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 antique English shop counter / fabric counter from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This large antique English shop counter, dating from the 19th century, has a luxurious appearance and features brass measuring rulers in the top, a detail rarely seen. The back is fi...
Brass
Antique Dutch oak display cabinet with glass shelves and a mirrored back
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique Dutch oak display cabinet features two doors, glass shelves, and a mirrored back panel, creating additional visual depth. A display cabinet is the perfect way to presen...
Glass, Wood, Oak
Antique Oak Glazed Shop Counter France, circa 1920
Located in TOURCOING, FR
A superb antique French shop counter in solid oak, featuring a glazed display top and original brass fittings. This beautifully crafted piece was designed for presenting fine goods i...
Brass
$2,721Sale Price|20% Off
H 67.33 in W 36.23 in D 13.78 in
English Inlaid Mahogany Display Cabinet From the 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
English Inlaid Mahogany Display Cabinet From the 19th Century Step into timeless elegance with this exquisite antique display cabinet, a captivating ...
Mahogany, Glass, Wood
$7,651
H 34.65 in W 90.16 in D 18.9 in
English Victorian 19th Century Apothecary Shop Counter / Vitrine
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This stunning Victorian apothecary shop counter was made in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. It features vitrines with shelves in the front and one on top and drawers in diffe...
Hardwood
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 50 in W 39.5 in D 11.5 in
Antique Austrian Entry Glass Curio Display and Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black painted set glass case and Mirror circa 1900s mirror is sold so only Glass Curio Display . USA continental in home delivery 2-4 weeks $300
Wood
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
Antique Chinese Chippendale Display Cabinet, Circa 1880, Glass Shelves
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Chinese Chippendale style display cabinet. Beautiful detail with three glass shelves plus the bottom shelf. Fitted with ...
Glass, Wood
$3,331
H 54.73 in W 17.33 in D 29.53 in
English antique wood and original glass display cabinet, with shelves, 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Antique wooden display case, with internal shelves and original glass from the time. Of English origin and dating back to the first half of...
Glass, Wood
$2,248
H 51.97 in W 59.85 in D 18.12 in
Vintage Oak Display Cabinet / Vitrine with Leaded Glass, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A smaller-scale oak display cabinet or vitrine with a strong traditional Danish character. Its compact proportions make it an excellent choice for interiors where a full-size cabinet...
Lead
Antique Two-Tier Oak and Glass Display Case
Located in Dekalb, IL
Antique display or show case with glass shelving. This piece features a single glass shelf inside, with the option to adjust the height or add more shelves by way of metal brackets ...
Glass, Oak
Large Vintage Mid-Century Shop Display Counter
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large vintage shop display counter from the 1930s. Restored ready to use. An exceptionally stylish piece of authentic vintage shop furniture that is ideal for displaying a wide vari...
Glass, Pine, Plywood
$3,406
H 35.83 in W 29.53 in D 17.92 in
Antique Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam School 1920 Tea Cabinet / Display Bar Cabinet
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Dutch antique Amsterdam School style tea cabinet. Striking Dutch Art Deco design from the 1920s . The blonde oak looks amazing with the typical Amsterdam School Art Deco decorations in Macassar wood. The cabinet has glass on 3 sides & a very rare original glass tray that is stored on top of the cabinet. Carry your drinks in style with this marvelous Art Deco glass tray...
Glass, Macassar, Oak
$4,598Sale Price|30% Off
H 64.97 in W 51.19 in D 14.18 in
20th Century Grand Demilune Mahogany Display Cabinet or Vitrine with Mirror Back
Located in Sofia, BG
Grand Victorian style vitrine with mahogany frame, glass sides and curved glass top. There are three adjustable glass shelves and a mirror back. The front door is with original key a...
Mahogany