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
Mid Century Cast Limestone Sculpture Bust Of A Roman Emperor Possibly Caesar
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast limestone sculpture bust of a Roman dignitary, possibly Caesar or Augustus. Great detailed casting of stone with an angled pose in typical Roman garb. Fantastic hair! P...
Category
1920s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cast Stone, Limestone
Sotheby's Antiquities Catalog Benzian Collection of Ancient Glass, July 1994
Located in Stamford, CT
Sotheby's auction catalog of the exceptional Benzian Collection of Ancient Roman and Islamic Glass. An invaluable reference for the collector, scholar or anyone interested in the most delicate and beautiful of antiquities, ancient glass...
Category
20th Century English Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Paper
Early 20C Medici Print of Putti Under a Vine
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GLORIOUS & RARE Early 20C Medici Print of ‘Putti Under a Vine’.
From the very early 20th Century, circa 1911.
Framed and sold by Foster Bro...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Paper
Framed Contemporary Artist study of Adam after Michelang's "Creation of Adam"
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This painting may display signs of aging, such as paper discoloration, tears, folds, and other imperfections.
Classical Male Figure Drawing – Fra...
Category
Late 20th Century German Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Paper, Paint
Set of 2 Green Vintage Bistro Chairs with Woven Reed Seats
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 2 charming green vintage bistro chairs with elegant detailing and woven reed seats.
This lovely and graceful pair of green vintage bistro chairs features ma...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Pair Garden Vases in Vicenza Stone, 1960
Located in Budapest, HU
Beautiful pair garden vases in original Vicenza stone carved by one of the most appreciated artists of the genre.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stone
$14,143 / set
Pair of Early 20th Century Free Standing Carved Wood Cherubs, Putti Angels
Located in Germantown, MD
An adorable Pair of Early 20th Century Free Standing Carved Wood Cherubs, Putti Angels. One seated and the other on his knees. Measures 15.5" tall, 5.5" in width and 10" in depth.
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Spectacular Large Covered Footed Urn with Ram’s Head Decoration in Faux Stone
Located in Milford, NH
Spectacular covered garden urn in the Classical form in faux stone, with ram’s heads, fruit, and ribbon swag decoration. Fabulous overall patina with paint losses and imperfections c...
Category
20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
Mid-century vintage white and gold German porcelain classical urn/vase
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome large mid-century vintage white and gold German porcelain urn. This urn features a 22 karat gold glaze to the handles and around the base with a white glaze to the...
Category
1950s German Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Grand Tour Ornately Cast 'The Dying Gaul' Italian Bronze Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very ornately cast bronze sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been done in Italy in approximately 1900, in the Classical Roman style. This figurative study depicts the famous Classical Roman sculpture known as 'The Dying Gaul...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Collection of Italian Specimen Marble Spheres on Stands
Located in Hudson, NY
This three-piece grouping of specimen marble spheres can be sold as the group or as a pair ( the left and right are a pair or as a single in the middle) and a single. The marble is ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Weathered garden sculpture David concrete bust
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Fantastically weathered bust made of concrete in a depiction of David. Probably made in Germany in the 60s. The bust is partially open at the bottom and can also be mounted on an app...
Category
1960s German Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Collection of Roman Numerals
Located in London, England
Cast metal Roman numerals. Circa 1900
H 8cm x W 5cm x D 3cm
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Steel
$128 / set
Mid-century vintage cobalt blue and gold Italian porcelain jars
Located in Allentown, PA
Presenting a pair of exceptional Italian porcelain jars with lids. This pair of jars have a deep cobalt blue glaze with cream and gold accents. This fine pair of porcelain jars were ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Tall Classical Alabaster Column Lamp w/ Gilded Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
A gorgeous, polished, alabaster lamp in the form of a column with an acanthus leaf adorned capital. With an elevated, square, gilt base and neck. Measures: 30” height x 6” x 6.25.”.
Category
Early 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
$650 Sale Price
59% Off
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
French Wall Wood Painted Mirror Decorated with Fruits Louis XVI style circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Louis 16 style mirror, made circa 1900
The carvings on the wooden frame have an antique theme: fruit and horns of plenty. These themes, borrowed from Greek mythology, have oft...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Cowhide Leather Designer Armchair in Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning, sleekly shaped designer armchair crafted from cowhide leather in a light cognac color.
This comfortable and timeless cowhide leather armchair is a wo...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Vintage Brass & Copper Sun Clock Armillary Sun Dial on Wooden Base, German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative sculpture statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of brass, copper, wrought iron and a wooden base. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany...
Category
1960s German Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid century vintage hand-painted Italian pottery urn with lid.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage hand painted pottery urn with lid. This hand painted classical Italian urn has beautiful tones of chocolate brown, Amber and cream. This urn with lid wa...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Set of 6 antique Jacob and Josef Kohn chairs from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing set of 6 original antique Jacob and Josef Kohn chairs dates 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
Gray Vintage Leather Modular Design Sofa 2 Elements
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stylish modular sofa from the 1970s features a beautiful vintage look combined with a comfortable lounge-style seating experience. Over the years, it has developed some signs of...
Category
Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather
20th Century White and Brown Roman Coptic Design North Africa Rug, circa 1900s
Located in Firenze, IT
Carpet in natural knotted wool with symmetrical knot, handicraft production of North Africa.
The design of this rug reproduces a late Roman (Coptic) fabric. The drawing refers to ve...
Category
Early 20th Century North African Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wool
Timeless Sheepskin Leather Armchair in Excellent Condition
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This wonderful sheepskin leather armchair is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Who could possibly resist it? We certainly can't!
With its beautiful warm tones and clean,...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Vintage neoclassical style curule bench covered in multi toned floral needlepoint upholstery and nailheads.
Bench, needlepoint bench, ottoman, footstool, floral bench...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian 14-Karat Gold and Black Onyx Roman Armorial Intaglio Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Italy, a pair of 14-karat gold framed earrings with black onyx cabochons, beads, and carved armorial intaglios. Posted with backs.
The upper ...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Gold
Subtle Decorative Rug / Runner in Blue and Beige Tones – 67x30cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this subtle decorative rug / runner in beautiful blue and beige tones, measuring 67x30cm. Let your home shine with the charm of this elegant piece. With its lovely co...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Serpentine Marble Fluted Column, Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Serpentine Marble Fluted Column, Circa 1880
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage Sheepskin Leather Ottoman
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this characterful and rugged vintage ottoman, crafted from genuine sheepskin leather. A sheepskin leather footstool — or hocker — is the perfect companion to your alr...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Hand-Knotted Rug / Tablecloth in Dark Blue and Red – 47x46 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this hand-knotted decorative rug or tablecloth, featuring a fine pattern in dark blue and red tones, measuring 47x46 cm. Bring a touch of charm and elegance into your...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Italian Majolica ceramic Bust of a Man - Roman Empire Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful white ceramic glazed bust of a man.
Depicting a man from the Roman Empire.
Estimated origin and date: France, circe 1910-1920.
Dimensions: 39 (h) x 41 (w) x 26 (d) cm....
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
Classic Pair of Curved Wall Lamps in Silk and Brass Parts 1970s Italy
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Classic pair of curved wall lamps in fabric and brass parts 1970s Italy.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Brass
Italian Classical Style Console Table and Mirror Set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Italian Classical Style Console Table and Mirror Set
This is a very unusual piece it is finished in simulated marble and bronze and is designed to look like a Roman doorway
The tab...
Category
Late 20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Resin
Deep Olive Green Marble Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
Marble pedestal .The middle part is made of 9 marble columns.
The square base is surlined with a golden bronze frame.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Fine Pair of Marble and Gilt Bronze Mounted Column Pedestals
Located in Dallas, TX
A Fine pair of Classical marble and gilt bronze mounted column designed pedestals.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Tasteful and unique wooden wall clock with sculptural front.
The magnificent front of this midcentury era wall clock is entirely hand carved out of solid wood. It is difficult to se...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Brass
Sturdy Cognac-Colored Sheepskin Leather Club Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic cognac-colored sheepskin leather club chair fits seamlessly into almost any interior. It features precise craftsmanship with decorative nails and boasts a timeless, st...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Cowhide Leather Club Chair in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stylish and timeless brown cowhide leather club armchair in classic English style with luxurious detailing. This leather club chair fits effortlessly into both c...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Brown Cowhide Leather Vintage Patchwork Design Pouf from the 1970s
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this brown cowhide vintage patchwork design pouf from the 1970s. A cowhide footstool, also known as an ottoman, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true re...
Category
1970s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Pair of Early 20th Century Bronze Roman-Style Urns
Located in Chicago, IL
A phenomenal pair of early 20th century French cast bronze Roman-style urns with volute handles decorated with goose heads, and a frieze in low-relief depic...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Large Scavo Vase Attributed to Rigattieri for Seguso
By Scavo Corroso, Vittorio Rigattieri
Located in New York, NY
Scavo, Corroso bottle of Classical Roman form, produced in the 1980s by Seguso. This example is in perfect condition, unsigned.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Jesus, Mary & Joseph in Mid Century Modern Sculptural Fiberglass & Plaster C1955
By Holy Frères
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous tall life size Joseph with Mary kneeling cradling Baby Jesus in what was a nativity scene. Molded Fiberglass with a coat of plaster over and then painted. Detailed shrouded ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint
Set of 2 Vintage 1960s Chairs with Armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 2 charming vintage 1960s Dutch design Marko side/dining chairs with armrests. These beautiful vintage chairs by Marko were originally used as school or churc...
Category
1960s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
Brown Ottoman Made of Cowhide Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this brown ottoman made of cowhide leather, finished with decorative nail trim. A cowhide leather footstool—also known as an ottoman—turns your already comfortable ar...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Vintage Round Roman Style Swirl Planter (Set of 2)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Our set of 2 vintage round roman style swirl planters are a classic yet unique pot design that showcases a graceful swirl pattern, reminiscent of roman aes...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cement
Bust Eleonora Duse Attributable Sculptor Arrigo Minerbi Villa Callas Sirmione
By Arrigo Minerbi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Bust of Eleonora Duse attributable to the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, from Villa Callas Sirmione of Giovanni Battista Meneghini.
Bust obtained from stone o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stone
Garden Metal Wall Candle Holder, 1950s, France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Classic metal wall candleholder, fits three candles. Decorated with metal
Leafs . 1950s, France.
Category
1950s French Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Metal
Unique Vintage Cognac-Colored Cowhide Leather Club Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning cognac-colored cowhide leather club armchair is a true eye-catcher that will fit seamlessly into almost any interior. The armchair is finished with black piping and fea...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid Century Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame. The palatial micro mosaic tile wall art shows a centurion standing tall and holding h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,120 Sale Price
28% Off
Armchair Made from High-Quality Cognac-Colored Cowhide Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stylish and very comfortable armchair made from high-quality cognac-colored cowhide leather.
Bring character and comfort into your interior with this beautiful armch...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Puer Mingens, Charming Garden Sculpture in Vicenza Stone, 1960
Located in Budapest, HU
Beautiful garden sculpture in original Vicenza stone carved by one of the most appreciated artists of the genre.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Stone
Cognac-Colored Ottoman Made of CowhideLeather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A cowhide 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 e...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Spectacular Pair of White Marble Classic Form Handled Urns w/ Baluster Pedestals
Located in Milford, NH
A spectacular pair of classic form carved white marble scroll-handled urns with grape leaf and vine motif, with petal edge rim design on beautifully carved marble square pedestals wi...
Category
20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Marble
Mid-century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture. This wall sculpture is made of plaster with a venetian finish the surface of the p...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Micro Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Seated Woman in Wood Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A palatial micro mosaic tile wall plaque of a seated woman holding a goblet in an antiquated wood frame. The wood frame is beautifully carved and the tile alignments of the tiles are...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,400 Sale Price
37% Off
Vintage Leather Design Armchair by De Sede, Model DS50
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this Swiss 1970s vintage leather design armchair by the beloved brand De Sede, model DS50.
This timeless design classic from the top Swiss brand De Sede fits beautiful...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Leather
Set of 6 vintage 1960s chairs with armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 6 charming vintage 1960s Dutch design Marko chairs, originally used in schools or churches, but also perfectly suited for use in a canteen or as dining chair...
Category
1960s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 8 Vintage 1960s Chairs with Armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this set of 8 charming vintage 1960s Dutch design chairs by Marko, originally used in schools or churches. These versatile chairs also work beautifully in a canteen s...
Category
1960s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture
Materials
Wood
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.