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.
Vintage white bistro chair with armrests in Thonet style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage bistro chair features an elegantly curved wooden frame and a cane seat and backrest. The design of the armrests makes it a real eye-catcher in almost any interior. Perfe...
Wood
Set of 4 vintage cowhide and wooden dining chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
These atmospheric dining chairs made of grained cowhide look excellent at both an antique and a modern dining table and, if it were up to us, they shouldn’t be missing from your home...
Cowhide, Leather
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
Armchair / lounge chair made of sheepskin leather with characterful patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This characterful sheepskin leather armchair can be easily placed in almost any interior. It looks great in any space you choose and adds warmth, coziness, and a touch of elegance to...
Cowhide, Leather
Hand-Crafted Dark English-Style Sheepskin Wingback Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a luxurious, classic, and comfortable dark English-style sheepskin wingback armchair, full of character and featuring a beautiful patina. This sheepskin armchair embr...
Leather, Sheepskin
Antique English lowback Windsor chair with beautiful patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique Windsor dining chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chair features a spindled backrest with a lovely pattern and a finely shaped seat. It...
Wood
Grey Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Club Armchair in English Style on Casters
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a unique and spacious grey cowhide leather Chesterfield club armchair in English style on casters. This roomy grey leather Chesterfield armchair fits beautifully into...
Cowhide, Leather
Vintage Scandinavian wooden and cowhide side/desk/chair from the 60s/70s
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian vintage chair from the 60s/70s is made of wood and cowhide. Thanks to its timeless design, it fits easily into almost any interior and is versatile in use...
Leather, Wood
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
Set of 4 fabric dining chairs with armrests in good condition
Located in Harderwijk, NL
These stunning Art Deco design dining chairs are from the renowned Dutch brand Schuitema and can be easily placed in almost any interior. In our opinion, they should not be missing f...
Fabric, Wood
Sheepskin club armchair in a warm deep colour finished with black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This sheepskin club chair has a beautiful warm appearance, enhanced by its rich colors. Over the years, it has developed an amazing patina, adding to its unique character. The chair ...
Leather, Sheepskin
Black cowhide leather chesterfield armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this spacious black cowhide leather Chesterfield armchair with a striking character. This beautiful and timeless Chesterfield armchair, in classic black, has a contempo...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of 2 Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Chairs in Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 2 beautiful and luxurious cowhide leather Chesterfield dining or accent chairs in a light cognac color. This stunning set of two Chesterfield chairs exudes l...
Cowhide, Leather
Unique antique sheepskin chair/armchair with a special North African design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
For those who are not looking for a standard sheepskin chair, this is an absolute opportunity. This unique chair dates from the early 20th century and was once reupholstered in sheep...
Leather, Sheepskin
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
Hand-Crafted Sheepskin Art Deco Armchair, Classic 20th Century Design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stylish sheepskin Art Deco armchair with a timeless design and character. This armchair is made from sheepskin leather and finished with classic decorative stu...
Leather, Sheepskin
Sheepskin art deco design armchair with timeless and warm colours
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautifully shaped armchair is made of sheepskin leather and, thanks to its timeless design, can be placed effortlessly in almost any interior. The chair adds warmth, coziness, ...
Leather, Sheepskin
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
Green English-Style Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Armchair with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this timeless and classic green English-style Chesterfield armchair made of cowhide leather with wooden accents. Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior w...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
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
Bordeaux Red Cowhide Leather Wingback Chair in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered for sale is this beautiful and comfortable Bordeaux red wingback chair in English style, boasting a stunning patina. This luxurious and comfortable wingback chair is crafted ...
Cowhide, Leather
Hand-Crafted Sheepskin Leather Armchair with Dark Brown Piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful sheepskin leather design armchair with a luxurious finish and dark brown piping. This elegant sheepskin leather armchair is a great addition to almost...
Leather, Sheepskin
Classic and elegant cowhide Chesterfield wingback armchair in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant cowhide leather wingback armchair is the perfect addition for lovers of Chesterfield furniture. Its beautiful red color and timeless design make it a true eye-catcher th...
Cowhide, Leather
Dark luxury cowhide Chesterfield club armchair in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful club armchair in Chesterfield style can easily be placed in almost any interior and has a classic yet timeless appearance. The club armchair has a luxurious dark brown...
Cowhide, Leather
Vintage Sheepskin Wingback Chair, Hand-Crafted, 20th Century Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Are you looking for a comfortable sheepskin wingback chair with warm colors, beautifully finished with decorative nail trim, and featuring a loose seat cushion? If so, you may have f...
Leather, Sheepskin
Cognac-Colored Cowhide Leather Wingback Chair in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stylish and well-maintained cognac-colored cowhide leather wingback armchair in classic English style with decorative studs. This beautiful armchair features a...
Cowhide, Leather
Antique English Highback Windsor Chair from the 18th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique Windsor chair has developed a wonderful patina over the years. The chair features a spindled backrest and a nicely shaped seat. It is not only functional, but ...
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
Club Armchair in Very Good Condition Made of Cowhide in English Style
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
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
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
Set of 2 Black Cowhide Leather Club Armchairs in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful set of 2 black cowhide leather club armchairs in English style with a timeless design. With their elegant black color and classic lines, these armcha...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of 2 luxury sheepskin armchairs 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 come with a loose seat cushion and have a refined finish with mat...
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
$2,158 / set
Pair of Neo-Renaissance Armchairs, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neo-Renaissance armchairs, circa 1900. Oak and leather.
Oak
Cognac brown cow leather armchair with decorative nail finish
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful armchair is made of cowhide leather. It has a characterful appearance and is very comfortable to sit in. It can be easily placed in almost any interior style and fits ...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of five vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs with stunning detail
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing set of 5 vintage wooden bistro chairs features beautiful carvings and patterns on the seat and backrest. They look great in both classic and modern interiors. Over the y...
Wood
Original Flemish Armchair in Elm, 18th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original Flemish armchair in elm, 18th century.
Elm
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