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.
A Large Brass Column Lamp
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A large heavy brass Corinthian column lamp. This lamp has a classical and elegant neoclassical-inspired design. The column-style base and a fluted shaft and capital at the top rese...
Brass
$968Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Turned Wood Candlestick Floor Lamp Chapman Italy
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Exceptional example of Italian made wooden candle stick floor lamp made by Chapman. Terrific turned lamp with wonderful grain and worm holing. Brass accent. Curbside to NYC/Philly $450
Brass
$3,474Sale Price|20% Off
Faux-Bamboo Bronze Floor Lamp By Maison Bagués
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice faux-bamboo Bronze Floor Lamp. French work by Maison Bagués. Circa 1940
Bronze
Maison Charles Style Gold Leaf and Brass Tree Leaves Sconces, Wall Lights, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
French Maison Charles style neoclassical one of a kind gold leaf and brass tree leaves Sconces, Wall Lights with Half Shield Shades. Two sockets on...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Antique French Neo-Classical Style Carved Gilt Painted Wood Fragment Table Lamp
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French architectural fragment that has been modified into a table lamp. The wiring is vintage and was completed by B&P in Tennessee. The finish is an antique white and a si...
Wood
1920s Caldwell Silver Plated Light Fixture with Opaline glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s silver plate light fixture neoclassic style with Opaline glass inset and three lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Neoclassical Dore Bronze Regency Four-Arm Candelabra Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of doré bronze large candelabras with centre flame, detailed surrounded by four arms with filigree, fluted center shaft and finely etched filigree pedestal base. ...
Bronze
Vintage Regency Polished Chrome Wall Sconce - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of wall sconces epitomizes the refined elegance of Regency-inspired lighting, offering a sophisticated blend of classical proportions and modernist materials. Feat...
Chrome, Nickel
Set of Four Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This set of four sconces by the renown firm of E. F. Caldwell are pictured in the Caldwell archives at the Smithsonian. They were originally made for "Shadow Lawn" (Henry Edward Creg...
Bronze
Vintage Brass and Steel Bouillotte Lamps with Triple Horn Base, 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of brass and steel Bouillotte lamps. French brass horn base with steel shade and brass acorn finial. Three arm candelabra with adjustable shade. French Louis XVI Neoclas...
Brass, Steel
Wonderful French Dore Bronze Louis XVI Set Four Bronze Bow Top Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very fine set of four French Louis xvi style ormolu wall sconces with three-branches, each surmounted by a bow on top. Two Pairs Available, Each Pair Sold Separately Rewired with...
Bronze
1900 Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze Caldwell Chandelier 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 neoclassic style gilt bronze chandelier by Caldwell beautiful details. 6 lights
Bronze
Neoclassical Italian Carrara Marble Column Tall Table Lamp, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Neoclassical Italian Carrara marble column or pillar tall table lamp Italy, Circa 1960s Measures: 5.25"W x 5.25"D x 30"H. Good original vintage condition.
Carrara Marble
Wonderful Caldwell Bronze Panel Glass Regency Neoclassical Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large E.F. Caldwell Style Bronze with Panel Glass Inset on Top and Egg Shaped Bottom with A Beautiful Crown and Central Band Regency, Empire, Neoclassical lantern chandel...
Bronze
Apollo Grand Circular Laurel Leaf Chandelier in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Apollo Grand Circular Laurel Leaf Chandelier in Gilt Wrought Iron An impressive and highly decorative circular chandelier inspired by the neoclassical laurel wreath motif, executed ...
Metal
$1,250 / set
Brass and Marble Corinthian Column Lamps
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of classical style Table lamps consisting of fluted brass columns with Corinthian capitals and white marble plinth. perfect for that library or living room. Made by Westwood Ind...
Carrara Marble, Metal, Brass
1900’s Caldwell Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930’s Caldwell leaded glass light fixture with interior lights
Bronze
Art Deco Alabaster Urn Uplighter Lamp, White and Yelow Color, France, circa 1940
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculptural alabaster Art Deco period Urn table lamp with neoclassical design, France, 1940s. This elegant carved alabaster neoclassical 'upligh...
Alabaster
Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Picture Wall Light by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Neoclassical picture light by Gherardo Degli Albizzi. Current production, 100% made in Italy by Italian craftsmen. Available in different dimension: 30, 40 and 60 cm. Customizable in...
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920’s Caldwell Bronze Sconces Two Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s Caldwell bronze sconces with two lights. Available 3 pairs and matching chandelier
Bronze
Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass Table Lamps - a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Neoclassical Style Urn Form Brass and Ivory Enamel Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light socket) x 6...
Metal, Brass
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic brass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Exquisite Pair of Magnificent Gilt Bronze & Rock Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Pair of Gilt Bronze & Rock Crystal Wall Sconces in the Neoclassical style. France, circa 1900. 3 lights each. Dimensions: Height 31 1/2" Width 12 1/2" Depth 11" CW...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Spanish Revival Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
An sculptural wrought iron and glass light fixture with neoclassical and Gothic Revival accents. Spain, 1940s. This hand forged iron fixture has a highly decorative design with fleu...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Borghese Lamps with Parchment Shades
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Monumental size beautifully carved Italian Neoclassical style silvered lamps. The lamps have custom hand painted parchment shades. The lamps are newly wired with drip wax candle covers...
Silver
$3,400 / set
1930's Pair Italian Carved Alabaster Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair 1930’s Italian carved alabaster table lamps
Alabaster
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Versailles Chandelier with Swarovski Strass and Crystal Pendants
Located in Stamford, CT
Versailles chandelier with Swarovski Strass and crystal pendants having a dark brownish almost black iron frame. Recently rewired. Ready to hang...
Crystal
Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
8 light, Neoclassical-style chandelier crafted in gilt bronze, featuring an ornamented central column with fluted detailing and finely cast acanthus leaves. 8 arms adorned with class...
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant pair of French Neoclassical bronze table lamps, originally candlesticks, later converted to electricity, featuring refined classical ornament and a contrasting black central ...
Bronze
Vintage Neoclassical 3D Armillary Astrological Zodiac Bronze Patina Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Neoclassical Style 3D Armillary Astrological Zodiac Patinated Bronze Table Lamp on Wooden Base. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 31" H (to shade) x 26" H (to light socke...
Bronze
Torch Tole Pendant Chandelier Glass Shade Neoclassical Design, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming classic chandelier in an extravagant design: rust-brown finish in harmonious combination with warm alabaster shape glass, to e...
Metal
Large French Antique Bronze Candelabrum by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Large French Antique Bronze Candelabrum by Barbedienne French, 19th Century Height 295m, width 73cm, depth 73cm This magnificent candelabrum is an impressive example of 19th-century...
Marble, Bronze
French Empire-Style Mirrored Sconce, circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
French Empire style sconce with convex mirror, two arrows, and gold stars, circa 1940. Rewired for USA with two sockets, 25W bulbs included.
Metal
Neoclassical Style 20-Light Chandelier
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Neoclassical style gilt bronze and crystal 20-light chandelier, approximately 50-70 years old.
Crystal, Bronze
Hillebrand Halogen Bronze Floor lamp 1980s Germany
By Hillebrand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Floor lamp . Excellent quality by Hillebrand Germany 1980s Halogen .with good working dimmer . Ideal reading light Please don't hesitate to reach out for alternative s...
Bronze
$666Sale Price|30% Off
Neoclassical Dutch Delft Table Lamp, Hand-Painted Porcelain, 20th C.
By Royal Copenhagen, Royal Daulton, Delft
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Dutch Delft white and bright blue floral decorations over white rippled base. Signed on the inside. Beautiful vintage condition. A shade can be added - let us know.
Porcelain, Delft, Faience
Antique Crystal Chandelier / Flush Mount, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant mid-century ceiling fixture dating to the 1950s, featuring a circular chrome-plated metal frame adorned with faceted crystal elements. The upper band is decorated with geomet...
Crystal
$18,000 / item
1900s Caldwell Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1900’s Caldwell large white leaded glass light fixture with interior lights.
Glass
19th Century Antique Russian Crystal & Gilt Bronze 8-Arm Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (1st Quarter 19th Century) crystal & gilt bronze chandelier with 8 swirl design arms with lights emanating from a ring base below 2 smaller rings with swirl extensions
Crystal, Bronze
Neoclassical Bronze Lantern with Corinthian Columns, 1930
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A distinguished and substantial bronze lantern of impressive scale, finely cast and exhibiting exceptional architectural detail. The rectangular body is framed by four elegant Corint...
Bronze
A Pair of NEOCLASSIC TABLE LAMPS, in the style of ROMEO REGA, Italy 1970
By Romeo Rega
Located in PARIS, FR
An important and rigorous pair of table lamps, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Neo-Classical, Seventies, asymmetrical compositions of 2 rectangular blocks in beige veneered wood, offset...
Bronze
Bronze colored Table Top Torchiere Lamp with Shade
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a modern table lamp. It made as a torchiere, but is a table lamp. The base is a dense metal that's bronze in color. The shade is white frosted glass.
Metal
$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
Neoclassical Giltwood and Rock Crystal Girandole Lamps
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair of Neoclassical style Carved Giltwood Five-Light Girandoles. Rising to an impressive 32 inches in height, each piece is designed as an elegant handled giltwood urn set upon a...
Rock Crystal
Pair English Neoclassical Orange Ground Ashworth Ironstone Urns, as Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of English Neoclassical Orange Ground Ironstone Urns Mounted as Lamps Attributed to Ashworth Bros., Hanley, Staffordshire, England, Mid-19th Century...
Brass
3 Pairs of Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Large Wall Lights with Shades
Located in CA, CA
Superb set of Italian Neoclassical wall sconces in gilt wood. Sold per pair
Giltwood
French Neoclassical Style Brass and Clear Glass Round Hanging Lantern, ca. 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French brass and clear glass three-light round hanging lantern from circa the 1950s. This adorable three-light pendant lantern features an elegant round brass frame with a round, cle...
Brass
Late 19th Century Crystal and Gilt Bronze Large Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century gilt bronze and rock crystals large chandelier with 30 lights. picked up from Aspen.CO from Marshall field state
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 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
French Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite mid-century floor lamp is a stunning example of craftsmanship from France, produced in the 1940s. Crafted from black forged iron, the lamp features beautifully designe...
Wrought Iron
$4,800 / item
1930's Leaded Glass Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's leaded glass light fixture with 2 interior lights
Bronze
$1,070Sale Price|67% Off
Late 19th Historistic ceiling lamp with original glass shades
Located in Wien, Au
Late 19th Historistic ceiling lamp with original glass shades
Brass
Historistic table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
$2,950 / set
Pair of Jacques Adnet Style French Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Brass sconces in the Style of Jacques Adnet . US rewired and in working condition. 2 lights, 60 watts max bulb.
Brass
Classical Paavo Tynell Chandelier 1355, Brass, String, & Birch, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of Paavo Tynell’s classical 1930s lamps. The model is 1355, featuring dark stained birch details and three patinated cast brass arms, each diverging into two with...
Brass
Neoclassical Alabaster Amphora Shade Urn Lamp with Handles
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carved Alabaster Amphora Shaped Tall Table Lamp, Spain, 1930s-1940s This Art Deco period alabaster lamp has an elegant neoclassical design with Art Deco accents. Twin Handles at bot...
Alabaster
Monumental Pair of Rouge Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Torchères
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in London, GB
Monumental Pair of Rouge Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Torchères After Carrier-Belleuse, Albert-Ernest (French, 1824–1887) Height: 282cm, width: 70cm, depth: 75cm This ...
Rosso Antico Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$210Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Gilt Brass Figural Delphin Dolphin Converted Oil Lantern Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century gilt brass converted oil lamp or lantern, featuring a Neoclassical delphin / dolphin on a base of rocks, balancing the oil reservoir on its tail. Sun with face mark...
Brass
1910 Silver Plate Bronze and Hurricane Glass Sconces Two Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1910 Hurricane glass sconces with silver plate bronze body, two lights
Silver Plate
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Brass polished and stove enameled Original opal glass shades
Opal, Brass