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Classical Roman Footstools

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
Elegant vintage sheepskin ottoman with beautiful colours and great details
Elegant vintage sheepskin ottoman with beautiful colours and great details

Elegant vintage sheepskin ottoman with beautiful colours and great details

Located in Harderwijk, NL

A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation haven. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can en...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Footstools

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench
Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench

Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench

Located in Sheffield, MA

Vintage neoclassical style curule bench covered in multi toned floral needlepoint upholstery and nailheads. Bench, needlepoint bench, ottoman, footstool, floral bench...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Cognac Cowhide Leather Ottoman, Hand-Crafted in Classical Roman Style
Cognac Cowhide Leather Ottoman, Hand-Crafted in Classical Roman Style

Cognac Cowhide Leather Ottoman, Hand-Crafted in Classical Roman Style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

A cowhide leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can e...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Footstools

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Large and timeless black ottoman made of cowhide leather in English style
Large and timeless black ottoman made of cowhide leather in English style

Large and timeless black ottoman made of cowhide leather in English style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

A cowhide leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can enjoy ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Footstools

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

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Classical Roman footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman footstools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage footstools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, upholstery and other materials. 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 footstools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $1,200 while the average work can sell for $1,200.