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Classical Roman Stools

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

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.

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Style: Classical Roman
Kedleston Hall Stool
Kedleston Hall Stool

Kedleston Hall Stool

By Jonathan Sainsbury

Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset

A finely carved and decorated stool from a design by John Linnell, inspired by Roman designs. Carved wood with aged paint and gilt decoration and hand painted circular armorial end p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench
Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench

Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench

Located in Sheffield, MA

Vintage neoclassical style curule bench covered in multi toned floral needlepoint upholstery and nailheads. Bench, needlepoint bench, ottoman, footstool, floral bench...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brick Red Cement Handmade
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brick Red Cement Handmade

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brick Red Cement Handmade

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century
Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century

Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here this timeless and elegant antique English oak joint stool / stool / side table from the 17th century with beautiful colors. This timeless antique English stool / joint ...

Category

17th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique English Windsor stool from the 18th century with a great patina
Antique English Windsor stool from the 18th century with a great patina

Antique English Windsor stool from the 18th century with a great patina

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This charming and subtle antique English Windsor stool from the 18th century is an elegant addition to almost any interior. In addition to serving as a seat, it can also be easily us...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood

Signed Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century
Signed Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century

Signed Antique English Oak Joint Stool / Stool from the 17th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here this charming and versatile signed antique English oak joint stool / stool / side table from the 17th century. This delightful antique English joint stool / stool / sid...

Category

17th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood

English antique Windsor stool from the 18th century with character
English antique Windsor stool from the 18th century with character

English antique Windsor stool from the 18th century with character

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This charming and subtle antique English Windsor stool from the 18th century is an elegant addition to almost any interior. In addition to serving as a seat, it can also be easily us...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green Cement Handmade
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green Cement Handmade

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green Cement Handmade

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Antique English oak joint stool from the 18th century
Antique English oak joint stool from the 18th century

Antique English oak joint stool from the 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This timeless antique English stool / joint stool / side table from the 18th century combines charm and functionality. Due to its age and years of use, it has acquired a beautiful pa...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Dutch oak stool from the early 19th century with a nice design
Antique Dutch oak stool from the early 19th century with a nice design

Antique Dutch oak stool from the early 19th century with a nice design

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This charming antique Dutch stool from the early 19th century is a rare piece and an elegant addition to almost any interior. In addition to serving as a seat, it can also be used de...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique English oak stool / joint stool from the 18th century
Antique English oak stool / joint stool from the 18th century

Antique English oak stool / joint stool from the 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This unique antique English oak stool/joint stool from the 18th century is an elegant addition to almost any interior. It fits perfectly in both classic and modern settings. In addi...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

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Previously Available Items
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Stools

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Ancient Curved Granite Stool
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Classical Roman stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with cast stone, concrete and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $1,506 while the average work can sell for $1,504.