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Classical Roman Center Tables

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
Italian Marble Pedestal Table, Porto Guaro Rosso
Italian Marble Pedestal Table, Porto Guaro Rosso

Italian Marble Pedestal Table, Porto Guaro Rosso

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exquisite Marble Table that detaches in three pieces, the table top, the stand and the base. Italian marble artisan from the Porto Guaro Rosso di Levenza aria .

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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Center Tables

Materials

Marble

Mid-19th Century Italian Sorrento Center Table
Mid-19th Century Italian Sorrento Center Table

Mid-19th Century Italian Sorrento Center Table

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The circular top with striking geometric inlay in three different woods creating an almost optical illusion of depth. The top rests on a turned inlaid column terminating in three spl...

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Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Center Tables

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19th Century Italian Micro Mosaic Round Center Table with Ebonized Carved Base
19th Century Italian Micro Mosaic Round Center Table with Ebonized Carved Base

19th Century Italian Micro Mosaic Round Center Table with Ebonized Carved Base

Located in Milford, NH

An exceptional 19th century Italian micro mosaic round center table featuring architectural scenes from Rome including a central scene of Saint Peter’s Basilica with a brick red marb...

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19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Center Tables

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Stone, Marble

Tavolo Marmo Bianco Ottagonale Intarsio Greca Giallo Oro Fatto a Mano da Cupioli
Tavolo Marmo Bianco Ottagonale Intarsio Greca Giallo Oro Fatto a Mano da Cupioli

Tavolo Marmo Bianco Ottagonale Intarsio Greca Giallo Oro Fatto a Mano da Cupioli

By Cupioli made in Italy

Located in Rimini, IT

White Marble Table Octagonal top and Lacquered Wooden Central Base . Imposing and enriched with refined accents, this extraordinary dining table creates a luxurious ambiance in a modern and classic dining room. This octagonal table has been manufactured using s very beatiful and selected kind of White pure marble...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Center Tables

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Statuary Marble

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Classical Roman center tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman center tables 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 center tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with marble, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman center tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original center tables, popular names associated with this style include and Cupioli made in Italy. 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 center tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,660 and tops out at $43,200 while the average work can sell for $10,646.