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.
Original Antique Print of The Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek Fine steel engraving after W.H Bartlett Published by Jackson C.1850 Unframed. Free shipping
Paper
$22,974
Magnificent Malachite urn
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Malachite Urn Natural Stone Very Decorative with Gilt Metal Mounts
Malachite
$1,559Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Bust of Ares Ancient Greek God of War His Head slightly turned to his Right Plaster
Plaster
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture - Hermes - France
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant and finely cast bronze sculpture of Hermes, France circa 1890. Hermes, the messenger of the gods in classical mythology, is a symbol of communication, travel, intelligence, a...
Bronze
Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Print- Alexander The Great, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of a bust of Alexander The Great Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping
Plaster
Early 20th Century Bust - Kochendörfer - Marble - Artemis Diana
By Fritz Kochendoerfer
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant neoclassical marble bust represents Artemis, also known as Diana, goddess of the moon, chastity and the hunt. Depicted with serene expression, classical hairstyle with b...
Marble
Bust Apollo With Drapery, Statue Julio-Claudian Dynasty Style, Roman Empire
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Apollo with drapery statue is a faithful reproduction of an imperial family member from the reign of Augustus. This Julio-Claudian dynasty fragment stands out for its contrappos...
Plaster
Original Antique Print of Roman Temple of Artemis, Jerash, Jordan, C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Artemis Fine steel engraving Published Circa 1840 Unframed. .
Paper
Rose Sculpture Table Lamp 13 Roses Hand Carved Pink Onyx Block, Linen Lampshade
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale II" is not just a table lamp or sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Onyx, Marble
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Diana of Gabii Cast by Collas & Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
19th Century patinated bronze sculpture of Diana of Gabbi measuring 21.5 inches tall and 28 inches in total as shown mounted on its ebonized wooden pedestal. With the stamped mark o...
Bronze
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey Mod. III
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
Wood Painted Gustavian Style Column Pedestal Statue Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of classical architecture into your home with this impressive Roman vintage inspired pedestal painted in a Gustavian color of taupe/gray. This stand features intricate ...
Wood, Paint
Mid Century Stone Onyx Pedestal
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Petite Onyx stone 3 part pedestal. Base platform and the cylinder comprise the pedestal. Fantastic graining throughout. Minor chips . Please see all pics and the video as that is par...
Onyx
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Wedgwood Jasperware lidded boxes serving bowls classicism Mid-Century England
By Wedgwood
Located in Wien, AT
The set of Wedgwood consists of three lidded boxes in different shape and design and two small serving bowls of which one can be used as an ashtray. All is made of the famous but r...
Ceramic
Four Seasons Italian Carrara Marble Statues
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Four Seasons Italian Carrara marble statues. Classically draped female figures in their distinguishing symbols. Autumn, winter, spring and summer dress themes True Italian high quali...
Carrara Marble
$8,354Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent Pair of italian Marble Columns
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Pair of Italian Verde Alpi Green Columns These columns are inspired by the Classical corinthian architecture Lovely Carved Marble Capitals on top
Marble
$3,141 / item
Marble Scalloped Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Italian scalloped sink basin cut from one single block of Carrara marble. Custom sizes available
Marble
Tall Corinthian Column Wood Pedestal Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of classical architecture into your home with this impressive Corinthian Column Pedestal. This classic column style stand features wood on all sides. Certainly makes a ...
Wood
Classical Marble Circular Marble Stone Sink
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Another unique piece of design, this timeless Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white Carrara marble, the circular design is taken from Greek and Roman times. Th...
Carrara Marble
Ancient Roman Marble Torso of Marsyas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Roman Marble torso belongs most assuredly the Mythological Satyr Marsyas. The depiction is one that is frequently portrayed in greco-roman statuary, (originally as part...
Marble
1970s Set of Two Cenedese Style Blue and Gray Scavo Murano Glass Vases
By Cenedese
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Two Scavo Murano glass vases hand-crafted in Venice in the Seventies, 18 cm is the height of the other vase, they are in very good condition. Scavo glass is a type of glass that has...
Murano Glass
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Italian White Marble Copy of the Medici Urn. Early 20th Century.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Monumental Italian white marble copy of the Medici Urn. Early 20th Century Impressive palatial model of the historic Medici urn. It is masterfully carved in white Carrara marble. ...
Carrara Marble
Rose Sculpture Vase 13 Roses Hand Carved Italy Pink Onyx Block Limited Edition
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Onyx, Marble
Mid-20th Century Italian Basalt Tazza
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century Italian basalt porcelain tazza is a refined study in classical elegance. With a wide, low bowl gracefully elevated on a turned foot, its proportions echo the ti...
Porcelain
Pair of Cast Plaster Recumbent Entrance Way Garden Lions
Located in New York, NY
Attractive pair of garden statuary, entrance way lions, of heavy cast material (plaster). Both are in very good, original condition, showing only the expe...
Plaster
Italian Natural Colored Stone Sink w/ Bluish Gray Detailing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid 20th century classic Roman style Italian made limestone sink. There are soft shades of cream, gray, golds, and more. A hole has already been drilled for convenience.
Limestone
Antique life size Torso of Venus Marble Sculpture After the Ancient
Located in New York, NY
Large antique continental marble statue depicting the torso of Venus, after the ancient Roman work, the Venus de Milo, measuring 33 inches tall. Unsigned.
Marble
Large Antique Marble Bust of Apollo of Belvedere, 19th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bust of Apollo of Belvedere. Finely carved carrara marble. Mid-19th century. Italian. Presented by Joseph Dasta Antiques # nude male greek roman mercury statue...
Stone, Marble, Carrara Marble
An Antique French 19th Century Bronze Warwick Urn
Located in London, GB
The vase is made of bronze and features a large, bell-shaped body adorned with intricate reliefs. Its design includes classical motifs such as Bacchic (related to Bacchus, the god o...
Bronze
Rare Ancient Roman Fragment of Red Imperial Porphyry
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An ancient example of a red Imperial Porphyry fragment dating back as far as 1st century Ancient Rome. This is a rare and unusual worked example of this semi-precious stone which is ...
Porphyry
Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. Dated 1834
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek. Fine steel engraving after J.W Callcott Published by Murray, Dated 1834 Unframed.
Paper
Antique French oak dining table for 6 to 8 people with three drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique French dining table is made of oak and has a wonderful timeless look. It can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. The table is equipped with ...
Wood, Oak
Renzo Mongiardino Tole Hand Painted Obelisk Bookcase Italian 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Renzo Mongiardino designed Tole Obelisk Bookcase all hand painted on 4 sides. Very large at 94” high. 1970 Italy construction from. Renzo Mondgiardino...
Metal
Italian Majolica ceramic Bust of a Man - Roman Empire Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful white ceramic glazed bust of a man. Depicting a man from the Roman Empire. Estimated origin and date: France, circe 1910-1920. Dimensions: 39 (h) x 41 (w) x 26 (d) cm....
Ceramic
Antique Handcrafted Bronze Table Centerpiece Bowl by F. Levillain & Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Levillain, F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning French bronze tazza with wine & Bacchus theme, by Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837-1905). Every time we find an antique of this extraordinary quality and beauty we wonder what p...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Alabaster Bust
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Italian alabaster bust. Well sculpted antique Italian alabaster or marble bust of a classical female mounted on a plinth. This is a beautifully detailed antique alabaster bust...
Alabaster
Vintage Bradley & Hubbard Cast Iron Dante and Homer Bookends - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bradley & Hubbard Cast Iron Dante and Homer Bookends - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6.5" H x 6" W x 3" D.
Iron
Antique Corinthian Corner Capital
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique Corinthian corner capital is made of veined marble painted white. One corner is cut away so that the capital can protrudes from the corn...
Marble
Fine Italian Terracotta Mantlepiece Early 20th Century
Located in Toronto, CA
Fabulous terracotta mantel piece or fire surround, inscribed PIUS IX on the left hand side and MDCCLX (1760) on the right. The top section of the mantelpiece carved with two angels h...
Terracotta
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Powder Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
Italian Roman Sculpture of the David
Located in New York, NY
A classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' on a black marble base by sculptor G. Ruggeri, Italy, circa mid-20th century, Italy. White resin statue is on a black marble base with t...
Marble
Set of two sheepskin club armchairs with fixed seat cushions
Located in Harderwijk, NL
An elegant set that fits perfectly in both classic and modern interiors, in the space of your choice. This stylish set of two armchairs is made of sheepskin leather and features a ti...
Leather, Sheepskin
Tall Corinthian Column Painted Plaster Gesso Pedestal Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of classical architecture into your home with this impressive vintage Corinthian Column Pedestal. This classic column style stand is painted faux marbleized on all side...
Plaster, Gesso
Pair of 19th Century Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Urn Planters, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th Century Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Planters A striking pair of 19th century Italian urn-form planters, masterfully hand-carved from solid Carrara marble. Each planter f...
Carrara Marble
Majestic Pink Onyx Sculpture Vase Subjects Roses Leaves Floral Handmade in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Le Vie en Rose" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Onyx, Marble
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Petite Bronze Etruscan Reproduction Sculpture 1970s Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
A small Etruscan bronze statue circa the 1970s made in Italy mounted in a black stone base the base shows a crack and repair it can easily be replaced...
Stone, Bronze
Nice Pair of 7ft Bronze Classical Maidens
Located in London, GB
Large Pair of Bronze Classical Maidens Holding A Urn These originally were part of a Fountain But could be used as Free Standing Sculptures and Wired to a Fountain
Bronze
Vintage Urn Planter, Italian, Terracotta, Patio Jardiniere, Mid Century, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage urn planter. An Italian, terracotta patio jardiniere, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. A charmingly Italianate planter, presenting classic form and decor...
Terracotta
Set of two vintage sheepskin leather design armchairs in a cognac colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fine, comfortable and timeless set of two sheepskin leather design armchairs is a great addition to almost any interior style. They have a beautiful sleek design and are very co...
Leather, Sheepskin
Pair of 19th Century Hand-Carved Italian Stone Artichoke Finials
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century weathered stone artichoke finials. They are all hand chiseled and have bulbous shapes with a layered, petal-like pattern coverin...
Stone
Spanish farmhouse wooden kitchen cabinet from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Are you looking for a unique eye-catcher for your kitchen or living room? This versatile and authentic Spanish cabinet from the early 20th century can be easily placed in almost any ...
Wood
21st Century, Studio Irvine Fusto Console Table Mod.i Concrete Light Blue Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Console table part of a collection of modular system in ultra high performing cement mortar. UHPC shelves and abutment colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in three diff...
Concrete
Brown cowhide leather Chesterfield desk/dining/side chair in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful dark brown Chesterfield chair has the classic English look. It is made of cowhide leather and features refined detailing with decorative nails. The chair is highly ver...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Perfect Antique White & Black Alabaster Pendant Flush Mount w. Greek Key Pattern
Located in Lisse, NL
Top class and exceptional antique alabaster chandelier for an entry hall, bedroom or any other room. Thanks to its unique design, aesthetic beauty, perfect size and great condition ...
Alabaster, Wire, Metal, Bronze, Brass
Pair of Large Italian Architectural Column Wall Panel Artwork
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive reproductions of paintings of classical Roman columns, specifically Corinthian and Iconic. The technique used to create these is paint on plaster over burlap. The original...
Canvas, Burlap, Wood, Paint
Comfortable club chair made of sheepskin leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This atmospheric and comfortable club armchair is made of sheepskin leather and features a beautiful light and warm colour combination. The armchair comes with a loose seat cushion a...
Leather, Sheepskin
1st Century AD Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury Polykleitos Classic Antiquities
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A unique historic artifact – a Roman bronze statuette of Mercury, holding a caduceus, with ram at side, of Polykeitan style. Circa 1st Century A.D. Displayed on base pedestal. Polykl...
Bronze
$3,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Quatrain for Dessin Fournir Italian Empire Style Serpent Armchair 1 of 2
By Quatrain
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Quatrain for Dessin Fournir Italian Empire Style Serpent Armchair. 1 of 2 Available.
Silk, Ebony, Mahogany
Terra Cotta “Wrestlers” after 3rd Century BCE Greek Sculpture
Located in Kent, CT
Grand scale terra cotta after the Roman marble Wrestlers sculpture at The Uffizi. Wrestlers (also known as The Two Wrestlers, The Uffizi Wrestlers, o...
Terracotta
Set of two cowhide leather Aviator design armchairs with aluminium
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of two amazing cowhide leather armchairs combined with an aluminium frame has a special, unique appearance and is a fantastic addition for enthusiasts. The armchairs feature...
Aluminum