Traditional Neoclassical Interior Design and Home Decor

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Neoclassical Interior Design for the Historic Home



Neoclassical style is a timeless, elegant traditional decorating style and one of the most influential and popular themes in home decor. This page will provide a brief background of Neoclassical Design and information you need to create the look in your own home. You will find out what colors to use, which fabrics are the right ones, what motifs and patterns to look for in wallpaper and accessories, and more. There are also Decorating tips, photos, resources, and links for additional information.

Photo, above left, shows a dining room designed by Robert Adam circa 1770. The room, part original and part reconstructed, is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The statues and furniture are replacements for the originals which no longer exist.

An Introduction to the Neoclassical Style

head of venus de milo classical Greek statue in the Louvre Museum Paris


Neoclassicism emerged as an antithesis to the excesses of Rococo style. As with all furnishing styles, it was dependent to a large extent on new materials, world trade, scientific discoveries (including archaeological finds) and technological advances in manufacturing processes.

Neoclassicism takes the graceful curves of the Rococo and combines it with Gothic, Chinese, and Palladian elements to create a variety of sub-styles including late Georgian and Regency periods in England, Louis XVI and Directoire or Empire in France, and the Federal period in the newly formed United States of America as well as the later Victorian Greek Revival, which was heavily influenced by the recent archaeological discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Photo is head of the Venus de Milo Statue in The Louvre Museum in Paris, France

Neoclassical Motifs for Home Decor

Neoclassical Period Home Decor Interior Design Motifs

As the name suggests, look for decorating materials and accessories with themes and motifs drawn from classical Greek and Roman mythology and design and, to a lesser degree, Egypt. Urns, decorative columns, laurel wreaths, slender arabesques, cupids, stylized palms known as anthemions (Greek), and palmettes (Egypt), Greek key designs and marble (or faux marble) busts and statuary are characteristic of neoclassical interior design.

Neoclassical Interior Design Elements

And Accessories for Period Home Decorating

Popular accessories in Neoclassical home decor include Wedgwood Jasperware and Statuary plus Ginger jars, ivory and porcelain from China. Accessories such as these were prominently but tastefully displayed. Walls were hung with large mirrors in elaborate gilded frames and large paintings including family portraits and, of course, themes from Greek and Roman mythology. Mahogany sideboards held silver tea sets and candelabra.

We've personally selected the following items for their timeless neoclassical appeal and appropriateness. We've included items in a wide price range, both antique or vintage and new so you are sure to find the perfect complement to your own neoclassical style.

Prestige Damask 18

Prestige Damask 18" X 18" Decorative Cushion Cover - Burgundy

Violet Linen Prestige 18*18" Cushion Cover 45 more...2 points

Benson Mills Vienna Classical Damask Fabric Tablecloth, Cream, 70-Inch Round

Benson Mills Vienna Classical Damask Fabric Tablecloth, Cream, 70-Inch Round

Bring Vienna to your home with this luxurious dama more...2 points

Wedgwood Jasper Classic 7.35-Inch Large Vase, White on Pale Blue

Wedgwood Jasper Classic 7.35-Inch Large Vase, White on Pale Blue

The Jasper Classic Giftware Collection applies fam more...2 points

Wedgwood Jasper Classic 7.35-Inch Large Vase, White on Black

Wedgwood Jasper Classic 7.35-Inch Large Vase, White on Black

The Jasper Classic Giftware Collection applies fam more...2 points

Eros (Cupid) & Psyche By Antonio Canova Greek Roman Mythology Lovers Statue, Marble Finish 11-inch

Eros (Cupid) & Psyche By Antonio Canova Greek Roman Mythology Lovers Statue, Marble Finish 11-inch

This Extremely Detailed and Well-Made statue measu more...1 point

Prestige Damask 13

Prestige Damask 13" X 70" Burgundy Table Runner

Violet Linen Prestige 13*70" Runner 3201 Feat more...1 point

Silver Classical Tea Set

Silver Classical Tea Set

Ornate three-piece tea set in classic Victorian th more...1 point

Crystal Classical Candlestick Pair by Godinger

Crystal Classical Candlestick Pair by Godinger

From the Shannon Crystal Collection by Godinger these more...1 point

Grasslands Road Villa Cherub Playing Lute Instrument Statuary

Grasslands Road Villa Cherub Playing Lute Instrument Statuary

Grasslands Road Villa Cherub playing lute instrume more...1 point

Wedgwood Jasperware

The Epitome of Neoclassical Style

Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) was a renowned potter whose jasperware is perhaps the quintessential element of neoclassical home decor. His interest in science methods enabled him to create unique glazes and revolutionize the pottery industry. That, along with his talent for business, promotion, and design made him a major industrialist and arguably the most famous potter of all time.

A staunch abolitionist, Wedgwood mass-produced cameos depicting the seal of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. This image was the most famous depiction of a black person in the 18th-century and its popularity brought public attention to the situation of slaves and the abolitionist movement.

Josiah Wedgwood, it is interesting to note, was the grandfather of both Charles Darwin (the evolutionist) and his wife, Emma. In fact, the Wedgwood fortune enabled Charles to pursue his scientific interests.

Wedgwood is also considered the inventor of direct mail marketing and promotions such as illustrated catalogs, money-back guarantees, free delivery, and buy one get one free sales.

The Wedgwood company, now owned by Waterford, continues to produce the blue, green, black (and sometimes other colors) china overlaid with bas-relief style white decoration. Antique or new, original or adaptation, Wedgwood's china deserves a place in any and every neoclassically decorated room.

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Marriage of Cupid and Psyche, ca. 1773, by Josiah Wedgwood
Tinted stoneware. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the estate of Emily Winthrop Miles.

Above Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Loves Art participant "LoneWolfNYC" , via Wikimedia Commons. Photos on this lens not credited were created by yours truly and are © 2011 Restoration Fabrics & Tims LLC

Some Other Names to Look For in Neoclassical Decor: George Hepplewhite

A pair of Hepplewhite Traditional Neoclassical Chairs.
This photo is available at AllPosters.com


George Hepplewhite (1727-1786) was an influential English cabinetmaker of the period, although little is known about him personally. No original pieces of furniture made by Hepplewhite or his firm are known to exist today, but his name is still used to refer to a distinctive style of elegant neoclassical furniture popular between 1775 and 1800. His designs are still reproduced, many of which feature shield-shaped chair backs.

Thomas Chippendale

Chippendale Furniture








Thomas Chippendale (1718 -1799) was an English cabinetmaker and the first to publish a book of his own designs. His work exhibits four major styles: Neoclassical, Gothic, Rococo, and Chinoise.

Photo is a catalog page of original Chippendale furniture designs. You can find it at AllPosters.com

Robert Adam

A Room with Decor Designed by Robert Adam

The Etruscan Room by Robert Adam. Available at AllPosters.com


Robert Adam (1728 -1792) was a Scottish architect, interior designer and furniture designer who is often considered the major influence on the style and popularity of the neoclassical era. Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton were strongly influenced by Adam's style, as was Thomas Jefferson in the new United States of America.

Thomas Sheraton







Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) was also an English cabinetmaker. The Sheraton style features round tapered legs, fluting and inlays of contrasting veneers. The lyre back chair epitomizes his graceful neoclassical designs.

Photo is a Two-tier dumbwaiter table by Thomas Sheraton. It is available at AllPosters.com

Neoclassical Interior Decorating Colors

color palette for neoclassical period home decor

Line and form took precedence over color in neoclassical decor. Colors were softer and/or lighter. Shades of cream, grays, sage greens, soft pink, muted rose, blues, mustard and ochre golds were popular. Colors were frequently brightened by the lavish use of goldleaf.

As dyes became more available, pale blues and yellows were added to the palette and blues and greens became clearer and stronger. Terra cotta, black, and red were also used occasionally and in moderation. Furniture was usually mahogany and the paler palette was used to showcase the darker wood tones. Floors were inlaid wood, marble or stone, often accented with Persian rugs. Wainscoting and wood paneling and imported wallpapers and murals were popular wall treatments and afford additional opportunities for using color.

Please note that computer monitors do not accurately and consistently depict color and the above photo swatches should be considered an approximation.

Save on Traditional Oriental Area Rugs to Accent Neoclassical Home Decor

Neoclassical Style Fabrics for Period Decor

Neoclassical Interior Decor has an upscale, coordinated look and fabrics were luxurious but not overly fussy. Silk Damask and brocades from France, cotton chintz from England, linens, needlepoint, crewel, wools and tapestries were used with opulent trims. Horsehair woven in a variety of patterns and colors was a new introduction and was a very durable upholstery fabric. Beds were still hung with draperies with wool (usually dyed red or green) predominating in colder climates. Window treatments were optional and generally an elegant yet simple swag and cascade.

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Special thanks to Steve for the Squid Art used in this module.

Neoclassical Wallpapers & Borders

Wallpapers featuring Greek and Roman myths and motifs were popular as were architectural themes. Many of these were done in Grisaille, or in gray tones to create the illusion of sculpture. Toiles, murals, and imported hand-painted Chinoiseries were also used. Reveillon's arabesques graced the homes of the wealthy both in Europe and the United States.

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Lighting to Enhance Your Neoclassical Decor

LIghting when Neoclassic Interior Design first arrived on the scene was restricted to natural light (hence the large, tall windows) and candelabra. Later styles took advantage of gas lighting. However, although electric lighting was unknown at the time, we have carefully combed through thousands of light fixtures and selected some that we feel have the right look to be compatible with and complementary to period neoclassical home decor. We've included a wide range of prices and items that will ship for free -- so take a look and light up your life in neoclassically inspired style!

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Antique Finds for Neoclassical Interior and Exterior Design

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Boilly Painting showing neoclassical styles influence on fashion

Above picture shows a detail from "Jeu des Dames," an 1803 painting of a family playing checkers by the French artist Louis-Léopold Boilly. Note the classical influence on the women's fashions of the era. (This picture is in the public domain.)

Learn More About Neoclassical Interior Design

Furnishings and Architecture

Recommended readings for anyone interested in neoclassical style and the history of design.

Neoclassical (Architectural & Design Library) by Young Mi Kim

Neoclassical (Architectural & Design Library) by Young Mi Kim

Rooted in the graceful forms of antiquity, the dig more...1 point

Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past by Barbara Stoeltie

Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past by Barbara Stoeltie

Rooms to Remember captures an original approach to more...0 points

Classical Furniture by David Linley

Classical Furniture by David Linley

David Linley, who specializes in creating fine fur more...0 points

Neo-Classical Furniture Designs: A Reprint of Thomas King's

Neo-Classical Furniture Designs: A Reprint of Thomas King's "Modern Style of Cabinet Work Exemplified," 1829 by Thomas King

Influential guide displays over 300 Grecian design more...0 points

Classic Style by Judith Miller

Classic Style by Judith Miller

Photographs and descriptive text celebrate classic more...0 points

Another Look at Chippendale and All the Rest: Influences on 18th-Century English Furniture (Cultural History) by Linda Hewitt

Another Look at Chippendale and All the Rest: Influences on 18th-Century English Furniture (Cultural History) by Linda Hewitt

The furniture of eighteenth-century England is som more...0 points

See Designer Boards for Neoclassical Decor

And Other Historic and Contemporary Home Decorating Styles

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For American Federal Period Decor

A Distinct Style of Neoclassic Design

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  • Anna2of5 May 4, 2012 @ 8:45 am | delete
    Chazz,
    Wow! Beautiful lens, I love the art you chose, and the flying Squidangel, also the blessed section with the thank you- Nice! I live in an 1890 Colonial in western New York. It has a milk door, a coal bin area, a fireplace ash dumping device, and some fantabulous moldings, and a Very Old kitchen ( the cupboards go to the ceiling :D. thank you for styling out and showing what a lens can do. I also Love the words you invented for your bio. I can't wait to explore this section of Squidoo more. :D
    Sincerely, Anna2of5
  • TeamSTM Apr 24, 2012 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    If it's not Broke, don't fix it; this Most Definately applies to Traditional Home Decor!!! ;D
  • webkangaroo Apr 17, 2012 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    Lovely ideas , really a rich lens. You really know what you're talking about and we love listening...
  • NoNee Apr 15, 2012 @ 4:33 pm | delete
    thanks for these well organized informations
  • WhiteSockGirl Apr 11, 2012 @ 5:37 pm | delete
    Amazing images. I am so lusting after the pair of Hepplewhite Traditional Neoclassical Chairs.

    Amazing lens.
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Links to Other Decorating Sites of Interest

Whether you are restoring a historic home or furnishing your first apartment on a budget, these are some other sites and pages you might find helpful.

(Due to excessive spamming, only suggestions for this list submitted by Squidoo Lensmasters in good standing may be submitted and considered.)

For Neoclassical Wallpapers, Antiques, Decorator Accessories & More

Visit our Bonanza Booth more...3 points

For Neoclassical Decorator Fabrics

Restoration Fabrics and Trims
Your on-line source more...2 points

Historic Period Interior Design and Home Decor Blog

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The National Trust for Historic Preservation

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