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 Neoclassical Furniture
Composition
20th Century European Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Brass
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century Mexican Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain, Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Maple
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Gold, Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Rush, Maple
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Furniture
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1940s English Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Wool
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Rush, Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Nickel
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
1940s Argentine Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone
1990s American Neoclassical Furniture
Plastic, Paper
20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Porcelain
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Carrara Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Plaster
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Furniture
Concrete
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Granite, Brass, Iron
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Cherry
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Limestone
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone, Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone
20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone, Metal
1990s Chinese Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Wrought Iron
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Furniture
Paint
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Agate, Sterling Silver