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.
Table, Northern Europe, around 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique table from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 58 cm / width 122 cm / dep...
Walnut
Jansen Attributed to Round Occasional Table
Located in New York, NY
Elegant round steel occasional table with gold accents and variegated brown marble top. Attributed to Jansen.
Marble
Italian 1820s Neoclassical Walnut Side Table with Large Banding and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian walnut neoclassical period side table from circa 1820, with single drawer and tapered legs. Born in Italy during the second decade of the 19th century, this exquisite waln...
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Style Round Side Tables, Manner of Adam Weisweiler
By Adam Weisweiler
Located in London, GB
Pair of neoclassical style round side tables, manner of Adam Weisweiler French, 19th century Measures: Height 76 cm, diameter 37.5 cm These exquis...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Pair of Tables in Bronze with Black Marble Top from Hotel George V
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Neoclassical Midcentury Modern side tables in the manner of Baguès for Maison Jansen from the famed George V Hotel in Paris. This pair of square tables features a solid bronz...
Marble, Bronze
$599Sale Price|20% Off
Antique California Catalina Style Tile Top Table
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique California Tile Top Table From Northwest Company 1940s. Walnut Table Features Single Insert Tile Measures 21 in Tall By 16 in wide.
Walnut
French Sewing Table, Manner of Alphonse Giroux Paris, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
French Sewing Table, manner of Alphonse Giroux, Paris, 19th century. This pretty small sewing table has a beautiful birds eye maple veneer and its...
Birdseye Maple
Vintage Maitland Smith Inlay Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite side table by the renowned Maitland-Smith is a testament to the brand's commitment to classical beauty and artisanal excellence. The circular top features a breathtaki...
Mahogany, Burl
French Pair of Tables in Bronze with Black Marble Top from Hotel George V
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Neoclassical Midcentury Modern side tables in the manner of Baguès for Maison Jansen from the famed George V Hotel in Paris. These square tables feature cast bronze legs and ...
Marble, Bronze
French Figural Bronze and Marble Gueridon Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Marble Gueridon Table, masterfully combining bronze sculpture and fine marble. Table features a circular black marble top with natural veining an...
Marble
pair of Italian 19th century Fruitwood, Giltwood and Marble side tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most decorative pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. ebonized Fruitwood, Giltwood and Specimen Marble side tables. This wonderful pair of tables are raised b...
Marble
Antique Porcelain and Ormolu Gueridon Table
Located in London, GB
This delicately detailed circular gueridon table is crafted of ormolu, and features a very fine hand painted porcelain top. The porcelain top is decorated with flowers in circular pa...
Ormolu
Tuscan 18th century Walnut, Giltwood, and Carrara marble side table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most decorative Tuscan 18th century Neo-Classical st. Walnut, Giltwood, and Carrara marble side table. This wonderful circular side table is raised on a tripod shaped ...
Carrara Marble
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Tilt Top Side Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and exceptionally decorative pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and faux painted marble tilt top side tables. The tables are raised by superb Greek key sha...
Ormolu
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Petite Neoclassical White Lacquer Side Table by Jacques Adnet, France 1948.
Located in Brussels, BE
Small white lacquer neoclassical side table with a green marble top. By J.Adnet, France 1948.
Marble, Wrought Iron
19th Century Russian Malachite and Gilt Bronze Gueridon
Located in London, GB
This Russian gueridon (circular side table) is crafted from beautifully-contrasting green malachite and gold gilt bronze. Created in the 19th century, the table illustrates the fashi...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Russian Karelian Birch and Slate Top Gueridons
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of continental Karelian Birch, faux bronze and parcel-gilt gueridons Possibly Russian Each circular slate top above a plain frieze raised on tapering lion's-head monopodia joi...
Slate
$2,333 / set
Pair of Neoclassic side tables.
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of neoclassical side tables with a nicely patinated frame and smoked mirror tops. In very good vintage condition. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any additional infor...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Greek Key Motif Metal and Glass Drinks Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage drinks table combines timeless classical design with the glamorous sophistication of Hollywood Regency style. A sculptural silver-toned metal base showcases an elegant G...
Metal
Neo-Classical st. patinated wood, Giltwood and Verde Antico marble side table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and most decorative Italian 18th century Neo-Classical st. patinated wood, Giltwood and Verde Antico marble side table. This stunning circular table is raised on a mottle...
Marble
$1,028 / set
Pair of Antique Satinwood and Brass Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A superb pair of antique satin wood and brass side tables, made in England and dating from around the 1920’s. They are of outstanding quality, with gorgeous satin woods tops that co...
Brass
Pair of Wood, Marble and Bronze Side Tables, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood, marble and bronze side tables. France, late 19th century.
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Neo-Classical Carved and Painted Side Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century Swedish Neo-Classical carved and painted side table. This piece has a pretty grey and white patina and nice clean lines. Great for a variety of decors!
Wood
$2,100Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Style Wood and Brass Side Table or Night Stand By Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant neoclassical style side table or night stand is made of wood and brass. This is a French work in the Style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Brass
Neoclassical Tripod Gueridon Tables, Italy, Early 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian neoclassical gueridon tables, likely from the late 18th to early 19th century. Each table features a circular top supported by three finely sculpted satyr figures -mythologic...
Wood
Pair Neoclassical Style Brass Side Tables with Black Lacquered Tops Jansen Style
Located in Bradenton, FL
Elegant Pair of French Neoclassical Two-Tiered Side Tables crafted in the manner of the Parisian decorating house 'Maison Jansen'. Both tiers are fitted with black lacquered wood pa...
Brass
Wedgwood-Style Jasperware, Ormolu and Marble Mounted Two-Tiered Side Table
By Wedgwood
Located in London, GB
Wedgwood-style jasperware, ormolu and marble mounted two-tiered side table French, Late 19th Century Height 75cm, width 80cm, depth 47cm This superb two-tiered side table is adorned with beautifully crafted Wedgwood-style jasperware plaques and ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. The richly veined marble table top beautifully complements the colour palette of blues, whites and browns created by the plaques and wood. Vibrant ormolu mounts frame the specimen stone tabletop, plaques, sides and legs. Wedgwood is the renowned English manufacturer of fine china and porcelain...
Marble, Ormolu
Contemporary Antiqued Painted and Decorated Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Contemporary single drawer antiqued painted decorated side table or floor candle stand or plant stand. Measures 15" in width x 15" in depth x 26" in height . Great vintage condition.
Hardwood, Paint
Pair of Black Lacquered Wood Side Tables with Gilt Chinoiserie by Maison Hirsh
By Maison Hirsch
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of side tables or night stands signed Maison Hirsh embodies the decorative refinement of French haute décoration of the 1970s. Crafted in deep black lacquered wood ...
Wood
Two French White Onyx and Gilt Bronze Column-Shaped Stands
Located in London, GB
These wonderful pedestals are crafted from the finest white onyx featuring beautiful natural orange parallel bands with lustrous golden gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts. The pedestals ...
Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Mahogany, Marble, and Ormolu Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and very high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Mahogany, ormolu and Brèche d'Alep marble side table. The circular table is raised by a triangular base wit...
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Marble And Ormolu Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Neo-Classical st. marble and ormolu side table. The table is raised by a most decorative triangular marble bottom tier with concave sides and ormolu ball, feet centered by a richly chased foliate and acorn ormolu inverted finial. Each of the three elegantly scrolled supports display fluted patterns and handsome paw feet with large acanthus leaves. At the center are three detailed mask with feathered head dresses...
Marble, Ormolu
Column Pedestal Drinks Side Table or Plant Stand Neoclassical
Located in New York, NY
A substantial plaster column pedestal stand with a gilt copper overlay, black veining hue and Greek key design, in the Neoclassical style, circa late-20th century. Piece includes a small custom glass top to support a cocktail or other beverage, turning piece into a side or drink table. Custome glass top in removeable. Piece could also hold sculpture, plant, books, etc. Dimensions: 9.13" diameter x 16.5" height. For orange and pink Champagne flutes...
Glass, Plaster
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Bronze, Ormolu, and Marble Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely decorative Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu, and Alabastro Fiorito side table. The unique table is raised by a square patinate...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
A 19th century Neo-Classical st Mahogany, Ormolu Levanto Rouge marble side table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Levanto Rouge marble side table. This wonderful table is raised on three C scrolled legs with carvings of a bird...
Marble, Ormolu
1960s Refinished Kling Factories Two Tier Solid Mahogany Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s recently Refinished Kling Factories one drawer Two Tier Solid Mahogany Side Table in great condition. Measures 15" in width, 13" in d...
Brass
French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Marble side table, circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Portoro Marble side table, circa 1890. The table is raised by three slender and tapering legs supported on claw feet. Each leg is connected by a circular Ormolu ring stretcher with chains extending...
Marble, Ormolu
Side Table, probably Russian, circa 1810-20
Located in Greding, DE
Side table with circular top and trefoil base. The table stands on a baluster-shaped column decorated with brass moldings and bead motifs. Raised on brass casters and veneered in ma...
Brass
Pennsylvania House Red Pine Tiered Single Drawer Side Table Nightstand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pennsylvania House Red Pine Tiered Single Drawer Side Table or Nightstand in great vintage condition. Measures 20" in width, 26" in depth and stands 22" tall.
Pine
Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Fruitwood, and Giltwood Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. ebonized fruitwood, fruitwood, and giltwood side table. The circular table is raised by an elegant triangular fruitwood bottom tier ...
Fruitwood, Giltwood
Elegant side table in beech wood with lace inlay and glass top, France 1950s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A charming and highly original French side table from the 1950s, crafted in beech wood with a glass top and a delicate lace insert beneath. This mid-century piece captures the poetic...
Glass, Wood, Beech, Fabric
Vintage Neoclassical Bronze Finish Iron Round Accent Side Table Directoire Style
By Maitland Smith, Theodore Alexander, Mcquire
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A sophisticated vintage Neoclassical-style accent table featuring a warm bronze-finished iron base with elegant tapered legs joined by gracefully arched stretchers and a central fini...
Stone, Marble, Metal
Pair Round End Tables with Rouge Marble Tops on Carved Plume Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of end tables, by Grosfeld House, both with a painted finish showing natural wear; each table having a round top of rouge marble, bordered by a gadrooned frame...
Breccia Marble
Mid Century Carved Square Walnut Side Table Louis Philippe Style
Located in Miami, FL
Mid century carved square walnut side table Louis Philippe style. Extraordinary Castilian walnut wood side table, with elaborately carved le...
Glass, Walnut
Italian Neoclassical Style Iron and Tole Table with Arrows
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Neoclassical style iron and tole table with arrows. Stunning vintage Italian Neoclassical style iron and tole drum table with arrows, stars and a mar...
Marble, Iron, Tôle
Mid Century Satin Mahogany Bookmatched Top Tiered Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Satin Mahogany Bookmatched Top Tiered Side Table Measures 29.5" in width, 18" in depth and 27.5" in height. Lower tier clearance to apron is 18.25". Very good vintage c...
Mahogany
Flap Side Table or Luggage Rack Holder Neoclassical Style Furniture French, 1960
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, ivory white fabric covered flap side table or luggage rack holder. It is made in the neoclassical style; made in we believe in France in the 1960s....
Metal
Lane Furniture Fruitwood One-Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Lane furniture fruitwood one-drawer side table with tapered legs. Measures 24" in width, 16" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Brass
Mid-Century American Classical Maple Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A skillfully crafted Mid-Century American Classical Maple Single Drawer Side Table in great vintage condition. Measures 21" in width, 27" in depth and stands 25" tall.
Maple
Signed Horacio Acuña Spanish Faux Stacked Books Gilt Bronze Side Table
Located in Forney, TX
A superb, exceptional quality, finely hand-crafted faux distressed stacked book table. Elegant, sophisticated and luxurious, with beautifully ag...
Bronze
Late 20th Century Stickley Solid Cherry Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Stickley Solid Cherry Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 25" in width, 19.5" in depth, 25" in height.
Cherry
20 th c Brass Steel Fireplace Footman Trivet Stand by Classical Workshops NY
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Classical Workshops handmade unique fireplace footman kettle pot stand in steel and brass , decorated with brass rope handles and lion heads.
Metal
Pair of French Neoclassical Marble Top End Side Tables
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of French Neoclassical Marble Top Side End Tables Impressive pair of marble top side tables attributed to Maison Jansen. The consoles are constructed in carved wood, polychrome...
Marble
American Mission Oak Pedestal Oval Side Tables W Leatherette Nail Trim Apron
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of vintage American Amish mission oak pedestal oval side tables with nail trim over Leatherette apron. Beautifully handcrafted in the USA. ...
Brass
American Mission Oak Pedestal RoundCocktail Table w Leatherette Nail Trim Apron
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful vintage American Amish Mission Oak Pedestal round cocktail Table / coffee table with nail trim over Leatherette apron. Beautifully han...
Brass
1940s John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern 3 Tier End Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare find. John Widdicomb three tier walnut end Table with a bottom drawer. Made in the 1940s.
Brass
Antique Octagonal Parquetry Top Occasional Table with Turned Wood Base
Located in Southampton, NJ
Elegant antique octagonal occasional table featuring a beautifully crafted parquetry top and a striking architectural base. The tabletop is composed of carefully arranged wood veneer...
Oak
Pennsylvania House Vintage 3 Tier Solid Maple Octagonal Side Table, Circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage 3 tier solid maple octagonal side table. Excellent vintage condition. Circa 1970s Supported by 4 sets of spindle legs. Measures 19.5"W x 19.5"D...
Maple
Italian Contemporary Black Wooden Side Table with Neoclassical Profile Print
Located in Scandicci, Florence
One of two beautiful side table with a neoclasssical man silhouette black profile print with white background, framed by a delicate grey passpartout and a round black frame with gla...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Italian Neoclassical Walnut & Leather Side Table with Concealed Compartments
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical Style Walnut and Tooled Leather End Table with Concealed Storage Italy, Early 20th Century Elegant and finely constructed, this Italian Neoclassical-style end ...
Brass