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 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
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
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
Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the early 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant antique English tilt-top table is crafted from oak and dates from the early 19th century. Featuring beautiful colours and a timeless appearance, this piece fits effortle...
Wood, Oak
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
Characterful 18th century English oak sidetable with a beautiful appearance
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This characterful 18th-century English oak side table has a beautiful appearance and warm, rich colours. It was originally a tilt-top table, which has since been fixed in place, and ...
Wood, Oak
Antique English lowboy side table from the 18th century made of oak
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English lowboy side table from the 18th century is made of oak. The side table features three drawers and a working lock. Side tables are the perfect combination of sty...
Wood, Oak
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
Antique Chinese 19th century wooden side/opium table with a marble top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning and uncommon antique 19th century Chinese wooden side table, also known as an opium table, features a colourful appearance and a marble top set within a frame on the ba...
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
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
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
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 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
Antique English oak side table from the 18th century with bobbin legs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This uniquely beautiful antique English oak side table dates from the 18th century and features a practical drawer and elegant bobbin turned legs. Side tables are the perfect combin...
Wood, Oak
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
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
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
$918Sale 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
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
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
Dutch oak side table / centre table in Amsterdam School design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This Dutch oak side table features beautiful detailing and is designed in a luxurious Amsterdam School style. Side tables may be modest in size, but they are essential atmosphere ma...
Wood, Oak
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
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
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
Round antique English tilt-top table/side table from the early 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant round antique English tilt-top side table from the early 19th century is finely crafted and features a beautiful patina. Side tables are subtle yet essential atmosphere...
Wood
Elegant 18th-century English oak lowboy with a luxurious appearance
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English lowboy side table dates from the 18th century and is made of oak. The side table has a luxurious appearance and features 3 drawers with brass handles. No key is ...
Wood, Oak
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 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 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
$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
Antique Marble Top Gilt Wooden Architectural Corinthian Capital Table
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unique end table crafted from an antique carved and giltwood architectural capital fitted with a custom white marble top. The richly carved base features scrolling volutes, acanthus ...
Marble
Antique English bistro/side table from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English bistro and side table with a cast iron base dates from the early 20th century and features a solid wooden tabletop. Side tables may be modest, but they are indi...
Cast Iron
Charming antique English round side/wine table from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English round side table / wine table dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It features beautiful deep and warm tones. Due to its age, it has acquired normal s...
Wood
Unique antique English farmhouse stool/sidetable from the 17th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This unique and original antique English farmhouse stool / side table / occasional table dates from the 17th century and is a highly sought-after piece for true antique enthusiasts. ...
Wood
Practical round antique English tilt top table from the 18th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant and practical round antique English tilt-top table from the 18th century features a rich, warm tone and a timeless appearance. Side tables are subtle yet essential atmo...
Wood
Antique English walnut side/center table with turned legs from around 1680
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This very special antique English walnut side table and center table features beautifully turned legs and an octagonal top. It dates from around 1680 and is a rare piece with a stunn...
Wood, Walnut
Antique tall oak plant/side table with wood carving and a turned leg
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant antique tall oak plant stand / side table features warm tones and is richly detailed with beautiful carvings and a gracefully turned leg, giving it a stylish and charact...
Wood, Oak
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
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 18th century English tilt-top / side table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant 18th century English tilt top side table features a beautiful warm colour and retains its original folding mechanism. Side tables may be modest in size, but they are es...
Wood
Antique wooden English rotating book table/side table from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming antique wooden English revolving book table and side table dates from the 19th century and features a hexagonal tabletop. It can be used not only as a side table, but a...
Wood
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
Antique oval English oak side table from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique oval English oak side table from the early 20th century features beautiful, rich tones. Side tables may be modest, but they are indispensable atmosphere enhancers in an...
Wood, Oak
Antique English oak tilt top table from the 19th century in a unique shape
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This antique English oak tilt-top table/side table has a unique square shape and dates from the early 19th century. The table has a beautiful patina and stands on 3 legs. Side table...
Wood
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
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