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.
Sheepskin ottoman/coffee table on wheels in English chesterfield style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This large XXL sheepskin leather ottoman or coffee table stands on castors and is designed in a classic English Chesterfield style. An ottoman, also known as a footstool, provides e...
Leather, Sheepskin
Handy sheepskin ottoman with warm colours finished with black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This practical sheepskin leather ottoman features a warm colour and is finished with elegant black piping. An ottoman, also known as a footstool, provides extra comfort and is a sty...
Leather, Sheepskin
Antique Dutch seat / ottoman from the 18th century with velvet fabric
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique Dutch footstool dates from the 18th century and features beautiful wood carvings, velour fabric upholstery, and elegant claw feet. Through years of careful use, it has a...
Velvet, Wood
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in Sweden using the highest quality materials. This example is upholstered in a Maple coloured sheepskin and features oiled oak ball feet...
Sheepskin, Oak
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Custom-made ottomans developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. This example is upholstered in 'Moonlight' cream sheepskin and features oiled oak ball feet...
Sheepskin, Oak
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Dark Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. This example is upholstered in 'Moonlight' cream sheepskin and features s...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar - Large Luupo Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in Sweden using the highest quality materials. This example is upholstered in 'Moonl...
Sheepskin, Oak
Custom Made Sheepskin Covered Oak Ottoman
Located in London, England
Dagmar design custom-made round ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These ottomans have oiled oak ...
Sheepskin, Oak
Large Chesterfield Leather Tufted Ottoman, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A generously sized rectangular ottoman upholstered in rich brown tufted leather. Designed in the 1960s, Exuding classic Chesterfield sophistication with a modern versatility. Brass n...
Leather
Forsyth Sheepskin Pouf Ottoman
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Part of the Forsyth signature collection. Our luxurious sheepskin pouf ottomans are handcrafted from our beautiful Brazilian sheepskins. The most beautiful sheepskins are selected, h...
Sheepskin
Custom Made Walnut & Sheepskin Ottoman
Located in London, England
Custom Made Esko ottoman from Dagmar design This classic yet contemporary design was first produced in Denmark in the 1960s by cabinetmaker Soren Nielsen. This new edition is a stun...
Sheepskin, Walnut, Fabric, Oak
Maison Jansen Attributed Ottomans In Donghia Velvet Fabric
Located in New York, NY
1970's Maison Jansen attributed silverplated legs ottomans newly re-upholstered in Donghia Castanets velvet fabric, in vintage condition with some wear and patina to the legs, fully ...
Chrome
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Cone Feet
Located in London, England
Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. This example show is upholstered in a 'Maple' sheepskin and feature oiled...
Sheepskin, Oak
Round Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouf
Located in Dural, AU
This round fur ottoman will be the wow factor that your decor needs. The snow white Mongolian fur ottoman will look and feel super lush in any in...
Sheepskin
Large cube ottoman/ coffee table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Cube ottoman 69”W x 42”D x 18H. Beautiful Custom Made Cube ottoman. Made from a vintage turkish hemp and wool rug, in an off white, with original beautiful hand tied stitched center ...
Hemp
Roman style Leather Ottoman made in England 1940s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Love this Roman style Ottoman ,Cognac color seat ,its legs are covered with Leather attach t with Copper nails . signed made in England .
Leather
Sold
H 22.5 in W 30.5 in D 20 in
20th Century Carved Giltwood Classical Curule Style Upholstered Bench
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Carved in the classical fashion this Italian giltwood Curule style bench is upholstered and covered with a tasteful fabric. It likely dates to the late 20...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Italian Painted and Giltwood Bench, circa 1920
Located in Houston, TX
Gorgeous antique Italian painted and giltwood neoclassical style bench, circa 1920. This versatile Roman giltwood bench is in great structural condition and can be used in a variety ...
Wood