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.
Large English antique oak kitchen cabinet / dresser from the 18th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning, large antique cabinet is made of oak and dates from the 18th century. In our opinion, it is a must-have for any interior! It fits perfectly in both classic and modern ...
Wood, Oak
Decortiche Continental Porcelain and Gilt Metal and Cherubs Compote Centerpiec
By Tiche, Porcelaine d'arte Milano
Located in Germantown, MD
Marked Decortiche (Tiche, Porcellane d’Arte). Roman Style Magnificent Centerpiece compote with oval bowl having a blue floral border and gilt metal rim on a bisque porcelain cherub f...
Metal
Antique Cabinet in Red/Brown with 2 Doors and a Drawer with Working Lock
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this beautiful antique cabinet in a red/brown color with 2 doors and a drawer with a working lock. This charming antique cabinet fits easily into almost any interior. It...
Wood
$1,958
H 69.3 in W 37.8 in D 17.33 in
Antique Cabinet With Doors & Shelvs In Mahogany With Decorative Carvings, 1880's
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique mahogany cabinet from the 1880s with decorative carvings. Features doors and interior shelves, suitable for storage in living rooms, hallways or dining areas. — Origin: Euro...
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Georgian Oak Cabinet / Cupboard
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Late 18th century oak cupboard, The top part has two doors with fielded panels. The lower part has four drawers with brass handles. The cabin...
Brass
$4,290
H 35 in W 87 in D 19 in
Vintage Style Black Painted Solid Wood 3 Door Cabinet with Working Locking Keys
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This vintage-style black-painted three-door cabinet is a stunning blend of functionality and classic elegance. Crafted from solid wood, it exudes durability and timeless charm, makin...
Wood
$3,695
H 83 in W 37.58 in D 19.38 in
Primitive Painted Green Four Door Cabinet with Original Brass Sliding Lock
Located in Round Top, TX
A painted primitive cabinet with four doors, with each pair being secured by brass sliding hardware. Inside, the paint is winter white, and features five fixed shelves. The spacing i...
Wood
$1,495
H 30 in W 30 in D 20 in
Indiana Furniture Chippendale Style Two-Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet with Lock
By Indiana Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Germantown, MD
Indiana Desk Furniture Chippendale Style Two-Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet with Lock. Both drawer lock. One key available Measures 30" in width 20" in de...
Fruitwood
Vintage Two-Drawer Oak Locking Filing Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Attractive and useful are two words to describe this nice oak 2-drawer filing cabinet. It has a beautiful oak finish with solid wood trims. The entire cabinet measures 16" x 17" x 28...
Brass
$3,700
H 73 in W 32.5 in D 19.5 in
Antique French Breton Armoire Wardrobe Linen Cabinet Double Doors Drawer c. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautifully Carved Antique French Oak Breton Double Door Armoire Bonnetiere, Linen Cabinet, Bookcase with Drawer~~c. 1900 Highly requested classic French Breton design~~Bre...
Oak
Vintage Wood and Metal Display Case
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage wood and metal display case Dimensions. 72 W ; 25 D ; 41 H.
Glass, Wood
Chinese Two Door Locking Cabinet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This small locking cabinet from the late 19th century has a richly aged patina that only time can achieve. Crafted of pine with a burgundy lacquer finish, the two-door cabinet has a ...
Pine
Late 18th Century Black Oak Vitrine Cabinet from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
This Danish oak vitrine may be used as a display cabinet or bookcase. The upper pane glass doors and canted sides allow for lovely display of any collection held within. The newer pr...
Wood, Oak, Paint, Glass
$4,900
H 71 in W 54 in D 21 in
Antique 18th Century Welsh Oak Press Livery Housekeepers Cupboard Cabinet 1750
Located in Portland, OR
A good Mid 18th century antique Georgian Welsh oak country press, housekeeper's cupboard, circa 1750. This very handsome country oak press has a sptrepped cornice, with a pair of arc...
Brass
18th Century Danish Large Painted 2-Part Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
An impressive cabinet in original cream/whitish paint with overhanging baroque cornice on a two paneled door cupboard with two shelves above middle section of two small drawers and l...
Bronze
Neoclassical Style Fluted Marble Column Side Table/Cabinet
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage Italian classical fluted column pedestal style side table with two door cabinet, single removable shelf and striking black Portoro marble top. Suitable for use as a small bar...
Belgian Black Marble
Vintage Italian Classical Round Marble Top Fluted Column Cabinet Pedestal Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Classical Style Round Marble Top Fluted Column Cabinet Pedestal Stand. Item features round marble top, solid wood fluted column cabinet, 2 swing doors, original label...
Marble
Russian Neoclassical Commode with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
Available are two Russian neoclassical style commodes, sold individually. These cabinets are an outstanding example of a select group of pieces decorated with architectural views, ma...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 82.88 in W 74.81 in D 16.74 in
Vintage Display Cabinet, English, Beech, Travertine, Breakfront, Classical
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage display cabinet. An English, beech and travertine, breakfront cabinet in the classical taste and dating to the late 20th cent...
Travertine
Sold
H 34.26 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Italian Bassano Midcentury Cabinet Credenza Serpentine Blond Walnut with Inlaid
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1940s Italian Bassano entrance cabinet , curved credenza , in solid blond walnut and walnut slab with thread inlay in light maple wood, finished to wax Shaped sideboard in the shape ...
Walnut
Sold
H 44 in W 28 in D 15 in
Antique French Boulle and Ormolu Figural Slate Top Display Cabinet, 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Boulle figural display cabinet features black lacquer finish with Boulle over tortoise shell face, glass front door, with ormolu trim includi...
Ormolu
Pair of Italian Continental Bombe Front Corner Cabinets
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of solid olive wood corner Italian Continental cabinets early 20th century, each has domed crest over two beveled glass doors open to shelving interior, atop a narrow frieze fit...