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Classical Roman Bookcases

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

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.

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Style: Classical Roman
Set of two antique English bookcases/shelving units from the 19th century
Set of two antique English bookcases/shelving units from the 19th century

Set of two antique English bookcases/shelving units from the 19th century

$1,685 / set

Set of two antique English bookcases/shelving units from the 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This set of two subtle antique English cabinets dates from the late 19th century and features an elegant appearance. They are fitted with three removable shelves and offer ample stor...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Elegant antique Dutch oak bookcase from the early 20th century
Elegant antique Dutch oak bookcase from the early 20th century

Elegant antique Dutch oak bookcase from the early 20th century

$1,053

Elegant antique Dutch oak bookcase from the early 20th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This practical antique Dutch oak bookcase dates from the early 20th century and features a timeless and refined appearance. It is fitted with shelves that can be adjusted in height u...

Category

Early 20th Century Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique octagonal open free standing bookcase in partridge wood
Antique octagonal open free standing bookcase in partridge wood

Antique octagonal open free standing bookcase in partridge wood

$9,989

Antique octagonal open free standing bookcase in partridge wood

Located in Sherborne, GB

William 4th open free standing bookcase in octagonal form made from partridge wood veneer with cross grain moulded top resting on a cevetto moulding with applied brass decoration the...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Cedar

Antique 18th-century Welsh/English oak book/buffetcase with original glass
Antique 18th-century Welsh/English oak book/buffetcase with original glass

Antique 18th-century Welsh/English oak book/buffetcase with original glass

$3,732

Antique 18th-century Welsh/English oak book/buffetcase with original glass

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique 18th-century English oak bookcase / display cabinet with stunning original glass is in good and well-maintained condition and features exceptional details. The...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood, Oak

Subtle antique English bookcase/shelving unit from the late 19th century
Subtle antique English bookcase/shelving unit from the late 19th century

Subtle antique English bookcase/shelving unit from the late 19th century

$848

Subtle antique English bookcase/shelving unit from the late 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This subtle antique English cabinet dates from the late 19th century and features an elegant appearance. It is fitted with three removable shelves and offers ample storage space. A ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Wood

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement

$12,503 / item

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Fusto Bookshelf II is part of a collection of modular system in ultra high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Each item is hand treated and is protected with water repellent products to reduce the absorption of oily substances and to minimise the making of stains. Fusto is the series that introduces the new design approach. As in classical architecture, Fusto is the column that holds tables, consoles, bookcases and pedestals. Volumes and proportions are integrated in a timeless geometry, enriched with facets that make the colour vibrate in a game of lights and shadows. Fusto is eternal architecture. Designer: Marialaura Rossiello, Studio Irvine...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Bookcases

Materials

Concrete

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$5,265

H 96.46 in W 53.94 in D 16.15 in

Mahogany Bookcase, First Half of the 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

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Early 20th C Oak Leaded Glass Barrister Bookcase W Desk attrib to Globe Wernicke
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H 59.5 in W 34.25 in D 14.25 in

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By Globe Wernicke

Located in Port Jervis, NY

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H 14.18 in W 14.18 in D 10.24 in

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Located in Paris, IDF

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English 19th Century Mahogany Revolving Bookcase

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

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Very Beautiful Large Antique English Oak Book Carousel on Original Wheels

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Very Beautiful Large Antique English Oak Book Carousel on Original Wheels

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This stunning antique English book carousel is made of oak and is the perfect addition for any book and interior enthusiast! It fits seamlessly into almo...

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1987 Babele Glass Shelves by Massimo Morozzi, Fiam Italia Bookcase Large Piece
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1987 Babele Glass Shelves by Massimo Morozzi, Fiam Italia Bookcase Large Piece

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1987 Babele Glass Shelves by Massimo Morozzi, Fiam Italia Bookcase Large Piece

By FIAM, Massimo Morozzi

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely 1987 Babele glass shelf designed by Massimo Morozzi for Fiam Italia. Babele is a classic tower display unit in 10 mm-thick curved gl...

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Classical Roman bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman bookcases 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 bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with cast stone, concrete and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10,868 and tops out at $14,601 while the average work can sell for $12,638.

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