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 Fusto Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey Mod. III
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Coffee Side Table Mod.I in Concrete red Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Metal
Vintage Carved Marble Column Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage side table is a masterclass in architectural elegance, designed to resemble a classical Greco-Roman Corinthian capital. Meticulously carved from solid white ma...
Marble
Fusto Domestic Landscape Concrete Coffee Side Table Green Grey Cement Mod.I
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Cement
Antique English Hand Painted Floral Folding Table from the Late 19th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English hand-painted tilt-top table dates from the late 19th century. The table is hand-painted and is therefore adorned with beautiful drawings and motifs, giving it it...
Wood
Very beautiful antique English oak gateleg table with an excellent patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Both as a dining table and as a side table, you are well served with this beautiful, pure, antique English gateleg table. Not always need all the space? You can easily fold it or jus...
Wood, Oak
Fusto Domestic Landscape, Concrete Coffee Table Yellow Cement Mod.II
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Cement
19th-Century Dutch Marquetry Side Table, Hand-Crafted Classic Design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this beautiful and elegant antique 19th-century Dutch marquetry table — a truly unique and original piece for the enthusiast! This antique Dutch table...
Wood
Italian Classical Style Side Tables, Glass & Simulated Marble, 1970s
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Italian Classical Style Side Tables The tables are finished in simulated marble and bronze and is designed in a classical Roman design The table tops are made in plate ...
Glass
Antique English Oak Sideboard / Side Table from the Late 18th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this antique English oak sideboard / side table from the late 18th century, featuring beautiful original details. This exceptional side table / dresser is a true showpiec...
Wood
Antique French side table with a gold-coloured wooden frame and marble top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
How nice is this French round antique side table? It features a wooden frame with beautiful carvings and a stunning colourful marble top. This table fits well in almost any interior ...
Marble
19th Century Hand-Crafted Antique English Side Table or Stool
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this charming and exceptionally large antique English side table or stool with a beautiful patina. This piece masterfully combines elegance and function. Thanks to ...
Wood
Elegant classic side table / balustrade / hall table from the 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stylish and elegant classic side table / balustrade from the 20th century provides a decorative and refined look. A classic and atmospheric item that serves perfectly as a side ...
Wood
Set of 2 Vintage Japanese Lacquered Side Tables, Hand-Crafted Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Bring a touch of oriental style and timeless elegance into your home with this beautiful set of 2 vintage Japanese lacquered side tables. They can be easily placed in almost any inte...
Wood
Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine Painted and Partial Gilt Low Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Franco Tacchi Italian Florentine hand-painted giltwood side table with cabriole legs. Measures 13" in width, 13" in depth and 13" in height.
Wood, Paint
$957Sale Price / set|20% Off
Classical Italian Folding Metal Side Table with Tray, Circa 1990
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Classical folding metal table with tray: elegant and useful. Faux briar painted, the tray has a small elegant railing that completes it and preven...
Metal
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Coffee Side Table Silver Grey Cement Mod.I
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Concrete Coffee Side Table Red Cement Mod.I
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Coffee Table Light Grey Cement Mod.II
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
21st Century Studio Irvine Fusto Concrete Coffee Table Green Fir Cement Mod.II
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete
21century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table in Concrete Green Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Metal
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table Concrete Beige Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Metal
Antique French Side Table from the Early 1900s with a Marble Top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This grand antique French side table from the early 1900s with a beautifully colored marble top. This large, unique antique French side table from the early 1900s is a true eye-catch...
Marble
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Italian Mosaic Polychromed Wood & Wrought Iron Table Box Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid Century Italian Mosaic Polychromed Wood & Wrought Iron Table Box Side Table, Italy, Circa 1980s This distinctive mid-century Italian mosaic polychromed wood and wrought iron tab...
Stone, Wrought Iron
Beautiful round Art Deco style side/coffee table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This round Art Deco Schuitema side/coffee table from the Decoforma series is a fantastic addition for any enthusiast. It features beautiful and distinctive details that we have come ...
Wood
Antique 18th century English side table/dresser made of oak
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This exceptional side table / dresser is a true showpiece for any lover of antiques and interiors! It can be easily placed in both classic and modern interiors. The piece dates from ...
Wood, Oak
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table Concrete Grey Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material, t...
Concrete, Metal
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table in Concrete Red Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Metal
21Century Studio Irvine Betti Mod.II Coffee Side Table in Concrete Grey Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Concrete, Metal
Antique English oak étagère/side table from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique side table / étagère has timeless elegance that no interior should be without. Both tabletops are swivel-mounted, adding both charm and practical functionality...
Wood, Oak
English side table made of oak from the late 19th / early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming and practical antique piece is not only lovely as a cake stand, as it was originally intended, but is also perfectly suitable as a side table for your coffee, magazine,...
Wood, Oak
Unique Antique Spanish Side Table / Stool from the 16th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this unique antique Spanish side table / stool from the 16th century with beautiful original details. This wonderful antique Spanish side table / stool dates back to th...
Wood
English Antique Lowboy/Side Table Made of Oak from the 18th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique English lowboy is made of oak and dates from the 18th century. Due to its age, the piece has developed a stunning patina and features beautiful colours. The lo...
Wood, Oak
17th-Century Hand-Crafted Antique Side Table in Classical Roman Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stunning and unique early 17th-century antique drop-leaf / side table with a beautiful patina. This rare and highly original early 17th-century table has developed a...
Wood