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.
$2,800 / set
Elegant Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant set of four neoclassical dining chairs, American, circa 1950s. They retain their original vibrant yellow ostrich print vinyl upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Ralph Lauren Oval Round Extending Farm Rustic Claw Feet Dining Set, 7 Pieces
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare Ralph Lauren dining set is statement piece which is also comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the details a...
Wood
Neoclassical Dining Table and 8 Chairs From Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
This set would be virtually impossible to replicate. Gorgeous original Patina in extremely fine condition. One 37" filler has a slightly darker patina from lack of use. Pls refer to ...
Elm
$3,250Sale Price / set|35% Off
Italian Neoclassical Dining Room Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Table and six chairs set, burl maple veneer top and walnut base. Chairs reupholstered in original material from the period some of the upholste...
Burl, Wood
1970s Mid Century Dining Room Set of 7
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This 1970s dining set is a striking example of American mid-century design, combining timeless style with thoughtful functionality. The set features a solid wooden dining table with ...
Wood
$4,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 104 in D 44 in
Mastercraft Burl and Brass Extendable Dining Table and Six Chairs
By Mastercraft, Charak Furniture Company, William Doezema
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1960s dining table and six chairs designed by William Doezema for Mastercraft retailed by Charak of Boston. Briar root burl veneer although frequently identified as Amboyna. ...
Brass
Vintage Brass "Trilobi" Pedestal Dining Table by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a breathtaking vintage brass “Trilobi” pedestal dining table, masterfully designed and crafted by Mastercraft in the 1970s. If you’re in search of a distinctive and versatil...
Brass
Knoll Marble Dining Table With 5 Chairs by Eero Saarinen, 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent and fully original Tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen. It is produced by Knoll International in the 1960s. The set consists of 5 original tulip chairs and the o...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Ralph Lauren Hither Hills Round Oak Extending Dining Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome round oak "Hither Hills" extending dining table made by Ralph Lauren. The Palladian style table features a broad circular top raised on a grouping of four reeded neoclassi...
Brass
$3,200 / set
H 42 in W 20 in D 20 in
Harlequin Set of 6 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of six English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. They are actually 2 different models ( 3 + 3 ). The chairs have the same basic characteristics. Firstly, the de...
Oak
$4,956 / set
H 28.15 in Dm 51.19 in
Dining Room Set with Table and Four Chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Italy 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Very nice dining room set by Giotto Stoppino from the 1970s in Italy. This set consists of a dining table and four matching dining room chairs. The table has a tubular, chrome-plated...
Metal, Chrome
$5,800 / set
H 42.5 in W 21.5 in D 21 in
Set of Eight French Dining Chairs Purchased from Ralph Lauren
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight French dining chairs, originally purchased from Ralph Lauren, NYC, when they were selling antiques in the early 2000s. The chai...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,000
H 30 in Dm 60 in
Ralph Lauren Geometric Modern Round Ash Lauren Studio Dining Breakfast Table 68"
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
Ralph Lauren Lauren Studio Table Features a round ash top over a geometric modernist base. Great for use in a game room or dining / breakfast nook. Includes Glass top. Dimensio...
Ash
$1,312Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.5 in W 81 in D 42.5 in
Mastercraft Brass Dining Table with glass inserts
By Mastercraft
Located in South Charleston, WV
29.5 inches high by 81 inches long by 42.5 wide. Seats 6-8. Parsons form dining table by Mastercraft of Grand Rapids clad in brass sheet with brass edge trim and bevelled glass inser...
Brass
$5,557Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in Dm 41.34 in
Dining Set by Hans Olsen, 4 Chairs, Round Extendable Table, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Hans Olsen
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This great dining set was most probably designed by Hans Olsen in 1952 for Frem Røjle or designed in his style around 1950s, could have been also produced by some other manufacture. ...
Beech, Leather
Ralph Lauren Italian Chrome Glass Langham Dining Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and opulent Langham dining table designed by Ralph Lauren. The table features polished steel legs having a dramatic chrome style finish. The legs support a thick pane of glass t...
Steel
Sold
H 36 in W 20.6 in D 15.5 in
Four French Lyre Back Iron Chairs with Brass Swan Heads and Feet and Table
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of four French wrought iron lyre back, brass swan head and feet folding chairs. These are in the style of Maison Jansen. The vintage round wrought iron, glass top table is 22.5" ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
John Salterini Wrought Iron Dining Set, Oval Glass Top, 1940s, USA
Located in Stamford, CT
This is a spectacular rarely found John Salterini wrought iron dining set with an oval glass top table with two arm chairs and four side chairs. Unusual "tree of life" type decoratio...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 36.75 in W 21 in D 25 in
Set of 8 Klismos Dining Chairs in the manner of Robsjohn Gibbings by Kreiss
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Kreiss
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Eight Klismos Dining Chairs, in the manner of T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, and made by Kreiss, circa 2000s. The seat cushions are currently being reupholstered and can be completed...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Neoclassical Style Cast Aluminum 5PC Outdoor Patio Dining Set
Located in West Hartford, CT
This elegant vintage cast aluminum dining set includes a glass top table and four matching cast aluminum armchairs. Table features arrow motif...
Aluminum
Set of Ten Black Lacquered French Neoclassical Styled Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a fantastic set of ten (10) French Neoclassical dining chairs ready to be refinished and reupholstered or can be used in its c...
Brass
Antique Table with Two Armchairs and Two Chairs on Lion Feet
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique table with chairs and armchairs from the turn of the century. At the moment it is possible to choose fabric for armchairs and chairs. dimensions: Table: 76 cm height...
Mahogany
Set of 19th Century Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Late 19th Century Klismos Dining Chairs, probably Italian, circa late 1800s. They have a curvaceous form and look great from every ang...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 35 in W 20.63 in D 22.75 in
Baker Furniture Palladian Collection Neoclassical Cherrywood Dining Set
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding neoclassical style extension dining table and chairs from the Palladian collection by Baker Furniture. Inspired by the neoclassic s...
Cherry
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.35 in D 38.98 in
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Walnut Carved Dining Set 7 Pieces
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Impressive 20th century Italian neoclassical style walnut carved dining set 7 pieces: An table Six chairs Italian table in neoclassical style in w...
Walnut
Oval Dining Suite with Iron Leg Chairs and Banquette
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke dining suite featuring a large oval dining table and iron legs with a curule leg style motif. Four dining chairs and a dining bench or banquette upholstered with a stylish te...
Iron
Sold
H 36.62 in W 21.26 in D 116.15 in
20th Century Italian Neoclassic Style Wood Briar, Gilt, Marble Dining Room Set
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Refined and elegant dining room made in the first half of 1900 in perfect Empire style with details of neoclassical taste which perfectly reflects the canons of wealth and importance...
Marble
Tommi Parzinger Dining Table with Two Leaves by Charak Modern
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger dining table with two leaves by Charak. Beautiful Tommi Parzinger for Charak extension dining table in flamed mahogany with a parquetry inlaid top and fluted brass ca...