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Neoclassical Seating

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Neoclassical
Greenapple Chair, Set of 4 Ellipse Chairs, Beige, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Lisboa, PT
Ellipse Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Ellipse chair is a classic and comfortable piece for any occasion. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Theodore Alexander Neoclassical Regency Style Carved Open Back Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Theodore Alexander Neoclassical Regency Style Carved Open Back Arm Chair. Item features tooled leather seat, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Neoclassical Style 1850s Gray Painted and Carved Armchairs with Guilloches, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Neoclassical style wooden armchairs from circa 1850 with carved guilloche friezes, Classic light gray painted finish and carved finials. These exquisite Swedish Neo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Hendrix Allardyce Neoclassical Venetian Style Painted Library Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary hand-carved library armchair designed by Hendrix Allardyce Hollywood, CA. Crafted in the Venetian taste with neoclassical motifs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 6 Carved Wood French Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic set of six French neoclassical dining room chairs from the late 19th century, with carved splat, back and arms, and fl...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs, Germany around 1810
Located in Leimen, DE
Step into the elegance of the past with this remarkable set of 6 original Neoclassical Chairs, dating back to the early 19th century in southern Germany. Crafted from exquisite cherr...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cherry

Wonderful Set of Five French Gold Gilt Carved Harp Lyre Back Regency Side Chairs
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful set of FIVE (5) French gold gilt carved harp lyre back regency neoclassical dining or living room ladies side chairs Sold per chair Measu...
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Giltwood

Italian Neoclassical Style Polychrome Decorated Day Bed C. 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian Neoclassical Style Polychrome Decorated Day Bed C. 1940 This absolutely stunning day bed features polychrome swags across the frame, figural cartouches to back panels and a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Paint

Early 20th Century Antique Lawyers or Lobby Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An especially handsome early 20th c. Lawyers bench of striking Tiger Oak with unusual arrow back & arms, heavy bronze as well as mortis & tenon joinery u...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Bronze

Forest Green Charles Dudouyt Captain Chair, France 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Solid oak armchair with stacking detail in original patina and upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Oak

Set of 6 Neo-Classic Birdseye Maple Chairs, Brussels, Circa: 1825
Located in Alexandria, VA
These beautiful dining chairs were at one time in the Paris estate of Eleanor Post Hutton (Close), the daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame. They have long been...
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birdseye Maple

Two Painted Classic English Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
hand-carved from beech, painted in our Elsa finish and has a square crested back with tapered pilaster carved slats with an upholstered seat and raised on square tapering legs. Shown...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Swedish Neoclassical Style 1860s Painted Bench with Carved Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassical style painted wood bench from circa 1860 with carved fluted legs and distressed finish. Embracing the exquisite subtlety of Swedish Neoclassical design, this painted wood bench from circa 1860 is an impeccable expression of elegance and comfort. Drenched in a soft color, quintessential to Scandinavian taste, the bench exhibits a graceful distressed finish that speaks to its rich history. The bench's seat design effortlessly captures the attention with its flat back and rounded corners in the front, providing both visual interest and ergonomic consideration. Adorned in a used fabric that has withstood the test of time and is in rather good shape, the bench's seat conveys a gentle sense of welcome. Perhaps the most striking feature of this piece lies in its carved fluted legs, a masterful blend of form and function. These legs not only provide support but also impart a gentle sophistication, resonating with the artistic currents of the period. Whether as a stand-alone accent in a foyer or a complementary piece in a living room, this Swedish Neoclassical style painted wood bench radiates understated charm. Its artful design and practical functionality make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate fine vintage furniture...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Italian, Toscana, Shaped & Carved Walnut Open Armchair, Rush Seat, late 18th cen
Located in Atlanta, GA
having a barrel shaped backrest, the splat with open carving and the top with a detailed carved rosette, the arms splaying slightly outward and raised on curved supports, having a ru...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four 19th Century Upholstered Walnut X-frame Stools
Located in London, GB
Set of four 19th century upholstered walnut X-frame stools Italian, c. 1840 Height 53cm, width 49cm, depth 40cm Wonderfully made in Italy in around 1840, this set of four X-frame ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood, Walnut

Pair of New York mahogany Klismos slip seat side chairs, 1825
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Pair of New York Klismos slip seat side chairs in mahogany and figured mahogany veneers. The chairs have a curved and figured veneer applied crest rail with scrolled edge over a curv...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Midcentury Neoclassical Italian Loveseat with Exquisite Inlay
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A lovely and well-proportioned inlaid sofa or loveseat with straight back and sides, graceful lined tapered legs in mahogany embellished with inlays of berries, delicate flowers and...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Signed Lloyd Loom White Wicker Chairs W/ Antique Ticking Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing original white painted Lloyd Loom signed wicker chairs are in amazing as found condition.The seat cushions are custom made from antique 19thc cotton ticking.The inserts...
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wicker

Set of Six Italian Hand Wrought Silver Steel Dining Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of six wonderful Italian hand wrought brushed steel armchairs. Each chair has a matte silver patina with elegant curved backs and arms. Wrought steel continues into a uniquely w...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron, Steel

French Neoclassic Dining Chair with Hand-Painted Woven Wicker Back
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The French neoclassic dining chair exudes elegance with its hand-painted floral woven wicker back, marrying sophistication and nature-inspired charm. Its sculpted legs add grace and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Seating group, France c. 1790
Located in Greding, DE
Three-piece seating group consisting of two armchairs (95 x 66 x 64 x 45 cm) and one large armchair (97 x 98 x 70 x 45 cm) made of mahogany. The group is covered with a green fabric....
Category

18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

1960-1970’s Neoclassic Rocking Chair by Lee Woodard Metal Frame & Striped Velvet
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Neoclassic rocking chair by Lee Woodard comprised of a metal frame with an antiqued bronze finish and purposed hammered ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Rose Tarlow Feather Chairs with Fortuny Seats
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of four dining chairs designed by Rose Tarlow having Fortuny fabric seats. Known as feather chairs the bespoke set has a custom lacquered finish. The frames were inte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Connecticut Valley rush seat painted Hitchcock side chair, 1830
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American Hitchcock rush seat side chair with a tie-on seat cushion. The chair features the original gilt and bronze powder stencil decoration on the double cornucopia back splat as w...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Neoclassical Style Walnut Stool with Brass Inlay & Oval Upholstered Seat
Located in Atlanta, GA
Neoclassical Style Walnut Stool with Brass Inlay & Oval Upholstered Seat, Early 20th Century
Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Antique Painted and Upholstered French Gout Stool
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique painted and upholstered French foot stool known in the time as a gout stool. Hand carved scrollwork with gilding.     
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood

Pair of Dennis and Leen Neoclassical Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of neoclassical style painted and parcel gilt armchairs crafted by Dennis and Leen, Los Angeles, CA. The chairs feature a square back with patinated brass finials on th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

1905 Liberty & Co Mahogany Spindle Chairs - Set of 2
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Ca 1905. Liberty & Co Made in Britain. Gorgeous arts and crafts mahogany chairs. Barrels shaped out of mahogany spindles with feet. Striking statement and conversation pieces
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Settee in Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Settee in Mahogany with Lyre Shaped Backsplats & Paw Feet
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Mahogany

S. Bent Bros Monogrammed Hitchcock Style Stinciled Rocking Chair
By S. Bent and Bros.
Located in Germantown, MD
A Samuel Bent and Bros. Furniture monogrammed Hitchcock style rocker in excellent condition. Very well kept. Measure 25" In width, 29" in depth, 37" in...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Pair of Neoclassical Style Steel Curule Garden Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Italian polished steel patio and garden dining armchairs featuring neoclassical style curule legs. Hand-crafted from thick steel with an open design and dramatic pro...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Steel

André Arbus Style Pair of Walnut Armchairs, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of carved walnut chairs with sweeping lines and delicate arm details, presented in their original condition. Refinishing & COM upholstery available upon request.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Set of Four Gilt Iron Klismos Chairs by Ched Berenguer-Topacio
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and dramatic set of four iron neoclassical style klismos dining chairs designed by Ched Berenguer-Topacio. The gracefully curved wrought iron frames feature a large tablet back ...
Category

20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Canape ~ Sofa ~ Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XIV Walnut Canape ~ Sofa ~ Settee features a tailored neoclassically-inspired architecture evident in the squared seatback and slightly trapezoidal seat shape, w...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Neoclassical Style 1900s French Carved Walnut Bench with Natural Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical style walnut bench from circa 1900 with carved décor, fluted carved legs on arrow feet and cross stretcher. Imbued with the timeless elegance of the Neoclassica...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Linen

Matched Pair of Neoclassical Style Walnut Armchairs, 20th Century France
Located in Atlanta, GA
Matched Pair of Neoclassical Style Walnut Armchairs, 20th Century France
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Italian Neoclassical Carved Settee Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Carved Settee Bench Exquisite vintage Italian neoclassical painted settee. Stunning details include a carved musical motif of a lyre and trumpet on the front back and outside back, carved legs and finials. Large and deep enough to be a daybed for a smaller person. Newly Custom Upholstered Down-filled Cushion in a Gorgeous Bow-tie Patterned Velvet Chenille with Matching Bolsters. Truly Beautiful & Unique Italian Antique Neoclassical...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Chenille, Velvet, Wood

Vintage Neoclassical Style Curule Savonarola Wrought Iron Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Neoclassical Style Curule Savonarola Wrought Iron Bench. Item features shapely curule/savonarola form base, wrought iron construction, distressed finish, very nice vintage it...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Iron

Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Baltic, End of 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of three neoclassical dining chairs made of mahogany with brass decoration and diamond shaped backrest. The chairs stand on square legs with H-shaped bracing. The seats are uphol...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of six Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Germany 1810-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs Beautifully designed set of six Neoclassical chairs dating back to around 1810-30. The chairs come from Southwest Germany. The back has a very pretty o...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Elm

Unusual Early 20th Century Photographer's Posing Chair with Ornate Carving
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a very unique photographer's posing chair from the early 20th Century. Chair features original upholstery, tooled leather, ornately carved wood fr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Classic by Giuseppe Carpanelli Gran Confort Office Armchair in leather
Located in Desio, IT
This armchair has an unusual elliptic curved outline with slatted solid wood structure, the backrest frame is made of solid walnut, while the swivel base is fitted with a height and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Faux Leather, Wood

Set of three American upholstered seat mahogany side chairs, 1800-1810
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Set of three American mahogany upholstered seat side chairs on reeded sabre legs with flared feet. The London cabinetmakers book of this period describes a scroll back chair with a bell-shaped seat and sweeping Grecian front legs with a hollow below the cross banister. The description fits these chairs and identifies them as a popular model in New York, circa 1800-10. In these examples, the reeded upper rear leg posts frame a solid crest rail over a horizontal back rail & lower banister rail. The seat frames and corner blocks are tulip poplar with white pine medial brace and oak rear seat rail. Fragmented nailers were spliced with new poplar and mahogany surfaces were cleaned and finished in shellac. Seats have been reupholstered in a Scalamandre damask fabric...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Oak

Duistt Wormley Cane and Brass Armchairs & Footstool, Set of 2
Located in London, GB
Designed by DUISTT and handcrafted in Portugal, the Wormley chair and footstool is inspired by the Edward Wormley Captain's chair from 1950s American m...
Category

2010s Portuguese Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Three Neoclassical Armchairs, Baltic States, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of three neoclassical armchairs made of mahogany with brass decoration and diamond-shaped strutting in the backrest. The chairs stand on square tapered legs with H-shaped struts....
Category

Late 18th Century Baltic Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Classic Tufted Tub Back Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Cuba brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base. Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31"...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Leather

Pair Of Eighteenth Century Venetian Painted Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Transitional with a shaped arched upholstered back and seat raised on square tapered legs. Wonderful original painted surface with a light green and painted with floral sprays and gi...
Category

1760s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Classical Concrete Cement Double Baluster Outdoor Garden Bench Pedestals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Classical Concrete Cement Double Baluster Outdoor Garden Bench Pedestals. Item features 2 concrete double baluster pedestals for a garden be...
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Cement

Fine Floral Custom Upholstered Camel Back Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic Camel Back Sofa with wide scrolled arms and raised on four carved tapering square front legs and splayed back legs. With H and back stretchers. Custom upholstered in a fine...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

4 Dining Chairs Precedent for Drexel 239-4
Located in Jupiter, FL
Beautiful chairs, I feel like they have a crossover look from a Neo Classical design to Midcentury Modern. They are in wonderful condition stamped and marked as you can see in the p...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Regency style black Lacquered faux bamboo arm chairs/pair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a pair of regency inspired faux bamboo black Lacquered arm chairs. These faux bamboo arm chairs have been lacquered with a glossy black and newly upholstered and a tiger patt...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical Armchair, Germany 1820-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Beautifully designed Neoclassical Armchair dating back to around 1820-30. The chair comes from southwest Germany, The back has a very pretty open work design with a hand-carved leave...
Category

1820s German Antique Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Elm

Pair of Neoclassical Style X-Form Walnut Benches Stools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of x-form curule benches or stools made in the neoclassical style by Century Furniture. The stools are crafted from a rich, walnut frame with reeded legs having carved ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Checkered Sliper Chair with Jumbo Fringe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This classic slipper chair silhouette has been modernized with a jumbo check upholstery and jumbo fringe by Samuel and Sons. The silhouette is great in small spaces, an accent chair ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Needlepoint Upholstered Chair & Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Vintage arm chair and ottoman pouf stool in polychrome needlepoint upholstery with floral and figural design, with stud details. Dealer:...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair of French Neoclassical-Style Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of French Neoclassical-Style Giltwood Armchairs Country: France Materials: Carved Gold-Leaf Wood, New Alpaca Mohair Condition: Newly Reupholstered, New Alpaca Mohair Style: ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Alpaca

Italian Modern Neoclassical Style Brass Chiavari Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Italian Modern Neoclassical style brass Chiavari chair. This stunning Italian Chiavari chair is newly upholstered in a lovely white mohair fabric. Our Italian brass chair is ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Seating

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, Modenese Gastone, Greenapple, and GF Modern. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $3,861.

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