Traditional Neoclassical Interior Design and Home Decor
Ranked #352 in Arts & Design, #4,205 overall
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
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
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" 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
Bring Vienna to your home with this luxurious dama more...2 points
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
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
This Extremely Detailed and Well-Made statue measu more...1 point
Prestige Damask 13" X 70" Burgundy Table Runner
Violet Linen Prestige 13*70" Runner 3201 Feat more...1 point
Silver Classical Tea Set
Ornate three-piece tea set in classic Victorian th more...1 point
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 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.
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
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
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
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
Proud to be the Home Decor Squid Angel

We are honored to have earned our wings in March, 2011 and hope you'll take a look at "Wing-ing it on Squidoo" to see some of the best lenses we've found in our neighborhoods and as a visitor to other areas on Squidoo.
Special thanks to Steve for the Squid Art used in this module.
Neoclassical Wallpapers & Borders
Lighting to Enhance Your Neoclassical Decor
Antique Finds for Neoclassical Interior and Exterior Design
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
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 captures an original approach to more...0 points
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 "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
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
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
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
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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
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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...
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NoNee
Apr 15, 2012 @ 4:33 pm | delete
- thanks for these well organized informations
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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
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, more...0 points
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by ---Chazz
Hello and welcome. My name is Chazz and I am a Cephalopodic (aka Squidoo Addict), Giant Squid, and Squid Angel. When I can tear myself away from Squidoodling,... more »
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