Classical Roman Chairs

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.

Style: Classical Roman

American Classical Revival Macassar Ebony Throne Chair From The Frick Estate

$28,000

American Classical Revival Macassar Ebony Throne Chair From The Frick Estate

Located in Essex, MA

Manufactured By Cottier & Co 3 East 34th St New York. Frick bill of sale described as a "Roman Chair of Golden Ebony" in Henry Fricks invoice for his summer home in Prides Crossing Massachusetts. Purchase price 325.00 dollars. This chair possibly used as a hall chair. Shaped saddle seat. Modelled on an ancient Roman throne...

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Ebony, Macassar

Brown cowhide leather Chesterfield desk/dining/side chair in English style

$582

Brown cowhide leather Chesterfield desk/dining/side chair in English style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful dark brown Chesterfield chair has the classic English look. It is made of cowhide leather and features refined detailing with decorative nails. The chair is highly ver...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Set of 2 Green Vintage Bistro Chairs with Woven Reed Seats

$435 / set

Set of 2 Green Vintage Bistro Chairs with Woven Reed Seats

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is a set of 2 charming green vintage bistro chairs with elegant detailing and woven reed seats. This lovely and graceful pair of green vintage bistro chairs features ma...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Italian Curule Armchair

$3,750

Italian Curule Armchair

Located in Woodbury, CT

Iron, brass and leather curule armchair. Originally meant for Roman magistrates, this version features tooled and gilded leather on an iron frame with ...

Category

Early 20th Century British Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Regency Mahogany Hall Chair by Gillows

$1,703

Regency Mahogany Hall Chair by Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Sherborne, GB

Mahogany Regency hall chair by Gillows circa 1815 with Roman and Greek architectural influences, the top cresting rail has bold Greek key decoration, the back panel has a step oval c...

Category

1810s English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage timeless wooden Cosmos bistro design chair with beautiful carvings

$205

Vintage timeless wooden Cosmos bistro design chair with beautiful carvings

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This wonderful vintage wooden bistro chair features beautiful carvings/motifs in both the seat and backrest. It fits perfectly in both classic and modern interiors. Over the years, ...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Chair by Mundus for Thonet, Hand-Crafted, 20th Century

$341

Antique Wooden Chair by Mundus for Thonet, Hand-Crafted, 20th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered is this stunning antique wooden design chair by Mundus for Thonet, featuring armrests and beautiful woodcarving. This charming chair is not only a delight to look at but als...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Hand-Crafted Antique Bistro Chair with Woven Cane Seat, 20th Century

$217

Hand-Crafted Antique Bistro Chair with Woven Cane Seat, 20th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this charming, timeless bistro chair in the style of Thonet with a woven cane seat. This elegant bistro chair, crafted with a wooden frame, features a woven cane seat...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

Antique French Napoleon III Chair Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl

$329

Antique French Napoleon III Chair Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered is this elegant and unique antique French Napoleon III chair, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. We ourselves are very fond of this type of chair—and this particular example is esp...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Set of 2 antique French Napoleon III chairs inlaid with mother-of-pearl

$811 / set

Set of 2 antique French Napoleon III chairs inlaid with mother-of-pearl

Located in Harderwijk, NL

We are personally very fond of this type of chair, and this beautiful set of two is no exception. They remain remarkably original, and for this type of furniture, they are still rela...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Textile, Wood

Set of 2 Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Chairs in Light Cognac Color

$1,617 / set

Set of 2 Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Chairs in Light Cognac Color

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is a set of 2 beautiful and luxurious cowhide leather Chesterfield dining or accent chairs in a light cognac color. This stunning set of two Chesterfield chairs exudes l...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Antique French Napoleon III chair inlaid with mother-of-pearl

$329

Antique French Napoleon III chair inlaid with mother-of-pearl

Located in Harderwijk, NL

We are very charmed by this type of chair and especially this beautiful example. It is still particularly original and, for this type of furniture, still quite stable and usable. The...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Textile, Wood

Elegant 19th-Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Decorative Chair

$617

Elegant 19th-Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Decorative Chair

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This graceful 19th-century Victorian antique chair is full of stunning decorative details and features a classic spoon-shaped backrest. This highly original English Victorian chair...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Unique antique sheepskin chair/armchair with a special North African design

$1,170

Unique antique sheepskin chair/armchair with a special North African design

Located in Harderwijk, NL

For those who are not looking for a standard sheepskin chair, this is an absolute opportunity. This unique chair dates from the early 20th century and was once reupholstered in sheep...

Category

Early 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Set of two timeless vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

$529 / set

Set of two timeless vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This wonderful set of 2 vintage wooden bistro chairs features beautiful carvings/motifs in the seat and backrest. They complement both classic and modern interiors perfectly. Over th...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Wooden and black cow leather antique English Gainsborough side/desk/chair

$676

Wooden and black cow leather antique English Gainsborough side/desk/chair

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful English chair is made of wood and black cowhide leather. Thanks to its luxurious and timeless design, it fits easily into almost any interior and is highly versatile. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Vintage Fischel Bistro Chair, Hand-Crafted Wood, Woven Seat

$176

Vintage Fischel Bistro Chair, Hand-Crafted Wood, Woven Seat

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This charming vintage bistro chair in the style of Thonet, featuring a woven seat. This original bistro chair was produced by Fischel, based on a design by Thonet. It has beautiful w...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique English Highback Windsor Chair from the 18th Century

$670

Antique English Highback Windsor Chair from the 18th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique Windsor chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chair features a spindled backrest and a nicely shaped seat. It is not only functional, but ...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of two antique English highback Windsor chairs from the 18th century

$1,412

Set of two antique English highback Windsor chairs from the 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful set of antique Windsor chairs has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chairs feature a spindled backrest and a nicely shaped seat. They are not only funct...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique English lowback Windsor chair with beautiful patina

$564

Antique English lowback Windsor chair with beautiful patina

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique Windsor dining chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chair features a spindled backrest with a lovely pattern and a finely shaped seat. It...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Scandinavian wooden and cowhide side/desk/chair from the 60s/70s

$553

Vintage Scandinavian wooden and cowhide side/desk/chair from the 60s/70s

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful Scandinavian vintage chair from the 60s/70s is made of wood and cowhide. Thanks to its timeless design, it fits easily into almost any interior and is versatile in use...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of 2 Elegant Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Chairs

$3,312 / set

Set of 2 Elegant Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Chairs

Located in Harderwijk, NL

What a wonderfully charming set of chairs we have the pleasure of offering you! These highly original English Victorian chairs feature a woode...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of four vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

$1,059 / set

Set of four vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This wonderful set of four vintage wooden bistro chairs features beautiful patterns and motifs in both the seat and backrest. They complement both classic and modern interiors with e...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of five vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs with stunning detail

$1,260

Set of five vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs with stunning detail

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This amazing set of 5 vintage wooden bistro chairs features beautiful carvings and patterns on the seat and backrest. They look great in both classic and modern interiors. Over the y...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 antique French Napoleon III chairs inlaid with mother-of-pearl

$1,617 / set

Set of 4 antique French Napoleon III chairs inlaid with mother-of-pearl

Located in Harderwijk, NL

We are very charmed by this type of chair and especially this beautiful set of 4. They are still particularly original and, for this type of furniture, still quite stable and usable....

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

4er Set Neobarock Stühle Historismus Leder antik Stuhl Gründerzeit

$764 / set

4er Set Neobarock Stühle Historismus Leder antik Stuhl Gründerzeit

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten ein wunderschönes antikes 4er Set Esszimmerstühle aus der Gründerzeit zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle verfügen über aufwendige Schnitzereien und sind mit hellem Leder bezogen. ...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Vintage Green Bistro Chairs

$1,750 / set

H 32 in W 15.5 in D 17 in

Set of Vintage Green Bistro Chairs

Located in Napa, CA

Vintage green bistro chair from France. Bistro chair has a metal frame with painted wooden slats. Priced for set of 10; please inquire regarding ac...

Category

1950s French Vintage Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Metal

Fully Restored Suite of Five Chesterfield Brown Leather & Hardwood Dining Chairs

$5,359 / set

H 36.62 in W 19.3 in D 24.41 in

Fully Restored Suite of Five Chesterfield Brown Leather & Hardwood Dining Chairs

By Chesterfield

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare suite of fully restored Victorian chesterfield brown leather dining chairs ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

English Style Tufted Brown Faux Leather Cockfighting Chair

$1,750

H 29 in W 25.5 in D 28 in

English Style Tufted Brown Faux Leather Cockfighting Chair

Located in Bradenton, FL

Victorian Style Tufted Brown Faux Leather Reading or Cockfighting Chair with pleated deep button back and arms. Seat has tan piping on arms and back and brass studding on seat. Chair...

Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather

French Vintage Style Bistro Folding Iron Chair, Indoor & Outdoor

$375 / item

H 32.28 in W 16.53 in D 17.32 in

French Vintage Style Bistro Folding Iron Chair, Indoor & Outdoor

Located in Miami, FL

French vintage style bistro folding iron chair. Price per item.

Category

2010s Spanish Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Iron

Set Of Four Vintage Woven Wicker Chairs

$3,750

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 22 in

Set Of Four Vintage Woven Wicker Chairs

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Set of Four Vintage Woven Wicker Chairs. A nice compact design making them an ideal complement for any setting. Vintage wicker chairs can add charm and character to various interior...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Set of 6 Mid Century Dining Chairs with Green Seats

$1,267

H 40 in W 18 in D 18 in

Set of 6 Mid Century Dining Chairs with Green Seats

Located in New York, NY

Set of 6 chairs, green painted seats Green, fixed seat with springs in need of recovering as they have original materials. seat height 19 in. Painting has chips and scrapes but in...

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of English Regency Mahogany Hall Chairs

$4,500 / set

H 32.88 in W 15.13 in D 17.5 in

Pair of English Regency Mahogany Hall Chairs

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Stunning pair of Regency hall chairs from England, circa 1800. Dramatic in color alone, the solid mahogany planks lend themselves well to carved, scrolling details in the shield-back...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Paint

Set of 8 English Chippendale Brown Leather Chairs

$28,500 / set

H 40 in W 23.5 in D 22 in

Set of 8 English Chippendale Brown Leather Chairs

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 8 English Chippendale style (late 19th Cent) chairs with a carved ribbon back design & new brown leather slip seat. (2 arms-26"w 24.5"d 41'h, 6 sides (att: GILLOWS)

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Italian Pair of Dining Chairs with Woven Leather Seats

$2,450 / set

H 33.86 in W 18.71 in D 21.66 in

Italian Pair of Dining Chairs with Woven Leather Seats

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of dining chairs, leather, beech, Italy, late 1970s Remarkable pair of sculptural and impressive dining chairs. These chairs have a frame and long backrest in beech. The backs ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

George Smith Buttoned Side Occasional Office Desk Chair Brown Leather

$2,645

H 42.92 in W 23.63 in D 24.41 in

George Smith Buttoned Side Occasional Office Desk Chair Brown Leather

By George Smith

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning RRP £4,170 George Smith buttoned Gainsborough side chair in brown leather with mahogany frame This is a very well made...

Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather

Six Vintage Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted Dining Chairs

$6,105 / set

H 33.47 in W 20.87 in D 21.26 in

Six Vintage Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted Dining Chairs

By Chesterfield

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six fully restored Chesterfield tufted dining chairs These are a very good looking and well made chairs, you have two carve...

Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Beautiful Chiavari Wooden Chair Wicker Seat, Made in Liguria, Italy, 1930s

$890

H 38 in W 16 in D 15 in

Beautiful Chiavari Wooden Chair Wicker Seat, Made in Liguria, Italy, 1930s

By Chiavari

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is a beautiful chiavari chair made in Liguria, Italy, in the 1930s, probably older. It shows some scratches, also patina and paint lost, but this is old-age. It has a woven w...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Previously Available Items

Chased Wrought Iron Folding Curule Bench

Sold

H 19 in W 25 in D 16.5 in

Chased Wrought Iron Folding Curule Bench

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Hand-Forged Iron with Stitched Saddle leather makes this Curule Stool a Classic Roman Form! Curule Stools have been re-imagined and embellished since the Romans first introduced this Classic Form. This Folding Stool with Rosettes on both sides is probably Italian or French from the Turn of the Century. Beautiful wear to the leather. Waxed metal...

Category

1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Italian Iron/Bronze Savonarola Dante Chair

Sold

H 37.5 in W 26.25 in D 23 in

19th Century Italian Iron/Bronze Savonarola Dante Chair

Located in Vero Beach, FL

19th century Italian iron/bronze Savonarola Dante chair. Stunning Italian, iron and bronze Savonarola Dante chair. The curving wrought iron ...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Early 20th Century French Wrought Iron Kids Chair

Sold

H 16.93 in W 7.88 in D 9.06 in

Early 20th Century French Wrought Iron Kids Chair

Located in Barcelona, ES

Early 20th century French wrought iron kids chair, with the right amount of patina.

Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Italian Savonarola Curule Bench Seat Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 25 in D 18 in

Pair of Italian Savonarola Curule Bench Seat Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Great pair of folding Italian Savonarola Curule bench seat chairs. Both are in very Fine original condition, with exception of seats, which have later...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Classical Style steel patinated Curule' Chairs with a Modern Twist

Sold

H 28 in W 28 in D 18.5 in

Pair of Classical Style steel patinated Curule' Chairs with a Modern Twist

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Graced by new mint condition subdued blue cushions these chairs or benches feature the basic elements of the classical curule chair originating in old Rome, but with a less decorated...

Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Italian Savronarola Iron Brass and Leather Chairs

Sold

H 32.5 in W 21 in D 16 in

Pair of Italian Savronarola Iron Brass and Leather Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Savronarola chairs, in iron, bronze and leather. One leather seat has a slight tear, the cloth decking is sound and undamaged, so the chair i...

Category

1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Antique Walnut Wood Curule Seat from France, circa 1880

Sold

H 28.5 in W 33.5 in D 23.63 in

Antique Walnut Wood Curule Seat from France, circa 1880

Located in Dallas, TX

This curule seat dates to the late 1800s and is made out of French walnut wood, covered in needlepoint and velvet. It is known as a curule seat, based on designs by the ancient Romans. Often meant for Royalty only...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Classical Roman chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $324 and tops out at $3,750 while the average work can sell for $2,037.