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Classical Greek Seating

CLASSICAL GREEK STYLE

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.

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Style: Classical Greek
Pair of Italian Hollywood Regency Klismos Chairs
Pair of Italian Hollywood Regency Klismos Chairs

Pair of Italian Hollywood Regency Klismos Chairs

$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...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Wood

Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens
Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens

Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens

$30,000

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...

Category

1960s Greek Vintage Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Chairs by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar Collection 1999
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Chairs by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar Collection 1999

Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Chairs by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar Collection 1999

$6,360 / set

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Leather, Teak

Customizable Black Woven Leather Saber Legs Klismos Chairs Other Colors Possible
Customizable Black Woven Leather Saber Legs Klismos Chairs Other Colors Possible

Customizable Black Woven Leather Saber Legs Klismos Chairs Other Colors Possible

$2,471

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...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Contemporary Iron Klismos Chair
Contemporary Iron Klismos Chair

Contemporary Iron Klismos Chair

$4,920 / item

Contemporary Iron Klismos Chair

By Tara Shaw Maison

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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Iron

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Ink Grey Cement Handmade
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Ink Grey Cement Handmade

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Ink Grey Cement Handmade

$1,792 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Ink Grey 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 Greek Seating

Materials

Concrete, Metal

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Blue Grey Cement Handmade
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Blue Grey Cement Handmade

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Blue Grey Cement Handmade

$1,788 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Blue Grey 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 Greek Seating

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Lucite Klismos Chair in Malachite Print Fabric
Lucite Klismos Chair in Malachite Print Fabric

Lucite Klismos Chair in Malachite Print Fabric

$1,950 / item

Lucite Klismos Chair in Malachite Print Fabric

By Charles Hollis Jones

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....

Category

1930s American Vintage Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Lucite

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brown Cement Handmade
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brown Cement Handmade

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brown Cement Handmade

$1,792 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brown 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 Greek Seating

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Luxury Sheep Leather Armchair with a Timeless Look
Luxury Sheep Leather Armchair with a Timeless Look

Luxury Sheep Leather Armchair with a Timeless Look

$1,270

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 ...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Greek Seating

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

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Breathtaking Restored Pair of Custom Klismos Loungers in Walnut, circa 1990
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Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
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Previously Available Items
Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Stools or Ottomans by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999
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Pair of Rare Teak Klismos Stools or Ottomans by Ashley Hicks Jantar Mantar 1999

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Late 20th Century Indian Classical Greek Seating

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c. 1920s Brass Stool by Oscar Bruno Bach
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H 23.5 in W 26.75 in D 15.63 in

c. 1920s Brass Stool by Oscar Bruno Bach

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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...

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Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Trim Newly Upholstered in Velvet
Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Trim Newly Upholstered in Velvet

Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Trim Newly Upholstered in Velvet

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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...

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1880s Greek Antique Classical Greek Seating

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Klismos Athens Chair, Glenn of California, Designed by Stewart MacDougall
Klismos Athens Chair, Glenn of California, Designed by Stewart MacDougall

Klismos Athens Chair, Glenn of California, Designed by Stewart MacDougall

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...

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1950s American Vintage Classical Greek Seating

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Classical Greek Bench 1970s England
Classical Greek Bench 1970s England

Classical Greek Bench 1970s England

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H 15.75 in W 37.01 in D 25.6 in

Classical Greek Bench 1970s England

Located in Den Haag, NL

Very nice Bench or ottoman . On Brass casters . Nice Classical Greek upholstery . Good condition .

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1970s English Vintage Classical Greek Seating

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Velvet

Pair of Neonakis "Archaic" Stools c.1980 in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing
Pair of Neonakis "Archaic" Stools c.1980 in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing

Pair of Neonakis "Archaic" Stools c.1980 in the manner of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing

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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

By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

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...

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Late 20th Century Swedish Classical Greek Seating

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Boston Classical Mahogany Side Chair
Boston Classical Mahogany Side Chair

Boston Classical Mahogany Side Chair

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H 33.25 in W 20 in D 28 in

Boston Classical Mahogany Side Chair

Located in Essex, MA

Reupholstered rounded back and straight seat raised on turned legs and casters.

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1830s American Antique Classical Greek Seating

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Contemporary Klismos Chair in Stainless Steel and Fine Leather Seat Mesh
Contemporary Klismos Chair in Stainless Steel and Fine Leather Seat Mesh

Contemporary Klismos Chair in Stainless Steel and Fine Leather Seat Mesh

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H 32 in W 25 in D 30 in

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...

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Early 2000s American Classical Greek Seating

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Stainless Steel

Antique Classical Empire Figural Mahogany & Ormolu Armchair, c1830
Antique Classical Empire Figural Mahogany & Ormolu Armchair, c1830

Antique Classical Empire Figural Mahogany & Ormolu Armchair, c1830

Sold

H 39 in W 27 in D 25 in

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 ...

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19th Century European Antique Classical Greek Seating

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Ormolu

Klismos Bench in Natural Lizard Skin
Klismos Bench in Natural Lizard Skin

Klismos Bench in Natural Lizard Skin

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H 17.5 in W 20 in D 56.5 in

Klismos Bench in Natural Lizard Skin

By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Stunning Klismos bench inspired by Robsjohn-Gibbings in lizard skin and natural calf leather straps.

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21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Greek Seating

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Classical Greek seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Greek seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, cast stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Greek seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Hickory Business Furniture ( HBF ), Oscar Bruno Bach, Robert A.M. Stern, and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $900 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $1,758.

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