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.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings klismos chairs by Kreiss, circa 1980
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an elegant set of Klismos Chairs by Kreiss after T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings iconic interpretation of the classical Klismos form. The sculptural frames feature gracefully curved b...
Leather, Wood
Klini Lounge by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$29,500 / set
H 30 in W 31 in D 39 in
Breathtaking Restored Pair of Custom Klismos Loungers in Walnut, circa 1990
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert...
Walnut
$3,995 / set
H 33 in W 20.75 in D 22 in
Pair of Regency Styled Side or Accent Chairs with Reclining Nude & Swan Panels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique chairs are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in a Regency, or Hollywood Regency style. The...
Cane, Pine
Kipp Stewart Aluminum Patio Lounge Chair for Terra
By Kipp Stewart, Terra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair by Kipp Stewart for Terra of California, USA, c.1970s. The lounge chair features an aluminum tube frame with applied faux patina and new cotton rope that has been woven ...
Aluminum
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
$2,250 / set
H 30 in W 22 in D 20 in
Klismos Chairs in the Style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Reupholstered Your Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Pair of Klismos Chairs, in the style of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, unsigned, American, circa 1940s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be com...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Lounge Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of elegant lounge chairs, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be compl...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,360
H 30.5 in W 24 in D 27 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 'Model 1601' Lounge Chair for Widdicomb, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning lounge chair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb in the mid 1950s in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This uncommon chair features a beautifully sculpted f...
Velvet, Walnut
$12,000
H 35 in W 20.5 in D 21 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis Klismos Chairs in Walnut with Leather Thongs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos chair for Saridis of Athens, Greece in Greek walnut and leather woven seats. This chair was part of the collection he designed for Saridis of Athens in 1961, inspired by the drawings he saw on ancient Greek vases. The Klismos chairs features a graceful curving back and sable curved legs. The woven seat is made of leather straps / thongs which are tight around the walnut frame. The design beholds Robsjohn-Gibbings’ philosophy of furniture design that is independent of time. Manufacturer's metal label DESIGNED BY T.H.ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS / Manufactured by saridis of athens. Serial # 9544 &. Please note that the item has been lightly restored by restoration atelier. Some signs of age and use are still visible. This chair model is notably documented on the cover of "Furniture of Classical Greece," written by Robsjohn-Gibbings and Carlton W. Pullin in 1963. We love what Pilar Viladas said about this iconic design in the New York Times in 2010: "T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings’s Klismos chair looks ancient and modern at the same time — because it is. Based on ancient Greek models, which had been widely copied in the 18th and 19th century, Robsjohn-Gibbings’s version made the klismos shape famous again in the 20th century. Obsessed with its elegant lines, he designed versions of the chair throughout his career, but the most recent examples have been made by Saridis in Athens since the early 1960s, when the designer met the company’s owners and settled in the Greek capital. Its simple but opulent curves hint at sleek penthouses with butlers who serve cocktails on the terrace at sunset. (Indeed, Robsjohn-Gibbings’s Saridis...
Leather, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Gladstone, NJ
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Bench
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 29 in D 32 in
Pr. Barcelona Style Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of Barcelona style lounge chairs, designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Like the iconic Mies chair, but the American designed and made version. These chairs are actually mu...
Chrome
Klismos Brass Chair
By Scala Luxury
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Experience unparalleled elegance with our Klismos Brass Chair. Expertly crafted with a luxurious brass frame, each chair exudes an old-world sophistication.
Brass
Modern Oak Klismos Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in suede fabric.
Oak
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
Sold
H 17 in W 21 in D 15 in
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
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
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