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.
1950 Paolo Buffa Permanente Cantu Midcentury Italy Design Wood Dining Table
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Paolo Buffa
Located in Brescia, IT
Paolo buffa La Permanente Mobili Cantù Italy, 1950s Wood with brass details Gorgeus Circle top. Excellent condiction no crack and no restorations.
Brass
$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
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
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Pennsylvania House American Classical Cherry Extention Dining Table with Pads
Located in Germantown, MD
Pennsylvania House midcentury American classical solid Cherry Extention dining table with protective Pads. Comes with 3 leaves. Fully extended t...
Cherry
$5,600 / item
Custom Garden Metal Dining Table Base Made by BH&A
Located in Sheffield, MA
Elegant and rustic at the same time, this custom made wrought iron garden dining table base can be used indoors or outdoors, porch or patio. Add the table top of your choice be it wo...
Iron
American Empire/Classical Dining Table in Mahogany w/ Grecian-Form Pedestal Base
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very handsome dining table with antique classical Grecian-form, stepped pedestal base in figured West Indies mahogany (circa 1825), with a newly-made rectangular top and ogee apron...
Mahogany
Michael Taylor Neoclassical Stone Pedestal Walnut Dining Table 10 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Imposing monumental walnut slab dining table featuring double molded stone pedestal supports designed by Michael Taylor. The table measures 10 feet long crafted from massive walnut t...
Stone
$3,247 / item
Large French Country Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A true testament to classic elegance. This table's deep, rich hues and detailed woodwork speak of timeless luxury, while its robust double baluster trestle ends exude a sense of hist...
Wood
$3,135 / item
48 Round Pedestal Dining Table
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
A blend of timeless elegance and robust construction. Perfect for intimate meals and cozy gatherings, this table is designed to be both functional and stylish. Constructed of solid ...
Wood
Neoclassical or Empire Cherry Wood Pedestal Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Neoclassical or Empire style extension pedestal dining table USA, Late 20th Century Gorgeous book-matched cherry wood, with gold gilt accents on pedestal. Measures:...
Cherry
Italian Classical Cast Iron Urn Planter Pedestal Base Round Marble Dining Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Classical Style Cast Iron Urn Planter Pedestal Base with Round Marble Top Dining Table. Item. Green cast iron urn form pe...
Marble, Iron
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
$3,177 / item
NeoClassic Bistro Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
NeoClassic Bistro table, a piece that seamlessly blends timeless design with modern functionality. Handcrafted from solid reclaimed pine, this ...
Wood
Custom Oval Oak Top With Metal Base Dining Table Base by BH&A
Located in Sheffield, MA
Elegant and rustic at the same time, this custom made wrought iron garden dining table base can be used indoors or outdoors, porch or patio. Both top and base can be made to your spe...
Iron
Neoclassical Venetian Grotto Style Bronze Center Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic glass top pedestal dining table or center table featuring a neoclassical Venetian grotto style triple dolphin motif base. Crafted from cast bronzed metal with three mytholog...
Metal
Theodore Alexander "Brooksby Nicolet" Round Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome Ralph Lauren style round inlaid pedestal dining table or center table by Theodore Alexander combining a rich, two-toned top with a cream pedestal base. Known as the Brooks...
Mahogany, Hardwood
Dos Gallos Custom Walnut Wood Pedestal Dining Table with Leaves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous custom pedestal table with two 12 inch leaves. Table measures 60 inches diameter without leaves and 84 inches long with leaves. Can be m...
Walnut
William IV Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Antique, Fair Condition
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and extremely well made extension dining table dating to the time of the British King William IV (1830-1837). Constructed of chosen Mahogany, the table features magnificently...
Mahogany
Bronze Neoclassical Table Base with Glass Table Top
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and spectacular table base by Maitland Smith for Mastercraft, 1980s. The base is comprised of three bronze male figures in a Greco-Roman style standing atop a chiseled, tessilla...
Marble, Bronze
Baker Furniture Neoclassical Cherry Wood Pedestal Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional neoclassical or Empire style extension pedestal dining table By Baker Furniture, "Palladian Collection" USA, circa 1980s...
Cherry, Ebony
French Iron Tile Top Curule Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming French iron curule leg patio and garden dining table featuring a ceramic tile-top. The white tile top is bordered with colorful green grape leaf vine motifs. The top is supp...
Wrought Iron
Antique Neoclassical Mahogany Extendable Dining Table for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
For restoration. A finely crafted neoclassical oval mahogany dining table with a plain apron. Along with three leaves. Raised on six cylindrical tapering legs with ring turned tops a...
Brass
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
Rockport American Classical Heirloom Maple Extension Breakfast Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Classical mid Century Heirloom Maple Extension Breakfast Table by Rockport. Solid maple throughout. Measures 58" in width with the 12" ext...
Maple
Italian Neo-Classic White Marble Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Century) center table with 2 white marble bases having carved winged lions and claw feet centering a rouge & Siena marble rondel...
Marble
Dos Gallos Custom Round Beehive Pedestal Dining/Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful custom pedestal table with layered beehive base. Can be made in custom sizes and finishes, in walnut, oak or mahogany. Can be made with leaves. Made in Los Angeles. Shown h...
Walnut
Reissued Stone Pedestal Table Base, Aged Finish, 21st Century, USA
Located in New York, NY
Reissued stone pedestal base from a 19th century French original. Comes in two separate sections for easy transportation. Can hold 54" glass top as f...
Composition
Mid-Century French Painted Oak and Wrought Iron Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
French furniture has long celebrated the marriage of strength and artistry, and this splendid mid-century dining table carries that tradition forward with remarkable presence. Its ge...
Brass, Steel
Henredon Grand Provenance Italian Neoclassical Cherry Extension Dining Table
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding monumental Italian Neoclassical or French Regency Louis XVI style extension dining table By Henredon, "Grand Provenance" Collection USA, Late 20th Century G...
Marble, Brass
Oval Teak and Custom Metal Base Garden Dining Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rustic oval teak table top with wonderful aged patina on a stylish custom iron base made by us, will make a perfect dining room, kitchen or that outdoor garden patio table. The curul...
Iron
$8,668 / item
Swedish Painted Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A simple, clean-lined, and elegant Swedish Neo Classic style extension dining table. A modern interpretation of a 19th-century Swedish design, this extension dining table is ideal am...
Wood
Extensible or Extendable Table, Mahogany, England, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Extendable dining table. Mahogany wood. England, 19th century. Rectangular dining table made of mahogany wood with metal rollers on the legs and a carving decoration concentrated ...
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Regency Cherry Wood Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Empire, Regency, or Neoclassical style pedestal extension dining table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful book-matched cherry wood, with rosewood banding...
Brass
Michael Taylor Designs - Dining Table Cast Stone Lyre Bases & Oval Glass Top
Located in St. Louis, MO
Michael Taylor Designs - Pair of Neoclassical cast stone Lyre bases with acanthus leaf and scroll detail supporting a massive piece of 1" thick beveled glass oval top. Most of its li...
Cast Stone
$4,035 / item
60 Round Pedestal Dining Table
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
A blend of timeless elegance and robust construction. Perfect for intimate meals and cozy gatherings, this table is designed to be both functional and stylish. Constructed of solid ...
Wood
Neoclassical Style Iron Curule Leg Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern painted iron patio and garden table featuring neoclassical style Curule legs. The top of the rectangular garden table has ...
Wrought Iron
French Mahogany Extending Dining Table, Louis XVI, c. 1795-1810
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional late 18th/early 19th century French mahogany extending dining table. The beauty and rarity of this table make it a stand out choice for any dining room. It can...
Brass
Baker Furniture Neoclassical Cherry Wood Pedestal Extension Dining Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Neoclassical or Empire style split pedestal extension dining table By Baker Furniture, "Palladian Collection" USA, Circa 1980s Book-matched cherry wood, with eboniz...
Cherry
Custom French Limestone Round Dining/Center Table with Baluster Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom sizes and Belgian Bluestone option available; the classically-inspired table is comprised of a thick round top with dupont edge and baluster-form support on an octagonal plint...
Stone
Custom Walnut Wood Table with Wishbone Stretcher by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom walnut wine tasting table with narrow profile wishbone trestle base. Beautiful patina, breadboards on each end. Delicate and beautiful. As show in medium-dark walnut. Can be ...
Walnut
Antique Italian Regency Cherry and Burl Wood Extension Dining Table, Circa 1890s
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding monumental Italian Regency or Neoclassical style pedestal extension dining table In the manner of Karges Furniture Italy, Circa 1890s Gorgeous cherry wood top, with...
Cherry, Burl
French 1940s Ebonized Dining Table
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant circular French 1940s neoclassical style mahogany veneered dining table features graceful tapered legs on brass sabots and it is has been recently refinished in a rich d...
Mahogany
$7,617 / item
French Provincial Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Provincial veneered and mahogany extending dining table, the crossbanded rectangular top opening to accommodate one additional leaf, the veneered frieze above square tapering and s...
Wood
Custom French Limestone Round Dining/Center Table with Baluster Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom sizes and Belgian Bluestone option available; the classically-inspired table is comprised of a thick round top with dupont edge and baluster-form support on an octagonal plint...
Stone
Custom Belgian Belgian Bluestone Round Dining/Center Table with Baluster-Form B
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom sizes and French Limestone option available; fabricated from Belgian bluestone with a honed finish and embedded with fossils, the table is comprised of a thick round top with ...
Stone
$18,070 / item
Dos Gallos Custom Trestle Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom table with simple straight leg trestle in walnut with a 2 inch built up thick top. Can be made in any size, in a variety of woods, finishes and distress. As shown in dark waln...
Walnut, Oak
$4,035 / item
60 Round Pedestal Dining Table - Fruitwood Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
A blend of timeless elegance and robust construction. Perfect for intimate meals and cozy gatherings, this table is designed to be both functional and stylish. Constructed of solid ...
Wood
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Early American Primitive Maple Harvest Expandable Dining Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This early American primitive harvest table can be three different sizes, allowing for easy storage and versatility for smaller living spaces. ...
Maple
Italian Neoclassical Greek Key Inlaid Dining Room Table
Located in Perkasie, PA
Italian Neoclassical Greek Key Inlaid Dining Room Table – Item L63789EC Exceptional Italian Neoclassical dining room table, approximately 25 years old, showcasing impressive scale, ...
Brass
French Wrought Iron Center Table with Travertine Top
Located in Houston, TX
French Wrought Iron Center Table With Travertine Top. Our French Neoclassical style hand forged wrought iron center table, dining table or garden table has a Greek key design and a b...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
Mahogany Two-Part Dining Table, Philadelphia, c.1830
By Anthony Gabriel Quervelle
Located in Savannah, GA
An American classical carved mahogany two part banquet or dining table, possibly Quervelle shop, Philadelphia, c.1830. Drop leaf swivel tops, cylindrical pedestals on plinth bases ...
Wood
Indoor/Outdoor Metal Base Dining Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully stylish, the rustic Neoclassical styled garden dining table base offers the opportunity to add a top that will suit your need for size and style. Combine it with a wood,...
Iron
$29,500 / item
Custom Double Pedestal Dining Table by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom table with double beehive pedestals. This table can be made with or without leaves in any size. As shown in Walnut with a custom finish, medium distress. Price reflects size a...
Mahogany, Walnut
$15,613Sale Price|37% Off
Maison Jansen Carved Stone, Oak and Lacquered Vellum Dining Table, c. 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen carved stone, oak and lacquered vellum dining table, circa 1940s, made in France. One base element marked "2184" in wax p...
Stone
Custom Belgian Bluestone Round Dining/Center Table with Baluster Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom sizes and French Limestone option available; fabricated from Belgian bluestone with a honed finish and embedded with fossils, the table is comprised of a thick round top with ...
Stone
Custom Walnut Classic Trestle Table with Low Profile Trestle Bases by Dos Gallos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful custom walnut trestle table. Shown here in dark walnut with a medium distressed finish. Top is 1 5/8 inches thick. Perfect proportions, low profile, simple and elegant. Can...
Oak, Walnut
$21,190 / item
Dos Gallos Custom Walnut Wood Trestle Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom trestle table with breadboard and simple trestle base with. Top is 1 3/4 inches thick top. Can be made in any size and finish. Bench made i...
Walnut
Neoclassical Style Gilded Metal Dining Table After Versace
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Magnificent gold or gilded glass top dining table after Versace. Made in the neoclassical taste featuring corinthian style Greek column fluted legs. The table base is decorated with ...
Metal
Mensa Magna Dining table by Leon Krier for Giorgetti, 1990s
By Giorgetti S.p.A., Leon Krier
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Meticulously crafted cherry wood dining table with neoclassical influences by Leon Krier model 'Mensa Magna' for Giorgetti. One of the finest dining tables we've ever come across. ...
Cherry
Maison Jansen Style Steel and Bronze Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive steel and bronze center or dining table made in the manner and style of Maison Jansen. Constructed from thick square steel curved legs attached to a ring on the top and a...
Bronze, Steel
Brown Jordan Neoclassical Style Elegance Oval Garden Dining Tables
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Brown Jordan cast aluminum patio and garden dining tables made in the neoclassical taste. These oval form tables are from the "elegance" line and feature klismos style leg...
Aluminum