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.
Oval-Shaped Tilting Brass Psyche Mirror In the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This magnificent cheval psyche mirror embodies all the refinement of 19th-century French furniture. Crafted according to the classical model of the tilting standing mirror — hence it...
Brass
Full-Size Tilting Cheval Mirror in Jatoba and Fabric with Brass Knobs
Located in Durham, NC
While honoring the traditional form of the cheval, or tilting, mirror this piece plays with the relationship between the frame and the mirror itself using curves that mimic one anoth...
Mirror
$11,728Sale Price|37% Off
Large French Louis XVI Giltwood Mirror, Neoclassical, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XVI style giltwood mirror, dating from the Napoleon III period, retaining the original mirror plate, the wide frame decorated with a string of pearls and a foliage of olive tree, surmounted by a Central leaf and a farandole of delicate roses. This mirror will bring the French chic touch you...
Giltwood
Neoclassical Style Brass Psyché Floor Mirror in the style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative removable neoclassical style psyche mirror is all made of brass with its beveled mirro. This is a French work. in the style of Maison Jansen Circa 1940
Brass
Monumental Italian Modern Neoclassical Style Bronze Mirror
By Romeo Rega, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental Italian Modern Neoclassical Style Bronze Mirror (86 Inches) Offered is an outstanding Italian modern Gio Ponti inspired bronze mirror with a 5.75 inch border and 18 divide...
Bronze
$2,024Sale Price|45% Off
19th Century French Neoclassical Giltwood Trumeau Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing French 19th century trumeau mirror in wood and gilded stucco, crafted in a neo- classical style. This simple but elegant mirror is enclosed within a fluted giltwood frame...
Giltwood
Neoclassical Style Brass Psyche Mirror In The Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style swinging psyche mirror. is all made of brass with a beveled mirror. This is a French work in the Style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Brass
High quality large vintage giltwood floor or wall mirror by Deknudt
By Deknudt
Located in Leesburg, VA
igh quality large vintage rectangular giltwood floor or wall mirror by Deknudt Deknudt Deerlijk, Belgium; 20th century Glass, giltwood Approximate size: 72.75 (h) x 40 (w) x 2 (d)...
Glass, Giltwood
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Style Brass Cheval Dressing Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Brass, Original Mirror, Metal Casters This striking Italian cheval mirror from the 1970s features a tall, elongated silhouette fram...
Metal, Brass
19th Century Large & Heavy Floor Mirror in Solid and Walnut Veneer Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 1800, large and heavy entrance floor mirror, in solid and walnut veneer, wax polished. Original mirror era. Measures cm: H 185, W 91, D 8.
Large 19th Century Arched Mirror With Original Paint and Foxed Glass
Located in London, GB
This is a large and stunning antique mirror. It was made in France in the 19th century and it retains the original paint on the frame, the original glass and the original paneled ba...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
19th Century, French Limed Wood Neoclassical Style Beveled Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
19th century, French limed wood Neoclassical style beveled mirror. Stunning 19th century French limed wood or cerused wood full length Neoclassical style beveled mirror. This versati...
Wood
Vintage Monumental French Gilt Plaster Floor Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a commanding architectural statement with this monumental French Neoclassical floor mirror. This grand-scale piece features an elegantly arched crest and a robust frame meticulo...
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Venetian Brass Standing Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian brass mirror from Venice boutique at San Marco square. Mirror is a full size length and adjustable like a chevalier mirror. The mirror itself ...
Brass
Antique French 19th Century Giltwood Pier Glass Full Length Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique French 19th Century Giltwood and Composition Pier Glass Full Length Mirror 145 x 83 cm Bevelled glass plate. In good condition with some wear to the giltwood and composite ...
Composition
Monumental and Striking Decorative Painted and Gilt Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With a wide outer surround painted black with large scale red and gilt relief decoration with acanthus leaves and rosettes. A gilt leafy band for the inner...
Wood
A Large Southern Italian Silvered Giltwood Mirror, early 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A grand scale with richly carved giltwood details highlighted by silvered accents. This stunning carved mirror will be the centerpiece of any room it adorns. Crowned with a detailed ...
Silver Leaf
$5,701 / item
Large Antique Floor Mirror
Located in Westwood, NJ
Standing tall at an impressive 84 inches, this mirror features a misty églomisé surface, accented with a fading grid pattern that plays a captivating game of hide and seek across it...
Glass, Wood
Cherry Wood Beveled Accent Mirror in American Classical Style, 2021
Located in Naperville, IL
THE CHERRY TRADITIONAL BEVELED ACCENT MIRROR New – not previously owned. Shows absolutely no signs of wear. Dimensions H 68.90 in. x W 44.49 in...
Cherry
Italian Neoclassic Wall Mirrors with Karelian Birch & Gilt Trim, 1930s
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neoclassic-style (1930s) karelian birch and gilt trim wall mirrors with elongated urn shape design. (PRICED AS Pair)
Gold Leaf
Mirror Swedish Beige Gray Empire Neoclassical Signed, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Mirror Swedish Empire Neoclassical signed, 19th century, Sweden. A mirror made during the Empire period, first half of 19th century. Signed with maker's name paper stamp on back, cir...
Wood
Very Large Mirror in Antique Decorative Architectural Frame
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Large mirror in antique decorative frame. The frame is decorated with architectural elements such as a tympanum and Ionic pilasters. Under the tympanum the text "AVE MARIA GRATIA PLE...
Mirror, Wood
Italian Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Style Rosewood and Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality Italian mid 19th century neo-classical st. rosewood and giltwood mirror. The mirror plate is set within a beautiful and most decorative mottled giltwood b...
Mirror, Rosewood, Giltwood
19th c. Swedish Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th c. Swedish Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror exudes elegance and sophistication with its intricate design and gold accents. Perfect for adding a touch of charm to any home déco...
Giltwood
Massive 19th Century Neoclassical Carved and Gilt Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive mirror with a carved cornice with leafy bands and rosettes underneath. The wide top frieze with a band of palmettes framed by scrolled brackets. The surround o...
Wood, Plaster
French Neoclassical White Painted and Parcel Gilt Pier Mirrors - A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Neoclassical White Painted and Parcel Gilt Pier Mirrors. A rare pair of early 19th century French grand-scale Neoclassical gilt and painted wood mirrors. Carved frames are pai...
Wood
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage floor extra large mirror with simple plain brown wooden frame
Located in Birmingham, AL
Vintage extra large, rectangular wall or floor mirror with a dark wooden frame. The mirror appears to be a vintage or second It is contemporary rectangular mirror. The frame feat...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Vintage Marge Carson Platinum Leafed Neoclassical Wall Mirror
By Marge Carson
Located in Hanover, MA
Marge Carson "Corinthian Mirror" Item No. C017. 64 inches high by 50 inches wide this is an extremely well constructed mirror (and quite heavy) prod...
Platinum
LATE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL GILT MIRROR
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant oval mirror in carved wood and gilded with pure gold leaf. The frame is adorned with phytomorphic scrolls, vine shoots, and a coat of arms, while the cornice is embellished w...
Mirror, Wood
Psiqué Dressing Mirror, Mahogany, Bronze, Marble, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Note the neoclassical influence of the decorative elements and the composition of the furniture, highlighting the figure inspired by the classical mythology of the upper part (it is ...
Marble, Bronze, Other
An Italian mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. Giltwood mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and high quality Italian mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. Giltwood mirror. This palatially scale mirror displays its original mirror plate while raised on an architec...
Mirror, Giltwood
A Stunning Italian 7+ Ft Tall Mirror w/Carved Neoclassic Floral Bouquet, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian large-sized elaborate floor mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from Italy features a elaborately carved Neoclassical carved-wood urn, located atop the mirro...
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Italian Carved and Painted Neoclassical Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 18th century Italian carved and painted neoclassical style mirror. Interesting carved images including an urn and some dragons. Beautiful bluish green and white patina. Very p...
Mirror, Wood
Pair of Neo-Classical st. Rosewood, Giltwood & ebonized Fruitwood mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive and unique pair of Continental 19th century Neo-Classical st. Rosewood, Giltwood and ebonized Fruitwood mirrors. This wonderful pair are raised by handsome ebonized...
Mirror, Fruitwood, Rosewood, Giltwood
Fruitwood and Ebonized Parcel Gilt Neoclassical Pier Mirror
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fruitwood & Ebonized Parcel Gilt Neoclassical Pier Mirror Circa 1800 Height 67 in. Width 33 in. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman Boston M...