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 19th Century Hessian Soldiers Antique Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Add a touch of history and elegance to your fireplace with this pair of 19th Century Hessian Soldiers Antique Andirons. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these andirons...
Iron
A Neoclassical SPACE-AGE ANDIRONS & FIRE SET by JEAN PAUL, France 1970
By Jacques Charles, Maison Charles
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular fire-set featuring a beautiful "single" andiron coming with a psychedelic fire tools set, Neoclassical, Postmodern, Shabby-Chic, Space-Age, Seventies, designed by Jean...
Wrought Iron, Stainless Steel
A Pair of ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron ANDIRONS, France 1930
Located in PARIS, FR
A superb pair of sensual + historical... Art Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, massive and thin wrought iron andirons, to be attributed, France 1930.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Rustic "Curly-Que" Wrought Iron Fireplace Andirons, 1800's
By Greene & Greene, Samuel Yellin, Bradley & Hubbard, Gustav Stickley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Rustic "Curly-Que" Wrought Iron Fireplace Andirons, 1800's Perfect amount of Rust and Patina. Cones with the Connecting Bar or Crossbar which is typical lost. Crossbar is 3...
Iron
$3,400 / set
Classical Bronze Fish Form Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Solid cast bronze fantasy fish form andirons. Nice original dark patina.
Bronze
A Pair of NEOCLASSICAL BRUTALIST SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron ANDIRONS, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A pair of beautiful NEOCLASSICAL BRUTALIST SHABBY-CHIC andirons, square wrought iron structures twirling in french classical curves around their centers, and as cobras heads in the v...
Wrought Iron
18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period andirons. The andirons are hand forged and made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill meat and poultry. Th...
Wrought Iron
18th-19th Century French Neoclassical Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Late 18th or early 19th century French neoclassical period andirons. The andirons are hand forged and made of wrought iron. The condition of the andirons is good.
Wrought Iron
20th Century Traditional Brass Fireplace Andirons -- A Pair
Located in Austin, TX
Antique solid brass and iron andirons from a stately city home. They are early 20th-century American-made andirons, and are taller than what is often found today from this era. The ...
Brass
Pair of Antique Bronze Urn Form Fireplace Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of antique bronze fireplace andirons in the form of urns with handles and acorn finials. Two small acorns are missing as pictured. These are ...
Bronze, Iron
Selection of Neoclassical Brass Fire Tools and Andirons
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of neoclassical brass fire tools and andirons, probably French, early 20th century. They retain their warm original patina. 1) Brass fish fire tools, they measure 29.5" H ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
A Pair of 19th Century Neo-Classical Brass Fireplace Andirons
Located in London, GB
A pair of 19th Century Neo-classical brass fireplace andirons with fluted tapered ionic columns mounted on square plinths decorated with circular wreaths. The rear log-supports are i...
Brass
Pair of Italian Brass Neoclassical Figural Tiered Urn Finial Andirons, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian brass neoclassical figural tiered beaded urn finial andirons resting on decorative fluted triangular bases, Early 19th Century.
Brass, Iron
Pair of 20th Century French Neoclassical Column Bronze Andirons
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 20th century French neoclassical column bronze andirons. Each with flame finial above draped Ionic columnar standard on oval pedestal base w...
Iron, Brass, Bronze
Pair of Cast Iron George Washington Figural Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of cast iron George Washington Andirons: Measures: 9" x 20" x 16" Weighs: 30 LBS.
Iron
Pair Antique French Neoclassical Cast Brass Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A stunning Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Cast Brass Andirons, Circa 1920s Measures 7" in width fully open, 14" in width folded 13" in height.
Brass
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Pair of Italian Wrought Iron & Brass Acanthus Foliage Andirons with Bar, C. 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical wrought iron and brass foliage andirons with flanking decorative basket finials, central urn plinths, decorative adjustable cross bar with spit hooks, an...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of cast iron and brass andirons, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant pair of French andirons dating from the 1950s, combining cast iron and brass. These andirons are distinguished by their curved legs and decorative brass ball, bringing a c...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair American Late Neoclassic Brass & Iron Andirons, ca. 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having circular finely cast brass sections atop splayed legs terminating in ball claw and ball feet, the rear sections of wrought iron
Brass
$4,500 / set
Monumental Brass and forged Iron Andirons
Located in San Francisco, CA
Monumental, lovely handcrafted Andrions, with heavy scroll base and hammered log poles. This set was beautifully restored. It is very heavy!
Bronze, Iron
19th Century French Andirons or Firedogs, Neoclassical Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French andirons made of wrought iron. Neoclassical Period. The condition is good.
Wrought Iron
A ROYAL Pair of ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Bronze ANDIRONS, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A very beautiful and very chic pair of fleur-de-lys (symbol of royalty) andirons, Art Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, wrought iron structures with a square section at the back, thi...
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Brass Andirons, English Manor, 1930s Pair
Located in New York, NY
English Manor stately pair of cast brass andirons featuring Neoclassical elements such as columns and stylized finials.
Brass, Iron
Pair of Charleston Neoclassical Brass Urn Finial Andirons with Orig. Grate, 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Rare Charleston Neoclassical brass urn faceted ball finial andirons with flanking scrolled ringed columns, decorative scrolled squared ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Early 20th Century Neoclassical Style Solid Brass Andirons
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Gorgeous pair of neoclassical style brass andiron. Each withe acanthus leaf top on a triangular frame raised on splayed paw feet. The bottom of the andirons are decorated with cast l...
Brass, Iron
19th C. Pair of French Neoclassical Etched Decorated Patinated Bronze Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century pair of andirons, also known as firedogs. They are French Neoclassical bronze andirons. Andirons are used in fireplaces to support logs and improve airflow for the fi...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Neo-Gothic Bronze and Wrought Iron Andirons, French, 19th Century
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of neo-gothic andirons are made of bronze and wrought Iron. This is a French work from 19th century.
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Pair of Late 19th Century Solid Brass Andirons with Log Stops
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Pair of late 19th century solid brass andirons with log stops on a cabriole leg to a pad foot. Cast Iron back inserts. The andirons measure 21" inches high x 19" inches deep x 8" inc...
Brass
A Pair of FRENCH Classic NEOCLASSICAL SHABBY-CHIC Bronze ANDIRONS, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful and chic pair of andirons, Art Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, wrought iron structures with classic brass or bronze decors, to be attributed, France 1950. A few signs ...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Lemon Top Antique Brass and Iron American Andirons
Located in Lomita, CA
An antique pair of classic American brass and iron lemon-top andirons create a beautiful silhouette in front of a cozy fireplace. These are from the latter part of the 19th century,...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Large Cannonball Top Wrought Iron Andirons, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of large Cannonball top wrought iron Andirons 19th century with cannonball tops on central twist stems supported by ornate scroll work feet with blind gilt metal crests, toget...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Classical Brass Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of classical style brass andirons. Original, clean ready to use condition.
Brass
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Neoclassical Figural Cast & Wrought Iron Fireplace Andirons, circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Neoclassical set of figural fireplace andirons offers wrought and cast iron construction with young boy caryatid raised on phoenix form base, c1900 Measures - 21'' H X 14'...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Neoclassical Style Pine Cone Brass Andirons, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of neoclassical style andirons with pine cone is made of brass. This is a French work in the style of Maison Jansen. Circa 1940 Additional Information: Material: Pine, Bra...
Brass
$1,478Sale Price / set|45% Off
Pair of Neo Classical Style Iron, Ebonized Andirons with Urn Form Motif
Located in Lomita, CA
We love this pair of andirons for its stately air. The pair of Neoclassical style ebonized copper ball-top andirons are probably European, and from the early 20th Century. They are d...
Copper, Iron
$2,800Sale Price / set|51% Off
Pair of Enormous Late 19th Century English Vintage Fireplace Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of enormous late 19th century English vintage fireplace andirons.
Nickel
$3,439Sale Price / set|37% Off
18th-19th Century French Ormolu Neoclassic Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
18th-19th century French neoclassical andirons made of ormolu and wrought iron. The condition is good. One of the most valuable secrets of French metalworkers in the 18th and early ...
Wrought Iron, Ormolu
Pair of Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Acorn Andirons
Located in Pasadena, TX
This pair of andirons was made in the early 20th century.. Its made of wrought iron and the finial is an acorn and urn. The wrought iron legs terminate into spade feet.
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Empire Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French Neoclassical Andirons, Firedogs. The condition is good.
Iron
A Pair of FRENCH Classic NEOCLASSICAL Iron & Bronze ANDIRONS, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful and luxurious pair of andirons, French Classics, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, wrought iron structures with a classical architectural bronze decoration, to be attributed, F...
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Vintage Neoclassical Style Polished Brass with Gadrooned Finials andiron, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage Neoclassical Style Intricate Polished Brass Andiron, Featured Gadrooned Finials and Stand on Trefoil Detailed Legs, in Good Condition Dimensions: 22" W X 12" D X 20.5" H
Metal, Brass, Iron
Pair Antique French Neoclassical Leaf Form Cast Brass Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A stunning Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Leaf form Cast Brass Andirons, Circa 1920s Measures 9" in width fully open, 20" in depth and 18.5" in height.
Brass
Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Gilt Wrought Iron Acanthus Andirons
Located in Pasadena, TX
This pair of andirons was made in Italy circa 1820. Its made of wrought iron and has gilt accents. The finial is a gilt acorn and urn. The body is a gilt Acanthus with gilt leaves ab...
Wrought Iron
19th C. French Empire Neoclassical Flame & Lion Brass Paw Andirons & Bar - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of 19th C. French Empire Neoclassical Flame & Lion Brass Paw Andirons & Bar. Item features an ornate pair of cast brass andirons with flame finials, mounted with lion heads and ...
Brass
Pair French Louis XV Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Putti Figural Andirons / Chenets
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) neoclassical Roman Bacchus themed gilt bronze andirons (chenets) in the French Louis XVI style, depicting seated cherubs holding clusters of grapes. E...
Bronze
Pair of Italian Wrought Iron and Floral Andirons with Scroll Legs. Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian wrought iron andirons with foliate petals, centered acanthus plinths, and terminating on hand chased scrolled legs. Early 19th Century
Wrought Iron
Wonderful French Neoclassical Gilt Dore Bronze with Black Marble Insert Chenets
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French Neoclassical Gilt Dore Bronze with Black Marble Insert Chenets. Measures: 12.5" W x 11" H x 19" D.
Marble, Bronze
Large Scale Brass Andirons by Dorothy Draper for the Greenbrier Hotel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of large scale classical andirons, designed by Dorothy Draper for The Greenbrier Hotel, American, circa 1947. They stand an impressive 41" height. ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Pair of Italian Wrought Iron & Poly Chromed Medallion Andirons w/ Log Stops 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian gilt figural mask wrought iron and poly chromed medallion andirons with flanking gilt foliage and painted ball finials, decorative scrolled gilt foliage iron work, ce...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Brass and Wrought Iron Floral Andirions, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian brass floral acanthus and rope motif ball top andirons with wrought iron twisted column, acanthus centered plinths, pleasing decorative scroll work and terminating on...
$1,725Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Style Bronze and Wrought IronAndirons with Lions Faces. F
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of neoclassical style andirons is made of bronze and wrought iron. These firedogs have lion faces medallions. This is a French work, circ...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Pair of English Neoclassical Style Brass Andirons circa 1860 with Fire Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English neoclassical style brass andirons from the mid-19th century, with fire urns and swag motifs. Born in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, this pair of brass ...
Brass
Pair of American Late Federal Brass Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Cannon shape with finials and scrolled feet.
Brass
Handsome Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Column Bronze Andirons
Located in Buffalo, NY
Handsome Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Column Bronze Andirons. finished in luxurious Louis XVI taste, the European antiques feature rich detailing throughout, finely chise...
Brass, Bronze, Iron
$6,900 / set
Pair of American Classical Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of brass and wrought iron andirons, the urn finials over hand hammered shafts, the upper section cylindrical, the lower section square divided by ringed collar, standing o...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair Large Antique Figural Putti Cherub Figural Gilt Bronze Andirons / Chenets
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) finely sculpted and cast bronze andirons (chenets) in the neoclassical style with gilt bronze patina depicting cherubs. Each 26 1/2 inches tall, 11 in...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Brass & Steel Andirons Pair
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic-style andirons with a large brass ball top over a steel double scroll design base. (PRICED AS Pair)
Brass, Steel
Pair of Italian Bronze Flanking Lion and Griffon Foliage Andirons, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian bronze flanking perched lion and griffon foliage andirons, Mid-19th century.
Bronze, Iron
Pair of Italian Silver over Bronze Urn Finial Wrought Iron Andirons, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian silver over bronze andirons with decorative urn finials, flanking tapered columns with ribbon and floral swags, gadrooned plinths, matching finial blocked log stops, ...
Silver, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Pair of American Wrought Iron and Brass Melon Top Andirons, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American wrought iron and brass melon top andirons with turned centered column, spit hooks, and terminating on stylized penny feet. Note: Centered columns of andirons were ma...