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.
Handmade Artistic Marble Mosaic Rug Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Marble
Subtle Colorful Rug with Beautiful Patterns – 124x74cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this stunning rug. It features lovely colors and exquisite details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for the living room but also a great...
Cotton
Late 18th Century German Parcel-Gilt Silver Torah Pointer
Located in New York, NY
A late 18th century continental parcel-gilt silver Torah pointer made in Germany. This magnificent torah pointer is shaped in a tapered spiral form. At one end of the pointer, a beautifully designed gilt hand, while at the other a small dome engraved “Philip Salomons Esqr." The dome tip has a linked chain, facilitating its grip. The ring of the pointer is marked with maker's mark VM, and an illegible town mark. Provenance Philip Salomons (1796-1867), sold at his death to Reuben David Sassoon...
Silver
Cowhide Leather Wingback Chair in Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Looking for a charming and stylish place to relax? Then this full-grain leather wingback armchair is a fantastic addition to your home! Its light cognac color and matching piping giv...
Cowhide, Leather
Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-nineteenth century bronze bust of Lucius Verus, circa 1860-1870, on circular waisted socle. Lucius Verus ruled Rome alongside Marcus Aureli...
Bronze
Characterful sheep leather armchair with a beautiful deep colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This comfortable armchair is made of sheepskin leather and has a luxurious and characterful appearance. It comes with a loose seat cushion and is finished with decorative studs. The ...
Leather, Sheepskin
Club Armchair in Very Good Condition Made of Cowhide in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This cowhide leather armchair in English style features a beautiful, rare brown/dark purple colour scheme. The armchair is finished with decorative studs and stitching, giving it a c...
Cowhide, Leather
Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948
Located in St Ouen, FR
Massive bowl with polychrome glazes and antique decoration. Born to Russian parents Alexandre Kostanda very quickly tried his hand at ceramics when his parents settled in Vallauris ...
Ceramic
1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s bust of a Roman, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head and Alicante red for the toga, where the white veins give movement and realism to the cloth. S...
Marble
Black Cowhide Leather Aviator Armchair with a Sleek Design and Stylish Shape
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rugged cowhide leather design armchair is a true eye-catcher with its stylish shape and sleek design. Don't miss your chance to bring this unique gem into your home! It feature...
Cowhide, Leather
$15,160Sale Price|20% Off
An Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Mother & Children Titled "La Tempête"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Titled "La Tempête" (The Tempest) Probably after Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822–1912), Cast by The Alessandro Nelli Foundry in Rome. The ...
Marble, Bronze
1990s Bust of Roman General Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s bust of a Roman general, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head and Alicante red for the toga, where the white and red contrast give movement and real...
Marble
UNIQUE EXQUISITE VISCOUNT DAVID LINLEY ROMAN LOOKiNG SYCAMORE CHEST OF DRAWERS
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite original Viscount David Linley very large chest of drawers custom made for Gary Ba...
Oak, Sycamore
Large Pair of Italian Majolica Putti Candleholders
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Italian Majolica of golden haired putti, set on rocks beside and embracing acanthus detailed candleholder, resting on separate scroll cornered square base; both pieces of glazed terr...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau design dining chair/side chair with red fabric upholstery
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious chair is by the renowned Dutch brand Schuitema, known for its quality, design, and use of materials. This chair also features the distinctive details we have come to e...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 2 luxury sheepskin armchairs with a timeless look
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious set of two armchairs is made of sheepskin leather and features beautiful warm dark tones. Both chairs come with a loose seat cushion and have a refined finish with mat...
Leather, Sheepskin
$3,895Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Italian Oil on Alabaster Painting - Pompeian Scene Tray
By Luigi Bazzani
Located in Firenze, IT
This remarkable 19th-century Italian creation combines the artistry of oil painting with the functionality of a decorative tray. The piece features a captivating Pompeian feast scene...
Alabaster, Bronze, Ormolu
$2,131 / set
Pair of Neo-Renaissance Armchairs, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neo-Renaissance armchairs, circa 1900. Oak and leather.
Oak
Antique Patinated Bronze Figure of Roman Emperor by Mathurin Moreau
Located in London, GB
This fine, full length figure is modelled in the contrapposto pose, a position originating from ancient Greek Classical sculpture. The visual arts uses the term 'contrapposto' to des...
Bronze
DAVID LINLEY FOR GARY BARLOW SYCAMORE DiNING TABLE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, original Viscount David Linley dining table with the original, very rare watercolo...
Sycamore
Cognac brown cow leather armchair with decorative nail finish
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful armchair is made of cowhide leather. It has a characterful appearance and is very comfortable to sit in. It can be easily placed in almost any interior style and fits ...
Cowhide, Leather
Bust of Carrera Marble and Honey Onyx
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bust Roman Emperor, carrara marble and honey onyx.
Onyx, Marble
Set of five vintage wooden Cosmos bistro design chairs with stunning detail
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing set of 5 vintage wooden bistro chairs features beautiful carvings and patterns on the seat and backrest. They look great in both classic and modern interiors. Over the y...
Wood
Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius
Located in Rome, IT
Description Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INFORMATION OF THE LOT AND SHIPPING INFORMATION CAN BE REQUEST BY SENDING AN EMAIL. Indicative shipping costs in Ital...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Alabaster Group of Children Pushing a Cart
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This enchanting 19th century Italian carved Alabaster group of four putti playing whilst pushing and pulling a wooden cart, entitled; 'From the harvest' By Prof; A. Petrill, Firenze....
Alabaster
19th Century Young Emperor Bust
Located in Roma, IT
19th century bronze bust of young emperor. This object is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any object in Italy created over 70 years ago by an artist who has died re...
Bronze
Bacchus, Plaster Statue, France, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful old plaster statue, in the neoclassical spirit, representing young Bacchus. France, National Museums molding workshop, circa 1930.
Plaster
19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Marble
Antique Carved Wood Classical Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very unusual antique sculpture, carved from solid wood. This looks like it is most likely Italian, it depicts an intimate scene from biblical times. It is hard to dat...
Wood
Gilt Bronze Model of Ceres
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze model of Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture, modeled seated holding torch aloft in one hand and with a sheaf of wheat in the other, on plin...
Roman travertine cup classic style -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Travertine cup, antique classical cup, sculpture, marble, marble furniture, marble fruit holder, white marble cup, marble cup , Roman travertine cup ,Carrara, classical cup. Classica...
Travertine
Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Marble bowl, antique classical bowl, sculpture, marble, marble furniture, marble fruit bowl, white marble bowl, Carrara marble bowl, classical bowl. Classical-style cup hand-turned o...
Carrara Marble
Pier Gustafson Original Art, Fountain Pen Series for Boston Pen Show
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing whimsical painting of a discus thrower is a coin filler. The artist, Pier Gustafson, thought it would be fun to replace Fountain Pens in pl...
Canvas, Acrylic, Teak
Roman Painted and Gilded Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant, Roman, hand carved, painted and gilded framed mirror with faux marble finish. Original mirror glass has age-appropriate spotting and light loss of silvering to plate.
Mirror, Wood, Paint
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
$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Classical Roman Style Male Female Wall Sculptures
Located in Asheville, NC
Pair of male and female Classical Roman style sculptures made to look ancient, beautifully crafted in bas relief signed by artist.
Handmade Artistic Marble Mosaic Rug Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all th...
Marble
Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Miniature Bronzes of Roman Busts On Marmore Nero Columns In the Manner of Georges Servant After the original models exhibited at the Paris ex...
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
$3,835Sale Price|35% Off
Antique English Oil/Canvas of a Young Girl Holding a Rose After William Hammer
By Hammer
Located in Tarzana, CA
Antique English Oil/Canvas of a Young Girl holding a Rose after William Hammer, within a gilt frame, ready to be hung.
Canvas
Tables Pair 99cm 39" Square Center Side Writing Gaming Elm 19Century Classical
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare to find a pair of elm tables of classical form this size The simplicity of the classical form creates fluid lines and focusing the eye into the...
Elm
Hand-Knotted Oriental Rug, 20th Century, 232x139 cm, Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this beautiful hand-knotted Oriental rug with refined patterns and stunning colors, measuring 232x139 cm. Let your home shine with this gorgeous rug. It features beautiful c...
Textile
Rug with patterns and colors – 234x141cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this beautiful Oriental rug with elegant patterns and stunning colors, measuring 234x141 cm. Let your home shine with this gorgeous rug. It features lovely colors and exquis...
Cotton
Hand-Crafted Persian Rug, Blue and White, 20th Century, 181x90 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this subtle oriental rug in mainly blue and white tones with clean patterns, measuring 181x90 cm. Brighten up your home with this beautiful rug. It features lovely co...
Cotton
17th-Century Hand-Crafted Antique Side Table in Classical Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stunning and unique early 17th-century antique drop-leaf / side table with a beautiful patina. This rare and highly original early 17th-century table has developed a...
Wood
Hand-Knotted Dark Blue Wool Rug, Classical Roman Style, 20th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Let your home shine with this beautiful rug. It features lovely colors and stunning details. These types of rugs are not only a sought-after item for the living room but also a great...
Wool
$1,250Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Crafted Italian Terracotta Table Lamp in Classical Roman Style
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian terracotta table lamp, elegant in its essential simplicity. It can be shipped anywhere from Italy, without the pulk of the hat which You can do as You want. ref. nr. 2050 -
Terracotta
18th Century Italian Painting of a Soldier, Fragement from a Larger Painting
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very handsome Italian portrait of a soldier, in ebonized frame with silver detail. Measurements include frame.
Canvas