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.
Three Neoclassical Brass & Black Leather Nesting Tables, Belgium, 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Stacking tables in the style of Jansen Feet are elegantly engraved and in very good vintage condition Leather top is also in good vintage condition and feature gold color frise on ...
Brass, Steel
Set Three Mid Century Brass and Glass Neoclassical Style Nesting Tables
Located in Troy, MI
Found in the US, this set of three brass and glass neoclassical nesting or stacking tables dates from the 1970s. Each table features a brass frame with reeded, tapered legs and a tab...
Brass
Faux-Bamboo Brass Nesting Tables with Eglomized Mirror Tops By Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice set of faux-bamboo nesting tables is made of brass with eglomized mirror tops. This is a French work by Maison Baguès. Circa 1940
Brass
Faux-Bamboo Brass Nesting Tables with Eglomized Mirror Tops By Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful set of faux-bamboo nesting tables is made of brass with very nice eglomized mirror tops. This is a French work by famous Maison Baguès. Circa 1940
Brass
Neoclassical Style Brass Nesting Tables By Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice set of neoclassical style nesting tables is made of brass with smoked glass tops. This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
$2,855Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Brass Nesting Tables by Maison Ramsay
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical style nesting tables are made of brass with smoked glass shelves. This is a French work by famous designer Maison Ramsay. Circa 1940
Brass
$971Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage Italian Nesting Tables by Gordons Fine Furniture
By Gordons Inc.
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 3 Piece 1960's Italian Style Nesting Tables by Gordons Fine...
Brass
Neoclassical Style Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice neoclassical style nesting tables are made of brass with glass shelves. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Brass
Mid-Century French Louis XVI Glass Top and Brass Nesting Tables Baguès Style
Located in Dallas, TX
These vintage "Tables Gigognes" (or nesting tables) were created in Paris circa 1960. Attributed to Maison Baguès and built of brass, the set stand on fluted legs decorated with turn...
Brass
$3,950 / set
Set of 3 Maison Baguès Nesting Table
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 Maison Baguès nesting table, bronze bamboo shape, original cloudy mirrors Dimensions: 20 W / 14 D / 16 H 18 / 13 / 15 17 / 12 / 14.
Bronze
Italian Gilded Brass And Glass Nesting Tables, Orsenigo C.1970
Located in London, GB
Italian Gilded Brass And Glass Set Of Three Nesting Tables, Orsenigo, Milan, C.1970 Dimensions of each table: H48 X 65 X 40cm H41 X 52 X 40cm H34 X40 X 40cm Present in very good ...
Brass
$1,315Sale Price / set|54% Off
Neoclassical Nesting Tables, France, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of tables in style of Jean Royere in the 1950s. The metal structure is hand gilt finished and has a gorgeous patina. The table tops are glass with a silver finish. All in good ...
Metal
Pair of Italian Brass Stacking Side Tables by Maison Bagues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of neoclassical brass nesting side tables by Maison Bagues. The top table has a glass top & the smaller bottom table has a glass top & lower mirrored shelf. The smaller ...
Brass
Neoclassical Style Brass Nesting Tables. French work by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of three neoclassical style nesting tables is made of brass with glass shelves surrounded by a silvered mirror line . This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
Maison Charles Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Patinated Brass and Mirror Glass 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Maison Charles Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Patinated Brass and Mirror Glass, France, 1960s. Beautiful chique set of nesting tables in patinated brass and mirror glass. Wonderful cont...
Brass
$2,565Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical style brass nesting tables with arcuate base. French work
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style nesting tables with arcuate base is made of brass with clear glass shelves. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Brass
Set of 3 round brass nesting tables with glass tops surrounded with silver rims
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant set of 3 round nesting tables is made of brass with glass tops surrounded with silver rims. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Brass
Set of Gilt Metal Nesting Tables with Claw Feet & Leather Tops by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare and very nice set of nesting tables is made of gilt metal with claw feet and brown leather tops. This is a French work attributed by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Metal
Set of Neoclassical Nesting Tables with Onyx Tops, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of 3 neoclassical nesting tables is made of brass with onyx tops. Each table very nice decorated with a stretcher on the bottom part. The onyx top of the smaller nesting table...
Onyx, Brass
Set of Three French Neoclassical Style Nesting Bar Carts with Glass Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three French Neoclassical style nesting bar carts from the 20th century with pierced galleries, glass shelves, acorn finials and fluted legs ...
Metal
$2,274Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 3 Neoclassical Style Brass Nesting Tables with Mirror Tops, French Work
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice set of 3 neoclassical style nesting tables is made of brass with mirror tops. This is a French work, in the style of famous designer Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Brass
19th Century Set of Three Nesting Tables in Brass and Mahogany, France
Located in Miami, FL
19th century set of three nesting tables in brass and mahogany, France Dimensions: Width 28.34, depth 16.73, height 19.88 Dimensions: Width 22.57, depth 13.77, height 18.50 Dime...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Faux Bamboo Brass Nesting Tables, Italy
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Set of three solid brass nesting tables with original glass tops. Created in the faux bamboo style, tables are stamped made in Italy. Brass ha...
Brass
Set of 3 Maison Lancel Nesting Tables Brass Wood Top French Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Superb set of nesting tables by Maison Lancel in brass and ebonized wood. Great as Drink Table, Serving Table or Sofa Table for Your favorite Snacks. Mid-Century Modern Design from ...
Brass
$2,397Sale Price / item|20% Off
Classic Nest Of Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bring timeless elegance and versatile functionality to refined interiors. Each of the three handcrafted tables features inwardly curved edges that frame a stunning combination of cro...
Wood
$3,387 / set
3 Neo Rustic Nesting Tables in Oak, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
3 neo rustic nesting tables in oak, circa 1950.
Oak
$2,450 / set
H 17.25 in W 18.88 in D 13.63 in
Italian Brass Glass Nesting End Tables Directoire Maison Jansen Style, Set
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and substantial set/pair of Italian brass and glass nesting tables in the Directoire style, in the style of design h...
Brass
Set of 3 Maison Baguès Nesting Table
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 Maison Baguès nesting table, bronze bamboo shape, original cloudy mirrors Dimensions: 20 W / 14 D / 16 H 18 / 13 / 15 17 / 12 / 14.
Bronze
$1,600 / set
H 18 in W 23.25 in D 14 in
Mid-Century French Louis XVI Glass Top and Brass Nesting Tables Baguès Style
Located in Dallas, TX
These vintage "Tables Gigognes" (or nesting tables) were created in Paris circa 1960. Attributed to Maison Baguès and built of brass, the set stand on fluted legs decorated with turn...
Brass
Trio of Maison Jansen French Round Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Trio (3) of rounds shaped brass nesting tables with beveled edged glass tops, attributed to Maison Jansen. The solid brass is expertly crafted with refined yet elegant detailing incl...
Brass
$2,995 / set
H 21.25 in W 20 in D 14 in
Set Brass French Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Form Chinoiserie Nesting Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior décor with this exquisite set of three French Maison Baguès style nesting tables, featuring an elegant brass faux bamboo frame paired with richly decorated Chin...
Brass
$1,876
H 17.33 in W 20.67 in D 12.8 in
Midcentury Brass and Smoked Glass Nesting Tables by Maison Baguès, France
Located in London, GB
Midcentury brass and smoked glass nesting tables by Maison Baguès, France, circa 1960. Presented in very good vintage condition commensurate of age. Dimensions: H 44 x W 52.5 x D 32...
Brass
Set of 3 French Black Glass and Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Buchanan, NY
This set of three French nesting tables is a beautiful blend of black glass and brass, reflecting the distinctive style of Maison Jansen. Dating back to the 1940s, these tables featu...
Brass
$2,056 / set
H 18.12 in W 20.48 in D 12.21 in
Set of 3 Belgian Vintage Polished Brass and Ceramic Nesting Tables
Located in Antwerp, BE
A set of 3 vintage Belgian ceramic nesting tables with polished brass frame. The dimensions are; 12.2" x 20.4" x H 18.1" 12.2" x 16.1" x H 16.5" 12.2" x 12.2" x H 14.9"
Brass
Set of Three Nesting Tables Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three nesting tables attributed to Jean Royère dimensions: 1) 17 inches L, 12 inches W, 15 inches H 2) 19 inches L, 12 inches W, 17 inches H 3) 21 inches L, 12 inches W, 18 in...
Iron
$1,790Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 20.87 in D 16.93 in
Set of 3 Neoclassical Brass Nesting Tables, in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
In the style of Maison Jansen. Set of 3 neoclassical brass nesting tables with fluted legs and smoked glass shelves, French, circa 1940.
Brass
$7,500Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.5 in W 86 in D 42 in
Maison Jansen Steel Brass Neoclassical Style Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic steel and brass dining table by Maison Jansen with a later lucite top. Features Corinthian style capitols with fluted columns on each corner supporting the top. The columns are conjoined by gracefully curving stretchers on bottom. The apron and legs are decorated with gilt French rosettes...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Set of Three Nesting Tables, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant set of three Mid-Century Modern nesting tables. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak legs and original teak veneered tops. This wonderful set of thr...
Teak
Sold
H 16.74 in W 20.08 in D 12.41 in
Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Nickel & Gold with Green Marble Top by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant set of 3 nesting tables is made of nickel-plated and gilt-plated metal with green Alpine marble tops. This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Metal, Nickel
Sold
H 15.5 in W 21.5 in D 15.75 in
French Maison Bagues Brass and Églomisé Glass Nesting Tables, Mid-Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant set of vintage "tables gigognes" (nesting tables) was crafted in Paris by the esteemed Maison Baguès, circa 1950. Made of brass, each of the three rectangular tables fea...
Brass
A set of three French iron nesting tables, C 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The perfect perch for your cocktails with guests, these classic tables have black glass tops and rest on bronze ball feet. The largest has a twisted trim bordering the top.
Iron, Bronze
Sold
H 19.3 in W 27.56 in D 13.39 in
Gilt metal neoclassical coffee table set in the manner of Maison Jansen, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Neoclassical coffee table set consisting of three tables with a gilt metal frame and smoked glass tops in the manner of Maison Jansen. Playful design with the bent metal between the...
Metal
Maison Baguès Bronze and cloudy mirror nesting tables
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Baguès Bronze and cloudy mirror nesting tables Dimension : 21.5/20/14 19.5/19/13 17.5/17/17
Bronze
Antique French Brass and Onyx Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique French brass and onyx nest of tables, dating from around the 1930’s. They are of superb quality, the solid brass frames have fluted legs, stretchered bases and s...
Onyx, Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Neo-classical nesting tables in gilded brass & glass by Maison Jansen, France
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Mid-century nesting tables in gilded brass and tempered glass, attributed to the famous French furniture maker Maison Jansen, known for making high quality pieces of furniture popula...
Brass
Sold
H 18.75 in W 23.75 in D 12.75 in
Mid-Century French Brass and Mirrored Glass Nesting Tables Maison Baguès Style
Located in Dallas, TX
These vintage "Tables Gigognes" (or nesting tables) were created in Paris circa 1960. Attributed to Maison Baguès and built of brass, the set stand on fluted legs decorated with turn...
Brass
English 20th Century Brass & Glass Nesting Tables
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Set of three 20th century English, brass nesting tables with inset tinted glass tops supported by fluted column legs capped with turned finials and finished with casters allowing for...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century French Brass, Steel and Glass Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
These elegant vintage side tables were created in Paris circa 1950 and attributed to Maison Jansen. Made of brass and steel, each table stands on long steel legs ending with brass ball feet and decorated with brass mounts at the shoulder; the table is further embellished with a X bottom stretcher decorated with a cone shaped finial. The surface is dressed with the original glass top. The tall occasional...
Brass
Antique French Brass & Onyx Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely well made vintage nest of tables in solid brass with onyx tops. They were made in France, and date from around the 1950’...
Onyx, Brass
1950's Vintage Leather Bound Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A fantastic vintage leather bound nest of tables, these were made in England and date from around the 1950’s. They have a beautiful and unusual design, and are very well made. They ...
Leather