During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.
While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.
Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.
The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.
Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Top Quality & Larg Size, Timeless Design Alabaster Pendant Light Ceiling Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning alabaster shade. Thanks to its unique design, its large size)19.9 inches in diameter) and its truly good condition this alabaster chandelier ...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire, Metal, Bronze
Perfect Antique White & Black Alabaster Pendant Flush Mount w. Greek Key Pattern
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class and exceptional antique alabaster chandelier for an entry hall, bedroom or any other room. Thanks to its unique design, aesthetic beauty, perfect size and great condition ...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Wire
Grand French Alabaster and Gilt Bronze Green Man Mascaron Chandelier, circa 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking and highly decorative French alabaster and gilt bronze pendant chandelier from the early twentieth century. If you are looking for an antique light fixture with real charac...
Alabaster, Bronze
Unique Large Cameo Enameled Opaline Glass Pendant Light w Dancing Nymphs Figures
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique and stunning Italian work of lighting art, 1920. If you are passionate about early 20th century decorative art then you will love this on...
Brass, Bronze
Antique French Sèvres Blue Cobalt Porcelain, Gilt Bronze Candlestick Centerpiece
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early XIX Century French candlestick , Sèvres blue cobalt porcelain, gilt bronze centerpiece Candle holders immersed in a bouquet of flowers. Bronze...
Bronze
Madame Butterfly Chandelier 24 lights
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
MADAME BUTTERFLY CHANDELIER – 24 LIGHTS Villari · Handmade in Italy · 220–240V Step into the world of timeless grandeur with the Madame Butterf...
Metal
Antique Black & White Alabaster Lotus Flower Pendant Light, Top Quality Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top-class antique light fixture with a stunning hand-carved alabaster shade, brass chains and an alabaster canopy. Thanks to its unique design and generous size, this antique alabas...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass
Large Antique NeoClassical Gold Color Bronze 6 arm Candle or Electric Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent quality and great looking, solid bronze chandelier. If you are looking for a truly remarkable and highly decorative fixture then this stunning and large size candle chande...
Bronze
Smallest, Beautiful Design & Great Colors Alabaster Pendant Light / Flush Mount
Located in Lisse, NL
Truly one of a kind light fixture with a small and stunning alabaster shade. Antique light fixtures in general and alabaster ones in particular are our number one speciality. We hav...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze
$28,026
Roses Chandelier 12 Lights
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
Behold the Roses Chandelier, a poetic masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship where artistry, emotion, and heritage converge. This 12-light creation is fully handmade, each porcelain ro...
Brass
Queen Elizabeth Chandelier 18 lights
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
An icon of regal elegance, the Queen Elizabeth chandelier by Villari is a masterpiece that celebrates the highest expression of Italian decorative art. Designed for those who seek ex...
Brass
Greta Chandelier 12 Lights
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
The Villari Greta Chandelier with 12 lights is an exquisite expression of classic Roman elegance, entirely handmade in Italy and designed for 110–115 voltage systems. This chandelier...
Brass
Classic vintage pendant lamp with glass and brass
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage pendant lamp is a characterful addition to your interior, featuring a sleek white glass shade combined with a stylish brass fixture. Thanks to the E27 socket, you can ch...
Brass
Bouquet Chandelier - 6 Lights
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
Heritage craftsmanship & “Made in Italy” quality Villari is a historic Italian porcelain and luxury-decor brand, founded in 1967. Villari chandeliers — like the 6-light ones —...
Porcelain
Princess Margot Pendant Light with 1 light
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
The Princess Margot Pendant Light by Villari – a radiant celebration of Italian artistry, where timeless elegance meets the poetry of handcrafted porcelain. Entirely handmade and met...
Brass
Antique pendant lamp with gold-coloured and ornate details and 3 fittings
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant antique pendant lamp is a characterful addition to your interior, featuring a detailed fixture with a beautiful gold-colored finish. Thanks to the E27 sockets, you can c...
Brass
Princess Margot Chandelier 1 light
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
The Princess Magrot Pendant Light by Villari embodies the brand’s mastery of Italian porcelain art. Each piece is shaped, carved, and hand-painted by skilled artisans, giving the pen...
Brass
$2,268
H 16.54 in W 3.15 in D 1.78 in
Bronze European Contemporary Sculptural Door handle by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned door handles, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Eac...
Bronze
Three-Light Meander Flexible Arm Ceiling Mounted Light Fixture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Ceiling mounted Meander light featuring three flexible metal arms which allow you to adjust and pose the light fixture; shown here with metal arms in standard black finish, and solid brushed brass fittings; 27 inch arms, 6 inch diameter ceiling mount. Overall measurements depend on how it is posed. Custom finishes, leather wrapping and custom configurations are available, please visit us at Avantgarden in Pound Ridge...
Metal, Brass
Italian Sunburst Pendant Flush Mount in Black and Gilt Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern BLACK metal and BRASS sunburst suspension light, chandelier or light fixture. Italy, 1950s. This eye-catching ceiling lamp features a black lacquered metal shade s...
Metal, Brass
Murano Graniglia Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian flush mount with a single large textured clear Murano glass diffuser hand blown in Graniglia technique, mounted on gold finish metal frame / Made in Italy, circa 1960...
Metal
$2,800
H 19 in Dm 16 in
Italian Green Crystal Prisms Gold Gilt Wood Swags 4 Tier Chandelier, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 5-lights, crystal bobeches sitting on giltwood posts. Will be rewired and for the United States, we will install UL US certified sockets and will put in appropriate sockets f...
Crystal
Wicker Lamp Shade
Located in New York, NY
A creamy white or off-white light beige wicker lampshade with coordinating metal hardware. Very good condition as shown in images and video. Dimensions: 8.75" Height Diameter top:...
Metal
Large Flush Mount Light
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare large flush mount light. Measures: Diameter 56 cm. Height 28 cm. Four E27 bulbs.
Chrome
Cast Bronze European Contemporary Sculptural Door Handle
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned door handles, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Each door pull begins as hand-sculpted spheres which are used to create moulds. Margit refers to these finished spheres as pearls. These highly original, eye-catching fixture comes in bespoke length, depending on the number of pearls. The door handles are cast in bronze. Margit Wittig is inspired by modern artists and sculptors such as Giacometti and Ivon Hitchens. Her work is constantly evolving using different textures as the driving force - intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from modern simplicity to rich and complex designs and color. Her pieces are placed with collectors around the globe. Working from her studio in London, as well as door handles, Margit creates artistic lighting...
Bronze
Three-Light Meander Flexible Arm Ceiling Mounted Light Fixture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Ceiling mounted Meander light featuring three flexible arms which allow you to adjust and pose the light fixture; shown here with metal arms in standard ...
Brass
Sunburst Foliage Triple Layered Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist gilt iron and glass sunburst flush mount ceiling lamp with leaves frame. France, 1950s. This sunburst light fixture features a triple layer of leaves / rays surrounding a c...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Graniglia Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with a Murano glass diffuser hand blown in Graniglia technique to produce granular texture, mounted on gold plated finish frame / Made in Italy in the style of Ba...
Gold Plate
$995
H 5.5 in Dm 4 in
Wonderful Boule d'Escalier Bronze Faceted Cut Crystal Banister Newel Post Finial
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Boule d'Escalier Bronze & Faceted Cut Crystal Banister Newel Post Finial
Crystal, Bronze
Sold
H 60 in Dm 38 in
Impressive and Heavy Bronze Acanthus Leaf Theater Ring Chandelier -Matching Pair
Located in Peekskill, NY
These are classic heavy cast bronze pierced acanthus leaf ring light theater chandeliers. Each industrial size lamp uses 12 bulbs. The detail of the castings are absolutely marvelous...
Bronze
Sold
H 23 in Dm 15.8 in
Top Quality & Good Size, Timeless Design Alabaster Pendant Light with Rope Chain
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning alabaster shade. Thanks to its unique design, its good size and its truly excellent condition this alabaster chandelier will light up both yo...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
Sold
H 25 in Dm 17.7 in
Truly Marble-Like Art Deco White Alabaster Pendant Light with Greek Key Pattern
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional antique alabaster chandelier for an entry hall, bedroom or any other room. This large size mineral stone light fixture also comes with...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 26 in Dm 17.7 in
Antique and Large Alabaster Pendant w. Rope and Hand Carved Flower & Leafs, 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class chandelier with a unique white, black and amber color alabaster shade, perfect ropes and a hand knotted canopy. Thank to its restored alabaster shade this antique chandeli...
Alabaster, Bronze
Sold
H 31 in Dm 15.5 in
Antique White and Black Antique Alabaster Pendant Chandelier Top Quality Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning, deeply hand carved, alabaster plafonnier shade. Thanks to its unique design, its good size, and its truly excellent condition this alabaster...
Alabaster, Bronze
Sold
H 30 in Dm 16.7 in
Classical Style Mid-Century Hand Carved, White Alabaster Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent condition, good size and rare design, 3-light chandelier. If you like alabaster light fixtures, but you prefer them in this Classical Roman style, then this 1970s lengthy specimen could be perfect for you. The combination of the white alabaster and the stylishly bronzed AND matt black elements makes this work of lighting art a real joy to own and look at. All hand-crafted with quality materials only this rare light fixture certainly has the potential to become an antique as well. What makes this particular alabaster pendant extra special is the upside down, chalice-like alabaster element in the middle. It too is beautifully carved, wonderfully polished and in perfect condition. Because of the more lengthy design than normal, this rare and stylish pendant is ideal for a slightly higher ceiling, a split level home or, for example, a stairwell. Thanks to the hook inside the height adjustable canopy, mounting this rare light fixture tight to your ceiling is child's play and the warm light it radiates will create the perfect atmosphere in the space she is in. This unique pendant is rewired to the highest standard for safe and immediate usage in the USA as well and our price even includes perfect packing (in a custom made box) and also worldwide shipping from our store to your door in just 4 to 6 days. In other words, this rare alabaster...
Alabaster, Brass
Italian 1950s Clear & Light Blue Venetian Glass Petit Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A charming and beautifully hand blown petit Venetian glass chandeliers. Perfect for an entry, walk in closet, powder room, hallway or small dining table. The four arm chandelier is e...
Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Italian Red Painted Iron Lanterns (5 available)
Located in Atlanta, GA
We were so excited to find this set of 11 red-painted lanterns. They are all in great aged condition retaining their original canopies which are wrought with scalloped edges. The gla...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27 in Dm 16 in
Antique Black & White Alabaster Pendant Chandelier Top Quality Fixture 1900-1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning alabaster shade and a blackened chain & canopy. Thanks to its unique design and good size this hand carved antique alabaster chandelier wil...
Alabaster, Brass, Metal
Sold
H 28 in Dm 19.7 in
First Class Arts & Crafts Alabaster Pendant Light w. Hand Carved Flower Garland
Located in Lisse, NL
Large antique ceiling fixture / chandelier with stunning flowers & leafs hand carved in a beautiful alabaster stone dish shade of 19.7 inches i...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 32 in Dm 15.7 in
Sizeable Black & White Antique Alabaster Pendant Chandelier Top Quality Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning alabaster shade and black rope. Thanks to its unique design and good size this alabaster chandelier will light up both your days and evenings...
Alabaster, Brass
Large Black & White Antique Alabaster Pendant Chandelier Top Quality Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class light fixture with a stunning alabaster shade of 18 inches in diameter. Thanks to its unique design, its large size and its truly excellent condition this alabaster chande...
Alabaster, Brass