Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
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.
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Brocade, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Linen, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Canvas
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Linen, Fruitwood
2010s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Shagreen, Suede
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Wood
1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
2010s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Animal Skin, Mahogany
2010s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
2010s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Suede, Maple
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Plastic, Teak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Naugahyde, Wood
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century French Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood, Walnut, Linen
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Plastic, Wood, Patent Leather
2010s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Oak
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Stainless Steel
1990s Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Walnut
20th Century American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Polyester
1950s Belgian Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Silk, Elm
20th Century American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Polyester, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Polyester
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Stoneware, Mohair
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
1990s American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Textile









