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.
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
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
Versatile sheepskin ottoman/footstool in a warm cognac colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This sheepskin leather ottoman is versatile in use, features a warm cognac colour, and is finished with black piping. An ottoman, also known as a footstool, adds extra comfort and i...
Leather, Sheepskin
Pair of Low Round Ottomans / Footstools in COM
By Märta Blomstedt, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of elegant, modern, low, round ottomans. Handmade in England. To be upholstered in COM. COM fabrics subject to approval.
Alpaca, 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 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
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 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
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 Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Sampo Ottoman A custom-made ottoman designed & produced using the highest quality materials. This ottoman is available to order in a range of different materials an...
Sheepskin, Oak
Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A MCM Upholstered...
Cotton
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
Natural White Fur Ottoman, Mongolian Sheepskin Pouffe
Located in Dural, AU
What could be more luxurious than relaxing with this real fur ottoman! Whether styling a living room for seating or foot comfort or adding glam to a bedroom, this Mongolian fur pouf will look and feel amazing in any decor setting. Each fur ottoman boasts with the most beautiful and silky Mongolian sheepskin...
Sheepskin
$1,590 / item
H 11 in W 26 in D 22 in
Frances Ottoman Oak Ottoman Upholstered in Genuine Sheepskin with Down Foam Core
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
26" W x 22" D x 11" H (18.5" Seat Height) Leg Height: 9.5 Finish: D109 Montana Brown Species: Oak Frances White Oak Ottoman in Genuine Sheepskin. Th...
Sheepskin, Foam, Oak, Down
Sold
H 18.9 in W 48.04 in D 27.96 in
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
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