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.
$12,450Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of French Neoclassical Style 19th Century Six-Light Figural Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare pair of French neoclassical style 19th century figural parcel gilt and silver carved wood and Gesso six-light wall sconces, each centered with giltwood carved seashel...
Wood
Pair Of Gilt Bronze And Crystal Louis XVI Style Wall Sconces
By Delisle Freres
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine pair of French gilt bronze and crystal Neoclassical style wall sconces with Louis XVI influence. Crystal and bronze draped garland between three arms.
Crystal, Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with Shield design
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces with unusual design
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with Lions Shield
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces with lions
Bronze
Large Italian Giltwood Sconce - circa 1880
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Foliate capped branches with turned nozzles emanating from an urn and harp supported by a foliate cresting
Wrought Iron
Pair of Bronze Wall Sconces with Arrows & Effigy of the Sun King by Louis Gau
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of wall sconces is made of finely chiseled bronze presenting a bronze arrow bearing the effigy of the Sun King. This is a French work in the Empire St...
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920 Caldwell Silver Plated 3 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated 3 lights sconces
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Mirrored Backplate Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with etched mirrors and two lights
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Engraved Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces
Bronze
1920s Large Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with thee lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s large Caldwell silver plated sconces with 3 lights unusual size
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair 1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with Cherub
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with cherub atop
Bronze
$3,850 / set
1920’s Caldwell Brown patina Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s brown patina Caldwell double light sconces
Bronze
1920s Neoclassical Four Light Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s neoclassic style gilt bronze four lights sconces with rock crystals and crystals hangings
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Scrolled Arms
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light gilt bronze sconces with scrolled arms design
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Brown and Gold Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Brown patinated bronze three lights Caldwell sconces, with unusual scrolled arms
Bronze
$6,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s gilt bronze Caldwell neoclassical engraved sconces with two lights
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Bronze
1900's Caldwell Bronze Cherub and Dolphins Single Sconce with 4 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell gilt bronze single sconce with cherub on a dolphin holding 3 lights on shells and one light on top shell. Large size and impressive details.
Bronze
$4,400 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s silver plated Caldwell sconces with two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$5,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces with cherubs and unusual scrolled arms
Bronze
1900s Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces with three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 Caldwell silver plated sconces with 3 arms
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920s Caldwell Neoclassic Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920’s neoclassic style Caldwell sconces with rams head design
Bronze
1900's Caldwell Neoclassic Gilt Bronze and Mirror Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large 1900's neoclassic style gilt bronze Caldwell sconces with beveled mirror backplate, 3 lights
Bronze
$6,800 / set
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell silver plated sconces neoclassical style with three lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920's Gilt and Brown Patinated Bronze Sconces with 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with cherubs atop.
Bronze
$5,800 / set
1900s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900’s Caldwell silver plated sconces with two lights
Silver Plate, Bronze
$4,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Bronze Brown Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with brown patina.
Bronze
$6,800 / set
1900s Large Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Caldwell large sconces with 2 lights
Bronze
Pair of 1940's Gilt Bronze Engraved Sconces with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair 1940’s gilt bronze 3 lights sconces
Bronze
$7,800 / set
1900's Caldwell Lion Head Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa a 1900's Caldwell bronze sconces with lion head and three lights
Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Neoclassical Empire Patina Gilt Bronze Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Neoclassical Empire Patinated & Gilt Bronze Filigree Center Two Arm Sconces Completely Rewired With New Candelabra Sock...
Bronze, Ormolu
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Silvered Bronze Ormolu Caldwell 3 Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical silvered bronze set of 3 sconces in the manner of Caldwell set on black velvet Backplate with silvered bronze ormolu mounts. Rewired and rea...
Ormolu, Bronze
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Pair of Italian Gilt Bronze & Nickel Silver Onyx Wall Sconces Orig. Gas, C. 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian five arm acanthus scrolled Gilt Bronze and Nickel Silver Onyx wall sconces decorated with arrow and foliage motif. Sconces retain the original cock keys for adjusting...
Onyx, Silver, Bronze
Pair of Venetian Gilt Bronze and Crystal Sconces Originally Candles. Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Venetian gilt bronze and crystal two arm sconces with tear drop prisms and decorative floral motif. Originally candle powered and can be e...
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Brass Eagle Wall Sconces - Belgium, 1960s Neoclassical Decor, Pair
Located in Bastogne, BE
Elevate your home’s aesthetic with this majestic pair of vintage brass wall sconces, expertly crafted in Belgium circa 1960. These stunning fixtures feature a bold eagle motif, an i...
Brass
Neoclassical Nickel-Plated Three-Arm Sconces Attributed to Caldwell
Located in Roslyn, NY
This elegant pair of neoclassical nickel-plated sconces are attributed to Caldwell. Very neoclassical in design with the linier detail through the centre and on the bobeches, the fla...
Nickel
20th Century 2 lights Lotus Wall Lamp in oxidated nickel finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
The Lotus model is available with an oxidized nickel finish. The top of the cup has a wavy effect, with the elements coming together at the bottom to form a graceful wick. With its m...
Bronze, Nickel
Fine Pair of Silvered Bronze & Wedgwood Neoclassical Two-Arm Wall Sconces E. F
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine pair of silvered bronze lamp; Wedgwood Neoclassical two-arm wall sconces By E. F. Caldwell Co.
Bronze
Wonderful Pair E. F. Caldwell Neoclassical Bronze Urn Touchier Two-Arm Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of E. F. Caldwell style neoclassical bronze urn flame touchier ram's head two-arm sconces Rewired and comes with mounting hardware, ready for installation.
Bronze
$2,950Sale Price / set|25% Off
Wonderful Neoclassical Patinated Bronze Large Urn 3-Light Caldwell Sconces, Pair
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful neoclassical pair of patinated bronze large urn form top and oval back 3 light sconces rewired and ready to enjoy, very fine cast and detail. We have had this model scon...
Bronze
18th Century 3 lights Dragon Wall Lamp in gold & VDG finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
This model is the bold marriage of a floral inspired arm of light, typical of the early 18th century and Louis XV style, and an Asian inspired dragon. It is composed of a plate from ...
Bronze, Gold
Mid 20th Century Pair of Silver Over Bronze Federal Style Two-Arm Sconce
Located in LYON, FR
Neo-Clasical two arm sconces made of silvered bronze. Fluted urn style center with narrow arms coming to twin cups, circa 1950's. Untouched original condition. Some light tarnish mar...
Silver, Bronze
Outstanding Pair of Doré Bronze Caldwell Four-Arm Ribbon, Bow and Tassel Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
These beautiful doré bronze sconces are truly breathtaking. They are full of incredible detail, beginning from the long ribbon leading down to the beautiful bow in the center, to eac...
Bronze
Wonderful Pair of Caldwell Bronze Patinated Regency Neoclassical Empire Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair of Caldwell bronze patinated two-tone classical French style Regency, neoclassical, Empire two-light sconces completely rewired with new candelabra sockets.
Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Bronze Neoclassical Caldwell Regency Urn Filigree Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French bronze neoclassical / Regency urn top and filigree sconces in the manner of Caldwell, stamped made in France on the backs.
Bronze
Wonderful Regency Neoclassical Pair Urn Form Bronze Empire E.F. Caldwell Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Regency neoclassical pair of urn form and gilt bronze Empire style E.F. Caldwell two light wall sconces. Rewired with new sockets and ready to enjoy.
Bronze
Wonderful French Gilt Bronze Set of Four Bow Top Neoclassical Two-Arm Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful set of four bow top neoclassical two-arm sconces Very Fine work on bronze with bow tops and filigree details Can be electrified. Sold by the pair.
Bronze
Pair of Bronze Two-Light Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of bronze two-light neoclassical wall sconces. available an other pair with red decoration. Measurements: cm 48 x 22.
Bronze
19th century, Pair of French Gilt Bronze Appliques
Located in IT
19th century, Pair of French Gilt Bronze Appliques This rare pair of gilt bronze wall appliques, made in France in the late 19th century, is conceived in the goût Grec style inspire...
Bronze
Pair of Bronze Two-Light Neoclassical Wall Sconces, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of bronze two-light neoclassical wall sconces. Available an other pair with a blu centered decoration. Measurements: 48 x 22 cm.
Bronze
Pair of Bronze Two-Light Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of bronze two-light neoclassical wall sconces. available an other pair with red decoration. Measurements: cm 48 x 22.
Bronze
$32,641Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Rock Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces Neoclassical
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent pair of French gilded bronze seven branch wall lights with rock crystal drops. Seven scrolled finely chiseled arms on two levels. Available three pairs. Provenance fro...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
$2,650 / set
Pair of Large Antique Giltwood Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of large antique giltwood sconces. Stunning pair of giltwood and gilt iron two-light candle sconces, circa 1920. These gorgeous Continen...
Iron
17th Century 4 lights Hermes Wall Lamp in gold 18K finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Pair of four-light sconces in the Louis XIV style, with Hermes mask décor, recognizable by his winged helmet, surmounted by a sumptuous palm tree in the middle and two birds facing e...
Gold, Bronze
Pair of Bronze Two-Light Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of bronze two-light neoclassical wall sconces. available an other pair with red decoration. Measurements: cm 48 x 22.
Bronze
18th Century 1 light Flamme Wall Lamp in gold 18K finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Beautiful wall lamp with flame-shaped frosted glass shade, with 1 light arm in 18th-century style. The arm is adorned with pretty foliage and the 18-carat gold patina highlights ever...
Bronze, Gold
$988Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hand Carved Gilt Candle Sconces, American Classical, Wood, Circa 1980s
Located in North Salem, NY
Handsome pair of hand carved gilt candle sconces. Handcrafted with old-world charm, these gilt sconces cast a soft, ambient glow while adding European-inspired elegance. They bri...
Wood
19th Century 5 lights Ermitage Wall Lamp in antique bronze finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
This sconce is directly inspired by the chandelier on display at the Hermitage Palace in St. Petersburg. The finesse of its ornamentation makes it a lovely piece. Each of the 4 curve...
Bronze
18th Century 5 lights Louis XVI Wall Lamp in gold 24K finish
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
This model is very characteristic of the Louis XVI style, with the symmetry of neoclassicism and a few touches of ornamentation remaining from the Louis XV style. It is similar to th...
Bronze, Gold