Neoclassical Furniture
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.
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Paint
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Hardwood, Paint
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Hardwood
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Composition, Marble
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Velvet, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
Approx: 310 grams
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Faux Leather, Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Paint
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Burl
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Stone, Crystal, Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century British Neoclassical Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Furniture
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Onyx, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas
1910s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Alabaster
Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Furniture
Granite, Iron
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Enamel
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Stone
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Furniture
Marble
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Canvas, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Furniture
Earthenware
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Metal
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Gesso, Wood, Paint
20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Crystal, Brass
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Cement
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Giltwood
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Fabric, Giltwood
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1960s French Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Furniture
Cast Stone
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century American Neoclassical Furniture
Granite, Aluminum
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Furniture
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1930s German Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Stoneware
Early 1900s German Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Pewter
1860s American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Brass
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Furniture
Silver Plate, Bronze
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Terracotta
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Walnut
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Furniture
Marble





