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.
1920's Caldwell Double Lights Sconces with Mirror Backplate
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with sunburst shaped etched mirrored back plate
Bronze
Pair E. F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze 3 Arm Louis XVI Style Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This impressive pair of large scale sconces are by the renowned firm of Edward F. Caldwell. They retain their original gilded patina and feature Classical motifs including acanthus l...
Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconces with Scallop Shell Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt bronze wall lights in the Louis XV style with scallop shell form and two candelabra-size sockets. Ready for use.
Bronze
20th century, Pair of Tuscany Lacquered and Gilt Wood Sconces
Located in IT
A pair of appliques or sconces in carved, lacquered, and gilt wood, Tuscany, Early 20th Century This pair of unusual wall appliques in carved, lacquered, and gilt wood, designed to ...
Wood, Giltwood
$4,400 / set
1930 Brown Patinated Caldwell Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Caldwell 1920's bronze sconces with twisted arms
Bronze
American Classical Brass Wall Sconces, Rewired, 1960, USA
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful pair of wall sconces made of solid brass newly rewire with two 60/watt light each. Ready to use.
Brass
A Set of (2) Vintage, Art Deco Style, Alabaster Sconces
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vintage Alabaster sconces in Art Deco or Neoclassical style. Shades only, no wiring: 10" high, 13" wide and 6 3/4" deep at the widest part. Excellent condition. The price is per s...
Alabaster
1920’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate
Bronze
$3,400 / set
1920 Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze one light sconces with sunburst design backplate
Bronze
Historistic Wall Lamp, Vienna Around 1890s
Located in Wien, Au
Historistic wall lamp vienna around 1890s Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
$3,800 / set
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with rampant lions on backplate.
Bronze, Silver Plate
$1,516Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Italian Carved Giltwood Neoclassical Quiver Motif 3-Light Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian carved giltwood neoclassical Quiver motif 3-light sconces Italy, circa 1950s Each one of good size, well carved giltwood quiver motif backplates, fitted with thr...
Metal
Set of Six French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Three-Arm Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning high quality complete set of six French 19th century Neo-Classical st. three arm ormolu sconces. Each sconce in centered by a striking pierced palmette backplate from wher...
Ormolu
Pair of Monumental Italian Wall Sconces in Neoclassical Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Outstanding pair of carved and painted torch form sconces with permanent pillar candle bases to hold chandelier base bulb. Green paint metal leaf sunburst back medallion plate. Con...
Metal
$4,800 / set
1900's Caldwell Mirrored Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique a pair of circa 1910's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with mirrored backplate
Bronze
1900's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Engraved Sconces with 2 lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1900's Caldwell gilt bronze engraved sconces with 2 lights
Bronze
20th Century 6 lights Lotus Lantern in oxidated nickel finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
The lantern version of our Lotus range is available in an oxidised nickel finish. Like the wall light model, it features a rippled effect at the top of the shade, with the waves conv...
Bronze, Nickel
Large French Neoclassical Style Bronze Three-Light Wall Light, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Impressive neoclassical or Louis XVI style wall light, decorated with ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves,...
Bronze
$3,400 / item
1930 Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920 silver plated one light sconces. Price per set of two sconces
Silver Plate, Bronze
1930's Pagoda Shape Bronze Black and Gold Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze pagoda style double light sconces with scrolled arms.
Bronze
Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconce with Dual Candle Design
Located in Houston, TX
This hand-forged iron wall sconce brings timeless European elegance and warmth to any space. Featuring graceful scrollwork and a dual-candle design, it evokes the romantic charm of 1...
Wrought Iron, Metal, Steel, Iron
$3,800 / set
Caldwell Sconces With Rams Heads
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with Rams Heads and two lights
Bronze
Pair of Andre Arbus Bronze Arrow Sconces 2 Lights, Wall Lamp French Neoclassical
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of Andre Arbus style arrow sconces, wall lights in bronze with black & gold clip on Paper Shades. US Rewired and in working condition, each Sconce takes 2 light bulbs wi...
Brass, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Silver Plated Sconces with 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated three lights sconces with cherubs atop.
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Neoclassic Caldwell Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style 2 lights bronze sconces with etched mirror backplate
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920s Gilt Bronze and Crystals Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sunburst sconces with crystals. Available in silver plate
Crystal, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920’s Caldwell Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze and mirrored backplate Caldwell sconces. Small size.
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror Backplate
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with etched mirrored backplate.
Bronze
$3,400 / set
1920's Caldwell Small Double Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Bronze
$950 / set
Pair of French Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French dolphins sconces. 80w each. US wired and in working condition.
Metal
$5,800 / set
1940's English Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1940's English neoclassic style gilt bronze sconces.
Bronze
Pair of Louis the 15th style Gold Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall sconces is made of gold gilt bronze. This is a French work in the style of Louis the 15th. Circa 1940
Bronze
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19th C. French Regence Style Carved Giltwood & Mirrored Wall Candle sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th-century French Regence-style Carved Giltwood and Mirrored Wall Candle Sconces, France, 19th Century A stunning pair of 19th...
Metal
$4,800 / item
Bronze and Alabaster Sconces by Thierry Despont
Located in Hudson, NY
The work and designs of Terry Desmond have been legendary for their quality and attention to detail. These sconces by Terry are no exception. While Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023) was ...
Alabaster, Bronze
$3,800 / item
1920s Neoclassic Style Caldwell Mirrored Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style sconces with edged mirrored back plate
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Bronze
$2,450 / set
Pair of Bronze Classical Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of brass sconces, each having backplate with classical motifs, including anthemia, rosettes, urn, centered with mask, three scrolling candlearms. Not electrified. Stock ID: D6611
Bronze
$3,975 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian polychrome sconces. Tall pair of antique Italian Neoclassical style carved wood polychrome sconces from Tuscany. These ...
Wood
$5,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze One light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s gilt bronze sconces neoclassic style with one light
Bronze
Large Three Arm Neoclassical Cast Brass or Bronze Wall Sconce, circa 1920/1930s
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular cast brass, or bronze, three arm wall appliqué, probably from a bank, public building, or other commercial building. The sconce is in exception...
Brass
$2,800 / set
1920's Neoclassic Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze neoclassic style double light sconces
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Scrolled Arms Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920's silver-plated Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms. selling as a pair
Bronze, Silver Plate
$3,800 / set
1920's Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’ gilt bronze sconces sunburst backplate with two lights
Bronze
$5,800 / set
1920’s Caldwell Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with original gilding
Bronze
1930's Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces with Two Lights - Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair pf circa 1930's gilt bronze sconces with sunburst shaped backplate
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920’s Caldwell Lire Shaped Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell Lire sconces with two lights
Bronze
1920s Small American Classical Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's American silver plated sconces with mirror backplate and two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920’s Caldwell Double Arm Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double lights sconces
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Silver Plated Sconces With Convex Mirrored
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Silver plated sconces with cracked mirrored backplate.
Silver Plate, Bronze
$2,020Sale Price / set|20% Off
c1900 French Antique Pair Neoclassic Cast Brass Candle Holder Wall Sconces - Koi
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Antique c1900 French Neoclassical style Mirror Backed Cast Brass Candle Holder Wall Sconces. Highly detailed, high quality. Koi fish detail, Neoclassical elements. Beveled mirro...
Brass
Neoclassical Dore Bronze Louis XVI Set Four Bronze Bow Top Fine Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very fine set of four French Louis xvi style ormolu wall sconces with two-branches, each surmounted by a bow on top a. Rewired and come ready to install and enjoy.
Bronze
Pair of 1920's Caldwell Small Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell small gilt bronze double light sconces. Original finish
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Silver plated bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920s Caldwell silver plated bronze sconces with two arms
Silver Plate, Bronze
$88,274 / set
Four Antique Gilt Bronze Fifteen-Light Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These gilt bronze (ormolu) wall sconces are magnificent pieces, each holding fifteen lights. The sconces will look beautiful either mounted onto the wall in a line, or paired and pla...
Ormolu, Bronze
Maison Tisserand Art & Styles Paris Pair of adjustable Bronze Sconces
By Tisserant
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Bronze retractable Sconces made by the famous Maison Tisserand ( signed in the back ) US rewired and in working condition, dimmer on each socket. 100 watts bulb max or LED . ...
Bronze
Pair of French Maison Lancel Bronze Horse Sconces, 2 pairs available
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Maison Lancel Bronze Horse Sconces
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Two Arm Crystal Wall Sconces, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Painted and gilt bronze two arm crystal wall sconces. Originally candle powered and have been electrified. Early 19th Century
Crystal
Palladio, Italian Neoclassical, Giltwood, Silver Leaf, Wall Lights, Italy, 1974
By Palladio
Located in Stamford, CT
Palladio, Italian Neoclassical, Giltwood, Silver Leaf, Wall Lights or Sconces, Italy, 1974 Pair of silver and gold leaf wall lights designed and produced by Palladio in Italy, 1974....
Silver Leaf