Neoclassical Architectural Elements
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
Late 18th century Italian Neo Classical Hand Painted Panel
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing neoclassical hand painted panel in fresco style.
Italy circa 1780
Weathered, small losses.
Measurements include the wooden base.
H:52,5cm W:39,5cm D:7cm
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$800 Sale Price
47% Off
Huge Spanish Neoclassical Alabaster Urn Table Lamp with Winged Dragons
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Carved Alabaster Urn Lamp with Winged Dragon Handles, Spain, 1930s
This stunning Art Deco period alabaster lamp has an elegant neoclassical urn design with foliage carv...
Category
20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Alabaster
18th Century Italian Carved Limestone Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century Italian Neoclassical carved limestone Corinthian capital. Weathered and broken, this architectural fragment makes an resonant outdoor or indoor decorative element.
Gre...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
Pink Stone Architectural Plinth
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from warm pink Cantera stone, this architectural fragment—likely Mexican in origin—offers a beautifully weathered glimpse into classical design. Rectangular in form and substa...
Category
20th Century Mexican Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Large 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Ornament
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful 18th century neoclassical giltwood ornament.
Italy circa 1780.
Weathered,small losses and old repairs.
Measurements include the wooden base.
H:67cm W:45cm D:9cm
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$800 Sale Price
41% Off
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Finial Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair wooden finial ornaments with traces of their original gilding. Italy, circa 1800-1850.
Weathered and small losses.
H:29cm W:11cm D:11cm
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$385 Sale Price / set
51% Off
Pair Large 18th Century French Neoclassical Carved Oak Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair 18th century neoclassical carved oak ornaments.
France circa 1780.
Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Measurements are individual and include the wooden base.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
$1,868 Sale Price / set
55% Off
Pair 19th Century Neoclassical Style Italian Plaster Urns with Flame Finials
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Italian neoclassical style urns in relief that can either stand on their own or hang from the wall as decorative elements. Quite handsome, with acanthus leaf decoration and f...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster
French 18th c Door Knocker with Original Cast Iron Knocker
Wrought Iron Back
Located in valatie, NY
French 18th c Door Knocker with Original Cast Iron Knocker and Wrought Iron Back. This hand-wrought iron door knocker with a pierced scrolling back...
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Stone Neoclassical Ionic Column Capital Stand, 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Greek or Roman Neoclassical style cast stone Ionic column capital. This piece of architectural salvage would make a lovely objet d'art, ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
Collection Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Carved Wooden Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful collection of three 18th century neoclassical carved wooden ornaments.
France circa 1780.
Weathered, small losses
Measurements are individual and include the wooden base.
...
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$682 Sale Price / set
50% Off
French Early 19th Century Neoclassical Hand Carved Oak Vase Ornament/ Finial
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 19th century Neoclassical hand carved oak vase ornament in a good but weathered condition.
France, circa 1800- 1850.
Weathered
Measurements includes the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
$468 Sale Price
50% Off
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Wooden Altar
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful neoclassical carved wooden altar with beautiful gilded angels.
Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$1,868 Sale Price
36% Off
Fine Pair of Italian Carved Stone Garden Vases with Base
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant stone vases on base, decorated with finely carved mythological scenes.
Timeless decoration for you garden or interior.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Early 20th C. Neoclassic Style Zinc Arched Pediment w/Great Patina, 4 ft
Located in Atlanta, GA
An American zinc arched pediment from the early 20th century. This antique architectural piece from American has been designed with Neoclassical inspired wreath and ribbon bow-ties within its center and has a half-moon, arched shape with flattened bottom edge. This piece is nicely aged, with zinc atop wood which has a beautiful rusty patina throughout. There is a newer wood replaced at backside. This early 20th century architectural zinc pediment...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Two Large French Concrete Neoclassical Planters, a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of two very large classical concrete planters. This set will be fabulous flanking a front door, on a patio, or in a garden. We also love the i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Concrete
Massive Antique Textured Opaque Glass
Zinc Lantern/ Street Lamp Shade
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Massive Antique Textured Opaque Glass & Zinc Lantern/Street Lamp Shade
USA, circa Earlier 20th Century
This massive antique textured opaque glass and zinc lantern or street lamp sh...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
$912 Sale Price
38% Off
Large Italian Giltwood Bed Canopy
Corona
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian giltwood bed canopy, or corona (also known in France as a ciel de lit), circa 1760-1780. Hand carved giltwood with painted detail decoration. ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
19th Century Neoclassical Style Glazed Terracotta Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century terracotta architectural element with white glaze. The panel is decorated with bell flowers on either side. This piece has a wonderful craquelure surface, with crazing t...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Monumental Pair of Italian Neoclassical Marble Columns
Located in Rome, IT
This outstanding pair of yellow "Breccia di Siena" precious Doric marble columns raised on a white Carrara marble square base with a large molded socle above. Finely carved iconic Io...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Round Polished Gold Cabinet Drawer Hardware Pulls Attributed to Sherle Wagner
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage gold cabinet hardware knobs or drawer pulls in a beautiful gold. These round knobs are circular in shape, and flat on the top with concentric cir...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal, Gold, Brass
19th Century Terracotta Garden Lions
Located in Houston, TX
A large opposing pair of Italian mid-19th century terracotta lions. Each lion is raised on a rectangular base. Beautiful expressive faces and wonderfully carved manes with great patina.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
$16,000 / set
Pair of Antique Terracotta Herms of Classical Design
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautiful pair of reclaimed terracotta garden statues in classical term-style dating from the late 19th century. Handsomely handcrafted into terracotta, these antique statues depic...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Impressive Pair of Ormolu Mounted Marble Obelisks
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of large marble obelisks. Made from solid Verde Antico marble with bronze neoclassical style decorative mounts on all four sides.
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Gilt Lion Ring Handled Bridle Hitch
Located in New York, NY
Gilt lion ring handled bridle hitch. Antique metal lion equestrian ring handle mask for hitching horses. American 19th century
Dimensions: 4.75" diameter x 2.5” deep ; 6” to bottom...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal
Antique Corinthian Capital, Glazed Ceramic, Canada/U.S., Late 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Architectural Corinthian Capital - glazed cast ceramic composition - Canada or United States - late 19th century.
Good antiq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Corinthian Capital, Glazed Ceramic, Canada/U.S., Late 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Architectural Corinthian Capital - glazed cast ceramic composition - Canada or United States - late 19th century.
Good antiq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Carved Neo-Classical Style Capitals, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of large scale neo- classical style 19th century painted capitals. This continental pair do have some chippiness to the paint.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of Neoclassic Style Hanging Wood Pediments
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Neoclassical style carved-wood wall hanging wall pediments, with their original painted finish, from the mid 20th century. These vintage archit...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$3,920 / set
19th Century Neoclassical Terracotta Urn Architectural Relief, Large Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century terracotta architectural decorative relief of a neoclassical style flaming two handled urn retaining the original red paint. The beautifully realized large scale classical urn shown in deep relief with arabesque handles with bell flowers hanging, egg and dart border, swag drapery tied...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta, Paint
Pair of Antique Architectural Column Capitals
Located in Doylestown, PA
A pair of large glazed terracotta columns capitals reportedly from a New York building, circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
$1,200 Sale Price / set
31% Off
Pair of Continental Neoclassical Carved Wooden Capitals, late 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Expertly carved with urns emitting flames from their tops and draped in fabric swags, excellent as lamp bases
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Walnut
Large Pair of Neoclassical Venetian Style Antique Mirrored Obelisks on Paw Feet
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large pair of decorative obelisks in the neoclassical style, possibly Italian. Each fully covered in antiqued or distressed beveled mirrored panels, attached with rosettes. The silve...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Heavy Gothic Lion’s Mask Brass Door Knocker
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Gothic Lion’s Mask Brass Door Knocker
This is a superb door knocker, the handsome Lion’s Head is at the centre and the heavy outer ring lifts and lands on the striking plat...
Category
1950s Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Pair of 20th Century French Alabaster Elements
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of 20th-century French alabaster elements features intricately designed vases, each with a classical shape and elegant detailing. The vases are crafted from alabaster, show...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Alabaster
$4,950 / set
Italian Wood Pedestal / Plant Stands
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage carved wood in the classical style with fluted columns topped with modified acanthus leaves carvings. Made in italy.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$1,500 / set
Pair of Antique Italian circa 1790 Carved and Gilt Neoclassical Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Notable pair of decorative over-door panels dating from the height of the neoclassical period in all original very good condition. One with a Christies 1967 label on verso. A label i...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of Classical Push Pull Door Handles in Bronze and Wood
Located in London, GB
Two pairs of classical push and pull door handles in bronze and hard wood 1970s in excellent condition..
The identical handles can be applied inside or outside on double or single d...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
French Terracotta Lion
s Head on Custom Iron Stand
Located in Pembroke, MA
This French terracotta lion's mask was originally an element of a 19th century fountain with water jetting from its mouth. This garden piece is now mounted on a custom iron, making i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
$5,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Iron Column Pedestal or Plinth
Located in Sheffield, MA
An antique cast iron column pedestal base with acanthus leaf decoration and fluted column. Use it to support an indoor or outdoor sculpture t...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
$2,030 Sale Price
30% Off
Exuberant American Painted Plaster Corinthian Capital, Faux Marble Base and Top
Located in San Francisco, CA
the lively capital with out-scrolled acanthus leaves all resting on a separate wooden base; with later base
Category
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster
Large Plaster Composite Order Capital on Wooden Pedestal, France, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
Worked in the neoclassical style in France in the early 1900’s, this large plaster capital on wooden pedestal is of the Composite order. Composite orde...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paint
Enormous Decorative Architectural Finial
Located in Houston, TX
Enormous decorative architectural finial in early white paint, circa 1840-1880 (Look at last picture for idea of scale).
Note: Regional differenc...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
Sink Plaquette with Relief of a Roman Adonis in Loincloth Posing as Le Penseur
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This plain and austere plaquette shows us a muscular Roman young man wearing just a loincloth. Squatting on the ground he sits, in the typical position of the Le Penseur artwork by R...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Neoclassical English Statuary Marble Fireplace Mantel with Siena Inlay
Located in London, GB
A very fine period neoclassical English Statuary marble fireplace with Siena inlay. The carved jambs with classical urn surmounted by ribbons and drapery, with Siena marble ingrounds...
Category
Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Inspired Ormolu Architectural Elements
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome pair of matching ormolu appliques, both panels cast in openwork detail and showing neoclassical inspired motifs of palmettes, swags an...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Ormolu
$960 Sale Price / set
61% Off
Collection of Four Neoclassical Columns in Istrian Stone
Located in London, GB
A collection of four neo-classical columns in Istrian stone. The moulded base surmounted by fluted shafts with finely carved Corinthian capitals to top. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Pair of Monumental Pietra Dura Grand Tour Marble Obelisks, 19th Century
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of large marble "Grand Tour" Pietra Dura specimen marble obelisks
Each in Italian specimen marble on bases.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair Antique Arched Architectural Niches
Located in Dallas, TX
Perfect for displaying a statue, vase or objet d'art, this PAIR of Antique Arched Architectural Niches can transform a plain wall or a stairwell into...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Hardwood
$1,495 / set
French Black Marble Column
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French black marble column.
For a chic interior, classical lines in the spirit of Hollywood Regency.
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair of Monumental 19th century Architectural Scrolled Copper Corbels
Located in Milford, NH
A monumental pair of copper corbels in scroll form with foliate swags with a great verdigris surface, probably New York origin, dating to the late 19th century. Includes custom L for...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Copper, Iron
Vintage Cast Iron Green Floor Table Candle Holders
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast Iron Powder-Coated Floor Table Standing Candle Holders, circa 1900's.
Please price listed is per item.
Standing 28’ tall each, these elegant freshly powder-coated pricket candl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial
Located in Hanover, MA
Extraordinary architectural roof finial spire over 9 feet high constructed of hand beaten copper then finished in gold leaf.
Looking for a statement piece? You've found it!
Weighs under 75 pounds. Stands steady on its own. In two pieces: the top ~40 inches can be removed from the rest, for ease of transport.
Unrestored.
Finish is worn and distressed but the original natural patina is gorgeous.
It may be possible to go over the gilding with something that will bring out its luster. We have only dusted it.
The largest sphere has a couple of noticeable dents which I'm sure could be pulled out however we love it just the way it is.
Found in the basement of an un-renovated 1850's brick townhouse atop Beacon Hill.
We speculate the copper is from Paul Revere's own works.
Unsigned apparently but some of the American companies who made finials, weathervanes, etc. were:
J.W. Fiske
Cushing & Sons,
Westervelt,
Mullins
Thomas W. Jones
Kenneth Lynch...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Copper
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Style White and Gold Railings
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Neo-classic style (19/20th Century) white and gold painted railings with balustrade columns. (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Gold
Pair of Antique Maw
Co Broseley Salop Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique late 19th century Maw & Co tiles from Broseley Salop workshops in Shropshire.
In turquoise and dark navy blue majolica glaze, one 6-inch tile is decorated with the...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Clay
French Pair of Giltwood Brackets Neoclassical
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French pair of giltwood brackets neoclassical.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$920 Sale Price / set
34% Off
French Pair of Massive Painted Columns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Simply incredible pair of very tall French architectural columns, in the Ionic order. These Neoclassical wonders are crafted of wood and plaster, thickly painted white, the column’s ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$6,500 / set
Architectural Model of a Cistern
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An interesting mid 19th century architectural model of a cistern sculpted in limestone, possibly Bath stone, carved into an elongated oval form. Beautifully weathered and of good scale, this carved limestone sculpture...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
French Wood Corbels Carved Griffin Dragon Gargoyles Figure Architectural Salvage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair (2) of wood Corbels (shelve supports). Carved griffin - dragon- gargoyles figures . Beautiful architectural salvaged decor.
Wood appears to be mahoga...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Appliques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nicely carved. In great condition for their age. In the form of capitols.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Giltwood
$1,475 / set
Neoclassical architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $121,422 while the average work can sell for $3,902.
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