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.
21st Century Concrete Oval Shape Table Powder Cement Color Handmade in Italy
Located in Rome, Lazio
A new addition to the Fusto Line: oval shaped dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixtur...
Concrete
Antique oak dining table from the late 18th century with extendable leaves
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This original antique dining table with extending leaves is made of oak and dates from the late 18th century. The table features two extendable leaves, creating a unique size and pro...
Wood, Oak
Corinthian capital. Roman, southern Iberian Peninsula, 1st-3rd century AD. 36 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Corinthian capital. Ancient Roman, southern Iberian Peninsula, 1st - 3rd century AD. Marble. Height 36 cm, width 35 cm and depth 25 cm. Condition Good state of preservation Prov...
Marble
$1,950 / set
Set of Three Classical Drawings
Located in Washington, DC
Set of Three Hand Engraved Classical Sepia Drawings of Roman and Greek figures.
Wood, Paper
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Polychromed Classical Styled Carved Garland or Festoon
Located in Nashville, TN
Hand carved wood architectural fragment . Polychromed in colors of gaiety .In style of ancient classical Roman garlands or festoons . FESTOON CARVED IN WOOD CARVING OF A GARLAND ...
Wood
Antique cast stone garden statue wall mounted classical roman figure
Located in Bristol, RI
I think this is circa 1950-1960. Perhpas made in the US. It has a great rustic patina with remnants of color. The small form is nice becuase it can fit into a tiny area with still ha...
Cast Stone
19th Century KPM porcelain plaque of the Battle of Corinth
Located in London, GB
19th Century KPM porcelain plaque of the Battle of Corinth German, 19th Century Frame: Height 37.5cm, width 44cm, depth 5cm Plaque: H...
Giltwood, Porcelain
19th Century Carved Mahogany Pedestal in Classical Roman Style, 1880
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall 19th century carved mahogany pedestal The column has an intricate tulip and acanthus leaf carvings top and bottom with a faceted section between The Torchere is very sturdy...
Mahogany
A Roman yellow glass unguentarium
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Belly-shaped with cylindrical neck and with folded down collar rim, the unguentarium with twisted glass decoration with white intertwining the main yellow colour 4.5 cm (h) Intact Ex. German private collection H.G., collected between 1970s-1990s Roman glass was used primarily for the production of vessels. It developed from Hellenistic technical traditions, initially concentrating on the production of intensely coloured cast glass vessels...
Glass
Roman Bronze Parade Helmet Fragment, circa A.D. 1st century
Located in York, GB
Provenance: German art market, 2002; With Jean-David Cahn AG, Basel, 2008; Private collection Switzerland; With Cahn International AG, Basel, 2018; Private collection, London - p...
Bronze
Roman Style Solid Marble Bust
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Roman Style Solid Marble Bust This bust measures: 15 wide x 10 deep x 23 inches high This piece is in Great Vintage Condition with minor marks, den...
Marble
Antique English bistro/side table from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English bistro and side table with a cast iron base dates from the early 20th century and features a solid wooden tabletop. Side tables may be modest, but they are indi...
Cast Iron
19th c. French Bronze Dancing Faun by Lequesne Eugène-Louis
By (after) Eugène-Louis Lequesne
Located in Wichita, KS
A 19th c. French bronze figure of a dancing faun by Eugène-Louis Lequesne. Hand-signed at the base Lequesne (1815-1887). Likely cast by the Gautieur foundry. Found in Paris. Dime...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Byzantine Female Icon Gold Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Gold Byzantine Wall Art Female Icon 11.5tall x 9.75w x 1d inches Art 9.5 x 7.75 Preowned Unrestored original Vintage Condition. Minor losses and fading. Distress. ...
Gold Leaf
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Side Console Table Mod.i Concrete Powder 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
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish in Gold and Green
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian porcelain dish by designer Richard Ginori with emerald green center and gold decorative edge detail, circa Mid-20th century or earlier, Italy. Colors include gree...
Porcelain
Very beautiful antique English oak gateleg table with an excellent patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Both as a dining table and as a side table, you are well served with this beautiful, pure, antique English gateleg table. Not always need all the space? You can easily fold it or jus...
Wood, Oak
Vintage 19th Century Italian Amphora with Ochre Glaze
By Bottega Vignoli, Artenova, Fendi Casa
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking and beautifully proportioned 19th-century Italian amphora, hand-thrown in terracotta and finished in a rich ochre-amber glaze that radiates warmth and character. Standing ...
Terracotta
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the Augustus of Prima Porta by A. Messina
By A. Messina
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
An Italian Grand Tour patinated bronze figure of the Augustus of Prima Porta by A. Messina, Roma late 19th century The standing emperor holding a staff in his left hand, wearing mili...
Marble, Bronze
1950s French Classic Metal Wall Candle Holder with Leaf Design
Located in Den Haag, NL
Classic metal wall candleholder, fits three candles. Decorated with metal Leafs . 1950s, France.
Metal
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Red 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
Pair of Architectural Ruins After Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Provenance
Located in Sofia, BG
Vintage Piranesi Architectural Ruins Prints : Framed Pair Provenance: Private Collection of a Noble Italian Family Beautiful pair of vintage prints after the celebrated Italian ...
Glass, Paper
I Te Alain Punto Rialto Benice Handpainted Real Parchment Floor Screen Room Dive
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous 19 th c Antque Venetian Italy Real animal parchment floor screen with Handpainted Punto Rialto image.
Parchment
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Mod.I Concrete Bookshelf Blue Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Bookcase 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 eight different co...
Concrete
Set of two cowhide wingback chairs in English style with matching piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of two beautiful cowhide leather wingback armchairs in English style features matching piping and a distinctive, characterful appearance. They are fitted with loose seat cus...
Cowhide, Leather
Set of four cowhide dining chairs with a comfortable seat and high back
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This nice and comfortable set of 4 genuine leather dining chairs can easily be placed in almost any interior. They look perfect at both an antique and a modern dining table. Not only...
Cowhide, Leather
Mikado Antique Gold Art floor lamp 1980s Italy
Located in Den Haag, NL
Looking for something different , look at this Antique Gold color metal spikes , like mikado . in the middle a half dome frosted Glass shade . L...
Metal
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
Murano Scavo Corroso Table Lamp by Seguso, Karl Springer Attributed
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a remarkable example of a late 20th century Scavo Corroso* Vase, attributed to Seguso/Karl Springer, that has been beautifully detailed with a br...
Brass
Sculpture of Large Male Torso Classical Style- made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Torso maschile imponente, peso circa kg 800, scolpito su marmo bianco Carrara poggiante su base travertino Romano ispirato al Doriforo che si trova agli uffizi di Firenze. Original m...
Carrara Marble
Antique Hand-Carved Italian Lion Head Fountain Mask, Early 1900s
Located in Milano, MI
This antique stone mask was probably used in a fountain. It is a very decorative Italian antique object. The mask fits as decorative object on a bureau o...
Stone
Concrete Domestic Landscape Studio Irvine Fusto Console Ink Cement Grey
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 eight diff...
Concrete
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD Ex Sotheby's
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD The sculpture is nude except for the draped Nemean lion skin. Provenance: Sotheby's London, December 14, 1981, lot ...
Marble
Jupiter Hammon -refractory ceramic sculpture bronze patina -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Jupiter Ammon, Zeus Hammon, ceramic Jupiter, ceramic mascaron Jupiter Hammon -wall mask - hand-molded on refractory ceramic, bronze patina. dimensions: h 33 x 29 x 15 cm kg 4 origin...
Marble
Early 20th Century Italian Oil Portrait of a Boy, Signed Mary E. Southard
Located in Elkhart, IN
A quietly compelling early 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting a young boy in a red cap, signed Mary E. Southard and presented in a broad giltwood frame. The restrained pal...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Italian Mosaic Polychromed Wood & Wrought Iron Table Box Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid Century Italian Mosaic Polychromed Wood & Wrought Iron Table Box Side Table, Italy, Circa 1980s This distinctive mid-century Italian mosaic polychromed wood and wrought iron tab...
Stone, Wrought Iron
Large Landscape Oil Painting by G. Taverna (1814-1878), Swiss, the 19century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique large oil painting Landscape by Gaudenz Taverna (1814-1878), Swiss, the 19century. The artwork is in very good vintage condition. There is a signature of the author. Dimens...
Canvas, Paint
English 18th century antique oak bureau secretary with top/bookcase
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This exceptionally beautiful and practical antique English oak bureau bookcase dates from the 18th century and has developed the finest possible pat...
Wood, Oak
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Fir Green Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Bookcase 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 eight different co...
Concrete
Set of 2 comfortable sheepskin armchairs with a timeless look
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This attractive set of two comfortable sheepskin armchairs features a timeless design, a warm cognac colour, and a beautiful patina. The armchairs show some signs of use on the seat ...
Leather, Sheepskin
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Side Console Table Concrete Cement Brick Red
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 eight diff...
Concrete
Elegant Classical Richard Ginori Serving Dish
Located in New York, NY
Covered dish with cobalt blue and gold trim, on white ceramic ground. Elegant design and proportions, perfect condition, and fully and correctly marked.
Ceramic
Comfortable Vintage Sheepskin Wingback Chair with a Beautiful Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing sheepskin wingback armchair is a true eye-catcher that should not be missing from any interior. It embodies timeless style and elegance. The armchair features a beautif...
Leather, Sheepskin
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
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Powder Cement D123 cm
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
Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine Painted and Partial Gilt Low Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine hand-painted giltwood side table with cabriole legs. Measures 13" in width, 13" in depth and 13" in height.
Wood, Paint
Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century A large and exquisitely modeled Continental majolica charger depicting Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom ...
Porcelain
Bust of Marcus Aurelius in polychrome marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, Marcus Aurelius, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, m...
Carrara Marble
Antique Italian Holy Water Font with Brass Relief and Candle Holders
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A gorgeous antique Italian holy water font created from wood and brass. The back of the font features brass decorations depicting the stations of the cross. At the center, Christ's c...
Brass
A Duo Of A Young And Older Julius Caesar Plaster Heads
Located in London, GB
A duo of plaster heads of a young and older Julius Caesar. Late 20th century some age and patina, work well together. Form and scale is pleasing. Continental 20th century classical...
Plaster
Pair of Tall Classical Styled Fluted Metal Garden Urns on Stands
Located in Nashville, TN
Metal with fired finish (in distress). Tall (just shy of 5 feet) and of Classical Design with ribbed fluting and on attached square bases. The bases decorated with laurels on all fou...
Metal
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Mod.I Concrete Bookshelf Cream Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Bookcase 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 eight different co...
Concrete
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Putti Oil Painting, Classical Style, Circa 1940, Gilt Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming oil on canvas depicting a scene with puttis frolicking in a garden setting. The painting needs slight restoration as depicted in photos. The painting has a beautiful giltwoo...
Giltwood, Paint
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Cast Lead Cupids from a Municipal Fountain
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cast lead cupids, originally part of a grand public fountain, now destroyed. The seated cupids hold a wine goblet in one hand, and a cluster of grapes on the other. ...
Lead
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Cream Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular 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...
Concrete
German Figural Young Roman Bronze Mounted on Rouge Marble Base, Circa 1885
By Fritz Heinemann
Located in Charleston, SC
German figural bronze of young roman mounted on a circular squared rouge marble base, Late 19th century. Signed by sculptor Fritz Heinemann, Roma.
Marble, Bronze
Subtle sheepskin wingback armchair with a deep cognac colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful and subtly styled wingback armchair is upholstered in sheepskin in a rich cognac colour and features decorative stud detailing and a loose seat cushion, providing a co...
Leather, Sheepskin
21st Century, Studio Irvine Fusto Console Table Mod, I Concrete Yellow 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
21century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table in Concrete Green Cement
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, Metal
Concrete Domestic Landscape Fusto Console Yellow Cream 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 eight diff...
Concrete