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.
Charming Hanging Ship, Hot Air Balloon Easily Converted Into A Chandelier. Decor
Located in Buchanan, MI
Vintage hot air balloon model by Authentic Models, which has been joined with a wooden sail ship model. The item measures 29" tall, 12" wide, a...
Wood
Vintage Porcelain Table Lamp with Gilded Greek Key Accents
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Single porcelain table lamp, having a vase shape of white glass, gilt decoration of two Greek key meanders wrap the body of the lamp, raised on round brass base. Stock ID: D4014
Milk Glass
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate
Bronze
Pair Warren Kessler New York Asian Style White and Blue Floral Porcelain Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
Monumental Pair of Warren Kessler New York Asian Style Blue and White Porcelain Table Lamps. Original cast Brass finial. Measures 8" in width, 8" in depth and 37 " in height.
Brass
20th Century French Chandelier - Inspired By Coco Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 20th-century French chandelier, inspired by the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel, beautifully blends vintage charm with refined craftsmanship. Its gilded metal frame is...
Metal
Italian Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Urn Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stately Antique Italian Neoclassical Large Carved Solid Alabaster Marble Urn Form Table Lamps on Gold Gilt Wood Bases - a Pair. Item features a high-quality, heavy construction, appr...
Alabaster
$45,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Silver Plated 16 Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Caldwell 16 lights silver plated chandeliers from a very prominent state in NYC with a beautiful neoclassic design
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of Large Neoclassic Bronze Chandeliers, Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
Pair of English neoclassic style cast bronze eight-light chandeliers with Greek key motif, rectangular cast chains, original oversized canopy and rosettes on the bottom of the body. ...
Bronze
Neoclassical Style Cut Crystal Tear Drop Form Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Neoclassical Style Cut Crystal Tear Drop Form Table Lamp, brass three-branch lights with cut-crystal drop prisms above carved wood pedestal base. 30.25" H x 13.5" W x 12.25" D. Pro...
Crystal, Brass
Pair French Black Tole Spartan Helmet Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair French black tole Spartan helmet table lamps. Pair of black painted tole table lamps in the form of Spartan / Roman helmets with curved opaque glas...
Tôle
$3,331Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Tripode Floor Lamp with Claw Feet after Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style tripode floor lamp is made of brass with claw feet. This is a French work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
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
$1,250
Sun Shaped Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine & Elegant Gilt Iron Sun Shaped Pendant. 2 lights. Italy, circa 1960. Dimensions: Height 6" Diameter 23" CW5557
Iron
19th c. American Cut Crystal and Gilt Bronze 6 Light Gasolier/Chandelier
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This incredible American Gasolier is cut crystal with four graduated tiers of prisms encircling the central post and 6 lights with original frosted glass shades. Each shade is also w...
Ormolu
$280Sale Price / set|30% Off
2 Neoclassical Grecian Cameo Face Ceramic Torchiere Table Lamps 28"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage off-white porcelain mantel urn table lamps with brass bases, stenciled with neoclassical motifs including the heads of a Roman / Greek soldier and noblewoman. Topped ...
Brass
$2,698 / item
Dante Cone Rattan Pendant XL, by DUNLIN
By DUNLIN
Located in Sydney, AU
Designer's Notes Introducing the latest addition to our rattan pendant light collection: The Dante. This exquisite XL pendant light embodies both structure and elegance. A striking ...
Rattan
1940s French Neoclassical style brass floor lamp, Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very elegant neoclassical style floor lamp is made of brass with a fluted center part on a tripode base. This is a French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Carved Silver Giltwood & Marble Draped Urn Lamps, Pair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Highly detailed pair of French neoclassical style silver leaf giltwood urn lamps featuring hand carved draped foliate garland motifs. These Louis XVI style lamps are mounted on marbl...
Marble, Silver Leaf
Art Deco Alabaster Urn Uplighter Table Lamp, White Color France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculptural alabaster Art Deco period urn table lamp with neoclassical design, France, 1960s. This elegant carved alabaster neoclassical 'uplighter' urn lamp will be a nice addition p...
Alabaster
Early 20th-Century Carved Alabaster & Ormolu Urn-Form Table Lamp, Italy
Located in Skien, NO
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Alabaster Table Lamp A refined neoclassical table lamp from the early 20th century, expertly hand-carved from creamy-white alabaster with brass ornam...
Alabaster, Brass
$3,800 / set
1920s Neoclassical Silver Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s neoclassic style silver plated sconces with two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass 3 Arms Lustre Antique Neorenaissance
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite neo-renaissance brass chandelier - a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and its ...
Crystal, Brass
Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Small Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. Great Condition. All original. France, circa 1920. Dimensions: Height 17 1/2" Diameter 12" CW5518
Crystal, Bronze
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Brass And Glass Lantern. Offered is a outstanding mid century Italian Neoclassical style octagonal brass and beveled glass lantern. This lantern comes with 3 feet of he...
Brass
Pair of Palm Tree Chrome & Brass Table Lamps in the Style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of neoclassical style table lamps is made of chrome and brass. This is a French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970
Brass, Chrome
True Pair Of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Celadon And Ormolu Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Celadon Porcelain and Ormolu lamps. Each Celadon colored Porcelain lamp is raised on topie shaped feet below the squ...
Ormolu
French Brass Eight Light Chandelier With Fleur de Lis, Circa 1920 Large Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
French brass eight light chandelier decorated with fleur de lis, early 20th century. Beautifully crafted with a delicate bell shaped silhouette. Stylized floral motifs on top and sp...
Brass
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming Neo Romantic Bronze Chandelier with 2 Patinas
Bronze
Pair of French Neoclassical Crown Sunburst Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of neoclassical style gilt iron leafed crown light fixtures or pendants. France, 1940s. Stunning pair of sunburst ceiling light fixtures in crowned shape. Handcrafted in iron an...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
$1,186Sale Price / set|30% Off
Chapman Italian Table Lamps Neoclassical 1970s Pair
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Brass, Metal
Mid 20th Centuy Onyx Marble Urn Form Table Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
A vintage onyx marble table lamp, featuring a warm amber glow when illuminated. Material: Carved from natural onyx marble, showing unique brown and ivory veining. Design: A neoclas...
Onyx
Pair of Neoclassical Patinated Bronze and Red Marble Urns Mounted as Lamps
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each urn cast with frieze of classical figures, raised on a bronze-mounted rouge griotte square marble base. The lampshades are silk and custom made by Blanche Field...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$1,274Sale Price|20% Off
French Brass Chandelier with Crystal Drops Ceiling Pendant circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
Brass ceiling pendant Lustre with crystal drops and half a sphere of engraved glass French, circa 1900 Good antique condition. This lustre is suitable to USA or EU and UK standards....
Crystal, Brass
Large English Brass Oil Lamp Converted to Electrical Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Antique English brass oil lamp, converted to electrical table lamp. Fluted column on four feet brass base. Recently rewired with one brass Edison E-27 light socket for a large sized ...
Brass
Chandelier, crystal and silverplate, Swedish Neoclassicism
By CG Hallberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful rare chandelier with crystal details and silverplated metal base. Swedish neoclassicism, 1920s. In the manner of court jeweller CG Hallberg. A true timeless gem. Re-wire...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$4,800 / set
1930's Neoclassic Column Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's neoclassic column shape bronze table lamps. In very good condition.
Bronze
Wonderful Pair Square Neoclassical Regency Louis XVI Bronze Lantern Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Petite Neoclassical / Regency Louis XVI Style Bronze With Beautiful Open Work And Flower Detail Square Shaped Lantern Fixtures Each Having A 3 Candelabra Light Ce...
Bronze
Neoclassical Style Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat and Barbedienne
By Baccarat
Located in Montreal, QC
Exceptional Neoclassical style crystal and gilt bronze chandelier by Baccarat. Signed "Baccarat" in raised lettering on the bobeches and F. Barbedienne on the bronze work. Provenance...
Crystal
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
Original Table Lamp, Lead Glass Shade, Base with Acorn Pulls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early American lead glass lamp with double sockets. Has the acorn pull chains. Not original cap and finial. One small piece of foil missing on top about an...
Glass
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Scrolled Arms Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's silver-plated Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms. selling as a pair
Bronze, Silver Plate
Neoclassical Style Brass and Glass Pendant Light with Hand-Painted Landscape
Located in Barntrup, DE
Neoclassical style brass and glass pendant light with hand-painted landscape from circa the 1920s. This stunning Neoclassical-style pendant light fixture features a yellow and pale s...
Brass
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
Wonderful French Bronze Crystal Neoclassical Empire Ormolu Lantern Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French bronze and diamond cut crystal neoclassical or Empire ormolu-mounted Lantern chandelier with three candelabra lights. In the manner of Baccarat. Measures: 21" H x...
Crystal, Bronze
$171Sale Price|20% Off
Small Italian Lamp in White Marble, circa 1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Small desk/bedside lamp in white/beige marble with chiseled bronze edge. Cream and gold lampshade. Neoclassical style, Italy, circa 1920. In very good condition, electricity redone...
Marble, Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Silver Plated Bronze and Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell etched mirrored sconces with silver plated arms for two lights
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Light Fixture with Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style light fixtures with beautiful Opaline glass inset.
Bronze
Vintage Italian Neoclassical White Carved Marble Empire Column Table Lamp Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Neoclassical White Carved Marble Empire Corinthian Column Tall Table Lamps on Brass Bases - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 41" H (to finial) x 28" H (t...
Marble, Brass
1940 French Gilt Bronze Scalloped Chandelier 12 Lights
Located in New York, NY
circa 1940’s French gilt bronze scalloped shape chandelier with 12 lights
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Chandelier with Rock Crystal Pendalogues
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and unusual gilt bronze chandelier with rock crystal pendalogues. Two hexagons featuring oval crystal reserves issuing six arms each in a row on two levels. Stylized crow...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
$2,189Sale Price|20% Off
Sunburst Crown Light Fixture in Gilt Wrought Iron and Glass, Spain, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Crown Light Fixture, Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf, Pressed Glass Eye-catching neoclassical style sunburst ceiling light fixture from the Mid-Cent...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Blue Porcelain Urn Form Brass Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Neoclassical Style Blue Porcelain Urn Form Brass Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 24.5" H (to light socket) x 6.5" W x 6.5" D. {3-...
Porcelain
$2,426Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Nickel & White Opaline Ostrich Egg Table Lamp in style of Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Gilt nickel and white opaline ostrich egg table lamp. French work in the style of Maison Charles. Circa 1970 We can have the table lamp rewired by our electrician for a French use bu...
Metal
Large French Louis XVI Style 6 arm Gilt Bronze & Carved Alabaster chandelier
Located in New York City, NY
Impressive antique French Louis XVI-style chandelier, finely crafted in gilt bronze and hand-carved alabaster. This remarkable fixture features a beautifully sculpted circular alaba...
Alabaster, Bronze
Italian Brass and Bronze Cherub Sconce Electrified Wall Light, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Italian electrified wall sconce, originally candlestick made of brass and bronze in the 1950s. The wall panel is accented with neoclassical motifs on a textured surface. Th...
Brass, Bronze
Large French Bronze 2 Lights Sconce, circa 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Large French bronze 2 lights sconce, circa 1950s 40 watts max bulb, Nice warm bronze patina.
Brass, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces with wave design and two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$35,000 / item
1900's Large Neoclassic Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's probably Caldwell 30 lights Neoclassic silver plated bronze chandelier with beautiful details, original finish and patina
Bronze
Pair of Finnish Neoclassical Table Lamps, Cast Brass & Green Onyx, Valinte 1970s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pair of Finnish Neoclassical-Style Table Lamps by Valinte, Model 24142, 1970s A refined pair of neoclassical-style table lamps manufactured by Valinte in Finland during the 1970s, m...
Onyx, Brass
$3,177Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical style silvered metal chandelier. French work by Maison Charles
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style chandelier is made of silvered metal. This is a French work by Maison Charles. Circa 1940
Metal