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.
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Powder Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
Antique French oak dining table for 6 to 8 people with three drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique French dining table is made of oak and has a wonderful timeless look. It can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. The table is equipped with ...
Wood, Oak
21st Century Concrete Oval Shape Table Powder Cement Color Handmade in Italy
Located in Rome, Lazio
A new addition to the Fusto Line: oval shaped dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixtur...
Concrete
Large antique dining table for 6 to 8 people with two functional drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful and timeless large antique dining table can easily fit into almost any interior style in your chosen space. The table features two functional drawers for storing your ...
Wood
Antique English drop-leaf dining table made of walnut with elegant legs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique English drop-leaf table is made of nutwood and can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. A unique and stylish table that is both functional an...
Nutwood, Wood
English Antique Extendable Dining Table in Elm and Cherry Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this functional and beautiful English antique extendable dining table made of elm and cherry wood. A wonderful antique dining table crafted from striking elm combin...
Wood, Cherry, Elm
Antique French Dining Table in Fruitwood from the 18th Century with 2 Drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this magnificent antique French dining table in fruitwood from the 18th century, featuring 2 drawers and a lovely patina. This impressive antique French dining table, cr...
Wood, Fruitwood
21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Rectangular Dining Table Green Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
Large antique French farmhouse dining table for 6 to 8 people
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A timeless addition to almost any interior where you can easily dine long and pleasantly with 6 to 8 people. It combines well with both antique and modern dining chairs and exudes ch...
Wood
21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Red Brick Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Cream Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
Antique French Bistro Table with Gold-Colored Cast Iron Base and Dark Oak Top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stylish antique French bistro table featuring an elegant gold-colored cast iron base and a dark oak tabletop. This antique bistro table exudes charm and is a unique...
Iron
Antique French Farmhouse Dining Table Late 18th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful, robust antique French farmhouse dining table from the late 18th century, suitable for 6 people. We see this stunning antique French table as a timel...
Wood
Antique French Country Chestnut Dining Table, Early 19th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this beautiful and original antique French country dining table made of chestnut wood, dating from the early 19th century. The table is fitted with two practical drawers...
Wood, Chestnut
Antique oak dining table from early 1900 with a drop-leaf on one side
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this unique antique oak dining table from the early 1900s with a drop-leaf on one side. This beautiful oak table fits seamlessly into almost any interior and, in our ...
Wood, Oak
Paloma Editions Raffaella Dining Table I Cippolino Marble
Located in BONDI JUNCTION, AU
The Raffaella Dining Table by Paloma Editions is handmade in Italy. Sculpted from solid Italian natural stone. Our workshop on site the quarries near Rome and Carrara draw on generat...
Marble
Antique Early 19th Century English 6-Person Dining Table with Walnut Top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this timeless antique early 19th century English 6-person dining table with a beautiful walnut top and three drawers. This characterful antique English dining table dat...
Wood, Walnut
Antique French farmhouse dining table with two drawers and a pull-out board
Located in Harderwijk, NL
In our opinion, no interior is complete without such a beautiful antique dining table. It fits well in almost any interior style and is perfect to combine with both antique and moder...
Wood
Beautiful Antique French Farmhouse Dining Table in Oak with 2 Drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
With its timeless appeal, this fantastic French dining table from the late 18th century is a cherished item in almost any interior style. It can be paired with both antique and moder...
Wood
Aura - Round classical dining table in Calacatta marble
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
A sculptural table, made entirely of premium Calacatta marble, a symbol of timeless luxury and elegance. The cylindrical base features refined vertical grooves, crafted with extreme ...
Marble, Carrara Marble
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Green Cement handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
Early 19th-Century French Oak Dining Table with One Drawer
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this sturdy early 19th-century French dining table made of oak, featuring one drawer. This stunning antique French table has a bold, rustic look and fits effortlessly in...
Wood, Oak
Antique French Oak Dining Table from the Early 19th Century with 2 Drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
In our opinion, no interior is complete without a beautiful antique dining table! This stunning and charming antique French oak dining table comes with 2 drawers, providing you with ...
Wood
Antique English oak dining table from the 18th century for 4 to 6 people
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rare and atmospheric antique dining table in a rustic, classic style features beautiful original details and a lovely patina. Thanks to its size, it can be easily placed in almo...
Wood, Oak
Antique French dining table for 4 to 6 people from the late 18th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful French antique dining table dates from the late 18th/early 19th century and features an oak top. In our opinion, no interior is complete without a beautiful antique di...
Wood, Oak
Authentic large French farmhouse antique XXL dining table with two drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This large French farmhouse antique dining table with an authentic look features two drawers and, due to its age, has beautiful and original details. It fits perfectly in almost any ...
Wood
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Powder Cement D123 cm
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
Italian Dinning Room Table in in style of Fratino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian antique table is refinished and can be extended for 10 - 12 people .The side of the table is inline intarzziato wood work Table seats 6 people comfortably when is as is Co...
Wood, Walnut
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 ...
Hardwood, Walnut, Burl
Antique French dining table made of fruitwood from the late 18th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
We believe that no interior is complete without a beautiful antique dining table! This fantastic French dining table is made of fruitwood and dates from the late 18th century. It is ...
Wood, Fruitwood
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Silver Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Red Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Cement Table Concrete Powder Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Circular Dining Table Ultramarine Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rounded shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available in ...
Concrete
21St Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Ink Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
Antique Spanish table from the early 18th century with a cast iron base
Located in Harderwijk, NL
How fantastic is this antique Spanish side table / dining table? This unique table from the early 18th century has a base made of cast iron with elegantly curved shapes. Over the yea...
Iron
Dutch dining table/folding table from the 20th century 105cm diameter
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique table is made of wood and can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. It is a unique and stylish table that is both functional and decorative. T...
Wood
Antique English oak side/dining/gateleg table from the 18th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A charming and classic piece for lovers of genuine antiques This 18th-century English oak gateleg table is not only beautiful to look at but also extremely practical. It can be used ...
Wood, Oak
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Rectangular Dining Table Brown Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Rectangular shape dining table part of a collection of modular system in ultra-high performing cement mortar. UHPC tabletop and base colored in the mixture and sandblasted. Available...
Concrete
Aura - Round classical dining table in Arabescato Grigio Orobico marble
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
A piece of furniture that combines sculpture and functionality. This round table is made of Arabescato Grigio Orobico marble, a famous Italian natural stone quarried in the Bergamo v...
Marble
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
Aura - Round classical dining table in Marquina Black marble
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
An icon of timeless elegance. This round table is made entirely of Nero Marquina marble, a precious Spanish natural stone with a deep black background and bold white veins that enhan...
Marble
Antique Swiss extendable dining table made of oak from the mid-19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rare antique Swiss oak dining table is extendable in various ways, making it unique. It is not only functional but also a real eye-catcher in almost any interior. The tops and a...
Wood, Oak
Square Antique Elm Dining Table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this characterful, beautiful, and practical square antique dining table made of elm wood. A wonderful antique piece crafted from fine elm, featuring a stunning patina—...
Wood, Elm