antique brass bed. Rectangular in form but with smooth rounded corners, tubular rails and ball finials. A good quality wel...
Brass
Large Pair of Maria Theresa Style Crystal 7-Light Wall Sconces, Italy Circa 1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of Maria Theresa Style Crystal 7-Light Wall Sconces, Italy, Circa 1950s An impressive pair of Italian Maria Theresa-style crystal wall sconces, circa 1950s, notable for t...
Crystal, Brass
18th c. Italian Housekeeper's Cupboard / Entertainment Center in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
An Italian cabinet from the 18th century in original aged ochre paint. Two large, full length doors open to 8 fixed shelves on each side with 2 lower drawers. Circa 1780. This pie...
Wood, Paint
Pair 19th Century Gilt Bronze Girandole Sconce Mirrors with Candelabra
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of narrow, rectangular gilt bronze girandoles with beveled mirror and twin candelabra, circa 1890. Ornately decorated frame with openwork of fleur-de-lis, renaissance architectu...
Bronze
Vintage Italian Round Walnut Burl Burr Side Table and Tripod Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table features a round beveled top with veneer wood burl decor standing on the central beautifully carved tripod legs. This Italian walnut...
Wood
Pair 19th Century Neoclassical Style Italian Plaster Urns with Flame Finials
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Italian neoclassical style urns in relief that can either stand on their own or hang from the wall as decorative elements. Quite handsome, with acanthus leaf decoration and f...
Plaster
French 19th Century Cast Iron Urn
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large, Neoclassical cast iron garden urn from the 19th century, exhibiting all the elegance and grandeur of the period. Painted in a deep green, the urn features iconic and timeles...
Iron
$782Sale Price / set|41% Off
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Silvered Wooden Candlesticks, Circa 1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of wooden candleholders with their beautiful silver leaf gilding. Italy, circa 1750-1800. Weathered small losses and old repairs. Measurements are individual. H:39cm W:1...
Silver Leaf
19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Lamp with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in Lincoln, GB
A Superb 19th Century French Celadon Porcelain Table Lamp An elegant and highly refined French celadon porcelain table lamp, dating from the second half of the 19th century. Original...
Brass
Tall Sterling Corinthian Column Candlesticks Sheffield, 1899 William Hutton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegant Pair of Tall Sterling Silver Corinthian Column Candlesticks by William Hutton & Sons, Sheffield, 1899 An impressive pair of 9" tall sterling silver candlesticks...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Neoclassical Style Iron & Travertine Plant Stands Pedestals - Set of
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of neoclassical style pedestals or plant stands dating to approximately the 40s or 50s. They are iron with travertine shelving. They are both in very good condition.
Travertine, Iron
Neoclassical Italian Marble Sculpture of Roman Foot, 19th Century Art
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Neoclassical Italian marble sculpture of a Roman foot. Sculpted with great attention to detail.
Marble
McGuire Antalya Directors Arm Chair Rattan Laced Rawhide Woven Leather
By McGuire
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a a McGuire Antalya directors style dining armchair in rattan with laced rawhide woven leather seat and back. The design is often described as organic modern,...
Leather, Bamboo
Classical Verdigris Bronze Armillary Sphere on Pedestal – European Garden Accent
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted verdigris bronze and brass armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel cour...
Concrete, Brass, Bronze
Mid-Century Neoclassical Brass Shell Platter, Circa 1970s, 11.5" W
Located in Elkhart, IN
A mid-20th century brass clam shell platter.
Brass
Tiffany & Co. Antique Neoclassical Silverplate Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of antique Neoclassical or Victorian silver soldered candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (each signed to the underside) USA, Circa Late 19th Century Each measures: 3.5"W...
Silver Plate
French Rococo Console Table, Painted & Parcel Gilt, Carrara Marble Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Painted and Parcel Gilt Console with Carrara Marble Top A striking French console table, masterfully carved in the Rococo taste and retaining its original painted and parcel ...
Marble
Maison Jansen Black Lacquer, Bronze & Mirror Surtout de Table Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Black Lacquer, Bronze & Mirror Surtout de Table Coffee Table France, Circa 1960s—Louis XVI Neoclassical Style A rare and exceptional Mai...
Bronze
19th C Original Painted Decorated Doll or Jewelry Chester Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted decorated doll or jewelry chester drawers. Decorated in the 20's or 30's.
Wood, Paint
New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Ralph Lauren Barlett Zebra Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Beautiful and soft cushion made with Ralph Lauren Zebra Fabric.
Iron
Set of Four RH Catalina Aluminum Patio Garden Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined set of Restoration Hardware “Catalina” dining chairs, constructed in a neoclassical garden style having an iron-toned finish. The set consists of three dining armchairs and...
Aluminum
Thai Rattanakosin-Era Carved and Gilded Throne Side Panels (pair)
Located in Soquel, CA
Thai Rattanakosin-Era Carved and Gilded Throne Side Panels Ornately carved panels with gilding from Thailand. The central portion of these panels depict...
Gold Leaf, Metal
Round Porcelain Vase Portugal 1970 Pink Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vase is in Porcelain., the colors are grey and brown. It has been done circa 1970, in Portugal by S.I.A witch is a famous editor. It is signed.
Stoneware
Sir Thomas Boleyn Handmade Brass Rubbing Art/British Royality
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, this brass rubbing is in good condition, Sir Thomas Boleyn (Bullen) circa 1539 , was the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth One. Appears to be gold leaf on black ...
Gold Leaf
18th Century Italian Carved Limestone Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century Italian Neoclassical carved limestone Corinthian capital. Weathered and broken, this architectural fragment makes an resonant outdoor or indoor decorative element. Gre...
Limestone
Portuguese 19th Century Plaster Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A supremely elegant Portuguese 19th century sculpted plaster column for Neoclassical beauty in any interior or patio. The column features a small abacus (the top surface) for elevati...
Plaster
Cast Iron Ruffle-Edge Garden Urn, circa 1920
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Cast Iron Ruffle-Edge Garden Urn, circa 1920's. Medici style urn on base. Weathered surface.
Iron
French Neoclassical Period Fireback / Backsplash, Early 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 19th century French Neoclassical Period fireback with a floral decoration. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black ...
Iron
Antique Stone Neoclassical Ionic Column Capital Stand, 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Greek or Roman Neoclassical style cast stone Ionic column capital. This piece of architectural salvage would make a lovely objet d'art, ...
Cast Stone
$7,800 / item
Asa Pingree Physalia Dining Table in American Walnut
By Asa Pingree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Physalia dining table is the perfect center piece to a home or office's communal space. The clean lines provide a blank canvas for the everyday, while the soft curves feel equall...
Brass
American Classical Bobbin Turned Spindle Fruitwood Poster Full Size Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Classical Bobbin Turned Spindle Fruitwood Poster Full Size Bed Stead. Comes with slats. Measures 54" in width, 78" in depth and 72" in height. He...
Fruitwood
$795Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Neoclassical Cast Stone Garden Wall Brackets Shelves Corbels
Located in Pearland, TX
A fabulous pair of vintage French cast stone architectural garden wall brackets with a Neoclassical scrolling leaves and grapes design. These...
Cast Stone
Rare Baccarat Crystal France Massena Liquor & Whiskey Decanter with Stopper
By Baccarat
Located in Plainview, NY
Rare Baccarat Crystal France Massena Liquor & Whiskey Decanter with Stopper This rare and elegant Massena liquor decanter by Baccarat, France showcases the house’s exceptional cryst...
Crystal
Restoration Hardware Cast Iron Adjustable Height Tilt Top Side table Pedestal
Located in Germantown, MD
Restoration Harware Cast Iron Adjustable Height Tilt Top Side table or Pedestal. Painted in dark brown chocalate. Very heavy and great condition. Measures 18" in width, 18" in dept...
Iron
Custom French Limestone Trestle Table with Lyre-form Supports
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom sizes and Belgian Bluestone option available; comprised of three parts, the thick hand-carved rectangular top resting on two lyre-form supports; new with minimal wear expected...
Stone
Italian, Piemontese, Silvered & Gilt Metal & Iron 12-Light Chandelier, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
hanging from a gilt metal crown form top with roundels and leaf forms, the later glass bead chains connecting to a central ring sharing the same pattern as the upper crown and issuin...
Metal
Neoclassical Greek Revival White Bisque Porcelain "Bacchus" Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This refined modernist neoclassical sculpture was realized in Germany. The piece depicts a bacchanal featuring Greek goddesses; young cherubic children; and even a bear, executed in ...
Porcelain
Brass Round Coffee Table with Marble Top by Maison Ramsay
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful neoclassical style round coffee table is made of brass with a beautiful marble top. This is a French work by Maison Ramsay. Circa 1940
Marble, Brass
$4,186
Irish Oval Mirror
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
An Irish oval mirror with moulded parcel gilded and ebonised frame, applied with mirrored glass facets. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time and that this ...
Giltwood
German Late 18th Century Chest Of Drawers, Walnut, Restored with Patina
Located in Greven, DE
Classicist chest of drawers Southern Germany Walnut and others late 18th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 121 x 58 cm Description: Three-tier piece of furniture standing on tap...
Walnut
20th Century Tiffany Studios Gold Favrile Blown Glass Flower-Form Footed Vase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Tiffany Studios gold Favrile blown glass flower-form footed vase, dating to circa 1910–1915. The vase is formed with a gracefully ribbed trumpet-shaped body that flares gently at the...
Glass, Art Glass
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Painted & Parcel Gilt Armchairs C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Neoclassical style armchairs with a painted & parcel gilt finish. This style is characterized by its neoclassical elements, including straight lines, fluted legs, and i...
Gold Leaf
Collection of Classic Octagon Closed Bell Pendents
Located in Peekskill, NY
These are nice classic pendents. The shape is a closed bell in an octagon. The look is elegant and up scale. Its milk glass with a unique egg shell finish. It still uses the original...
Milk Glass
18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Fireplace Grate or Fire Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
18th-19th century French Neoclassical fireplace grate made of wrought iron. The fireplace grate is in a good condition and is fully functional. Width at front is 56 cm (22.1 inches...
Wrought Iron
Wedgwood Black Basalt Jewelry Dish Terracotta Amphora Neoclassical Style English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Wedgwood Black Basalt Dish with Terracotta Amphora Medallion, England, 1930s A beautiful detailed diminutive black basalt (pin) dish by Wedgwood, featuring a central terracotta meda...
Stoneware
$1,480 / set
1910 pair of stone posts with flame finials
Located in London, GB
A handsome pair of 1910 cast stone posts with flame finials. French and likely from a driveway they would be a decorative ornament to an exterior. Nicely weathered and in good condi...
Cast Stone
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sterling and Cobalt Murano Glass Fantasy Model of a Horse & Carriage
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Sterling and Cobalt Murano Glass Fantasy Model of a Horse & Carriage Italy, late 20th century A captivating Italian Sterling and Cobalt ...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Maison Ramsay Coffee Table, Gilt Wrought Iron and Glass, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Maison Ramsay is a Parisian designer who created luxurious furniture inspired by the Neoclassical. It was created in the early 20th century and enjoyed a great success from 1950-1970...
Wrought Iron
Circa 1820 American Giltwood Mirror with Églomisé Panel Woodland Scene with Bird
Located in Savannah, GA
Circa 1820 giltwood architectural style looking glass with a reverse painted woodland scene eglomise tablet flanked with reeded columns, beading and appliques. Historian Rodric Black...
Glass, Giltwood
Faux Book / Tome Gilt Tooled Leather & Bronze Table Box 'Old English Homes'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Faux Book / Tome Gilt Tooled Leather & Bronze Table Box 'Old English Homes' This exquisite faux book or tome box is a remarkable piece of decorative art, blending meticulous crafts...
Bronze
$1,495
19Thc One-Drawer Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One-Drawer Stand has a Brass Knob. This is Cherry Wood with a Beautiful Patina.
Wood, Cherry
$11,728Sale Price|36% Off
Large French Louis XVI Giltwood Mirror, Neoclassical, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XVI style giltwood mirror, dating from the Napoleon III period, retaining the original mirror plate, the wide frame decorated with a string of pearls and a foliage of olive tree, surmounted by a Central leaf and a farandole of delicate roses. This mirror will bring the French chic touch you...
Giltwood
Garden Sculpture Venus de Milo Female Statue
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Venus de Milo female figurative cast stone statue sculpture piece, in the Neoclassical style, circa 20th century. A great statement piece indoors on a column pedestal, co...
Cast Stone
Set of Michael Taylor Neoclassical White Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and refined set of five labeled "White Klismos" dining chairs by Michael Taylor Designs comprising of two host armchairs and three side chairs. The chairs are constructed f...
Wood, Leather, Lacquer
Pair of Neoclassical Torch Sconces in Frosted Glass and Antique Brass
Located in New York, NY
This regal and ornate Pair of Neoclassical Torch Sconces in Frosted Glass and antique brass originates from France during the latter half of...
Brass
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial with Zodiac Signs
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic octagonal verdigris iron garden sundial featuring the 12 zodiac signs, inspired by traditional English estate landscapes. Pieces like this bring structure and timeless char...
Iron
$1,130Sale Price|48% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered And Painted Wooden Tabernacle
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful small tabernacle that once graced a church altar. Beautiful original silverleaf and faux marble paint. weathered, small losses. Italy circa 1780
Wood
$2,505Sale Price|20% Off
Maison Jansen, Neoclassical Brass Coffee Table with Black Lacquered Glass Top
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice neoclassical style rectangular coffee table is made of brass with fluted legs and a stretcher on the bottom part. It has a black lacquered glass shelf on top with brass tri...
Brass