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.
Pair of 20th Century French Sconces - Inspired By Coco Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite pair of 20th-century French sconces, inspired by the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel, captures the essence of refined sophistication and French artistry. Meticulously...
Metal
Pair of Neoclassical Antique Brass Torch Form Sconces with Frosted Glass Shades
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Neoclassical style sconces features a timeless torch-form design, evoking the grandeur and elegance of classical motifs. Crafted in the 20th century, these sconces seaml...
Glass
$4,800 / set
1920’s Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces silver plated finish
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair 1920's Silver Plated and Beveled Cobalt Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light silver plated sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Bronze
Historistic Wall Lamp Around 1890s with Original Glass Shade
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic wall lamp around 1890s with original glass shade Polished and stove enameled Original glass shade.
Brass
Pair of Italian 1970s Murano Glass Sconces in the Art Deco Style
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of Murano glass Art Deco style sconces in rare bicolor peach and frost glass. Italy 1970's
Gold Leaf
$6,800 / set
1920s Silver Plate Sconces With Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s silver plated Caldwell sconces with edged mirrored backplate.
Silver Plate, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze 2 lights sconces
Bronze
Pair of French Bronze and Glass Mirrored Half Lantern Wall Sconces, 1970s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A pair of mirrored half lanterns wall sconces, France, ca. 1970s. Those highest quality wall lights are made of solid bronze surrounded by three glass panel and rectangular mirrored...
Bronze
Pair of Brass & Alabaster Wall Sconces in the Neoclassical Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of cast brass and alabaster wall sconces. The sconces have a wonderful shape, they are very unique and well made. Manuf...
Alabaster, Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Style Black & Gilt Metal Sconces by Arlus, French 1960s
By Arlus
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of neoclassical-style wall lights made in the 1960s by Maison Arlus, a French lighting manufacturer. Two light arms in the shape of double inverted hooks joined by a gilded me...
Metal
$3,800 / set
1920s Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell simple silver plated sconces with two lights
Silver Plate
Vintage Doria Textured Ice Cube Pipe Glass and Brass Wall Sconces Pair Of 1960's
Located in North Miami, FL
These wonderful vintager intimate small German sconces have 6 textured ice glass tubes on each sconce against a white metal plate with semi-circular brass on the top and bottom. They...
Brass
Set of Four American Classical Brass and Halophane Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
These wonderful set of four sconces feature a reverse domed ribbed halothane glass shade with a polished brass arm with classical detailing. They have been newly rewired and are in e...
Brass
Neoclassical Alabaster Torch Sconces, Bronze Armature, Sweden, 1920
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical bronze armature support stylized flame shells, each holding one 40-60 watt bulb.
Alabaster, Bronze
A Set of (2) Vintage, Art Deco Style, Alabaster Sconces
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vintage Alabaster sconces in Art Deco or Neoclassical style. Shades only, no wiring: 10" high, 13" wide and 6 3/4" deep at the widest part. Excellent condition. The price is per s...
Alabaster
2 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 Historistic wall lamps vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The glass sticks are replaced ( new )
Brass
Pair of Maison Jansen Bronze Hand Sconces, 3 pairs available
Located in Miami, FL
Superbe pair of bronze sconces figuring A feminine hand holding a cornucopia, rare model from 1940. Refinished and US rewired, 60 watts max bulb. New opaline globe. Back plate dime...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Majolica Pair of Wall Brackets for Sconces
Located in Milano, MI
Early 19th century Neoclassical carved and gilded wall brackets realized with a white ivory color majolica demi vase of the Italian manufacture Gi...
Maiolica, Giltwood, Canvas
Harrison Single Arm Sconce with Frosted Tube in Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
The Harrison Single Arm Sconce with Frosted Tube embodies timeless sophistication and tailored design. A distinguished piece from our Classic Collection, it reflects Sherle Wagner In...
Brass, Bronze
$2,195 / item
Workstead Bole Sconce in Color
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
Bole positions a rotund form beneath a fabric shade, presenting a grounded yet buoyant composition for the wall. Available in White or Black Enamel, each version provides the perfect...
Enamel
A Pair of MURANO GLASS WALL APPLIQUES, by FLAVIO POLI & VERONESE, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional pair of 3 "flambeau" wall lights, Forme-Libre, in translucent and turquoise blown Murano glass of rare finesse, unique pieces by Flavio Poli, Veronese edition, Murano,...
Murano Glass
Pair of Large Neoclassic 1950s Gilt Metal French Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of neoclassical French wall sconces with an elegant design. They have two arms per sconce, each elegantly curved and designed to resemble twisted rope or cord, leading ...
Metal
1920’s Caldwell Bronze Sconces with Scrolled Arms
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms
Bronze
20th century, Pair of Tuscany Lacquered and Gilt Wood Sconces
Located in IT
A pair of appliques or sconces in carved, lacquered, and gilt wood, Tuscany, Early 20th Century This pair of unusual wall appliques in carved, lacquered, and gilt wood, designed to ...
Wood, Giltwood
1900's Caldwell Large Bronze 3 Lights Sconces with Crystal Leaves and Urn
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's large Caldwell sconces with 3 lights, glass leaves and crystal urn body on top
Crystal, Bronze
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Panache 17.5” Neoclassical Giltwood 2 Light Wall Light Sconce. Priced each. Two available.
Giltwood
$3,800 / set
1900 Caldwell Small Silver Sconces Two Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell silver plated bronze sconces small size and simple design. Two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of American Cast Brass Neoclassical Style 2-Light Sconces, ca. 1925
Located in Atlanta, GA
Each sconce nicely cast and having torchere style bodies complete with flame shaped finials atop circular backplates, the backplates issuing curved arms with large bobeches, retainin...
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Bronze and White Frosted Glass Two-Arm Sconce, ca 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical style bronze and white frosted glass two-arm sconce from the 1920s. A beautiful bronze sconce adorned with leaves, flowers, and a lady's face in the center of the...
Bronze
1920 Caldwell Etched Mirror Sconces with Flowers Design
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920 Caldwell etched mirror and bronze sconces with flowers design. newly UL rewired
Bronze
$4,300Sale Price / set|20% Off
SET of 6 French Neoclassical Bronze "Mr North Wind" Gas Converted Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Set of 6 Antique 19thc French Bronze Gas Converted Wall Sconces. Featuring Mr North Wind blowing beauty. Newly wired and ready to mount. French estate find.
Bronze
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Serge Roche Inspired White Tole Metal Wall Sconces, Three Available
By Serge Roche
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Serge Roche inspired white tole metal wall sconce. They are electrified and in working order. They are not terribly old. There are three available.
Metal
$6,800 / item
1920's Caldwell Gild Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair circa 1920's Caldwell gild bronze sconces with double lights
Bronze
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25” H x 14.25” W x 7.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 8.75” H x ...
Brass
Pair of Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconces with Scallop Shell Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt bronze wall lights in the Louis XV style with scallop shell form and two candelabra-size sockets. Ready for use.
Bronze
Maison Baguès Bronze and Enamel 'Feuillage' 3-Light Wall Sconces France, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Maison Baguès 3 lights wall sconces in great bronze quality and colorful enamel. Both came from the same house. Original foil label on the reverse, Baguès, Paris. Pe...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Neoclassical Style Bronze Lion Sconce
Located in Houston, TX
Large scale 19th century neoclassical style four light wall sconce. This 34" wide solid bronze sconce features a monumental lion's head gripping four a...
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silvered plated sconces
Bronze
Pair of Georgian Style Bronze Wall Sconces, Plug-in 1940s-1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pair of bronze or brass sconces features a traditional rounded sculptural silhouette with an ornate arm, equipped with a socket on faux candle base. The arms are equipped wit...
Brass, Bronze
$3,400 / set
1920's Caldwell Small Double Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell small gilt bronze double light sconces, original gilding.
Bronze
Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconce with Dual Candle Design
Located in Houston, TX
This hand-forged iron wall sconce brings timeless European elegance and warmth to any space. Featuring graceful scrollwork and a dual-candle design, it evokes the romantic charm of 1...
Wrought Iron, Metal, Steel, Iron
1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces with Reed Glass
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell bronze one light sconces with reeded glass shade
Bronze
$3,400 / set
1900 Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces 1 Light
Located in New York, NY
pair of Caldwell silver plated one light sconces
Silver Plate, Bronze
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
2 swiveling bronze Historistic Wall lamps with glass shades vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enameled Original antique glass shades
Bronze
Pair E. F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze 3 Arm Louis XVI Style Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This impressive pair of large scale sconces are by the renowned firm of Edward F. Caldwell. They retain their original gilded patina and feature Classical motifs including acanthus l...
Bronze
Wonderful Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urn Caldwell Two Candelabra Four 4 Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Set Of Four French Empire / Neoclassical Gilt Dore Bronze Urn In The Manner Of E.F. Caldwell Two Candelabra Light Sconces Each Pair Sold Individually
Brass, Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Bronze and Etched Mirror Sconces with Cobalt Glass
Located in New York, NY
set of 4 circa 1920’s Caldwell etched mirrored backplate sconces with Cobalt blue glass
Bronze
$7,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Large Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Two-Light Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
This pair of very large wall sconces was made in Italy in the mid-20th century in the neoclassical style, using carved wood with a gilt finish. The design is based on 18th-century mo...
Giltwood
$4,800 / item
Pair Of 19th C. Giltwood Mirrored Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of giltwood sconces, in classical form, each surmounted by carved fluted flower-filled urn draped with swags, shield shaped mirror plate, two candlearms; not electrified. Stock...
Mirror, Wood
$16,500 / set
Stunning Pair of Neoclassical Sconces by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning and large pair of neoclassical style crystal and gilt bronze sconces by Baccarat. Signed "Baccarat" in raised lettering on the bobeches. Provenance: Estate of the late mothe...
Crystal
Fine Pair Vaughan Designs French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urn Finial Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Designs French Empire Neoclassical bronze Urn two Candelabra Sconces with finaial top.
Bronze
$2,400 / set
1940's Silver Plated One Light Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940's one light silver sconces with mirrored backplate
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Vintage Wall Applique Lights Objects Sconces, 1920s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful sculptural pair of bronze/brass wall lights sconces. France, 1900s-1930s Lamp sockets: 1.
Brass, Bronze
Set Of Two Wall sconces Lumière In Antique Brass Finish
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set Of Two sconces In Antique Brass Finish The sconces set of two in a rich antique brass finish is a majestic decorative ensemble inspired by the grandeur of 18th-century French sc...
Brass, Iron
Pair 1920's Bronze and Beveled Cobalt Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light bronze sconces with cobalt mirrored backplate
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1930 Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair pf circa 1930's gilt bronze sconces with sunburst shaped backplate
Bronze
Set of Six French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Three-Arm Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning high quality complete set of six French 19th century Neo-Classical st. three arm ormolu sconces. Each sconce in centered by a striking pierced palmette backplate from wher...
Ormolu
1920's Caldwell Double Lights Sconces with Mirror Backplate
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with sunburst shaped etched mirrored back plate
Bronze
Neo-Classical Style Carved Wood Sconces W/ Urns & Draping Laurel Garland -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale neo-classical style carved wood sconces attributed to Hendrix Allardyce. The wiring and candle covers are new and in working order. Note the lovely gilt urns wi...
Metal