Neoclassical End Tables
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.
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Iron
1970s English Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Brass
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Wood
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Wood
1970s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Satinwood
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Bronze
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Wood, Paint
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Onyx, Bronze
1970s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical End Tables
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Bronze, Steel
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Travertine
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Maple
1970s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Bronze
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Carrara Marble, Enamel, Steel
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble
1890s French Antique Neoclassical End Tables
Carrara Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Bronze
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble, Iron
1930s English Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Marble
2010s American Neoclassical End Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical End Tables
Stone
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Mahogany
1970s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical End Tables
Ash, Walnut
1980s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Metal, Brass, Steel
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Wood
1970s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Oak
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
1980s Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Carrara Marble, Brass
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical End Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassical End Tables
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Indonesian Neoclassical End Tables
Wicker, Rattan