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 Oak Wainscot Chair / Side Chair from the 17th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this beautiful and stately antique oak Wainscot chair / side chair from the 17th century with a warm finish. This magnificent ant...
Wood, Oak
Antique English oak chair / wainscot chair from the 17th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This exceptionally beautiful antique English oak wainscot chair dates from the 17th century and features stunning wood carvings and exquisite details. It is in good condition and sur...
Wood, Oak
18th Century Venetian Throne Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-carved 18th Century giltwood newly-upholstered in Rubelli metal silk fabric.
Giltwood
French antique Lorraine chair from the 18th century made of oak
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant and subtle antique French Lorraine chair from the 18th century is crafted from oak and can be effortlessly placed in almost any interior. ...
Wood, Oak
$3,770
H 44.89 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Fine & Rare Original 18th Century 1720 Wainscot Armchair Northern England Oak
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare original 18th century Northern English hand carved from solid oak Wainscot armchair circa 1720 A highly decorative and original piece ...
Oak
$1,704 / item
H 34.45 in W 18.51 in D 20.87 in
18th Century Hand Painted Venetian Azure Indigo Dining Chair with Foliage
By Porte Italia
Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT
From our hand-painted Furniture Collection, we are pleased to introduce you to our Indigo Chair with upholstered seat. By introducing this chair to our ...
Wood
English Georgian 18th Century Hall Chair
Located in New York, NY
English Georgian 18th Century Hall Chair. Overall great condition with age appropriate wear. Measures approximately 38.75" in overall height. Seat meas...
Wood
$1,590Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.75 in W 19 in D 14 in
Pair of 18th Century Antique Elm Side Chairs
Located in Martlesham, GB
A pair of mid 18th Century elm side chairs from the Georgian period, having a shaped rail above a decorative shaped splat with turned side supports, wonderfully figured plank seat wi...
Elm
Bertu Side Chairs, Chili Modern Side Chair, Oak, White Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Side Chairs, Chili Modern Side Chair, Oak - 0721 This Chile Modern Side Chair is beautifully constructed from solid oak in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. This is the perfect chair for any space, indoor or outdoor. This specific wood species is for indoor only; please contact for outdoor options. Price includes thick weave fabric (multiple colors available) and finish of your choice. Designer Inspiration: "I am inspired by my love for travel. So many places that inspire me have very minimal furniture, often built-in sofas with big comfy cushions, hammocks, raw natural wood, etc. The feel is low-key, simple, and comfortable. The wood isn't refined, it just IS. I envision this furniture used for indoor/outdoor spaces or any room that needs some comfort or relief. The Chile chair...
Wood, Oak
$2,695
H 48 in W 19.75 in D 22 in
Antique 18th English Century Georgian Carved Oak Wainscot Chair Yorkshire 1720
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique carved oak English George I wainscot chair, Yorkshire, circa 1720. The chair with a carved back crest with scrolled interlaced carving below and a pair of turned finia...
Oak
Pair Of Antique English Oak Jacobean Style Hall Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of dark stained oak side chairs with carved crests, well turned legs, peg construction and panel backs. Traditional English form with good weight and construction. Custom...
Oak
Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine antique 18th century Gustavian chair in great original condition. This type of chair is called the Swedish model. This particular ex...
Wood
Late 18th Century Shield Back Hall Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine George III mahogany hall chair, the shield back bear painted heraldic crests commemorating the union of the original owners: one half lions rampant and...
Mahogany
$4,113
H 47.25 in W 25.01 in D 23.23 in
Exceptionally Rare Original 17th Century Wainscot Armchair Northern England Oak
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare original 17th century Northern English hand carved from solid oak Wainscot armchair ...
Oak
$1,195 / set
H 32 in W 18 in D 15 in
Pair of Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of late eighteenth century French Directoire period painted side chairs features its original patina. Their curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved laurels at the...
Upholstery, Ash
17th Century English Oak Joint Stool
Located in San Francisco, CA
17th century English joint stool with turned legs and decorated apron. Works as a stool or low side table next to a chair. In very good antique condition with expected signs of use a...
Oak
18th Century Style Roman Giltwood Designer Trestle Chairs, a Pair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th century style roman giltwood designer trestle chairs - a pair.
Mahogany, Giltwood
Sold
H 37.5 in W 16 in D 18.25 in
Set of Four Early 20th Century Roman-Style Painted Wrought-Iron Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant suite of four verdigris-painted wrought iron side chairs, of the Classic Curule-form, are from France, circa 1900. The X-form chair-backs echo the Curule-style legs. Sin...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 37.5 in W 16 in D 18.25 in
Set of Four Early 20th Century Roman-Style Painted Wrought-Iron Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant suite of four verdigris-painted wrought iron side chairs, of the Classic Curule-form, are from France, circa 1900. The X-form chair-backs echo the Curule-style legs. Sin...
Wrought Iron