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
Period: 20th Century
Terra-Cotta Bust of a Roman Senator
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This terracotta sculpture depicts the bust of a Roman Senator or Emperor in armor and a gown. Hi gaze is directed at about a 45 degree angle. This is a magnificently robust life size bust...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Large Italian Scavo Corroso Aquamarine Glass Urn Vase
Located in New York, NY
Large Italian Scavo Corroso glass urn vase with 2 handles and gorgeous raised wave design surrounding the middle. Mesmerising to look at!
This piece evo...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
$2,900 Sale Price
35% Off
Antique Terracotta Recumbent Lions, Continental, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique pair of Neoclassical style terracotta recumbent lions - unsigned - Continental - late 19th/early 20th century.
The over-all condition of this pair of pre-owned antique ite...
Category
Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Comfortable Characteristic Sheepskin Leather Armchair with a Stunning Patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing armchair has developed a beautiful patina over the years, as is typical for sheepskin leather. It is full of character and, thanks to its lovely cognac color, has a time...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
A Pair of Classic Alabaster Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
The tall and thin waisted alabaster curves upward and outward as it rises from a demi sphere radiating soft light through the ancient alabaster. Mineralization is present throughout ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
$4,500 / set
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
Category
20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful & Beveled Wall Mirror in Gilt Bronze Frame w. Eternal Flame Torchères
Located in Lisse, NL
Aesthetically beautiful and romantically meaningful, antique French mirror.
The way in which an individual looks at anything in life can learn you much about them. Most people who...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Plaster Bust of Paolina Borghese Bonaparte
Located in Atlanta, GA
The plaster bust portrays Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte, as Venus Victorious.
It was commissioned by her husband, Camillo Borghese, and originally sculpted in Rome from 1805 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Plaster
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Bronze Classical Putti Cherubs Holding Fish Fountain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage lost wax cast bronze Roman style fountain from the mid 20th century.
Three Putti Cherubs holding fish. Water comes from fishes mouth and drips to a bowl that then creates a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$8,064 Sale Price
20% Off
French Cast Iron Pots
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pair of French CAST IRON urn planters or pots, suitable for garden, flower beds, patio or inside on a long table or buffet. Bleached, be...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Ironstone
$1,178 / set
Bronze Laurel Wreath
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Some years ago I found this bronze laurel wreath: I liked it, I bought and placed it on a beautiful marble head.
ref. O/6843.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Sheepskin Leather Club Chair in a Cognac Tone
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this sheepskin leather club chair in a beautiful warm cognac color with a lovely patina. This chair has a rich, inviting appearance thanks to its deep, warm tones. Ov...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Large Lion Sculpture in Glazed Terracotta, Romanesque Style, Early 20th Century
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Majestic large lion sculpture in white glazed earthenware, crafted in the early 20th century and reflecting an exquisite Romanesque style. This pi...
Category
Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$1,131 Sale Price
20% Off
Tapestry with frame early 20th century
Located in Premariacco, IT
Embroidered tapestry with frame and double back iron for hanging on the wall.
Early 20th century period.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$301 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 4 antique Jacob and Josef Kohn chairs from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing set of 4 original antique Jacob and Josef Kohn chairs comes from the early 20th century and features beautiful drawings/motifs in the wood. They fit well in both classic...
Category
Early 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
Italian Wall Lamp in White Porcelain, with Glass Shade
Located in Buggiano, IT
Italian wall lamp in white porcelain, with glass shade, original from 1930s
In working condition.
Equipped with original 20th century European wiring.
We recommend buyer consults an ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Glass
$132 Sale Price
34% Off
Italian baroque style Mirror with hand-carved gilt details, aged mirror glass
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful ebonized hardwood frame with 22-karat water gilded leaf details and
a lovely crown. The mirror is probably from the late 1970s-early 1980s.
Category
1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Giltwood
$2,000 Sale Price
60% Off
Julius Caesar bust in white Carrara marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Cesare, busto Giulio Cesare, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, marco Aure...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Stunning Cognac-Colored Sheepskin Leather Chair with Armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning cognac-colored sheepskin leather dining/accent chair with armrests.
This unique chair is made from sheepskin leather and features a beautiful design. Wi...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Sheepskin Leather Club Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this characterful vintage club armchair made of sheepskin leather, finished with decorative nails and featuring beautiful colors.
Over the years, this fantastic vin...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Sheepskin Wingback Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large, characterful, and timeless sheepskin wingback armchair with a luxurious finish.
This beautiful armchair, featuring warm tones, is made of genuine sheeps...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
$1,467
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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Plaster
1910s Imperial Grand Rapids Carved Solid Walnut Trestle Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Very Rare 1910s Imperial Grand Rapids trestle table in fine carved walnut wood. Top made out of Banded and bookmatched dark walnut veneer. Table ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut, Burl
Swedish Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950
Located in Bronx, NY
Sweden, 1950s ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund, for Rörstrand in quartz green excellent condition and signed on the bottom.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Iridescent glass vase pulegoso scavo Murano glass. . Cyanide
Located in Lugo, IT
Iridescent glass vase pulegoso scavo Murano glass.
Good condition.
Thank you
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair Italian paint decorated Roman style wood benches C 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair pf Italian paint decorated Roman style wood benches C 1940, a variation of the curule form, each with curved seats painted with flowers within gilt cartouches supported by 4 l...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Stucco head of a roman figure
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Stucco head of a Roman figure. Signed on the back (unknown).
The head is separate from the base.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stucco
Vintage 1950s Dutch design rattan armchair with beautiful organic shapes
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rattan armchair boasts an elegant design and can be easily styled with a cushion or a sheepskin, for example. The chair fits effortlessly into almost any interior, and not only ...
Category
1950s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Rattan
French Academic Drawing of a Classical Roman
Located in Houston, TX
French academic drawing of a classical Roman. This handsome framed French drawing of a classical Roman figure was created by a talented artist ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Paper
Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
By Hermle
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
The Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 20th Century Roman Tulip Fluted Brass Candlesticks
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Tulip Fluted Brass Candlesticks
Measures 35" in width, 5" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Category
20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Carved Marble Pedestal Stand with Swivel Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
This large antique two-piece marble stand with a bowl, crafted in Italy circa 1920, showcases a timeless classical Roman design. The jardinière features a large, rounded swivel basin...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
1970s Handcrafted Black Marquina Marble Table Centerpiece, Fruit Bowl or Planter
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and multi-purpose, Italian marble tazza or deep bowl in a Roman Classical style.
This remarkable centerpiece of classical beauty and elegance is one of the most striking an...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Classical Alabaster Column Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Monumental neoclassical carved Italian alabaster lamp in the shape of a column. Price for lamp with or without shade.
Measures: Lamp shade top 4.75"
Lamp shade bottom 23"
Lamp sha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
Large Vintage Rug – 300x200cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this large vintage Oriental rug featuring beautiful soft colors and lovely patterns, measuring 300x200cm.
Bring warmth and charm to your home with this stunning rug. It ...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Pair of Octagonal Framed 'Pompeiian Red' Pottery Roman Medallions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Octagonal framed 'Pompeiian Red' pottery Roman Medallions
Each one a well executed glazed pottery male profile portrait medallion, with a vin...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Pottery, Velvet, Wood
$2,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Icarus Statue on Stone Fragment
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Well rendered depiction of Icarus, in brown stained terracotta on an angular stone base. Statue is signed but it is difficult to interpret the signature. It appears to be "Faffa Ales...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stone
Sheepskin Leather Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this characterful sheepskin leather armchair with a beautiful patina and warm coloring.
This armchair exudes warmth and charm, enhanced by its rich, natural tones. ...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Horse head walking -fragment- white marble from carrara -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, horse sculpture, marble horse, carrara marble sculpture, sculpture made in Italy.
Sculpture of a fragment of an incedent horse in the march
Resting on a basalt and iron b...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Italian Cherrywood Sofa
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Cherry wood center sofa, early '900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$1,650 Sale Price
22% Off
Vintage Pr Pop Art Large Faux Marble Modern Ear Lobe Heavy Sculptural Bookends
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage Pop Art Large Pair of Heavy Sculptural Ear Lobe Bookends
Fabulous, Fun, oversized, substantial, postmodern sculptural and functional Ear lobe set of bookends. Engraved C2C
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Resin
French Art Deco Bronze Figure
Located in Houston, TX
A 1930s French Art Deco bronze Roman warrior figure with spear and shield on black marble base.
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Murano Scavo Corroso Lamp, II
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,760 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Square Ottoman Made of Sheepskin Leather with Decorative Nails
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Stunning Tufted Luxury Sheepskin Leather Club Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This gorgeous sheepskin leather club armchair stands out thanks to its remarkable details and unique character. It features luxurious finishes, including decorative studs and black p...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Hand-knotted rug with patterns – 232x139cm
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...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Textile
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...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stone, Bronze
$156 Sale Price
20% Off
Green cowhide leather and wooden Chesterfield office chair in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant and attractive green cow leather Chesterfield office chair in English style fits both classic and modern interiors. Of course, it is also a timeless addition to an offic...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Vintage Italian Florentine Cobalt Blue and Gold Large Footed Ashtray
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand painted gilded cobalt blue KBNY Ashtray Capodimonte Italy.
Vintage Limoges, Sevres style porcelain ashtray in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor.
Beautiful Collectible royal blue porcelain ash tray handcrafted and hand painted with 22-karat gold.
This Italian porcelain ashtray has a lovely cobalt blue Sevres base color to the porcelain with stunning gold color accents.
Beautiful Florentine style footed large ashtray with gilded accents on rich royal blue.
The vintage dish...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Characterful Vintage Cognac-Colored Club Chair Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning vintage sheepskin leather club chair is a true eye-catcher that should not be missing in any interior. It has a beautiful cognac color, is full of character, and is ele...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin, Fabric
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 ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
$780 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Male Bust Sculptures Grand Tour
By A. Santini
Located in New York, NY
A set of three (3) Italian male sculpture busts by R. Santini, in the classical Roman or Grand Tour design style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This set of busts could be used for a library, office, etc., on a shelf, table, etc. Marked on bottom as shown in images.
Dimensions L to R:
Nerone: 4.63" Width x 6" Height
Augusto: 4.13" Width x 5.75" Height
Traiano: 4.63" Width x 6.19" Height
Italian table, search ref. #: LU1314231162942 (SOLD.)
For Corinthian capitol columns...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Composition
$675 / set
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
Large Roman Style Bronze Figural Architectural Element
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Roman style bronze figural architectural element, depicting a goddess holding on her head an acanthus column with a bronze urn cascading with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
French Plaster Bust of a Classical Roman Male
Located in Houston, TX
French plaster bust of a classical roman male.
Handsome Italian stone bust of a Classical Roman, circa 1920. This beautiful classical male bust sculpture i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Bronze Soilder Statue - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This pair of cast metal knight figures exudes old-world grandeur, each standing tall in intricately detailed armor with a raised flag bearing a heraldic crest. Their mirrored stances...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Metal
$895 / set
Green Vintage Bistro Chair with Woven Reed Seat
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this charming green, elegant vintage bistro chair with a woven reed seat.
This lovely and graceful green vintage bistro chair features a matte woven reed seat. Due ...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Reed, Wood
Roman Scene Frieze wall sculpture
Located in Pueblo, CO
Beautiful vintage Roman chariot scene - large plaster wall hanging Frieze, with chariot, horses, soldier, and angel relief with a peach color finish. ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Large Brass Horse Head Lamp "Caballinus"
Located in Norwalk, CT
Superb quality lamp featuring a heavy cast brass sculpture of a Roman-style horse head. Brass plaque attached to wooden base is engraved with the word CABALLINUS, horse in latin. Ver...
Category
1970s American Vintage 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.