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.
Set consisting of a cowhide leather Chesterfield sofa and matching ottoman
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing Chesterfield set, consisting of a sofa and ottoman, is made of cow leather and can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. It is a perfect addition for en...
Cowhide, Leather
Set consisting of a English cowhide Chesterfieldsofa and matching armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing set, consisting of a cowhide Chesterfield sofa and an armchair, is a stunning eye-catcher in almost any interior thanks to its beautiful red colour. They feature loose s...
Cowhide, Leather
English cowhide Chesterfield 2.5-seater sofa in a stunning red colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing English cowhide Chesterfield 2.5-seater sofa, thanks to its beautiful red colour, is a stunning eye-catcher in almost any interior. It features a loose seat cushion and ...
Cowhide, Leather
Sofa Settee 3-Seater Crimson Cut Velvet Italian Toni Facella Sensi Della Penna
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An opulent, cut-velvet, three seater sofa, by Italian architect & designer Toni Facella Sensi della Penna This sofa epitomises elegance, opulence and com...
Velvet
$1,655Sale Price|22% Off
Antique Italian Cherrywood Sofa
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Cherry wood center sofa, early '900.
Cherry
Black chesterfield 3-seater sofa made of cowhide leather in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This wonderful chesterfield sofa is made of cowhide leather and can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. It is a perfect addition for enthusiasts. The sofa features...
Cowhide, Leather
Classic cowhide Chesterfield sofa in English style with red/brown colours
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This Chesterfield sofa in English style is made of genuine cowhide leather and can be easily placed in almost any interior. It has a beautiful red-brown color and is a true eye-catch...
Cowhide, Leather
Art Deco Schuitema 2.5-Seater Leather Sofa, Hand-Crafted Dutch Design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this Art Deco Schuitema 2.5-seater leather designer sofa from the Decoforma series, featuring unique woodwork. This stunning Art Deco sofa is made by the top Dutch br...
Leather, Wood
Italian Sofa Red Velvet
By ALI Alabastri Lavorati Italiani
Located in Long Island, NY
Hand Made Italian Sofa Beautiful Red Velvet With Gold Accents.
Velvet
$8,277 / set
H 43.31 in W 71.66 in D 29.53 in
Seating Set of Baroque Sofa and Two Armchairs, Budapest, 1870s
Located in Budapest, HU
Beautiful baroque seating set consisting of a sofa and two armchairs. Extraordinary workmanship of the woods made according to the canons of the ti...
Velvet, Wood
Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from premium top-grain leather, this sofa boasts a rich caramel hue that invites warmth into any living space. The intricate button-tufted detailing on the backrest provides ...
Leather
$5,337
H 31.5 in W 70.87 in D 39.38 in
Ralph Lauren "Brompton" 2.5-Seat Chesterfield Sofa - In Brown Leather & Velvet
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is the rare opportunity to acquire a superb, handsome Ralph Lauren 2.5-Seat "Brompton" Chesterfield-Sofa, dressed in a sensationally refined, elegant and lu...
Leather
Michael Taylor Style Woven Rattan Sofa and Matching Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive woven rattan sofa and two matching ottomans made in the manner and style of Michael Taylor. The large sofa features a graceful waisted form with dramatic flared arms havi...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Sofa, 1940s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A large Italian sculptural sofa designed by Guglielmo Ulrich, very comfortable. Recently upholstered in light blue velvet with a light gray velvet border, in a minimalist way, which ...
Velvet, Beech
$9,658 / set
H 37.41 in W 83.47 in D 33.47 in
Set of 3 Vintage Sofa and Armchairs by Pierre Guariche from Airborne, 1960s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Set of 3 Vintage Sofa and Armchairs by Pierre Guariche from Airborne, 1960s Vintage Design A living room set including a sofa and two design armchairs from the 1960s by Pierre Guari...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved four-seat sofa of Italian design, structure and legs in solid wood, velvet upholstery, 1950s production, Condition as shown in the photos, it is advisable to redo the upholstery.
Velvet, Beech, Fir
Leather Sofa, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Leather Sofa is a design furniture realized by italian production 1960s. Original Upholstery. Good condition except for slight stitching of the sewing thread.
Leather
$6,858
H 27.56 in W 68.9 in D 40.16 in
Togo Sofa 3 seater - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset black Leather made in France
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Munster, NRW
Togo Sofa - Michel Ducaroy 1974 for Ligne Roset. 3-seater Sofa - manufactured in France. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, beautiful original condition in soft black leather...
Leather
Stunning Vintage English Red Leather Chesterfield 3 Seater Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
3-seat chesterfield sofa with button tufted detail, circa 1970. Exceptional quality. Double hand-stitching, and applied brass nailhead trim details. The ebonized composite orb feet h...
Leather
Matching Pair of Mid Century Danish Sofas
Located in New York, NY
Great clean lines and the perfect size for the hard to fit room. Very deep and very comfortable should one choose to take a nap. These are very structurally sound but they need to be...
Fabric, Wood
Comfortable vintage sheepskin 2.5-seater club sofa
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic sheepskin sofa has a great vintage look and beautiful warm colours. It can be easily placed in almost any interior. Not only in a home environment, but also in, for ex...
Leather, Sheepskin
An Italian Walnut Classical Sofa
Located in New York, NY
An Italian walnut Classical sofa with hand-carved frame, the triple arched back and seat upholstered in 18th Century needlework with detailed petit-point depicting the celebration of...
Walnut