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.
Sheepskin Art Deco design armchair with sleek finish and black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful sheepskin armchair embraces the clean, geometric, almost machine-like forms typical of Art Deco design. It is finished with black piping and features attractive detail...
Leather, Sheepskin, Wood
Antique English Stool / Joint Stool / Side Table from the 18th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming and timeless antique English stool / joint stool / side table from the 18th century with elegant legs. This classic 18th-century En...
Wood
Antique English captain's chair/ desk chair from the early 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique English captain’s chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. Dating from the early 1800s, the chair features ...
Wood
Set of 2 antique English captain's chairs/desk chairs from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
These beautiful antique English captain’s chairs have developed a wonderful patina over the years. Dating from the early 1800s, the chairs feature beautiful warm colours, spindle bac...
Wood
Cowhide Leather Wingback Chair in Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Looking for a charming and stylish place to relax? Then this full-grain leather wingback armchair is a fantastic addition to your home! Its light cognac color and matching piping giv...
Cowhide, Leather
4er Set Neobarock Stühle Historismus Leder antik Stuhl Gründerzeit
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes antikes 4er Set Esszimmerstühle aus der Gründerzeit zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle verfügen über aufwendige Schnitzereien und sind mit hellem Leder bezogen. ...
Leather, Wood
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...
Wood, Oak
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
Characterful club armchair made of sheepskin with a beautiful patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
In our opinion, no interior should be without such a comfortable sheepskin leather club armchair. Over the years, it has developed a beautiful patina, which adds just a little extra ...
Leather, Sheepskin
English style round leather club chair in very good condition
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This cowhide leather armchair in English style features a beautiful, rare brown/dark purple colour scheme. The armchair is finished with decorative studs and stitching, giving it a c...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of two characterful sheepskin armchairs with a beautiful deep colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This comfortable set of two armchairs is made of sheepskin leather and has a luxurious and characterful appearance. Both chairs come with a loose seat cushion and are finished with d...
Leather, Sheepskin
Light cognac-coloured cow leather wingback armchair with matching piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This light cognac-coloured cowhide wingback armchair features a characterful English design and is finished with matching piping and a loose seat cushion, creating a beautiful appear...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of 4 Hand-Crafted Sheepskin Leather Dining Chairs in Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a timeless set of 4 stately and comfortable dining chairs in sheep leather, featuring a refined decorative nail trim. With their elegant, timeless look and beautiful...
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 original vintage Thonet design chairs model Long John with armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of two original vintage Thonet Long John design chairs combines an elegant high back and a gracefully curved wooden frame with armrests and a characterful webbing seat and b...
Wood, Webbing
Set of 2 Green Vintage Leather English Chesterfield Armchairs Combined with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of two vintage cowhide leather Chesterfield armchairs exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. They feature a graceful design, a bold green color, and are beauti...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Hand-Crafted Black Grained Cowhide Leather Armchair in Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this attractive and robust black grained cowhide leather armchair with elegant design. This beautiful black leather armchair is made of characterful grained leather a...
Cowhide, Leather
Cognac Cowhide Leather Armchair, Hand-Crafted, Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful and comfortable cognac-colored leather armchair, finished with decorative studs. This wonderful armchair is made of high-quality cowhide leather and fe...
Cowhide, Leather
Sturdy cognac-coloured cow leather Aviator design armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This robust, cognac coloured cowhide leather Aviator design armchair has a striking and timeless appearance, features a fixed seat cushion, and displays a beautiful patina. The armc...
Cowhide, Leather
Charming and Characterful Subtly Patinated Sheepskin Leather Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming and subtle sheepskin leather armchair is full of character and features lovely details. It is a timeless gem that will feel at home in almost any interior. The armchair...
Leather, Sheepskin
Green Vintage Cowhide Leather English Chesterfield Armchair Combined with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage leather Chesterfield armchair exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. It features a graceful design, a bold green color scheme, and is neatly finished with ...
Cowhide, Leather
Sheepskin wingback armchair with stitching and black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This comfortable sheepskin wingback armchair features a beautiful warm color palette and a luxurious finish with stitching, black piping, and decorative nailhead trim. It is fitted w...
Leather, Sheepskin
Sheepskin wingback armchair with decorative nails and black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This timeless and comfortable sheepskin wingback armchair features beautiful tones and is finished with decorative nailhead trim and black piping. It is fitted with a loose seat cush...
Leather, Sheepskin
Black Cowhide Leather Aviator Armchair with a Sleek Design and Stylish Shape
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rugged cowhide leather design armchair is a true eye-catcher with its stylish shape and sleek design. Don't miss your chance to bring this unique gem into your home! It feature...
Cowhide, Leather
Vintage sheepskin armchair with a high back finished with decorative nails
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This subtle wingback armchair is upholstered in sheepskin leather and exudes timeless elegance. It can easily be placed in almost any interior, in the space of your choice. The armch...
Leather, Sheepskin, Wood
Characterful sheep leather armchair with a beautiful deep colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This comfortable armchair is made of sheepskin leather and has a luxurious and characterful appearance. It comes with a loose seat cushion and is finished with decorative studs. The ...
Leather, Sheepskin
Art Nouveau design dining chair/side chair with red fabric upholstery
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious chair is by the renowned Dutch brand Schuitema, known for its quality, design, and use of materials. This chair also features the distinctive details we have come to e...
Fabric, Wood