Neoclassical Club Chairs
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.
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather, Fruitwood
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Teak
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Wrought Iron
2010s Indonesian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Rattan
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Maple
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Club Chairs
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen, Oak
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Club Chairs
Wicker, Rattan, Rush
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Brass
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
1820s English Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Mahogany, Lacquer
1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Walnut
1990s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Club Chairs
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Metal, Brass
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Velvet
2010s English Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather, Cane, Beech
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
1990s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Paint, Feathers
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Faux Bamboo, Cane
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Bouclé
2010s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Linen
1990s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather
20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Faux Leather, Fiberglass
20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
2010s North American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather, Wood
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood
1940s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Club Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Leather, Fruitwood
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 1900s English Antique Neoclassical Club Chairs
Wood
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Club Chairs
Wood, Velvet