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
Set of two sheepskin armchairs / tub chairs with a beautiful patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful set of two handy sheepskin leather side chairs / armchairs / tub chairs features a lovely character and a beautiful patina. A side chair is a practical and stylish ad...
Leather, Sheepskin
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
$3,742
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
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
Italian Carved 18th Century Tall Back Caned Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful antique very early caned tall backed Italian chair. Bought in the South of France. Caning has a small hole on the back but in great s...
Cane, Walnut
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
$1,692 / 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
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
Set of Twelve Portuguese 18th Century Dining Chairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality set of twelve 18th century Portuguese dining chairs, each with carved and fretted gilded foliate decoration, stuff over embo...
Walnut
Beautiful Biedermeier Side Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century Biedermeier style side chair in walnut with leather seat. After a model by Joseph Danhausser.
Walnut
19th Century Empire Tub Armchair
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire Tub Armchair in Mahogany with New Upholstery, Circa 1820 Unique Empire tub armchair, crafted circa 1820 in rich mahogany with finely carved decorat...
Mahogany
$14,193 / item
H 36.62 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
Set of 6 French Louis XVI Medallion Dining Chairs – 4 Side + 2 Armchairs
Located in Landivy, FR
A timeless French dining set inspired by the Louis XVI period, composed of four medallion side chairs and two matching armchairs. Each piece is entirely handcrafted in France from solid beechwood, hand-carved and hand-finished according to traditional cabinetmaking methods. The oval medallion back, fluted legs and sculpted details reflect the elegance of 18th-century Parisian style, reinterpreted with modern comfort and precision. Upholstered in a refined French fabric, each chair can also be covered with the client’s own material or with alternative fabrics proposed by Maison Gontier. Available in several wood tones — cherry, oak or custom finish — and in three patinas: Décorateur, “Demi-antiquaire” and “Brocante”. Custom lacquer colors are also offered; the Gontier color chart can be viewed among the images. Dimensions: Side chair – H 96 cm (37.8 in) × W 48 cm (18.9 in) × D 53 cm (20.9 in). Armchair – H 88 cm (34.6 in) × W 57 cm (22.4 in) × D 60 cm (23.6 in). Seat height 45 cm (17.7 in). All pieces are made to order and covered by Maison Gontier’s 3-year warranty, reflecting the quality and durability of true French craftsmanship. A subtle dialogue between classical heritage and contemporary artistry, these Louis XVI medallion chairs...
Brass
17th Century Oak Wainscot Chair
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
17th Century Oak Wainscot Chair A late 17th Century wainscot chair in oak of a good colour and patina and handsome carved back; channel mouldings to the back and seat rails and boldl...
Oak
$4,082
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
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