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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
Pair Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Carved Wooden Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair 18th century neoclassical carved wooden ornaments. France circa 1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurements are individual and include the wooden base....
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical Cast Iron Wall Fountain Bowl Garden Planter Urn Sconce Lavabo 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage cast iron wall hanging fountain bowl / planter / garden urn. Demilune / half round shape with fluted Neoclassical styling and a flower on the drop finial. Dimensions: 17.5" ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

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

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

Neoclassical Style Metal Architectural Element
Located in Astoria, NY
Neoclassical Style Patinated Aluminum and Cast Iron Architectural Element, with pierced galleried top, four columns and and stepped rectangular base. 24.75" H x 22.5" W x 6" D. Prove...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pair of Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of hand carved wood Italian wings that are newly mounted on iron bases. Great display items for your bookcase.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases
Pair of Wood Carved Wings on Iron Bases
$360 Sale Price / set
70% Off
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

Pair of Antique Architectural Column Capitals
Pair of Antique Architectural Column Capitals
$1,200 Sale Price / set
31% Off
Wall Mirror or Mirror Insert with Neoclassical Design
Located in New York, NY
A wall mirror in the neoclassical design style, circa early-20th century. Mirror appears to have been a part of another piece (old glue on back) and removed. I'm showing mirror (with...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Mirror

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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

Pair of English Neoclassical Style 1850s Carved Pine Overdoors with Swag Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English neoclassical style carved pine overdoors with swag motifs and dentil molding from the mid 19th century. Each of this pair of English architectural elements features...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine

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

Collection of 12 French Barricade Balustrades and Chain
Located in Sheffield, MA
The collection of 12 19th century stone markers made of stone and come in different styles. Six have hooks for attaching the chain. Perfect to use as post...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone, Iron

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

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

Three 19th Century Stone Barricade Balustrades and Chain Markers
Located in Sheffield, MA
The three French 19th century stone marker or barricade balustrades are carved and have iron hooks for linking the chain. Great to use to indicate house n...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone, Iron

Early 19th Century Italian Giltwood Neoclassical Sunburst Monstrance
Located in Essex, MA
Large neoclassical Italian giltwood sunburst on original large base. Monstrance. Sun rays and palmettes. Parcel gilt column with rayed being eye. Illuminati symbolism.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Pine, Giltwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A pair of white marble relief frieze panels, circa 1920
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A pair of white marble relief frieze panels, circa 1920, each with a flower and fruit garland above a panel decorated with male and female figures in a neoclassical manner. h 96 x w...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

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

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

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

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

Wrought Iron Pulpit Grille, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Wrought iron grating with thirteen bars with double pear and discs in their shafts, arranged in a circle with bars of the same flat material (circular and cross combined at the base ...
Category

18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 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

Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome
Located in London, GB
This remarkable ormolu bust of the iconic Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is the epitome of neoclassical style design, and was originally intended as an overdoor decoration. Overdoors - ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

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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