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Classical Roman 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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Height
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117
22
82
52
7
25,953
19,287
4,968
3,414
2,016
1,907
1,767
1,712
1,677
1,603
1,441
1,083
905
843
627
559
328
153
20
35
27
59
6
6
6
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1
73
70
49
49
20
84
76
2
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2
141
89
96
47
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1
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Style: Classical Roman
Antique English wooden desk from the late 19th century with a leather top
Antique English wooden desk from the late 19th century with a leather top

Antique English wooden desk from the late 19th century with a leather top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Work in luxury or create a timeless focal point in your office or living room with this beautiful desk. Its charm and sophisticated appearance make it a truly versatile piece that fe...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique English 19th-century farmhouse dining table made of pinewood
Antique English 19th-century farmhouse dining table made of pinewood

Antique English 19th-century farmhouse dining table made of pinewood

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful large antique English farmhouse dining table dates from the 19th century and comfortably seats 8 to 10 people. Crafted from pinewood, it features a wonderful patina an...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

French antique farmhouse dining table from the 19th century of pine wood
French antique farmhouse dining table from the 19th century of pine wood

French antique farmhouse dining table from the 19th century of pine wood

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This large French antique farmhouse dining table dates from the 19th century and comfortably seats 8 to 10 people. Crafted from pine wood, it features beautiful warm tones and a wond...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the early 19th century
Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the early 19th century

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the late 18th century
Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the late 18th century

Antique English oak tilt top table / side table from the late 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This antique English tilt-top table is crafted from oak and dates from the late 18th century. Featuring beautiful warm tones, this piece fits effortlessly into nearly any interior st...

Category

Late 18th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique French Side Table from the Early 1900s with a Marble Top
Antique French Side Table from the Early 1900s with a Marble Top

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Marble

Antique 18th-Century English Swivel Barrel-Leg Birdcage Tilt-Top Table
Antique 18th-Century English Swivel Barrel-Leg Birdcage Tilt-Top Table

Antique 18th-Century English Swivel Barrel-Leg Birdcage Tilt-Top Table

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this exceptional antique English tilt-top table from the 18th century, featuring a rare swivel design with a barrel leg and original birdcage base. This uncommon and ...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Carved Mahogany Pedestal in Classical Roman Style, 1880
19th Century Carved Mahogany Pedestal in Classical Roman Style, 1880

19th Century Carved Mahogany Pedestal in Classical Roman Style, 1880

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Tall 19th century carved mahogany pedestal The column has an intricate tulip and acanthus leaf carvings top and bottom with a faceted section between The Torchere is very sturdy...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Rare Large and Smaller Ceramic Pedestals in Classical Style by Mobach
Pair of Rare Large and Smaller Ceramic Pedestals in Classical Style by Mobach

Pair of Rare Large and Smaller Ceramic Pedestals in Classical Style by Mobach

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Set of two pedestals or coffee tables designed and made by Mobach. At first sight you don't think about the material these pedestals are made of, you just assume they consist of wood...

Category

20th Century Dutch Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Massive Scale Carved Wood Lion Monopodia Hall Table
Massive Scale Carved Wood Lion Monopodia Hall Table

Massive Scale Carved Wood Lion Monopodia Hall Table

Located in London, GB

Massive scale carved wood lion monopodia hall table in the Ancient Roman taste. The finely carved lions in Scotts pine, with restored steel frame and later faux marble painted top. ...

Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Steel

Antique English oak étagère/side table from the 19th century
Antique English oak étagère/side table from the 19th century

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...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

DAVID LINLEY FOR GARY BARLOW SYCAMORE DiNING TABLE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING
DAVID LINLEY FOR GARY BARLOW SYCAMORE DiNING TABLE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING

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...

Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Sycamore

17th-Century Hand-Crafted Antique Side Table in Classical Roman Style
17th-Century Hand-Crafted Antique Side Table in Classical Roman Style

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...

Category

Early 17th Century Antique Classical Roman Tables

Materials

Wood

Classical Roman tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman 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 tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, cast stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tables, popular names associated with this style include Luca Scacchetti, Aeterna Furniture, Cupioli made in Italy, and Forma & Cemento. 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 tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $110 and tops out at $43,200 while the average work can sell for $5,900.