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.
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
Vintage counter/museum cabinet with 4 doors and loose shelves
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This counter/display cabinet features 4 doors and removable shelves, with an opening top section. Years of careful use have given the cabinet a distinctive vintage appearance. A rec...
Glass, Wood
$3,225
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
$3,299
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
$7,730
H 74.81 in W 51.97 in D 20.48 in
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Almelo, NL
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, 1970s Elegant, bold, and timeless—this rare Sequoia Burl Display Cabinet, designed by Willy Rizzo for Ma...
Burl
$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
Pair of Black Wooden Vitrine Cabinets with Glass Doors
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of cabinets / vitrines made of black painted wood on the outside and natural color wood on the inside. Door and sides made of glass, wooden shelves. The cabinets are new, unused...
Glass, Wood
$7,200
H 81 in W 59.75 in D 18 in
Barbara Barry for Henredon Vitrine Cabinet with Glass Doors and Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Barbara Barry for Henredon wooden bow front vitrine cabinet from the late 20th century with oval motifs, glass doors and glass shelves. Designed by Barbara Barry for Henredon during the later years of the 20th century, this wooden cabinet features a thin curving cornice sitting above two bow-front glass doors, adorned with thin oval motifs and fitted with a single brass pull. These doors open to reveal four glass in wooden frames inner shelves offering convenient display opportunities. The ensemble is raised on four short tapered feet. The décor on the side shows great restraint as it is left bare and the back is simply planked. With its clean lines and modern design, this Barbary Barry for Henredon vintage vitrine...
Glass, Wood
$1,362
H 53.55 in W 33.86 in D 21.26 in
Danish Rosewood Corner Cabinet / Bar Cabinet with Glass Door 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Danish corner cabinet / bar cabinet in rosewood dating from the 1960s. The front features a glass display door with interior shelving and a closed cabinet section below. The cabinet...
Rosewood
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
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
$2,177
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
$8,950
H 97 in W 50.5 in D 18.25 in
Swedish 1830s Painted Wood Vitrine Cabinet with Glass Doors and Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish two-part painted wood vitrine cabinet from the early 19th century with glass doors, drawers and distressed patina. Created in Sweden during the early years of the 19th cent...
Glass, Wood
Siegel Paris Wall Display Cabinet – Oak & Glass – 1950s
Located in LYON, FR
Siegel Paris Wall Display Cabinet – Oak & Glass – 1950s The Heritage of French Luxury Retail: An iconic wall-mounted display cabinet by the renowned Siegel Paris, the gold stand...
Glass, Oak
$2,600
H 67 in W 23 in D 11 in
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Mahogany
$3,826
H 35.63 in W 29.14 in D 18.9 in
Antique Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam School 1920 Tea Cabinet / Display Cabinet Oak
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 deco...
Marble
18th C Dutch Rococo Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
There is a quiet confidence to this exceptional 18th-century Dutch Rococo display cabinet—an authenticity that only centuries can bestow. Its gr...
Wood