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.
$4,128Sale Price|40% Off
Large Bronze and Iron Urn Fire Grate
Located in London, GB
Large bronze and iron urn grate, Mid-20th century, the rim of the urn shaped basket with bronze bead detail and scrolled handles to either side, the plinth base with applied ram's he...
Iron
Salviati Miniature Glass Tazza
Located in New York, NY
In 19th-century Venice, glassmaking studios were pokey little family affairs. The craft was passed on from father to son, and conducted in a studio, with an assistant or two, and per...
Glass
19th Century Bronze Bust of Young Emperor in Classical Roman Style
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
Rare and Large Classical Trompe-L'oeil Meissen Porcelain Plaque
Located in London, GB
Rare and large classical Trompe-l'oeil meissen porcelain plaque. German, 19th century. Measures: frame: height 60 cm, width 55 cm, depth 5 cm. plaque: height 45 cm, width 40 cm. ...
Porcelain, Giltwood
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
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
4er Set Neobarock Stühle Historismus Leder antik Stuhl Gründerzeit
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes antikes 4er Set Esszimmerstühle aus der Gründerzeit zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle verfügen über aufwendige Schnitzereien und sind mit hellem Leder bezogen. ...
Leather, Wood
Classical Faux Marble Roundel with a Mask
Located in London, by appointment only
An extremely well-made copy of a classical mask after the antique, the face shown in high relief within a dished background and a border of Greek Key with discs to the four sides. No...
Resin
French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...
Marble, Ormolu
$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.
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
Princess Margot Chandelier 1 light
By Villari
Located in Solagna, IT
The Princess Magrot Pendant Light by Villari embodies the brand’s mastery of Italian porcelain art. Each piece is shaped, carved, and hand-painted by skilled artisans, giving the pen...
Brass
$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
$3,440 / set
20th Century Ionic Columns
Located in GB
A pair of 20th century gold gilded ionic columns with winged cherubs and fish scaled plinths. These classical columns are from the three orders beginning ...
Resin
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
Centaur carved on white Carrara marble -made in italy -handmade
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, marble centaur, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, made in Italy Centaur carved on whit...
Carrara Marble
Bust of Egyptian pharaoh carved on white Carrara marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Egyptian bust, ancient bust, pharaoh bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, made in I...
Marble
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
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
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
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
Dark Blue Runner – 283x105cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this primarily dark blue Oriental runner measuring 283x105cm, featuring stunning colors and intricate patterns. Brighten up your home with this beautiful rug. It display...
Cotton
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
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