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Classical Roman Lighting

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

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.

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Style: Classical Roman
Rare Pair of Midcentury Made Alabaster Table or Desk Lamps / Classical Style
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare pair of midcentury made alabaster table or desk lamps / classical style handcrafted and very stylish pair of midcentury made alabaster lamps. If you are looking for a great shape and practical size pair of table lamps to grace your living space then these natural mineral stone lights...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Mint & Marvelous Antique Alabaster Pendant Light w. Black Veins & Chain & Canopy
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class antique alabaster chandelier for an entry hall, bedroom or any other room. With alabaster pendants being one of our specialities, we are always grateful when we find one t...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Wire

Mint & Marble-Like Antique Alabaster Pendant Light with Original Canopy & Rope
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional antique alabaster chandelier for an entry hall, bedroom or any other room. With these alabaster pendants being one of our specialities, we always enjoy finding the best ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass, Metal, Bronze

Italian Lamps Patinated Bronze Medici Lion Animal Figures Table Lamps a pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Italian Medici Lions table lamps, heavy lamps made of black patinated metal Traditional Italian Classic Roman style table lamps Style: Traditionale, Classic, Roman, Neoclassical, Ant...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Metal

Large Alabaster Lantern in classic style , 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
Nice large classical Alabaster lantern with carved leaves A central bronze ball , on iron patinated old chains increasing the antic accent. Ideal for bathr...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Large Pair of Restored Vintage Roman Corinthian Pillar Marble Brass Tables Lamps
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of vintage Italian Carrara Marble & Brass Roman Corinthian Pillared table lamps. These lamps came from a very fine antiques dealer in Belgium...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Classical Marble Column Table Lamp Base Only
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful classical hand carved vintage marble table lamp wired for USA. *Does not include lampshade.
Category

20th Century French Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Marble

Large Brass Horse Head Lamp "Caballinus"
Located in Norwalk, CT
Superb quality lamp featuring a heavy cast brass sculpture of a Roman-style horse head. Brass plaque attached to wooden base is engraved with the word CABALLINUS, horse in latin. Ver...
Category

1970s American Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian Bronze Wall Lamp with Old Mirror
Located in Buggiano, IT
Original 1940s Italian bronze wall lamp with old mirror. In working condition. Equipped with original 20th century European wiring. We recommend buyer consu...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Carved Marble Table Lamp with Cupid Figures Made in Italy signed Corsi
Located in New York, NY
Finely carved marble table lamp having two cupid figures, playing around a center pole. The lamp is in very good original, clean and working condition, showing only light cosmetic we...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Marble

Painted Glass & Brass Candlestick Lamp / Square Bell Silk Shade in Expresso
Located in Malibu, CA
Classical style table lamp with brass base and hand painted glass column. RH Silk shade included. Shade: Base size 11" Top Dia 5.5" Height 10"
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 h...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze

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...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Pair of Stylishly Elongated and Midcentury Made Alabaster Table or Desk Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
Great pair of midcentury made alabaster table or desk lamps in a timeless classical style. If you are looking for a great shape and practical Size pair of table lamps to grace you...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Carved Lidded Alabaster Urn Lamp
Located in Vancouver, CA
This beautiful carved lidded alabaster tall urn has a light source inside that glows through the white veined alabaster. Perfect for an entry table or in a powder room for that soft ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Beautiful Classic Table Lamp in Matte Gold from the 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful classic table lamp in matte gold with polished edges in gold. Originally a kerosene lamp from the late 19th century that was converted int...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Rose Sculpture Table Lamp 13 Roses Hand Carved Pink Onyx Block, Linen Lampshade
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale II" is not just a table lamp or sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Classic Pair of Curved Wall Lamps in Silk and Brass Parts 1970s Italy
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Classic pair of curved wall lamps in fabric and brass parts 1970s Italy.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Terra Cotta Tuscan Fruit & Floral Motif Table Lamp
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Italian Tuscan style table lamp, unbranded. Made of terra cotta in an urn shape adorned with a fruit & floral motif, salmon & white in color, and a brass base. Has a removable bra...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Murano Revival Glass Lamped Vase
Located in London, GB
A twin handled murano glass vase in Roman blue, speckled with Venetian green and iridescent finish to surface, now mounted as a lamp. Italian, Mid Twentieth Century .
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Corinthian column table lamp This is a very attractive piece the column is decorated with swags and acanthus leaves and is set on a stepped and scroll footed base, the lamp has a crackle patinated finish which resembles old brass This is a very attractive piece and very heavy, it has a faux suede lamp shade...
Category

1960s Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Paint

Pair of Classical Bronzed Roman Style Table Lamps
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of small classical Greco Roman-style lamps have column shafts set on three-legged and footed bases decorated with acanthus leaves and placed on platforms. The lamps are topp...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Metal

Antique Italian Florentine Hand-Carved & Gilt Finished Floor Lamp & Shade
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique florr lamp is unsigned, but presumed to originate from Italy and date to approximately 1920 and done in a Classical Florentine style. The lamp base is composed of a softwood that have been heavily hand-carved with considerable decorative elements from the top to the base, and has three pull chain light...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Gesso, Softwood

Italian Wall Lamp in White Porcelain, with Glass Shade
Located in Buggiano, IT
Italian wall lamp in white porcelain, with glass shade, original from 1930s In working condition. Equipped with original 20th century European wiring. We recommend buyer consults an ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Porcelain, Glass

Pair of 1920s Hand Wrought Iron Candlestick Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand wrought iron candlesticks converted into table lamps. Custom hand-painted parchment shade. Newly wired. Fine details throughout.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Scavo Corroso Murano Lamp
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a stunning example of a late 20th century Scavo Corroso* Vase, attributed to Seguso/Karl Springer, that has been beautifully detailed with a bron...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Ermes Touch Lamp, White
Located in Mantova, MN
A sophisticated table lamp that will appeal to lovers of both Classical décor and contemporary style. The sculptural body – a bust of the god Hermes atop a column-shaped pedestal, is crafted from high-quality ceramic in the Venetian tradition, entirely hand-finished, and coated in glaze, enamel or precious metal-based paint. This stylish lamp boasts and innovative touch system that allows to switch and adjust the light simply by touching the ceramic pedestal. The light source is a 7W LED strip with 3000K lumen and 100-240V voltage. Second in Les First’s “Light of the Gods collection”, and inspired by the feasting gods painted in the Hall of Cupid and Psyche in the Palazzo Te of Mantua, Ermes makes a symmetrical match for the first-born Minerva, in a sophisticated mirroring game of shape, structure, and symbolical value. Set on top of a Corinthian column, and bathed in a soft glow, the messenger of the gods, symbol of change and whirling energy, is shaped in vibrant ceramic – to create a new mythology of light. Les First: Light of the Gods A luminous pantheon reinventing myth in a flow of energy and imagination: light sculptures with a strong and versatile personality, a perfect fit for both classical or minimalist settings, born to satisfy the senses and pay tribute to a timeless beauty. The Lamps 1. The Idea: Les First – top quality Italian craftsmanship 2. Technological Innovation: the dimmable touch lamp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Plexiglass

Tall Classical Alabaster Column Lamp w/ Gilded Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
A gorgeous, polished, alabaster lamp in the form of a column with an acanthus leaf adorned capital. With an elevated, square, gilt base and neck. Measures: 30” height x 6” x 6.25.”.
Category

Early 20th Century Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Ermes Touch Lamp, Matte Black
Located in Mantova, MN
A sophisticated table lamp that will appeal to lovers of both Classical décor and contemporary style. The sculptural body – a bust of the god Hermes atop a column-shaped pedestal, is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Plexiglass

Murano Scavo Corroso Lamp, II
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a remarkable example of a late 20th century Scavo Corroso* Vase, attributed to Seguso/Karl Springer, that has been beautifully detailed with a br...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pink, White & Black Pendant Light with a Hand Carved Thick Alabaster Shade
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning brass and alabaster chandelier with decor of hand carved fruits. This extra long alabaster light fixture comes with the original and perfect brass chain and canopy. If you would prefer to have it shorter then the chain allows us (or you) to easily change the drop to one that is ideal for your home situation. The thick outside...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

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...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique and Stunning Gilt Bronze and Large Alabaster Shade Pendant / Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning eight light chandelier with gilt bronze arms and bell shape shades. If you are looking for a large size, truly stylish, well proportioned and top quality made chandelier then this early 1900s work of lighting art could be gracing your home soon. It will look marvelous in the entry hall of a stately home or above the dining table in any other type of home that can do with an interior quality upgrade...
Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass, Bronze

Bronze Three Arm Whale Oil Chandelier
Located in Canton, MA
In the style of ancient Roman lamps with a central base and three lighted arms. Faces with classical braided hair. Made in the early 20th century. Materi...
Category

Early 20th Century Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique Repro of Ancient Roman Bronze Oil Lamp, Annum Novum Faustum Felicem
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Antique reproduction of ancient oil lamp. Manufactured in Italy during the mid-late 19th century. Its composed of patinated bronze with great detailin...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique Classical Revival Bronze and Hand Engraved Glass Flush Mount Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and marvelous quality light fixture. This striking and all handcrafted antique flush mount could look great in your hallway, on your landing, but also in one of your bedrooms or in a study. Both with the light switched on and off, the combination of the stunning bronze ring with the curved shell motifs and the hand-engraved glass shade is an absolute joy to look at. Its good and practical size and the fact that it is very easy to mount, make it even more desirable. You can simply mount this fixture onto your ceiling (over a wire and socket that come out of your ceiling), because it has no wiring of its own. We will also include three original brass screws and an antique socket (a brass one with a porcelain ring). Mind you, our price for this stylish antique flushmount...
Category

Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Pair of Italian Cast Iron Griffin 'Winged Lions' Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
19th century pair of Italian cast iron griffin 'Winged Lion' table lamps which have been converted professionally to lights in the workshop, and moun...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of 20th Century Vintage Christopher Wray, Lamps Depicting Roman Women
Located in Southall, GB
Pair of 20th century vintage Christopher Wray plaster figural lamps depicting Roman women, signed by artist. M. Osman.
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Rare Victorian Hand-Painted Italian Venetian Uplighter Floor Standing Lamp
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare hand-painted Victorian Italian Venetian floor standing uplighter conversion Originally designed for Victorian candlesticks buts ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Capodimonte Porcelain Double Socket Table Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century capodimonte porcelain double socket table lamp Beautiful hand painted mythological Roman scenes featuring Romulus and Re...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Classical White "Alabaster" Like Moonstone Lamps
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of stunning lamps with classical columnar design from the Aladdin White Moonstone lamps collection. Aladdin was a maker of oil lamps from which these lamps were converted from. Possibly from the Corinthian Series, the label on the bottom reads: Mantle Lamp...
Category

19th Century American Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Cast Stone

English Roman Classical St. Flowers Decorated Opaline / Milk Glass Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful shape and excellent condition chandelier. If you are looking for a rare and decorative light fixture that is stylish and quality-made at the same time then this fine pen...
Category

Early 20th Century English Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Brass

Carved White Alabaster Lamps Modelled After Roman Temple Ruins
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of carved alabaster lamps representing ancient ‘Roman’ architecture; each having three tall fluted columns with Corinthian capitals supporting a stepped top and resting on a r...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Beautiful 19th Century Bronze Classical Soldier Lamp, Custom Mounted
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful 19th century continental classical bronze of a Roman soldier made into a lamp.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Clear Marbro Amphora Murano Table Lamp
Located in East Hampton, NY
Extraordinary example of Marbro lamps in urn design mounted on square chrome base. Two sockets. Shade NOT included.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Large White Marble Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Tall white marble Corinthian column table lamp This is heavy piece it is made in solid marble, the lamp has a single fluted marble corinthi...
Category

1890s Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Marble

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Italian "Grand Tour" Style Bronze Floor Lamp
Located in Montreal, QC
This unusual antique floor lamp revisits in the late 19th century an oil lamp of antiquity. Raised on three cloven hoof feet and with stem encircled by a writhing serpent, the oil re...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Italian Painted 9-Light Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century Italian painted 9-light sconces. The sconces were originally meant to hold candles. The urns are hand carved and painted in a soft French blue/gray coloration. W...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Wood, Paint

Caldwell Style Bronze Tripod Pompeii Floor Lamp, circa 1900
Located in Kensington, MD
Rare tripod floor lamp in the Pompeiian style attributed to the Caldwell & Company foundry. Patinated bronze verdigris finish. Electrified with two sockets.
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Classical Alabaster Column Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Monumental neoclassical carved Italian alabaster lamp in the shape of a column. Price for lamp with or without shade. Measures: Lamp shade top 4.75" Lamp shade bottom 23" Lamp sha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Large Marble Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Very Tall Marble Corinthian Column Table Lamp This is very heavy piece it is made in solid marble and brass, the lamp has a single fluted mar...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Marble

Monumental Bronze Porte Cochere or Porch Lantern
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A monumental cast bronze and frosted glass porte cochere lantern; (a porte cochere is a roofed structure extending from the entrance of a buildin...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bronze Dore Athena with Owl Sconces
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of four 19th century French bronze doré sconces, circa 1830, featuring the Roman goddess Athena with displayed owl and two candle arms. The sconces are being sold in pairs and ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Well-Carved Pair of Italian Romanesque Style Gray Painted Wooden Masks now Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-carved and stylized pair of Italian Romanesque style gray painted wooden masks now mounted as lamps; each bearded face surrounded by thick curl...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Lighting

20th Century Terracotta Classical Vase Lamp
Located in London, GB
A mid-20th century terracotta vase of Classical form, the bulbous reeded body with ring handles. Dimensions refer only to terracotta vase and exclude electrical fittings.  
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Lighting

Materials

Terracotta

Classical Roman lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Massimo Marcomini, Barberini & Gunnell, Cristalleries De Sevres, and Fournier Decoration. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $159 and tops out at $31,838 while the average work can sell for $2,730.

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