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 Vintage Ralph Lauren Club Chairs in Brown Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely pair of vintage Ralph Lauren club chairs. Wonderful scale and form. Rich brown leather with lovely patina. Extremely comfortable. S...
Leather
1990s Rare Ralph Lauren Prototype Writer's Chair in Patinated Leather
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this exceptional Ralph Lauren Writer's Chair prototype, circa early 1990s. This rare piece comes from the estate of the former Vice President of Operatio...
Metal
1990s Henredon Ralph Lauren Herringbone Library Chairs, Set of 2
By Henredon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This fabulous pair of Henredon Ralph Lauren upholstered arm chairs features a durable herringbone upholstery, creating a vintage look. The ultra ...
Brass
1970s Neoclassical Swedish Club Chairs Upholstered With Green Velvet Fabric
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A Swedish lounge club chair from the 1970s, upholstered in luxurious green velour fabric. This armchair feature a clean and inviting design with slightly flared armrests, plush seat ...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
Bridgewater Style Club Chair with Linen Button Closure Slipcover with Drop Skirt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Coteau club chair is a comfortable and relaxed look - the slipcover has special button closure which also gives a distinct view from back of club chair - hair filled scroll back and saddle arms with a feather and down loose seat cushion. Shown with tan linen slipcover...
Linen
Extraordinary Pair Of Ram’s Head Club Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An exceptional pair of club chairs with intricately carved frames with bold Rams Head arms. The generous seats and backs are custom upholstered in a fine and deep Celadon hue faux su...
Fabric, Wood
Pair French Modern Carved Feather Scroll Arm Lounge Chairs, Style Maison Jansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Modern Carved Feather Scroll Arm Lounge Chairs, Style of Maison Jansen Executed in the style of Maison Jansen, this exceptional pair of French Modern lounge chairs ma...
Upholstery, Wood
Scroll Back and Scroll Arm Club Chair with Loose Seat Cushion and Pleated Skirt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Nolis club chair is our version of one of the most popular styles of club chair known, a classic style club chair that is extremely comfortable and can be a welcome addition in a...
Linen
1990s Henderson Stripes Down Neoclassical Style Club Chairs, Set of 2
By Henredon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with the exquisite chairs. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding design is exhibited ...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Pair Vintage Custom Upholstered Club Chairs One Swivel Chair and One Fixed
Located in Westfield, MA
This pair of vintage custom upholstered club chairs offers both comfort and versatility, with one chair designed as a stationary piece and the other incorporating a smooth swivel bas...
Fabric
$3,200 / item
Skirted Upholstered Club Chair, Customizable
By John Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Madison chair features a t-cushion and loose pillow back for additional comfort. The chair is framed in maple and birch. Price does not include fabric. Fabric shown is for imag...
Upholstery, Maple
1980s Rattan and Rush Chair, Table, and Lamp Set, 3 Piece Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage custom rattan and rush chair, Rattan side table and rush lamp. Lamp does not come with shade. Chair is ready for your choice of Seat cushion to match...
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
$3,000 / item
Classic Tufted Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Havana Brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base. Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31...
Leather
Pair of Ebonized Gold Decorated Carving Frames Neoclassical Armchairs
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of neoclassical decorator chairs silk like fabric upholstery.
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vintage Custom Upholstered Club Chair and Ottoman
Located in Westfield, MA
This inviting vintage club chair and matching ottoman bring comfort and style together in a timeless design. Custom upholstered in a richly patterned fabric featuring warm tones of b...
Fabric
$3,000 / item
Classic Tufted Blue Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Chateau Blue leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base. Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31...
Leather
$3,282 / item
Traditional Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A traditional brown leather armchair with nailhead trim accents. This classic chair is crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather in a...
Leather
Elegant Empire Style Burl Wood Tub Chair by Wm. Switzser, Vancouver
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Burl wood frame with high back in a closed arm tub shape in sections and sloping arms, the frame in colorful and swirling grain Burl. Raised on square tap...
Burl, Fabric
Early 19th Century Regency Faux Rosewood Roman Spoon Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An fine faux bois rosewood spoon or Roman chair, inset with lacquered and brass center splat ormolu detail with anthemion and griffin pair, a suite of furniture at Chatsworth House...
Mahogany, Lacquer
$3,000 / item
Classic Tufted Black Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Onyx black leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base. Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31" ...
Leather
Pair of Period Russian or Austrian Neoclassical Walnut Chairs with Lion Motif
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Russian 19th century neoclassical armchairs in Klismos form with lion head arm termination. -- Graceful, sturdy and modern large size -- Russian or Austrian Biedermeier ...
Walnut
Vintage Ralph Lauren “Grant” Suede Club Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage “Grant” club chair by Ralph Lauren embodies the brand’s signature blend of timeless elegance and enduring craftsmanship. Upholstered in sumptuous taupe suede, the chair ...
Brass
$4,900 / item
Wood Framed Chair with Loose Back and Seat Cushions
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Viva club chair is a beautifully styled and comfortable armchair shown with linen cushions and arm pads - all hand sewn cushions with feather and down inserts with carved wood fr...
Linen, Oak
Club Chair with Loose Back Cushion and Hand Rolled Seat and Wood Turned Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Gladys club chair is a deco Classic beauty with loose back cushion made of feather and down and square back and arms with clean seams - it has a solid seat with hand-stitched rolled mattress edges...
Brass
Upholstered Club Chair Shown in Tweed Fabric with Nailhead Trim and Carved
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Colin club chair is an elegant addition to your Den or Library. All handcrafted in our shop in Brooklyn, it is upholstered with hand tied springs and ...
Linen, Mahogany
Vintage Upholstered Rocking Club Chair and Ottoman by Jessica Charles
Located in Westfield, MA
This vintage upholstered rocking club chair and matching ottoman by Jessica Charles combine comfort, style, and quality craftsmanship. Designed with rolled arms, a tailored skirt, an...
Fabric
$4,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bisquit Tufted Square Arm Club Chair with Wood Frame and Button Detailing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Milton club chair by LF Upholstery is a sleek modern take on the everyday square armchair, loose back and seat cushions with soft foam, feather and...
Linen, Mahogany
19th Century Italy Cockpit Chair in Turned Walnut, Restore and Finish Shellac
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century, Italy cockpit chair in turned walnut, restore and finish shellac new upholstery Measures cm: H 70\45 W 67 D 67.
Upholstery, Walnut
Elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Klismos Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Klismos chair is renowned for its historical importance, sleek lines and eye-catching design looks just as elegant today. The curved and tapered legs of the Klismos chair are what make its design so unique. In this modern interpretation of the ancient Greek klismos...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,795 / set
H 36 in W 28 in D 28 in
Pearson Ralph Lauren English Style Green Leather Library Chairs, Set of 2
By Pearson Co.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite library chair set in a green tufted leather with nailhead trimmings. The ultra rare chairs on front c...
Brass
$3,990 / item
H 34 in W 31 in D 40 in
Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This White Linen Slip-Covered Lounge Chair fits as the perfect accent to any room. It's the perfect chair to have adjacent to a sofa, and can make every pillow look delightful in the...
Cotton, Linen, Wood, Down
Vintage Ralph Lauren Organic Modern Woven Seagrass Club Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage organic modern club chair by Ralph Lauren showcases the brand’s signature ability to elevate natural materials through refined design. Fully wrapped in tightly woven sea...
Wood, Seagrass
Ralph Lauren Style Cigar Leather Wingback Writers Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Perfectly aged and weathered cigar leather wing back reclining writers chair made in the manner, style, and size of Ralph Lauren by Restoration Hardware. The iconic chair features a ...
Brass
$2,395
H 34 in W 28 in D 30 in
1980s Ralph Lauren Style Leather Mohair Gilt Greek Key Wood Library Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chair you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chair is a statement piece which is als...
Brass
1970s Solid Wood Club Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great heavy solid wood club chair from the USA, 1970's. Cube wood frame has been newly refinished and cushions newly upholstered in a creamy pood...
Fabric, Oak
$5,605Sale Price|26% Off
H 37 in W 41 in D 41 in
Henredon for Ralph Lauren Thick Leather Wingback Writer's Club Chair, Signed
By Ralph Lauren, Henredon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Writers' wingback club chair by Henredon for Ralph Lauren has such incredible leather, very thick and quality natural hides were used in it's making. The original Writ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of 20th Century English Brown Leather Club Chairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of English club chairs upholstered in vintage brown leather. Each chair features a tufted button back, rolled arms, and self-piped upholstery. The seating is comfortable, with z...
Leather, Hardwood
$1,990 / item
H 39 in W 33.5 in D 36 in
Alma Linen Slip Covered Club Chair with White Oak Legs and Caster Wheels
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair - a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Made with heavy-weight linen and slipcovered in a soothing oatmeal hue, this chair exudes a natura...
Brass
$5,760 / set
H 36 in W 38 in D 42 in
Pair of 1990s Henredon Churchill Tufted Distressed Brown Leather Club Chairs
By Henredon
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional pair of vintage Churchill club chairs by Henredon from the 1990s, upholstered in rich distressed brown leather with classic deep button tufting and beautifully rolled arm...
Leather, Wood
$4,895 / set
H 38 in W 32 in D 36 in
1980s Ralph Lauren English Style Beige Gold Library Castors Chairs, Set of 2
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chairs are a statement piece which is ...
Upholstery, Wood
Skirted Upholstered Club Chair, Customizable
By John Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Madison chair features a t-cushion and loose pillow back for additional comfort. The chair is framed in maple and birch. Price does not include fabric. Fabric shown is for imag...
Upholstery, Maple
Sold
H 30.5 in W 25.75 in D 24 in
Pair of Vintage Green Leather Barrel Chairs with Turned Wood Legs Nailhead Trim
Located in High Point, NC
A sophisticated pair of vintage barrel-back armchairs upholstered in beautifully aged green leather. The curved silhouettes are complemented by turned mahogany legs and classic brass...
Leather, Wood
1970s, Club Lounge Chair, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A Swedish club lounge chair from the 1970s, upholstered in luxurious green velour fabric. This armchair feature a clean and inviting design with slightly flared armrests, plush seat ...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
1970s , A pair of Club Lounge Chairs, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A pair of Swedish lounge chairs from the 1970s, upholstered in luxurious green velour fabric. These armchairs feature a clean and inviting design with slightly flared armrests, plush...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
Luxurious Super Comfy Large Pair of Leather Club Chairs with Ottoman
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Roomy inviting and super comfy pair of leather club chairs with matching ottoman. Mahogany feet terminate in brass casters. Ottoman 24W x 27L x 17H
Leather
Vintage Ralph Lauren Leather Armchair w/ Ottoman
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Ralph Lauren leather armchair and ottoman, crafted with classic club chair styling and rich, patinated leather. The chair features rolled arms, a curved backrest, and nailhea...
Leather
Sold
H 34.5 in W 36.75 in D 35.5 in
1980s Early Rare Ralph Lauren Arrowhead Hand-Painted Fringe Leather Club Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
Ralph Lauren Home, circa the 1980s, during the brand’s formative years in furniture design. Produced under Ralph Lauren’s original upholstery licensee, Frederic Edward, this chair r...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32.75 in D 31.25 in
Ralph Lauren Style Red Leather & Brass Club Chairs Lee Industries- Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These club chairs have timeless appeal! This is a pair of red leather club chairs with brass trim by Lee Industries. The chairs are in very good condition. The feet are mahogany. Fro...
Brass
Restoration hardware black leather club chair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a Restoration Hardware black leather club chair. This plush black leather chair has a masculine deco Clubhouse style. The chair has a...
Leather
Sold
H 37 in W 40 in D 41 in
American Classical Style Distressed Leather Red - Brown Oversized Club Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A distressed leather classical American club chair exemplifying luxury and comfort in upholstered seating. The chair is enveloped in a rich, supple leather, which has developed a bea...
Leather
Pair of Baker Furniture Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic, vintage pair of neoclassical-style armchairs by the Baker Furniture Company. These super-stylish chairs consist of lacquered and gilded wood frames with open arms. Fron...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Vintage weathered dark brown leather classical style club chair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage dark brown leather classical style club chair. This chair stands on a walnut Chippendale style frame and has dark brown weathered comfortable leather. The chair fea...
Leather
Sold
H 33 in W 24 in D 25 in
1970s Baker Furniture Leather, Brass & Fruitwood Barrel Back Club Chairs Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Timeless appeal! This is a pair of vintage leather barrel back tub chairs with brass nail heads and capped feet. The frames are carved fruitwood, and they are marked. They are both i...
Leather, Fruitwood