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Neoclassical Seating

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
Antique 1920s Johnson Chair Co. Mahogany Brown Mohair Library Wingback Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Johnson Chair Company Library Wingback Chairs, C. 1920s. Features a mahogany frame with neoclassical swag motif along the center and c...
Category

1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Theodore Alexander Neoclassical Regency Style Carved Open Back Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Theodore Alexander Neoclassical Regency Style Carved Open Back Arm Chair. Item features tooled leather seat, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Neo-Classical Style Tiger Velvet Daybed Settee - Pair Available
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is late 20th century French Maison Jansen style steel and brass neo-classical daybed. The tiger velvet cushion and pillows could be Scalamandre, but I have no way of knowing for...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Set Four Mario Papperzini Iron Leather Strap Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of four iconic mid-century modern iron dining chairs designed by Mario Papperzini. The set features woven leather strapping instead of the customary metal lattice inset. The...
Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Classic Upholstered Dining Armchair (Sets of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
English influence in 19th-century design, where elegance meets modern comfort. Slender saber legs and a sculptural wooden frame define the base, offering a delicate, graceful silhoue...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

American Mahogany Classical Swan Sofa, Philadelphia, Circa 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany classical upholstered sofa with swans head arm rest, carved corner cornucopia, and terminating on ebonized lions paw feet....
Category

18th Century and Earlier American Antique Neoclassical Seating

2oth C. A Pair of Custom Upholstered Armchairs in Scottish Wool Plaid and Velvet
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th c. USA, a pair wingback armchairs, newly upholstered in a dark Scottish wool plaid fabric, which adds a touch of sophistication and a masculine feel. The plaid pattern is s...
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Pair of Antique Painted French Neoclassical Armchairs with New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of elegant 19th century French painted armchairs or fauteuils with original paint and new high end neutral upholstery. Refined example of of the French Neoclassical style, with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Fine Pair of Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of armchairs features high, rounded backrests and C-shaped armrests. They stand on octagonal legs with leaf capitals and bases as well as sabre legs. The intricat...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry, Fruitwood

Mid-Century Italian Carved Wood White Lacquer Shell Dolphin Grotto Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun chair! It is a mid-century white lacquered shell form grotto chair with carved dolphin / serpent arms and leg supports. The white lacquered finish is a vintage finish. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Extraordinary Pair Of Ram’s Head Club Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An exceptional pair of club chairs with intricately carved frames with bold Rams Head arms. The generous seats and backs are custom upholstered in a fine and deep Celadon hue faux su...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Stylish Antique Neoclassical Recamier Bench or Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
The show stealer chair in the room, a glamorous asymmetrical Recamier chair with elegant sloping back, 41.5 at the highest point and 27 at the arm. Ebon...
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Classic Tufted Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a tufted and upholstered backrest and cushion, with brass nailhead trim details raised on traditional square tapered legs. Dimensions: 33" W x 34" D x 39" Seat - 18.5" H Arm - ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Updated Modern Classic Wingchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Updated Modern classic wingchair, covered in linen to make it neutral and easily placed in any environment. The real drama comes into focus when viewing the exposed ash construction ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood

Updated Modern Classic Wingchair
Updated Modern Classic Wingchair
$1,691 Sale Price / item
28% Off
Pair Of 19th C. Neoclassical French Carved Walnut Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Labeled Dugard underneath the seats. With carved gadrooned pediment crest rails with center scrolled crests over burled upper backs. The curved arms with carved leafy backs and ribbe...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Armchair in mahogany in the manner of G.F. Hetsch, Denmark 1830 s.
Located in Valby, 84
early 19th-century mahogany armchair, crafted circa 1830, in the refined manner of Danish architect and designer Gustav Friedrich Hetsch. The c...
Category

1830s Danish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Set of Four Brown Jordan Neoclassical Style Garden Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Neoclassical style set of four patio and garden dining chairs made by Brown Jordan. Heavy and solid cast aluminum construction with a lattice design influenced by Mario Papperzini fo...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Moviestar Sumptuous Tufted Velvet Gilded Neoclassical Style Chaise Longue
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sublimely sexy small neoclassical chaise longue having marbleized and gilded frame with scroll arms 24.5 h and impressive paw feet. The uph...
Category

1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Mid-Century Cerused Wingback Chair with Celadon Cut Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! The cerused finish is original as is the celadon cut velvet. The velvet is vintage and shows moderate wear. Patina! It is unmarked. Arm; 27.5 Seat; 20”. I am ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Black Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A vintage style classic English Chesterfield leather upholstered sofa, with top-grain leather. With a tufted backrest and rollover arms, and two padded cushions raised on turned maho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Custom King, Queen Full or Twin Spool Bed by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom bobbin bed with spool/bobbin head and foot board. Shown here in a twin size, in mahogany. Can be made in oak, mahogany, walnut or alder in a variety ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

Pair of Neoclassical Side Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A pair of neoclassical cherrywood chairs, crafted around 1800. The chairs feature elegantly pierced backrests with a delicate lattice structure in the central splat. They rest on tap...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cherry

Massachusetts Martha Washington lolling chair, c. 1785
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Upholstered Martha Washington lolling chair with serpentine crest rail. The chair frame is mahogany with Northern White pine and maple secondary woods. The chair has been stripped of...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Havana Brown Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in brown leather, its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Pair of Large Neoclassical Style Armchairs with Carved Swan Head Arms
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stately pair of armchairs covered in navy suede with carved swan head arms. The front legs have a ball and claw carved foot.
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Hollywood Regency Wrought Iron Curule Bench, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish wrought iron Curule bench made in the neoclassical taste. Featuring an X-form design with scrolled arms and feet. These bench are als...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Vintage Upholstered Carved Wood Curcule Benches by Baker
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage curcule-style benches, each having a rectangular upholstered crown seat, on X-frame base, its legs carved with anthemion details ending with rosettes, joined by folia...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Classic by Giuseppe Carpanelli Gran Confort Office Armchair in leather
Located in Desio, IT
This armchair has an unusual elliptic curved outline with slatted solid wood structure, the backrest frame is made of solid walnut, while the swivel base is fitted with a height and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Faux Leather, Wood

Set of Eight Michael Taylor Style Klismos Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish set of eight lacquered neoclassical klismos dining armchairs attributed to Michael Taylor. The chairs feature solid beech carved frames with a klismos style tablet back and w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Beech

Neo Classic Mahogany Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Neo Classic mahogany side chair, the flame veneered bar top rail and solid splat above an upholstered seat, on square tapering legs. Dimensions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Oscar de la Renta Home Century Furniture Italian Neoclassical Style Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Oscar de la Renta Home by Century Furniture Italian Neoclassical Style Gold Gilt Cream Painted Armchair. Circa Late 20th Century Measurements: 4...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical Style X-Base Bronze Finish Form Bench, USA, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical style x-base form bench USA, 1970's Newly finished with an oil rubbed bronze patina. Newly upholstered in micro fiber boucle
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Fourteen Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Cornell Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Remarkable grand set of fourteen neoclassical style dining chairs designed by Nancy Corzine in the California romantic style. The chairs feature a walnut frame with a klismos style t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Mahogany Neoclassical Style Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mahogany, Neoclassical style armchairs with painted inlay back. Hand painted inlay features cherub and leaf details. Tapered legs and black back spindles. Great age and patin...
Category

1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century office chair in wood, American Clerk chair 1930s
Located in Argelato, BO
Antique swivel office armchair in solid wood, made in the 1930s and perfectly preserved. The armchair, in excellent state of conservation, will give elegance and character to your ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green grey velvet and birch lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Seat Height (inches): 16” Arm Height (inches): 18.44" All items ship from High Point...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Birch

Vintage D.R. Dimes Comb Back Windsor Arm Chair
Located in Westfield, MA
This vintage comb back Windsor arm chair by D.R. Dimes is a superb example of fine American craftsmanship in the 18th-century tradition. Constructed from ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Maple, Oak, Pine

Elegant Antique Neoclassical Rush Seat Settee Loveseat
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant vintage neoclassical loveseat having curved back and X motif backrests with gilded medallions. Seat is original rush with custom striped linen cushion.
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Rush, Fruitwood, Upholstery

Antique Neoclassical Armchair in Wood and Velvet Late 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Neoclassical Armchair in Wood and Velvet, Europe, 19th Century. This is a wonderful antique armchair in a distinct neoclassical style. Majestic appearance with elegant detai...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Bridgewater Style Club Chair with Linen Button Closure Slipcover with Drop Skirt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Coteau club chair is a comfortable and relaxed look - the slipcover has special button closure which also gives a distinct view from back of club chair - hair filled scroll back and saddle arms with a feather and down loose seat cushion. Shown with tan linen slipcover...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Linen

Antique Biedermeier Sofa Made of Velvet Fabric and Carved Wood
Located in Milano, IT
Impressive Biedermeier sofa of Northern European origin from the early 1900s. The majestic sofa features a colossal wooden frame with several special fea...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Walnut

Pair Side Chairs with Lyre Back
Located in New York, NY
“I know of no other chair like the single [sic] ‘lyre back’ one. . . . I certainly recognize it as a Boston chair considering all the individual elements, but the combination is particularly elegant.” So wrote noted scholar of Boston furniture Page Talbott when a set of four chairs of this design originally surfaced in the 1980s. Although the existence of four chairs in a specific pattern might imply that the chairs were originally part of a larger set, no additional chairs of this form have appeared in the intervening years. The lyre became a popular motif during the Neo-Classical period, and is frequently encountered as the back splat of klismos chairs, in no example more familiar than in a group of Duncan Phyfe chairs...
Category

1820s American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Sofa Reupholstered in White Silk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Finely Carved Mahogany Parlor Sofa Reupholstered in Elegant White Patterned Silk Blend Upholstery This exquisite antique Duncan Phyfe style parlor sofa sh...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany

Swedish Neoclassical Style 1880s Painted Wood Bench with Carved Waterleaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish 19th century painted bench Circa 1880 Place of Origin: Sweden Period: 19th century Dimensions: 53" W x 18.25" D x 15" H A Swedish neoclassical style painted wood bench ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Italian Neoclassical Painted Gilt Foliage Medallion Fluted Day Bed, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Neoclassical painted and gilt wood red lacquered day bed with fluted serpentine headboards, flanking foliage medallions, reeded posts, foliage skirts, and resting on fluted r...
Category

1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

18th C Dimes Extended Arm Sack Back Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18th C extended arm sack back Windsor is from New England. This comes to us from a private collection.This is stamped Dimes underneath the seat.  
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Maison Baccarat Crystal Room Restaurant Style Nickel Plated Dining Chair Set 10
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional set of ten Italian nickel-plated over Brass Chiavari chairs. Consisting out of 6 Dining Chairs and 4 high back Side Chairs. New light violet silk upholstery. Similar c...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass, Nickel

French Neoclassical Style Curule Stool, Gilded Wood and Upholstered Seat
Located in Atlanta, GA
With its sweeping curule base and refined ornamentation, this French Neoclassical-style stool echoes the grandeur of ancient Rome, reinterpreted through a midcentury lens. Designed w...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Wood

Set of Eight Neoclassical Style Klismos Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of eight klismos dining chairs constructed in the Greco-Roman neoclassical taste. The chairs feature a tablet back with a curved splat decorated with a disc. The seat ha...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Three Wrought Iron Italian Curule Style Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Curule style Wrought Iron Stools. A set of three are available, but priced individually.
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Iron

Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen settee in emerald green velvet and gilt frame, signed underneath with remnants of Jansen stamp. Incredible collectors piece, wi...
Category

1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Set of eight Mastercraft neoclassical dining chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of eight neoclassical style Mastercraft dining chairs. In ready to use condition… priced extremely well .From Palm Beach Home… Looks like these chairs have never been sat in. Uph...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

19th Century Russian Neoclassical Flame Mahogany Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Russian Neoclassical flame mahogany sofa Russia, 19th Century A fine example of 19th Century Russian Neoclassical furniture...
Category

Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th century white and green armchairs. Pair of beautiful armchairs made in Sweden during the transition of 18th and 19th century. White painted with green ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

William Switzer Neo-Classical Style Carved Fruitwood Gilt Ottomans Stools Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of neo-classical style carved fruitwood and gilt upholstered ottomans. They are manufactured by William Switzerland, a prominent Canadian manufacturer. The fabric is v...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood, Giltwood

19th-Century Swedish Neoclassical Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant 19th-century Swedish bench in the Neoclassical style, crafted in solid wood and distinguished by its refined proportions and restrained decorative detail. The frame featur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Burgundy Cut Velvet Ottoman Pouff with Ftinges
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage burgundy cut velvet ottoman pouf with zebra velvet and pink fringes. Plush squicky toy Be. Mine” included with baby laughing. Whimsical home decor furniture.
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Textile

Brunschwig Fils Custom Piedmont Tufted Loveseat in Geometric Velour Fabric
Located in Morristown, NJ
A beautifully constructed two-seat "Piedmont" loveseat by Brunschwig & Fils, the esteemed American house known for its impeccable craftsmanship and refined textiles. This custom-upho...
Category

Early 2000s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Twentieth Century custom mahogany and faux alligator bench
Located in Winnetka, IL
A handsome custom mahogany bench reupholstered with rich navy blue faux alligator leather ;having cross stretchers and silver nail head trim . Perfect for the end of the bed or pull ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, Modenese Gastone, Greenapple, and GF Modern. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $3,861.

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