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.
Zabihi Collection Bright Red Angora Oushak Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an angora Turkish oushak rug. Zipper closure and poly fill provided Measures: 15'' x 20''.
Wool, Angora
Phenomenal Antique Turkish Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century square size antique Turkish Oushak featuring an-all over design in warm colors. 11' x 11'8''
Wool
Vintage Inspired Turkish Oushak Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Accent Size Inspired Vintage Turkish Oushak Carpet 4'2'' x 6'2''
Wool
Raspberry Vintage Turkish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a Vintage Turkish rug. Zipper closure and poly fill provided Measures: 18'' x 22''.
Wool, Angora
Gorgeous Antique Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century Turkish scatter size rug purchased from a upper east side penthouse in Manhattan. The piece was ordered back in 1948 by a couple for...
Wool
Antique Turkish Oushak Rug with Lime Green Accents
Located in New York, NY
An authentic early 20th century Turkish Oushak featuring a lime green color on a silver colored ground. 3'10'' x 6'1''
Wool
Vintage Inspired Turkish Oushak Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Colorful Vintage Room Size Size Inspired Vintage Turkish Oushak Carpet 10'4'' x 13'7''
Wool
Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Oushak Runner
Located in New York, NY
Mid 20th century one of a kind Turkish Oushak runner Measures: 3'3'' x 12'6''.
Wool
Vintage Inspired Turkish Oushak Oversize Rug
Located in New York, NY
A stunning, subtle Turkish Oushak carpet with an all-over design on a soft beige field, soft grey border with some lime and ivory accents. Measures: 14.4'' x 21.6''.
Wool
$2,279Sale Price|40% Off
8.8x13 Ft Vintage Turkish Area Rug with Medallion & Floral Design. Pastel Shades
Located in Spring Valley, NY
This vintage handmade Turkish area rug showcases an elegant classical design centered around a large medallion that sits within a similarly shaped field, creating a refined effect of...
Wool, Cotton
Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Square Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century square size antique Turkish Oushak featuring an-all over design in warm colors. Measures: 12' x 12'2'' Oushak rugs originated in the small town of Oushak ...
Wool
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Turkish Oushak Medallion Rugs
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of vintage Turkish Oushak rugs. Measuring 19'' x 38'' and 22'' x 42''.
Wool
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Ghiordes Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Ghiordes throw rug. A lopsided oval old ivory medallion contains a four rose and stem device, on a red ground with ivory triangular corner pieces. The effect is vag...
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Oushak Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Oushak throw rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 11" x 5' 4".
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Sivas accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 6'4" x 9'6".
Wool
Antique Turkish Pictorial Rug, Hand-Knotted, Neoclassical, 1900
Located in Savannah, GA
This antique pictorial rug has all the bells and whistles. The two central figures featured are a woman and a flute player gathered around a shr...
Cotton, Wool
Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a vintage Turkish oushak rug. Zipper closure and polyfill provided Measures: 16'' x 20''.
Wool, Angora
Nautical Turkish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Large pillow made from a border of a Turkish Anatolian rug from the 20th century Size: 20" x 20".
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Nazmiyal Collection Silk & Wool Rust Tones Modern Botanical Pattern Rug
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated Silk & Wool Rust Tones Modern Botanical Pattern Rug, Country of origin: Turkey, Circa date: Modern
Wool, Silk
1950's Turkish Silk Hereke Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78933 Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug, 02'00 x 02'11. This hand-knotted vintage Turkish silk Hereke rug is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Hereke weaving traditio...
Silk
Imperial Cloud-Collar: A Vintage Turkish Oushak Gallery Rug of Prestige
Located in Dallas, TX
50004 Vintage Turkish Oushak Gallery Rug, 05'03 x 11'06. A true expression of aristocratic refinement, this vintage Turkish Oushak gallery rug exudes an aura of cultivated elegance a...
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Sivas accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 6' 5" x 9' 1".
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Ghiordes Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Ghiordes throw rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 7" x 5' 3".
Wool
Finely Knotted Coffee or Foyar Oriental Carpet
Located in Stamford, CT
A finely knotted coffee or Foyar oriental carpet. This highly desirable carpet is sure to make a sparkling appearance in the foyer of ones home. Perhaps add style and flair under that coffee table or simply throw it at the foot of the bed. The rich vibrant tones of light olive and burgundy set in a beige background make this handwoven tightly knit carpet...
$160
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 0.4 in
Vintage & Old Kilim Cushion Cover, Anatolian Yastik Turkish Modern Pillow 4301
Located in Tokyo, JP
This beautifully handcrafted cushion cover is made from a vintage Anatolian kilim—once part of a traditional yastik, or small decorative rug used in Turkish homes. Woven in the mid-2...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Antique ottoman turkish pillow Cases
Located in Istanbul, TR
Late 19th / early 20th C pillow cases , embroidered in silk on a satin silk background. The backing has been replaced with a hand loomed silk and cotton fa...
Silk
Angora/ Mohair Siirt Blanket Pillow Covers, 1960s/70s
Located in Istanbul, TR
These pillows are made from vintage Angora Siirt (a city in the South East of Turkey) . Siirt is famous for these blankets made from the hair of angora goat. Angora is believed to n...
Angora
$160Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 0.4 in
Vintage & Old Kilim Cushion Cover, Anatolian Yastik Turkish Modern Pillow 4360
Located in Tokyo, JP
This beautifully handcrafted cushion cover is made from a vintage Anatolian kilim—once part of a traditional yastik, or small decorative rug used in Turkish homes. Woven in the mid-2...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Antique Turkish Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Turkish Oushak carpet from the first quarter of the 20th century.
Wool
$200
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 0.4 in
Vintage & Old Kilim Cushion Cover Rectangular Yastik Turkish Modern Pillow 4113
Located in Tokyo, JP
Crafted from carefully selected sections of exceptional old and antique kilims, these cushion covers are created from textiles whose remaining areas could no longer be preserved or r...
Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Vintage Oushak Pillow Cover with Soft Muted Colors
Located in Dallas, TX
52226, vintage Oushak pillow cover with soft muted colors. For a polished look on beds, sofas or chairs, this vintage Oushak pillow cover helps ...
Wool
$200
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 0.4 in
Vintage & Old Kilim Cushion Cover Rectangular Yastik Turkish Modern Pillow 4126
Located in Tokyo, JP
Crafted from carefully selected sections of exceptional old and antique kilims, these cushion covers are created from textiles whose remaining areas could no longer be preserved or r...
Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Antique Turkish Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique mid-century rug in amazing condition, inquire with any and all questions.
Wool
$160Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 0.4 in
Vintage & Old Kilim Cushion Cover Rectangular Yastik Turkish Modern Pillow 4149
Located in Tokyo, JP
Crafted from carefully selected sections of exceptional old and antique kilims, these cushion covers are created from textiles whose remaining areas could no longer be preserved or r...
Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Vintage Turkish Kilim Wool Rug Pillow Cover
Located in Dallas, TX
53638 Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug Pillow Cover, 01'05 x 01'06. This exquisite handwoven wool vintage Turkish kilim rug pillow cover is a treasure trove of cultural richness and artisan...
Wool
Contemporary Turkish Flat-Weave Room Size Carpet Inspired by Swedish Kilims
Located in New York, NY
A modern Turkish flat-weave room size carpet handmade during the 21st century. The design and weave are inspired by vintage Swedish Kilim rugs from the mid-20th century period. Me...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Vintage Red Turkish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a mid-20th century turkish anatolian rug. Zipper closure and polyfill provided Measures: 17'' x 22''.
Wool, Angora
Angora Oushak Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an angora Turkish oushak rug. Zipper closure and poly fill provided Measures: 15'' x 18''.
Wool, Angora
Turkish Vintage Oushak Runner
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury one of a kind Turkish Oushak runner Measures: 2'6'' x 11'2''.
Wool
Large Red Turkish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Large pillow made from a border of a Turkish Sivas rug from the 20th century Size: 24" x 24".
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Large Decorative Turkish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Large pillow made from a border of a Turkish Anatolian rug from the 20th century. Size: 24" x 24".
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Ivory Pink Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century authentic Turkish Oushak with an all-over large scale palmette design on an ivory color field surrounded by a pink border. Main accent color in an orange Mea...
Wool
Ivory Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century authentic Turkish Oushak with an all over geometric design on an ivory color field. Main accent color in an orange Measures: 8'6" x 12' Oushak carpets are...
Wool
Pink Set of Geometric Vintage Turkish Wool Rug Pillows
Located in New York, NY
Set of pillows made from a mid-20th century pink color Turkish Anatolian rug. Measuring 24'' x 24'' respectively
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Mid-20th Century Turkish American Hooked Style Pile Rug
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish rug derived from a pattern derived from 20th century American hooked rugs. The field is an oatmeal brown color outlined in red soft green and darr brown accents wool ...
Wool
Sold
W 15.75 in L 31.5 in
Vintage Oriental Rug Door Mat, Refurbished Handmade Carpet Mat, Entrance Way Mat
Located in Wembley, GB
This handmade carpet high-quality doormat features a multilayered floral pattern with a mixture of contrasting and harmonious colorways. Perfect for any traditional or modern interio...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Neoclassical Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72682 Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Neoclassical Style. Showcasing timeless elegance in a demure color palette this hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Sivas rug features a repeating ...
Wool
Vintage Turkish Oushak Gallery Rug, Hallway Runner with Tudor Neoclassic Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77263 Vintage Turkish Oushak Gallery Rug, Hallway Runner with Tudor Neoclassic Style. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak gallery rug features an all-over geometric pattern...
Wool