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.
Hand-Crafted Persian Rug, Cotton, Roman Style, 38x30 cm, 20th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this very small, charming Oriental decorative rug with a lovely pattern, measuring 38x30 cm. Let your home shine with this beautiful rug. It features lovely colors and stunn...
Cotton
1870s Multi Geometric French Needlepoint Carpet 17'6"x19' Flatweave Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
This mosaic floor pattern wool needlepoint carpet was clearly a special commission for a high-level Roman Catholic ecclesiastic, bishop and then archbishop / cardinal as indicated by the hats with tassels in the corners, each surmounting a shield of arms...
Wool
Large Oriental Rug with Red and Pink Tones – 345x250 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large and colorful Oriental rug with predominantly red and pink tones, measuring 345x250 cm. Brighten up your home with this stunning rug. It features beautifu...
Cotton
Hand-Knotted Rug / Tablecloth in Dark Blue and Red – 47x46 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this hand-knotted decorative rug or tablecloth, featuring a fine pattern in dark blue and red tones, measuring 47x46 cm. Bring a touch of charm and elegance into your...
Cotton
Hand-knotted rug of 308x210cm in oriental style with mainly red colours
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautifully hand knotted rug in an oriental style features rich red tones and an elegant pattern. Its dimensions are 308 x 210 cm. Let your home shine with a beautiful rug. Rug...
Wool
Large Rug with Fine Pattern and Beautiful Colors – 291x199 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large Oriental-style rug with a fine pattern and beautiful colors, measuring 291x199 cm. Let your home shine with this stunning rug. It features elegant colors ...
Cotton
Zabihi Collection Turkish Antique Oushak Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A truly divine antique Oushak masterpiece. Two identical scrolls in between an irregular set of palmettes running through coral ground with a delightful s...
Wool
Hand-Crafted Vintage Oriental Rug, Cotton, Roman Style, 20th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this beautiful rug. It features lovely colors and stunning details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for living rooms, but also consider ...
Cotton
Hand-Knotted Square Rug with Red Tones – 63x61 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this hand-knotted, square oriental decorative rug in beautiful shades of red, measuring 63x61 cm. Brighten up your home with this stunning piece, featuring vibrant co...
Cotton
Contemporary Silk Rug with Ancient Byzantine Mosaic Pattern
By Alberto Levi
Located in Milan, IT
An extremely finely knotted carpet woven completely in pure silk, with a design taken from the floor mosaics of the Byzantine period. The aging effect is obtained by weaving the patt...
Silk
20th Century White and Brown Roman Coptic Design North Africa Rug, circa 1900s
Located in Firenze, IT
Carpet in natural knotted wool with symmetrical knot, handicraft production of North Africa. The design of this rug reproduces a late Roman (Coptic) fabric. The drawing refers to ve...
Wool
Charming, Subtle Decorative Rug/Runner in Blue and Beige Tones – 71x32 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this charming and subtle decorative rug/runner in beautiful blue and beige tones, measuring 71x32 cm. Brighten up your home with this lovely piece! It features attractive...
Cotton
Beautiful Rug with Mainly Red Tones and Elegant Patterns – 217 x 128 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this stunning rug. It features rich colors and intricate details. Rugs like this are not only highly sought-after for living rooms, but also make a stylish a...
Cotton
Hand-Crafted Oriental Runner Rug, Cotton, Blue Tones, 148x40cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this subtle, soft, and elegant Oriental-style runner/rug in predominantly blue tones, measuring 148x40cm. Brighten up your home with this beautiful piece. It features...
Cotton
Hand-Knotted Dark Blue Wool Rug, Classical Roman Style, 20th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this beautiful rug. It features lovely colors and stunning details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for the living room but also a great...
Wool
Subtle Decorative Rug / Runner in Blue and Beige Tones – 67x30cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this subtle decorative rug / runner in beautiful blue and beige tones, measuring 67x30cm. Let your home shine with the charm of this elegant piece. With its lovely co...
Cotton
Hand-Knotted Subtle Colorful Rug with Beautiful Pattern – 108x50 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this beautiful rug. It features lovely colors and stunning details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for the living room but also a great...
Cotton
Square Decorative Rug in Predominantly Red and Blue – 105x98 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this square decorative rug in oriental style, featuring refined patterns in predominantly red and blue tones, measuring 105x98 cm. Brighten up your home with this bea...
Cotton
Large Vintage Rug/Carpet with Dark Blue and Pink Tones 328x238 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large vintage Kirman rug/carpet featuring predominantly dark blue and pink tones with beautiful patterns, measuring 328x238 cm. Bring warmth and charm to your ...
Cotton
Vintage Hand-Crafted Oriental Runner Rug, Blue Cotton, 6m Long
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stunning, large, and thick 6-meter long vintage Oriental runner in predominantly blue with a beautiful pattern. Let your home shine with this magnificent rug. It feat...
Cotton
Dark Blue Runner – 283x105cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this primarily dark blue Oriental runner measuring 283x105cm, featuring stunning colors and intricate patterns. Brighten up your home with this beautiful rug. It display...
Cotton
Subtle Colorful Rug with Beautiful Patterns – 124x74cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this stunning rug. It features lovely colors and exquisite details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for the living room but also a great...
Cotton
Hand-Knotted Oriental Rug, 20th Century, 232x139 cm, Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this beautiful hand-knotted Oriental rug with refined patterns and stunning colors, measuring 232x139 cm. Let your home shine with this gorgeous rug. It features beautiful c...
Textile
Rug with patterns and colors – 234x141cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this beautiful Oriental rug with elegant patterns and stunning colors, measuring 234x141 cm. Let your home shine with this gorgeous rug. It features lovely colors and exquis...
Cotton
Hand-Crafted Persian Rug, Blue and White, 20th Century, 181x90 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this subtle oriental rug in mainly blue and white tones with clean patterns, measuring 181x90 cm. Brighten up your home with this beautiful rug. It features lovely co...
Cotton
Bobyrug’s Very Fine and Beautiful Large Vintage Tabriz Style Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite large rug featuring a stunning design with a central medallion. Beautifully hand-knotted with wool velvet on a cotton foundation, this rug boasts vibrant colors including r...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Large, Fine Orient Rug, Carpet, Hand Knotted
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality, large antique orient rug. Carpet. Hand knotted. Strong natural colors. Beautiful pattern. The carpet is in an age-related condition. P...
Wool
Vintage Mohtasham Rug Fine Quality Handmade Rug 10x13 298cm x 397cm
Located in New York, NY
A rare and magnificent vintage Mohtasham rug featuring an intricate geometric design and exceptionally fine craftsmanship, dating to circa 1960. This handmade piece showcases superb ...
Silk
Beautiful Large Size Vintage Spanish Rug 13'10" x 17'6"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Large Size Vintage Spanish Rug, Country of Origin: Spain, Circa Date: Mid 20th Century - Size: 13 ft 10 in x 17 ft 6 in (4.22 m x 5.33 m).
Wool
Hand-Knotted Aryana Wool Rug with Tree of Life Motif, Red and Blue, 2' x 3'
Located in New York, NY
This hand-knotted Aryana wool rug features a lively Tree of Life motif rendered in rich rust red with deep blue, ivory, and earthy accent tones. Rooted in tribal and folk-art traditi...
Wool
$4,235Sale Price|25% Off
W 96.46 in L 121.26 in
Traditional Carpet Aubusson Style Area Rug Handwoven Wool Needlepoint
Located in Wembley, GB
This fantastic area rug has been handwoven with a beautiful symmetrical floral design woven on an ivory blue background with accents of cream green and ivory. Both the color and desi...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
$13,999Sale Price|22% Off
W 108 in L 138 in
Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet, Handmade Oriental Rug, Light Blue, Red, Green
Located in Port Washington, NY
Sultanabad is a region in NW Persia. It was the site of the principle Ziegler weavings in the late 19th century. Sultanabad's are famous for their floral designs as they improved the...
Wool
$35,000
W 140 in L 189 in
Antique Turkish Oushak Rug - Large Hand-Knotted with Muted Teal & Earth Tones
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exceptional Antique Oushak rug is a masterpiece of late 19th Turkish craftsmanship. Featuring a sophisticated and rare muted teal field, the rug is adorned with an intricate, al...
Wool
$7,126
W 104.34 in L 140.16 in
Botanical Green Rug Art Nouveau Carpet Aubusson Rug Handwoven Wool Needlepoint
Located in Wembley, GB
This fantastic area rug has been handwoven with a beautiful symmetrical large-scale botanical Rug design woven on an ivory blue/ Green background with accents of cream green and ivor...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
Wonderful Fine Large Antique Kirman Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful and fine early 20th century large valuable rug with nice indo Persian design with a central medallion and beautiful floral design also with beautiful natural colors wi...
Wool
$1,426
W 51.97 in L 77.56 in
Vintage Rug Kurdish Turkish Hand-Knotted Tribal Carpet Blue, Violet, Red, Green
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Stunning tribal wool rug, hand-knotted in Turkey. Kurdish design rugs and carpets are mainly made of fine, hand-spun wool, This wonderful and stunning example comes from Eastern Tu...
Wool
20th Century Chinese Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A sweet late 20th century Chinese rug with myriad potted flowers including chrysanthemum, peonies, and prunus blossoms all woven in pale pinks, y...
Wool
Rare Antique Italian Tapestry Depicting Roman Emperor Julius Caesar
Located in New York, NY
Here is a beautiful antique tapestry: a late nineteenth century Italian piece, composed with the standards of classical beauty as a guiding light. Harkening back to the preferred aes...
Wool
Early Coptic Egyptian Textile
Located in New York, NY
Created in Egypt, this early Coptic textile depicts a primitive portrait with perspective flattening and a spirited style that is alluring and whimsical...
Cotton, Wool