There is rare surviving furniture from ancient Greece, yet this classical style has informed design for centuries. Interiors of houses in antiquity were minimal, with much of a room’s color coming from frescoes on the walls and mosaics on the floors. Classical Greek furniture was sparing but finely crafted and influenced by Egyptian furniture design through Mediterranean trade.
Furnishings of the period were usually made from local wood like cypress, cedar, oak and willow from ancient Greece’s plentiful forests, although some pieces were carved from marble, such as a 300–200 B.C. throne with lion legs and a curved back now at the Getty Villa. Comfort and clean lines characterized designs during the Classical era, the symmetry and thoughtful proportions reflecting the architecture of Greek temples.
Some pieces of ancient Greek furniture were simple, rectangular platforms like the klinē, a multipurpose ancestor of today’s couches or daybeds that held cushions stuffed with wool, dry grass or down. These structures were used for both sleeping and dining, which wealthy Greeks did while reclining. At night, oil lamps illuminated rooms that frequently surrounded a garden courtyard.
Most of what scholars have learned about Greek furniture design owes to its representations in art like vases and stelae. The portable diphros stool, with its backless design and four turned legs, was one of the more common types of seating in daily Greek life — it appears as such for the gods on the Parthenon frieze. Stools without backs have been found in early Roman tombs, while benches were also common Greek seating furniture created for use in theaters. In houses of the Hellenistic period, benches seemingly functioned as tables, too.
Some designs evolved through adaptations by the Romans, including the klismos chair. After prominent archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, the klismos chair — with its four saber legs and the elegant curves that define its back — was a source of inspiration for aesthetics in eras ranging from 18th-century neoclassicism to 20th-century Art Deco.
Find a collection of Classical Greek decorative objects, wall decorations and building and garden elements on 1stDibs.
Rare Set of 6 Robert A.M. Stern Bodleian Dining Chairs in Natural Cherry for HBF
By Robert A.M. Stern, HBF
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare set of six Robert A.M. Stern Architects designed dining chairs from his Bodleian chair series for HBF. Set includes 2 arm chairs #3125-10 , 4 sides chairs #3126-10 in natural ch...
Upholstery, Cherry
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Chairs by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar Collection 1999
By Ashley Hicks
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Chairs by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar Collection 1999. From UK-based Ashley Hicks premier collection of furniture, the Jantar Mantar Klismos side chairs were...
Leather, Teak
Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens
By Saridis, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A sophisticated and sculptural chaise lounge designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, circa 1960s. This exquisite piece reflects the designer’s deep appreciation for...
Leather, Walnut
$1,950 / item
Lucite Klismos Chair in Malachite Print Fabric
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Lucite Klismos chair upholstered in malachite print fabric in the style of Charles Hollis Jones. It is made in 2012 by Los Angeles based company Shahrooz. Total two chairs available....
Lucite
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Ottomans or Stools by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999
By Ashley Hicks
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Ottomans or Stools by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999 From UK-based Ashley Hicks premier collection of furniture, the Jantar...
Leather, Teak
$4,920 / item
Contemporary Iron Klismos Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
The classic iron klismos chair from the Tara Shaw Maison collection is adorned with palm frond motifs and a delicate bronze-colored knot. This chair makes a statement with a variety ...
Iron
Pair of Walnut 'Klismos' Chairs by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall.
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Walnut 'Klismos' Chairs by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall. Worn upholstery. General light wear
Walnut
Luxury Sheep Leather Armchair with a Timeless Look
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious set of two armchairs is made of sheepskin leather and features beautiful warm dark tones. Both chairs are equipped with a loose seat cushion and have a refined finish ...
Leather, Sheepskin
$1,623Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Blue Grey Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
Customizable Black Woven Leather Saber Legs Klismos Chairs Other Colors Possible
Located in IT
Klismos customizable dining chairs with saber legs, black lacquered wood and black woven leather seats. Available in other colors and upholstery. Klismos are walnut wood chairs wi...
Leather, Walnut
$1,623Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Yellow Cream Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
$1,610Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brown Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
$1,623Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Ink Grey Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
$1,623Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Powder Beige Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
$1,610Sale Price / item|10% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Silver Grey Cement Handmade
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...
Concrete, Metal
$4,650 / set
Pair of Italian Hollywood Regency Klismos Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning pair of Italian Hollywood Regency klismos style chairs. These chic high style Italian side chairs are painted a soft gray/green with gilt accents and have great splayed legs or saber legs. Our vintage Klismos chairs...
Wood
Set of 8 Fine French Art Deco Cherry Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of height fine French Art Deco cherry dining/side chairs.
Cherry
$1,312Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 19 in D 14.25 in
Midcentury Danish Teak Leather Storage Side Table with Wheels or Ottoman Stool
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Striking midcentury Danish design storage stool or side table with wheels, multifunctional with a removable top offering useful storage and two additional drawers. One of the drawers has a solid plastic divided interior as sewing storage...
Leather, Plywood, Teak, Plastic
$473Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.97 in W 20.87 in D 14.97 in
Upholstered teak ottoman/stool, by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Møbler, Denmark
Located in Schwerin, MV
Two identical teak ottomans/stools, designed by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Møbler Denmark in the 1960s, upholstered in black faux leather. Suitable as a footrest for an armchair or a...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
Danish Modern Teak Stool / Ottoman
Located in Denton, TX
Solid thick teak wood with dovetailed corners can be also used for a side table.
Teak
Klismos black chair
By Pescetta
Located in IT
Classic and elegant Klismos customizable dining chairs with saber legs, black lacquered wood and leather seats. Available in other colors and upholstery. Italian artisanal production by Pescetta Home Decoration...
Leather, Wood
Rare Pair of Thonet Chairs Model 110
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Simple and elegant beech/plywood construction from the 1890s. Original condition Singed on the frame. Two pieces available. Price for both
Beech, Plywood
$4,200
H 32 in W 25.5 in D 18 in
Lucite and Chrome Desk Chair by Charles Hollis Jones, United States, c. 1970
Located in New York City, NY
Lucite desk chair with chrome base and new upholstery, by Charles Hollis Jones for Pace Collection.
Chrome
$12,400 / set
H 34.26 in W 25.4 in D 25.01 in
Rare Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen Set of Six Dining Chairs in Oak
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, set of six armchairs, model 'J3063', oak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s A rare set of mid-century dining chairs model J3063 crafted by Ole Wanscher. Drawing ...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 4 French Art Deco Cherry Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of four fine French Art Deco cherry chairs.
Cherry
Pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans/Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans Brass bases Re-upholstered in faux Shearling
Brass
Pair of Mid Century X Stretcher Ottomans or Footstools
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of Mid Century ottomans a xwith travel related print in the fabric. X Stretcher in dark walnut. Nice and tight, fabric is good. In excellent vintage condition...
Fabric, Walnut
$13,500 / set
H 35.04 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of six fine French Mid-Century solid cherry side chairs
Fabric, Cherry
Sold
H 17 in W 21 in D 15 in
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Stools or Ottomans by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999
By Ashley Hicks
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Stools or Ottomans by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999 From UK-based Ashley Hicks premier collection of furniture, the Jantar Mantar Klismos ottomans...
Leather, Teak
c. 1920s Brass Stool by Oscar Bruno Bach
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920s x-form stool designed by Oscar Bruno Bach, New York City. Made entirely of heavy solid brass & iron in the Classical style with female figures surrounded by c-scrolls, ur...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 39 in W 96 in D 33 in
Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Trim Newly Upholstered in Velvet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Mounted Decorative Trim and Paw-Foot Guards Newly Upholstered in Plush Black Italian Velvet Classic carved mahogany Grecian sofa...
Brass
Sold
H 35.125 in W 23.25 in D 20 in
Klismos Athens Chair, Glenn of California, Designed by Stewart MacDougall
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautiful klismos "Athens" chair designed by Stewart MacDougall for Glenn Of California. The chair was designed probably in the 1950's to 1960's. The chair appears to be solid waln...
Fabric, Walnut
Classical Greek Bench 1970s England
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Bench or ottoman . On Brass casters . Nice Classical Greek upholstery . Good condition .
Velvet
Sold
H 17.33 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Pair of Neonakis "Archaic" Stools c.1980 in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing
Located in London, GB
This pair of 'Archaic' stools have an artisanal aesthetic, combined with classical techniques and design. Made by Stravos Neonakis of Athens c. 1980, in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn...
Wood
Sold
H 37 in W 21.5 in D 23 in
Ethan Allen British Classics Mackenzie Dining Side Chair 29-6500 - Single
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ethan Allen British Classics Mackenzie Dining Side Chair 29-6500 - Single. Item features a green upholstered seat, solid wood frame, beaut...
Cherry
Vintage Rattan Bench 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Bench or bed of rest in rattan. French work from the 1960s. Entirely reupholstered in high quality fabric Pierre Frey arsene honey color. Dimensions h93 X l195x d90.
Fabric, Rattan
Boston Classical Mahogany Side Chair
Located in Essex, MA
Reupholstered rounded back and straight seat raised on turned legs and casters.
Mahogany
Contemporary Klismos Chair in Stainless Steel and Fine Leather Seat Mesh
Located in San Francisco, CA
We know about klismos chairs thanks to ancient Greek art, but how did this forgotten furniture item actually work its way back into our homes? That story begins in 1748 CE. Surveyors in southern Italy accidentally unearthed parts of an ancient Roman city, buried in layers of volcanic ash. The discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum sparked a cultural obsession with all things Greek and Roman. In art, neoclassical sculpture flourished. In architecture, Greek and Roman Revival styles spread through major cities. After 1776, even the brand new United States jumped eagerly on the neoclassical bandwagon, seeing this as a way to create an ideological parallel between Roman and American republics. So, what exactly defines the klismos chair...
Stainless Steel
Antique Classical Empire Figural Mahogany & Ormolu Armchair, c1830
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Classical Empire arm chair offers mahogany construction with barrel t-back having foliate cast ormolu central mount with flanking cherubs over upholstered seat and scroll ...
Ormolu
Klismos Bench in Natural Lizard Skin
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Stunning Klismos bench inspired by Robsjohn-Gibbings in lizard skin and natural calf leather straps.
Leather, Lizard