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.
Antique American Queen Style Cherry Birdcage Candle Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine 19th Century Philadelphia type Tilt Candle Stand in glowing solid Cherry. The Table with particularly fine graining, elegantly turned support column, classic Birdcage support an...
Cherry
Pair of Louis XVI Neoclassical Jardinière Stands, Painted Wood, France
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The circular container carved with pearls and rinceaux and supported by an inswept strung-piaster quadripartite stand with a central finial and hung with swags raised on a conforming...
Wood
Pair of Swedish Neoclassical Giltwood and Painted Torchere
Located in Essex, MA
Each candle stand has a circular white marble top over a frieze with leaf tip, rosette and bead and reel carving, supported on three down-swept legs with conforming decoration joined...
Marble
Pair Late 20th Century Folding-Form Mahogany Butler Wine Tables or Candle Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of vintage mahogany folding-form butler wine serving or coaching tables, designed as portable occasional furniture. These Table appear to be foldable but are not. Measure 15...
Mahogany
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Ferguson Pedestal Base Tilt Top Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
This Ferguson tilt top dates to the early half of the 20th century. It's made of walnut. The top is a hand painted fabric. The top tilts for easy storage and decor. The table sits on...
Walnut
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Tilt top Tripod Base Walnut Candle Stand
Located in Pasadena, TX
This candle stand dates to the later half of the 19th century. It's made of walnut. The top is a nicely figured walnut. The top tilts for easy storage and decor. The table sits on a ...
Walnut
Chromed Steel & Faux Rosewood Candle Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
This vintage smoking table or candle stand appears to be custom made and one of a kind. The heavy steel shaft is thickly chrome plated and rests upon a faux rosewood base complemente...
Chrome, Steel
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Late Empire Pedestals
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of antique Empire Neoclassical Swedish pedestals painted ebony with gold accents.
Wood
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 42 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of Faux Painted Green and Gilt Neoclassical Pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of faux painted green and gilt neoclassical pedestals, each one with a 12-inch square marbleized top, on a tapering pedestal base with all-over incised and gilt decoration.
Wood, Giltwood
$1,506 / set
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Of Antique French Faux Bois Wrought Iron & Wirework Plant Stand Jardinieres
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE PLANT STANDS Naturalistic wrought iron and wirework bases in the faux bois taste to emulate branches and twigs. Decorative wirework basket upper sections to hold po...
Metal, Wrought Iron, Wire
Pair of Matching Regency Walnut Candle Stands
Located in Woodbury, CT
Fine pair of matching Regency candle stands with subtle lipped trays on top of unusually turned columns. Stands end with delicately carved cabriole legs with acanthus leaves on the k...
Walnut
$3,995
H 33 in W 34.25 in D 17 in
Antique French Louis XVI Styled Ebonized Jardinière Table with Inset Plaque Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique jardinière table is unmarked, but presumed to have been made in England or France is circa 1890 in a Louis XVI style. The table is composed of wood which has been painte...
Brass
Pair of 1920s French Cast Iron Jardinieres with Original Purple Paint
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A pair of unique round cast iron jardinieres attributed to Deville & Cie of Charleville, France. The casting has a floral detail. There is drainage below for permanent planting.
Iron
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40.5 in W 13 in D 13 in
Pair of Antique Neoclassical Ebonized Pedestals C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Pair of Antique Neoclassical Ebonized Wood Stands With Tapered Columns & Footed, C1900 Measures - 40.5"H x 13"W x 13"D A striking pair of antique neoclassical pedestals from circa 19...
Wood
Pair of English Carved Giltwood Torchère Stands or Pedestals
By James Moore
Located in London, GB
A good pair of candle stands in the manner of James Moore Constructed in well carved giltwood, rising from ‘S’ form tripartite scrolled feet, dressed with foliates, supporting lot...
Giltwood
French Iron Plant Flowerpot Holder Stand Jardiniere
Located in New York, NY
A French iron garden plant pot holder stand jardiniere, circa early-20th century, France. This sculptural flower or plant holder displays beautifully...
Iron
$4,500 / set
H 46.5 in Dm 16 in
Pair Vintage Gilt and Polychrome Jardinieres in Greco-Roman Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage jardinieres in the Greco-Roman style, in the form of tripod braziers with stretcher at base, round planters at top with removable metal liners, and featuring finely c...
Gesso, Wood
Neoclassical Iron Urns Flower or Plant Planters Jardinières, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of weathered iron urns plant or flowerpot cachepot jardinieres with square pedestal bases in the Neoclassical style, circa 20th century, possibly Europe/France. Subs...
Iron
19th Century American Walnut Pedestal Table Candle Stand
Located in New York, NY
19th Century American Walnut Pedestal Table. Solid walnut 19th century American Pedestal Table in the style of American Empire. Based on the construction, heavy solid batten, solid...
Walnut
Oval Verdigris Patinated Iron Glass Top Accent Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An oval verdigris patinated iron table with inset glass top, conjoined C-form stretchers and resting on four brass decorated legs with brass paw feet. Dimensions: 18 1/2" W x 13 1/4...
Brass, Iron
Vintage Neoclassical Occasional Table of Brass and Polished Steel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Candlestand side table, of polished brass and steel, having a round top, raised on a trio of panther-headed, round legs, joined by a shelf stretcher with concave sides, ending in fee...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 34 in W 17 in D 17 in
Figural Cast Bronze and Brass Tripodial Candle Stand Greeting Card Holder
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning table with outstanding cast bronze figures in the tradition of the Greeks or Romans. The table is most likely for use as a greeting card stand, but can easily be u...
Brass, Bronze
Two Tiered Plant / Candle Stand by Flint & Horner Co. of New York
Located in Denton, TX
Two tiered candle stand that has two tables conjoined by one central leg that allows you to swivel the smaller table either underneath or out . "Flint & Horner advertised that its...
Mahogany
Pair of Neoclassic Column Form Pedestals
Located in Westwood, NJ
A pair of neoclassic style column-form pedestals with a reeded round top section, enclosing an interior with a single shelf and the lower squared section, fluted and also enclosing a...
Wood
French Painted Side Table, 19th Century Tricoteuse Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
This charming and delicate side table is traditionally known as a "knitter's (tricoteuse) table." It has a rounded tray top above small drawer over...
Wood
Diminutive Italian Glass Top Palm Tree Form End or Side Table or Candle-Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
Diminutive Italian glass top palm tree form end or side table. This nicely carved and paint decorated side or end table is simply stunning and very swee...
Painted Candle Stand Accent Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Candle stand table, having a painted finish with natural wear, its round, molded top, on apron hand-painted with foliate sprays, raised on four splayed legs, each inset with beading,...
French Gilt Metal Side Table with Two-Tier Black Glass Shelves
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A fine French gilt iron side table with two-tier inset black mirrored glass. Elegant gilt iron side table with curved iron legs and top decorative iron scrolls. Maison Jansen style made in France. Small side table...
Iron
Pair of Giltwood Urn Stands with Pink Marble Tops
Located in London, GB
Pair of giltwood urn stands with pink marble tops. Each decorated with bows and scrolling acanthus leaves, on paw feet.
Marble
Neoclassic Black Marble Pedestal
Located in Austin, TX
Vintage black marble pedestal with small white veins on top.
Marble