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

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

Vintage timeless wooden Cosmos bistro design chair with beautiful carvings

$209

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

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

Regency Mahogany Hall Chair by Gillows

$1,728

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 Fischel Bistro Chair, Hand-Crafted Wood, Woven Seat

$179

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

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

$628

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

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

$334

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

$1,644 / 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

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

$3,367 / 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

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

$221

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

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

$825 / 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

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

$334

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

Antique English Windsor highback chair from the 19th century

$687

Antique English Windsor highback chair from the 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique English Windsor high-back chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years and is a relatively uncommon stick-back model. The chair features a spindle bac...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of two timeless vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

$538 / 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

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

$346

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

Antique English early 19th century Windsor highback chair

$675

Antique English early 19th century Windsor highback chair

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique English Windsor high-back chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chair features a spindle backrest and a nicely shaped seat. It is not onl...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

$1,435

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

Set of four vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs

$1,076 / 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

Antique English lowback Windsor chair with beautiful patina

$574

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

$562

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

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

$1,190

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 2 Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Chairs in Light Cognac Color

$1,644 / 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 English Highback Windsor Chair from the 18th Century

$681

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 five vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs with stunning detail

$1,286

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

4er Set Neobarock Stühle Historismus Leder antik Stuhl Gründerzeit

$628 / 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

Vintage Italian Curule Armchair, Wrought Iron & Brass, 1950s

$1,950

H 31 in W 24 in D 19 in

Vintage Italian Curule Armchair, Wrought Iron & Brass, 1950s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Hollywood Regency wrought iron and brass curule chair with new cognac leather. Made in Italy.

Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

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

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

Hand-Crafted 20th Century African Chair, Weathered Wood, Antique Art

$456Sale Price|20% Off

H 22.5 in W 18.5 in D 16 in

Hand-Crafted 20th Century African Chair, Weathered Wood, Antique Art

Located in Wainscott, NY

Today, these chairs are valued as works of art and historical artifacts and are often displayed in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world. These chairs were cre...

Category

20th Century African Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique Oak Chair with Gothic and Religious Carvings, 1890s

$689

H 35.83 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in

Antique Oak Chair with Gothic and Religious Carvings, 1890s

Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL

A stunning antique oak chair adorned with intricate Gothic and religious carvings, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and historical character. The old upholstery is aged with light...

Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Oak

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Walnut Armchair

$1,914Sale Price|20% Off

H 33.47 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Walnut Armchair

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

Italian antique armchair Louis XVI period. The shape of the chair is very linear with straight legs in perfect Louis XVI taste. Wide and com...

Category

1780s Italian Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Wooden Brutalist Chairs 1970

$472 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.33 in D 18.51 in

Vintage Wooden Brutalist Chairs 1970

Located in Mortsel, BE

We have a larger quantity of this piece so this makes it perfect if you are searching for multiple pieces. Very sturdy brutalist wooden chairs.

Category

1990s Unknown Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century English Mahogany Hall Chairs

$1,975 / set

H 35.75 in W 17.5 in D 16 in

Pair of 19th Century English Mahogany Hall Chairs

Located in High Point, NC

Pair of 19th century mahogany hall chairs from England. The backs are in the shape of shields, which are pierced and have a central lozenge in the back with carved decoration. The ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Black Ashwood Willow Italian Armchair

$4,728

H 47.05 in W 37.01 in D 16.15 in

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Black Ashwood Willow Italian Armchair

By Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Located in Madrid, ES

Armchair model "Willow" designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for the "Willow Tea Room" in 1903 in Glasgow. Made of black lacquered ashwood structure and upholstered in leather. In its original configuration, the high, semicircular backrest of this solid wood throne served as a divider between the entrance and the tea room behind it. Complex series of lines and shapes reflect the style of Mackintosh. Charles Rennie Mackintosh (7 June 1868 – 10 December 1928) was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist. His artistic approach had much in common with European Symbolism. His work, alongside that of his wife Margaret Macdonald...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Vintage Wooden Wheelchair, Prop Design

$3,450

H 43 in W 24 in D 42 in

Vintage Wooden Wheelchair, Prop Design

Located in Yonkers, NY

A vintage wooden wheelchair from Montgomery Wards in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Imbued with the spirit of an era bygone, this vintage wooden wheelchair from Montgomery Wards in Grand Ra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Metal

19th Century Victorian Inlaid Mother-of-Pearl & Gold Leaf Papier Mache Chair

$8,600

H 37 in W 23.5 in D 14.5 in

19th Century Victorian Inlaid Mother-of-Pearl & Gold Leaf Papier Mache Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th Century Victorian inlaid mother-of-pearl & gilt papier mache chair. This elegantly shaped chair is detailed with Mother Of Pearl inlaid pattern...

Category

1870s English Antique Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Previously Available Items

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

Sold

H 36.42 in W 24.81 in D 22.45 in

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

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.