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.
Large dark brown square ottoman made of sheepskin with black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this footstool, you c...
Leather, Sheepskin
Brown cowhide Chesterfield ottoman in English style with ornate legs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This large brown cow leather Chesterfield ottoman in classic English style features attractive legs and is fitted with castors, making it easy to move around. Through years of carefu...
Cowhide, Leather
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 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 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 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
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 Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Ivory Cowhide
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This Forsyth mushroom pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cut...
Cowhide
Pair of Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottomans with Oak Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round ottoman Custom-made ottomans developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in Moonlight sheepskin with oiled oak ball feet...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Custom Made Walnut & Sheepskin Esko Ottomans
Located in London, England
Pair of custom made Esko Ottomans from Dagmar Design. This classic yet contemporary design was first produced in Denmark in the 1960s by cabinetmaker Soren Nielsen. This new edition...
Oak
Pair of Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottomans with Dark Ball Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar design - round ottoman. Custom-made ottomans developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in Moonligh...
Sheepskin, Oak
$1,295 / item
H 35.44 in Dm 39.38 in
Grey Large Sheepskin Bean Bag Cover, Australian Sheepskin - Made in Australia
Located in Dural, AU
This long wool grey sheepskin bean bag chair cover is the must-have shaggy bean bag for anyone who wants to live in ultimate comfort. Australi...
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
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
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