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Classical Roman Furniture

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.

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Style: Classical Roman
Pair of 19th Century Cast Lead Cupids from a Municipal Fountain
Pair of 19th Century Cast Lead Cupids from a Municipal Fountain

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. ...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Lead

English antique secretary from the 18th century made of oak
English antique secretary from the 18th century made of oak

English antique secretary from the 18th century made of oak

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique piece of furniture is a perfect addition for any enthusiast. This secretaire is made of oak and dates from the 18th century. It is not only a true eye-catcher ...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Subtle English Antique Oak Chest from the 18th Century
Subtle English Antique Oak Chest from the 18th Century

Subtle English Antique Oak Chest from the 18th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This subtle English antique chest of drawers dates from the 18th century and is made of oak. Thanks to its size, this piece is easy to place in the space of your choice. It fits perf...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Stylish, Late 1800s Handmade Italian, Alabaster Column, Pedestal or Stand
Stylish, Late 1800s Handmade Italian, Alabaster Column, Pedestal or Stand

Stylish, Late 1800s Handmade Italian, Alabaster Column, Pedestal or Stand

Located in Lisse, NL

Wonderful Roman column for displaying a work of art. This piece is composed of eight stacked segments, forming a beautifully twisted column inspired by ancient Roman and Baroque des...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

Old English cowhide and wooden Gainsborough side/desk chair
Old English cowhide and wooden Gainsborough side/desk chair

Old English cowhide and wooden Gainsborough side/desk chair

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This charming Gainsborough chair is made of wood and green / moss-green cowhide leather. Thanks to its luxurious and timeless design, it fits easily into almost any interior and is h...

Category

Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper
Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A color serigraph depicting a classical column rendered in gold tones against a layered blue and red ground with schematic, blueprint-like line work. The composition incorporates hal...

Category

Early 2000s American Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique hallm. historic French pewter candlestick candle holder chiseled garland
Antique hallm. historic French pewter candlestick candle holder chiseled garland

Antique hallm. historic French pewter candlestick candle holder chiseled garland

Located in Landshut, BY

historic French pewter candle holder Since ancient times, candlesticks have been made in this way. for a good reason :: it makes sense! chiseled garland Manufactured in Southern Fran...

Category

1850s French Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Large antique English blonde oak chest of drawers from the 18th century
Large antique English blonde oak chest of drawers from the 18th century

Large antique English blonde oak chest of drawers from the 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This fantastic large antique English chest of drawers, made of oak, is an extraordinary piece for any lover of genuine antiques. We believe that such a chest of drawers is indispensa...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Comfortable and adjustable sheepskin relax armchair with a sleek design
Comfortable and adjustable sheepskin relax armchair with a sleek design

Comfortable and adjustable sheepskin relax armchair with a sleek design

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This unique and very comfortable sheepskin leather recliner is the ideal chair to relax in style after a long day. Thanks to its mechanism, it can easily be transformed from an uprig...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series VIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper
Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series VIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series VIII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A color serigraph depicting a classical column rendered in red and gold tones against a layered blue and green ground with schematic, blueprint-like line work. The composition incorp...

Category

Early 2000s American Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Paper

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper
Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Judith Lipnik Perlow Column Series XII 2003 Signed Serigraph in Colors on Paper

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A color serigraph depicting a classical column rendered in gold tones against a layered blue ground with schematic, blueprint-like line work. The composition incorporates halftone pa...

Category

Early 2000s American Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Paper

Cow leather Chesterfield club armchair in classic English style
Cow leather Chesterfield club armchair in classic English style

Cow leather Chesterfield club armchair in classic English style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful club armchair in Chesterfield style can easily be placed in almost any interior and has a classic yet timeless appearance. The club armchair has a red/brown colour and...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz
19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz

19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz

$20,000Sale Price|23% Off

19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz

By Hadji Jalili

Located in New York, NY

Exquisite finely woven late 19th century Persian Tabriz. 7'8'' x 11'1'' Since the middle of the 19th century, Tabriz has lead a resurgence in Persian carpet-weaving both for domest...

Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wool

Matching Pair of Handcarved Italian Alabaster Horses
Matching Pair of Handcarved Italian Alabaster Horses

Matching Pair of Handcarved Italian Alabaster Horses

Located in Dallas, TX

Presenting a lovely matching pair of handcarved Italian Alabaster horses. Mid 20th century circa 1960. Pair of hand-carved horses that look like ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

Naples Capodimonte Porcelain Lidded Tankard, Italy, Circa 1810
Naples Capodimonte Porcelain Lidded Tankard, Italy, Circa 1810

Naples Capodimonte Porcelain Lidded Tankard, Italy, Circa 1810

By Capodimonte

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a Naples (Capodimonte) Porcelain Lidded Tankard with deep relief body, which we date to the early 19th Century and made in Naples, Italy. The tankard is hand made with deep ...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century
Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century

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 ...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Concrete Domestic Landscape Studio Irvine Fusto Console Ink Cement Grey
Concrete Domestic Landscape Studio Irvine Fusto Console Ink Cement Grey

Concrete Domestic Landscape Studio Irvine Fusto Console Ink Cement Grey

By Marialaura Rossiello

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...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Concrete

21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Ink Cement Color
21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Ink Cement Color

21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Ink Cement Color

By Marialaura Rossiello

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...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Bronze Statue Of Emperor Augustus, Roman Imperial Sculpture
Bronze Statue Of Emperor Augustus, Roman Imperial Sculpture

Bronze Statue Of Emperor Augustus, Roman Imperial Sculpture

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

This bronze statue is a figurative sculpture representing a ruler from the roman empire, inspired by classical depictions of emperor Augustus. Shown in a balanced contrapposto stance...

Category

2010s French Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish in Gold and Green
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish in Gold and Green

Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish in Gold and Green

By Richard Ginori

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Cast Stone with Leaf Patterns Flared Tops 3 available ps
Large Cast Stone with Leaf Patterns Flared Tops 3 available ps

Large Cast Stone with Leaf Patterns Flared Tops 3 available ps

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous cast stone urns or planters. Almost 2 ft tall x 19 wide at the top with flared edges. Acanthus leaf impressions all the way around with a ribbed base. Have 3 available. In ...

Category

1970s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

Antique Olive Planter, Italian, Terracotta, Garden Jardiniere, Victorian, C.1900
Antique Olive Planter, Italian, Terracotta, Garden Jardiniere, Victorian, C.1900

Antique Olive Planter, Italian, Terracotta, Garden Jardiniere, Victorian, C.1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique olive planter. An Italian, terracotta garden jardiniere urn, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightfully weathered Continental charm, with evoca...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement

21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Bookcase Concrete Bookshelves Yellow Cement

By Marialaura Rossiello

Located in Rome, Lazio

Fusto Bookshelf II is part of a collection of modular system in ultra high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Each item is hand treated and is protected with water repellent products to reduce the absorption of oily substances and to minimise the making of stains. Fusto is the series that introduces the new design approach. As in classical architecture, Fusto is the column that holds tables, consoles, bookcases and pedestals. Volumes and proportions are integrated in a timeless geometry, enriched with facets that make the colour vibrate in a game of lights and shadows. Fusto is eternal architecture. Designer: Marialaura Rossiello, Studio Irvine...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Leather Wingback Armchairs in Roman Style
Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Leather Wingback Armchairs in Roman Style

Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Leather Wingback Armchairs in Roman Style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this classic and unique set of 2 leather wingback armchairs, beautifully finished with decorative studs and stitching. Thanks to their timeless yet elegant design, th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Located in San Francisco, CA

G. B. Piranesi, in his fifties, was interested in archaeology and studied in Southern Italy where he produced drawings of Greek architecture. Medium: Etching on laid paper. Year: c...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Italian Pair of Corinthian Burl Bookends, Mid-Century Modern
Italian Pair of Corinthian Burl Bookends, Mid-Century Modern

Italian Pair of Corinthian Burl Bookends, Mid-Century Modern

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Classic pair of Mid-Century Italian Bronze and Burlwood Bookends. These handcrafted bookends would certainly accentuate your home on a bookcase, table, or desk.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style
Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style

Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style

Located in Antwerp, BE

Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style – Garden Landscape with Villa, Inspired by Tivoli A remarkable piece of Italian wall art inspired by the classical Roman villas of Tivoli an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Green leather height-adjustable, swivel and tilt chesterfield office chair
Green leather height-adjustable, swivel and tilt chesterfield office chair

Green leather height-adjustable, swivel and tilt chesterfield office chair

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This elegant and charming green genuine leather Chesterfield desk chair in English style fits both a classic and a modern interior. Of course, it is also a timeless addition to any o...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Splendid and Large Italian Classic Copper Jardeniere
Splendid and Large Italian Classic Copper Jardeniere

Splendid and Large Italian Classic Copper Jardeniere

Located in Milan, IT

Splendid and large oval Italian copper Jardiniere. The classical piece is usually used for large flower plant arrangements. In the style of Renzo Mongiardino interiors.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Copper

Vintage sheepskin club armchair in a subtle size with warm colours
Vintage sheepskin club armchair in a subtle size with warm colours

Vintage sheepskin club armchair in a subtle size with warm colours

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful sheepskin club armchair can easily be placed in almost any interior due to its subtle size, in the space of your choice. It works perfectly not only in a home setting,...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin, Wood

Cow leather dining/side/desk chair with comfortable seat and a high back
Cow leather dining/side/desk chair with comfortable seat and a high back

Cow leather dining/side/desk chair with comfortable seat and a high back

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This nice and comfortable genuine leather dining / occasional / desk chair can easily be placed in almost any interior. It fits perfectly in both classic and modern interiors, in the...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Antique Italian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting of a Boy, Early 20th Century
Antique Italian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting of a Boy, Early 20th Century

Antique Italian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting of a Boy, Early 20th Century

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning antique portrait painting of a young boy Signed Mary E. Southard Italy, Early 20th Century Oil paint on canvas, presented in a giltwood frame Measures: 18"W x 2.5"D x ...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Set of six cowhide dining chairs with a comfortable seat and high back
Set of six cowhide dining chairs with a comfortable seat and high back

Set of six cowhide dining chairs with a comfortable seat and high back

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This nice and comfortable set of 6 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...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Maestro Imperio Rossi, Vintage Murano Millefiori Art Glass Vase, 20th Century
Maestro Imperio Rossi, Vintage Murano Millefiori Art Glass Vase, 20th Century

Maestro Imperio Rossi, Vintage Murano Millefiori Art Glass Vase, 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

Dimensions: Height 18-3/4 inches Diameter 8-3/4 inches Found in the middle section of the vase’ neck, there is a round glass medallion with letter “m”, indented into it for Maestro Imperio Rossi...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Glass

Large sheepskin wingback armchair with beautiful warm colours
Large sheepskin wingback armchair with beautiful warm colours

Large sheepskin wingback armchair with beautiful warm colours

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful large wingback armchair with attractive colours is made of sheepskin leather and fits perfectly in both classic and modern interiors. In any space, it adds just that l...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Antique Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century
Antique Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century

Antique Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An elegant and sculptural antique curule-form bench, crafted in Europe in the early 20th century and inspired by classical Roman and Renaissance seating forms. The bench is distingui...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Antique Italian Holy Water Font with Brass Relief and Candle Holders
Antique Italian Holy Water Font with Brass Relief and Candle Holders

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...

Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Brass

Classical Roman furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Luca Scacchetti, LAGU, and Richard Ginori. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $2,914.