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.
Oscar Bach Italian Neoclassical Bronze Wrought Iron Marble Console Table 43"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Oscar Bach bronze, wrought iron and marble console table featuring neoclassical styling with a reticulated / pierced and scrolled foliate grapevine design. The black mar...
Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Neoclassical Empire Revival Style Box, Tiger Burl-Esque Lion Heads, Late 20th C
Located in New York, NY
A tiger‑burl‑esque jewelry or decorative box in the Neoclassical Empire Revival style, circa late 20th century. The box is finished in a textured faux‑burl veneer with tiger‑stripe p...
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Frosted Cut Glass and Bronze Ceiling Light, ca. 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Neoclassical Style ceiling light dating to circa 1910, combining finely cast bronze ornamentation with an elegantly shaped frosted cut glass shade. The design is dist...
Bronze
$574Sale Price|50% Off
French, 18th Century White Marble Panel depicting a vase
Located in Buisson, FR
Very decorative and beautiful weathered white marble panel depicting a vase. France, circa 1750-1800. Measurements include the wooden base. H:23,5cm W:14,5cm D:7,5cm
Marble
$12,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Large Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass large light fixtures with interior lights.
Glass
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
French 19th Century Giltwood Marble-top Wall Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic 19th century Neoclassical demilune-console from France, with an exquisite giltwood base supporting an interesting slab of pink marble. The blushing stone is streaked in gr...
Marble
Mid-Century Italian Neo-Classical Style Giltwood & Leopard Velvet Ottomans Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Italian carved giltwood ottomans with new leopard velvet upholstery. They are unmarked and in very good condition. From under a console to floating in ...
Velvet, Giltwood
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
French Vintage Brass & Glass Trolley Serving Cart
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, mid-century French brass and transparent glass bar cart in the style of Maison Jansen, that would be comfortable in a range of decorating tastes from Hollywood Regency to...
Brass
Exceptional Late 19th Century Dutch Delft Blue Brass Gas Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exceptional late 19th-century Dutch Delft blue gas chandelier is distinguished by its elegant architectural silhouette. Four gracefully curved brass arms rise in a double sweep ...
Brass
Pair French Neoclassical Bronze & Book-Matched Onyx Gueridons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair French Neoclassical Bronze & Book-Matched Onyx Gueridons Pair of French Neoclassical Bronze Gueridons with Polished Banded Onyx Tops and Under-tiers. This elegant pair of Fren...
Onyx, Bronze
Vintage Palecek President's Sofa & Chair 3 Piece Rattan Patio Sofa & Chair Set
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Palecek "President's Sofa & Chair" patio set. This set is a beautiful and unique version of the "President's" set by Palecek. This set was produced to be a direct replica o...
Rattan
$4,900Sale Price|30% Off
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
$574Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
19th Century Narcissus Neoclassical Marble Statue on Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Italian Narcissus Neoclassical marble statue on pedestal. Carved Carrara marble figure (61"H x 21"W x 21"D) , gray marble pedestal (17"...
Marble
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Set of Four Brown Jordan-Style Neoclassical Garden Armchairs
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of four cast aluminum garden armchairs crafted in the manner and style of Brown Jordan. Each chair features an ornate neoclassical swag design on the back. The arms wi...
Aluminum
Pair of Brass Leather Strap Klismos Chairs by Sylvan S. F.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An incredible and luxurious pair of Greco-Roman klismos-form dining chairs crafted out of solid polished brass and woven leather designed by Sylvan Fiss, for Sylvan, San Francisco. T...
Brass
$788Sale Price|20% Off
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
English Late 19th Century Cast Stone Bird Bath
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An sublime late 19th century English, cast stone bird bath for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio that both people and avian visitors can enjoy. The wide, shallow bowl rests ...
Stone
Antique Edwardian Pair Brass & Cut Crystal Ceiling Lights Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional antique pair of Edwardian Neo-classical brass and cut-crystal ceiling lights, circa 1900 in date. These superb lights rach feature a brass body with chased and relief...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage 1970s Soviet (USSR) Russian Rhodonite and Jadeite Casket Jewelry Box
Located in St. Louis, MO
This exquisite mid-century jewelry casket is a phenomenal example of the celebrated lapidary traditions of the Soviet Union (USSR). Masterfully constructed from premium polished slab...
Stone, Bronze
Large Terracotta Bust Sculpture of Lovely Neoclassical Female
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally modeled terracotta bust of a female beauty in neoclassical robes set upon circular marble socle. 24 by 16 by 9 inches. Unsigned. 41 lbs.
Marble
Pair of Mario Papperzini Amalfi Iron Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare pair of "Amalfi" lounge chairs and matching ottomans with adjustable chain backs after the mid-century modern design by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The se...
Bronze, Iron
Antique Cast Iron Parisian Balcony Gate Console with Shellstone Top, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Repurposed from a Parisian balcony gate (dating to circa 1900), this console has a cream shellstone top supported by a dark brown cast iron railing. T...
Stone, Metal, Iron, Cast Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Stone Console Tables with Winged Mythological Stone Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
An extraordinary pair of neoclassical console tables featuring sculptural winged mythological figures supporting substantial travertine t...
Cast Stone, Travertine
Pair of Neoclassical Metal Planters, Grey Patina, Laurel Wreath Motif
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Classical metal planters with wreath motif. A pair of American Neoclassical style metal planters with grey patinated color, laurel wreath motifs, acorns and ball feet. This ...
Metal
English 19th Century Cast Terracotta Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, painted terracotta pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter or sculptural element. The Corinthian...
Terracotta, Paint
Waterford Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Cake Stand Covered Server and Punch Bowl
By Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, Marquis by Waterford, Rosenthal Netter
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional example of Waterford's renowned craftsmanship, this Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Serving Set is a striking combination of beauty, ingenuity, and versatility. Expertly...
Crystal
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Maison Jansen Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Ram's Head Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency brass coffee table ram's head and hoof detailing. It has a rectangular glass top set in the brass frame. Maison Jansen was a prominent French Interior...
Brass
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
English 19th Century Cast Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An infinitely useful English, late 19th century, cast stone pedestal for Neoclassical beauty in any garden or patio, uplifting a planter, sculpture, or armillary sphere. The column f...
Stone
French 19th Century Petite Parcel Gilt Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite 19th century French trumeau mirror that is relatively compact in its proportions yet sophisticated in the Neoclassical decorative elements that project a respect for history...
Gold Leaf
Neo-classical style chaise longue, France ca. 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exuding timeless refinement and grand European charm, this elegant French neoclassical style chaise longue—or méridienne—is a masterful tribute to antique luxury. Crafted around 1990...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage American Arrow Weathervane on Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a vintage American folk-art arrow weathervane, currently mounted on a modern display rod and block base as an architectural fragment sculpture. Arrow weathervanes are amo...
Brass, Copper
$783Sale Price|47% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered Carved Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Neoclassical pedestal with its original silver-leaf gilding. Great to use as a display for a small collection or just with some candles. Italy, circa 1780. Weathe...
Wood
Custom Made to Order Napoli Chaise Lounge in Velvet Linen or COM
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Napoli Chaise Lounge 27" W x 34" H x 60" D / can be customized to any length The Napoli Chaise Lounge is a timeless nod to vintage European design, effortlessly blending elegance wit...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Style Brass Side Tables by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of side tables embodies the refinement of French neoclassical style from the 1940s. Crafted in solid brass by the prestigious Maison Jansen, it stands out for its c...
Brass
Ralph Lauren Leather Full Bed Frame
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful brown leather full bed frame. Nice patina. No rips. Ships from Philadelphia. RL label is present.
Leather
Antique Victorian Oak Grand Tour Box Neoclassical Inlay Greek Key Vanity Drawer
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique oak box features an intricate Grand Tour style design heavily inspired by Neoclassical and ancient Greek motifs. While the exterior lid showcases a striking burl wood ve...
Oak
Circa 1800-1820 English Copper & Brass Jewelry Casket Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1800-1820 copper & brass jewelry casket box, English. Raised on ball feet. Once fabric lined. 4.5" w., 3.5" d., 2.5" h. We are a family business that has been a major source f...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Neoclassical Sunburst Crown Ceiling Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of French Neoclassical Crown Sunburst Ceiling Lights in Gilt Wrought Iron _____________________________________________________________ Outstanding neoclassical style gilt iron ...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of a Young Boy Praying - Italy - Circa 1850
Located in Chatham, ON
Exceptional Grand Tour Neoclassical Carrara marble Florentine School sculpture of a young boy praying (likely Saint John the Baptist as a youth) - after a similar sculpture by Luigi ...
Carrara Marble
Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl
By Wedgewood
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...
Pottery
Set of Four French Mid-Century Iron Garden Lounge Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming set of four French mid-century modern painted iron patio and garden lounge armchairs finished in a whimsical Gumby green paint. Each chair is constructed with thick linear...
Iron
Giacometti Style Neoclassical Gilt Iron Daybed or Sofa 7 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stunning French mid-20th century modern daybed or sofa crafted in the Neoclassical taste from gilded wrought iron. The daybed features an elegant gilt decorated wrought iron frame ...
Wrought Iron
Faux-Bamboo Brass Coffee Table with Eglomized Mirror Top by Maison Baguès
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant coffee table embodies the refinement and French art de vivre of the 1970s. Crafted by the prestigious Maison Baguès in finely worked brass and topped with a magnificent ...
Brass
1970s Italian Carved Pine French Louis XV Style Console Tables W/ Hooves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of 1970s carved pine console tables with French Louis XV styling. They have a stain that is comparable to a walnut. The serpentine tops show an intentional di...
Pine
1970s Italian Neoclassical Mirror & Wall Mounted Iron Marble Top Console Table
By Palladio
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite Italian neoclassical style mirror and console table by Palladio. The mirror frame is giltwood. The console has an iron frame that is black and gilt. It is wall mount...
Marble, Iron
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica 9" Plate, Viola Canina L, Gilt Border
Located in Bradenton, FL
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Porcelain Plate, “Viola Canina L” with Pierced Gilt Border. Each plate in this collection showcases a plant species taken from the Danish botanical ency...
Gold
Brass planter decorated with a lion's head and paws, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A substantial decorative brass planter, richly adorned with openwork floral motifs, resting on sculpted lion's paws and embellished with lateral lion heads holding rings. The overall...
Brass
1970s Brass Pineapple Table Lamp by Virginia Metalcrafters, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
1970s brass pineapple lamp, in the style of Virginia Metalcrafters. The piece includes a black tole shade with gold piping and light-diffuser. Double socket, with chain pulls.
Metal, Brass
Antique Continental Neo-classical Silver Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a elegant antique continental Neo-classical silver pommel ladies walking cane, bearing a European hallmark, Circa 1870 in date. The striking stick features superb trailing r...
Silver
Mid-20th Century Italian Gilt Framed Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century Italian mirror borrows its attitude from architecture. The frame doesn’t simply enclose—it steps, recesses, and projects, with corners that feel lifted from a broken...
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic vintage iron garden sundial inspired by traditional English estate landscapes, reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Pieces like this bring structure and...
Iron
Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a late 19th-century American folk art "Goddess of Liberty" molded copper weathervane mounted on a gallery presentation stand. The figure represents Liberty (also historic...
Copper
French Neoclassical Directoire Style Iron Sleigh-Form Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and whimsical 20th century painted iron daybed crafted in a French Neoclassical Directoire style. The piece is constructed in a gracefully curved sleigh-form, with each en...
Iron, Wire
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.