Skip to main content

Classical Roman Sideboards

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
6
1,838
1,046
548
477
193
127
110
94
77
71
69
56
38
29
27
20
13
10
4
2
6
3
1
1
1
1
1
6
6
6
Style: Classical Roman
Large antique English oak sideboard from the 18th century with elegant legs
Large antique English oak sideboard from the 18th century with elegant legs

Large antique English oak sideboard from the 18th century with elegant legs

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful English oak dresser/side table dates from the 18th century and features elegant gold-colored details. It has three smoothly running drawers, offering ample storage spa...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique English Sideboard/ Counter from the Early 19th Century in Pine Wood
Antique English Sideboard/ Counter from the Early 19th Century in Pine Wood

Antique English Sideboard/ Counter from the Early 19th Century in Pine Wood

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this stunning antique English sideboard / console table / counter / kitchen island from the early 19th century, made of natural pine wood. This characterful antique E...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Pine

Antique English sideboard from the early 18th century made of oak
Antique English sideboard from the early 18th century made of oak

Antique English sideboard from the early 18th century made of oak

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This sideboard is a true showpiece for any lover of genuine antique items! Dating back to the 18th century, it can easily be placed in both classic and modern interiors. It is made o...

Category

Early 18th Century Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Oak

18th century antique English oak sideboard / English low dresser
18th century antique English oak sideboard / English low dresser

18th century antique English oak sideboard / English low dresser

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful, large, and highly functional 18th-century antique English oak sideboard, also known as an English low dresser, is a wonderful piece for true antique enthusiasts. Feat...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Oak

18th-Century English Antique Sideboard / Mule Chest
18th-Century English Antique Sideboard / Mule Chest

18th-Century English Antique Sideboard / Mule Chest

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this stunning, characterful 18th-century English antique sideboard, also known as a “mule chest.” This exceptional 18th-century English piece is a true mule chest—a...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Related Items
18th Century Welsh Dresser
18th Century Welsh Dresser

18th Century Welsh Dresser

$14,900

H 74.5 in W 62 in D 17.25 in

18th Century Welsh Dresser

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine 18th century English or welsh oak dresser, having richly molded crest over scalloped fascia, the divided shelves with plate grooves and standing on molded top over three drawers...

Category

Early 18th Century Welsh Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century mahogany bowfront sideboard
Early 19th Century mahogany bowfront sideboard

Early 19th Century mahogany bowfront sideboard

$3,301

H 36 in W 59.75 in D 24.5 in

Early 19th Century mahogany bowfront sideboard

Located in Martlesham, GB

A superb quality early 19th Century mahogany inlaid bowfront sideboard, having a lovely figured top above a central drawer and two deep drawers either side, all drawers are oak lined...

Category

1810s British Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Danish Pine Sideboard Cabinet
19th Century Danish Pine Sideboard Cabinet

19th Century Danish Pine Sideboard Cabinet

$1,650

H 36 in W 46.5 in D 20.25 in

19th Century Danish Pine Sideboard Cabinet

Located in Round Top, TX

Danish pine sideboard with clean lines; two drawers over two doors, one interior shelf. Restored and waxed, this cabinet is stable, strong and ready for use. Brass pulls on each func...

Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Antique French Sideboard, 19th Century. Elegantly hand crafted from cherrywood.
Antique French Sideboard, 19th Century. Elegantly hand crafted from cherrywood.

Antique French Sideboard, 19th Century. Elegantly hand crafted from cherrywood.

Located in Houston, TX

This French Louis Philippe sideboard crafted in warm, honey-toned cherrywood, dating to the mid-19th century. This piece is beautifully proportioned, exemplifying the understated ele...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Cherry

19th Century English Oak Sideboard
19th Century English Oak Sideboard

19th Century English Oak Sideboard

$3,600

H 32.75 in W 60 in D 18.75 in

19th Century English Oak Sideboard

Located in High Point, NC

19th century oak sideboard from England with a beveled edge around the top, following down to paneled sides and two drawers in the front with raised geometric panels, flanked by hand...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Oak Dresser Base, Georgian Style, Three Drawers
18th Century English Oak Dresser Base, Georgian Style, Three Drawers

18th Century English Oak Dresser Base, Georgian Style, Three Drawers

Located in Houston, TX

A handsome and long 18th-century English country oak dresser base (sideboard), possessing a rich, deep patina and classic Georgian proportions. This piece features a beautifully fig...

Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Sideboard from Shanxi Province, Late 18th Century
Sideboard from Shanxi Province, Late 18th Century

Sideboard from Shanxi Province, Late 18th Century

$4,089

H 37.8 in W 89.77 in D 21.66 in

Sideboard from Shanxi Province, Late 18th Century

Located in Kastrup, DK

Sideboard crafted from walnut, featuring four drawers and a pair of double doors. The sides are adorned with carved scroll details. Expertly crafted, the piece retains traces of its ...

Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Early 19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet
Early 19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet

Early 19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet

$4,650

H 41.5 in W 56.25 in D 19.75 in

Early 19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet

Located in Round Top, TX

Early 19th century French sideboard crafted in oak and finished with a bleached surface, giving the wood a lighter appearance suited for modern interiors. The cabinet features carved...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Metal

English Jacobean Style Oak Sideboard w/ Barley-Twist Legs
English Jacobean Style Oak Sideboard w/ Barley-Twist Legs

English Jacobean Style Oak Sideboard w/ Barley-Twist Legs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Quarter-Sawn Oak This English Jacobean style oak sideboard dates to the early 1900s and showcases the bold, architectural character...

Category

1990s English Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Pine Cabinet Sideboard
19th Century Swedish Pine Cabinet Sideboard

19th Century Swedish Pine Cabinet Sideboard

$3,500

H 51.75 in W 48 in D 18.5 in

19th Century Swedish Pine Cabinet Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

This Swedish country sideboard maintains its simple charm with a scraped finish complimenting the natural pine. The interior reveals three shelves behind two cabinet doors.  Restored...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Small 18th Century Oak Welsh Dresser with Rack
Small 18th Century Oak Welsh Dresser with Rack

Small 18th Century Oak Welsh Dresser with Rack

$2,533Sale Price|20% Off

H 80 in W 64 in D 19 in

Small 18th Century Oak Welsh Dresser with Rack

Located in Lymington, GB

A small Welsh early-18th century oak sideboard, of good rich colour and patination. With three fielded, panelled and chamfered central working drawers, flanked by double fielded pan...

Category

18th Century European Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century George III English Serpentine Form Sideboard
Early 19th Century George III English Serpentine Form Sideboard

Early 19th Century George III English Serpentine Form Sideboard

$2,688Sale Price|36% Off

H 35 in W 75 in D 22.38 in

Early 19th Century George III English Serpentine Form Sideboard

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Early 19th century serpentine form sideboard, English, George III Period. Lion mask backplate ring pulls. Deep drawers (one retaining cellarette dividers), flank the shaped central d...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Oak

Classical Roman sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman sideboards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sideboards 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 walnut, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman sideboards 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 sideboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,443 and tops out at $6,443 while the average work can sell for $6,443.