Skip to main content

Classical Roman Armchairs

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.

to
1
35
5
26
13
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
34
6
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
8,399
3,458
1,807
1,267
496
458
363
283
274
264
215
175
172
158
148
120
64
36
2
24
14
2
4
2
1
3
1
1
31
31
17
12
6
5
1
1
1
1
40
39
39
1
Style: Classical Roman
Sheepskin Leather Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this very comfortable classic sheepskin leather armchair with warm tones, a luxurious finish, and a beautiful patina. This timeless armchair is made of sheepskin leather an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Vintage grained cowhide leather armchair with rounded shapes
Located in Harderwijk, NL
In our opinion, such an amazing armchair should not be missing from your interior. It adds character, charm, and a touch of elegance to the space you choose. The armchair is made of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Comfortable Vintage Sheepskin Leather Club Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This irresistible vintage club chair is a true eye-catcher. Made from cognac-colored sheepskin leather, it is full of character. The chair is finished with black trim and features a ...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Set of Eight Italian Steel and Leather Curule Chairs
By Dante Savonarola
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 8 mid-20th century Italian Savonarola curule brass and steel armchairs with leather seat and back rest. They can be purchased as pairs for $4000. Each chair has four brass bal...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Italian Curule Armchair
Located in Woodbury, CT
Iron, brass and leather curule armchair. Originally meant for Roman magistrates, this version features tooled and gilded leather on an iron frame with ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Set of 2 cognac-colored cowhide leather armchairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful set of 2 cognac-colored leather armchairs, designed for both style and comfort. Crafted from high-quality cowhide leather, this wonderful pair is finis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

French Rattan Vintage Design Armchair from the 1950s
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this luxurious French rattan vintage design armchair from the 1950s. This stunning and elegant vintage rattan armchair is a true eye-catcher, if you ask us. Not only...
Category

1950s Vintage Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Sheepskin leather armchair in a cognac color with black piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this stylish sheepskin leather design armchair in a warm cognac color, finished with black piping and decorative studs. This elegant and timeless sheepskin armchair can be e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Cognac-Colored Vintage Sheepskin Leather Armchair with a High Back
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic sheepskin leather armchair should, in our opinion, be a part of every interior. It features a beautiful cognac color and a striking appearance. The armchair is beautif...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Black Chesterfield armchair made of grained cowhide leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this timeless and classic spacious black Chesterfield armchair, crafted from characterful grained cowhide leather. This stunning and elegant piece, thanks to its de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Set of 2 leather wingback chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this classic and unique set of 2 leather wingback armchairs, beautifully finished with decorative studs and stitching. Thanks to their timeless yet elegant design, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Cognac-Colored Armchair Made of Cowhide Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this beautiful and comfortable cognac-colored armchair, crafted from high-quality cowhide leather and finished with decorative nails. This stunning and cozy armchair featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Antique English hooded lambing chair from the 18th century with hood shape
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A perfect addition for the lover of special antiques! This original 18th-century English hooded lambing chair with hood shape can be easily placed in both classic and modern interior...
Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Green Cowhide Leather English Chesterfield Armchairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this set of 2 timeless, classic green cowhide leather English Chesterfield armchairs with wooden accents. Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior with the...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Olive Green Cowhide Leather Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this timeless and unique olive green leather armchair, finished with decorative studs. This stunning leather armchair can be easily placed in almost any interior. Its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Comfortable Cognac-Colored Sheepskin Leather Armchair with Straight Lines
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic sheepskin leather armchair is a true eye-catcher that, if you ask us, should not be missing in any interior. It features straight, sleek lines and a stunning cognac co...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Cognac-Colored Armchair Made of Cowhide Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this beautiful and comfortable cognac-colored armchair, crafted from high-quality cowhide leather and finished with decorative nails. This stunning and cozy armchair featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Vintage Armchair Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this comfortable and stylish vintage armchair made of sheepskin leather with a unique character. This wonderful armchair is crafted from sheepskin leather and featur...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Green English-Style Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Armchair with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this timeless and classic green English-style Chesterfield armchair made of cowhide leather with wooden accents. Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior w...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Pair of Bronze and Iron X Scissor Armchairs, by David Marshall
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of bronze and iron Dante curule armchairs, by David Marshall X or scissors Roman inspired chair in iron and bronze, not foldable Seat is slightly curved made of thick and robust...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Set of 2 Green Vintage Leather English Chesterfield Armchairs Combined with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of two vintage cowhide leather Chesterfield armchairs exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. They feature a graceful design, a bold green color, and are beauti...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Green Vintage Cowhide Leather English Chesterfield Armchair Combined with Wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage leather Chesterfield armchair exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. It features a graceful design, a bold green color scheme, and is neatly finished with ...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Cognac-colored cowhide leather armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful and comfortable cognac-colored leather armchair, finished with decorative studs. This wonderful armchair is made of high-quality cowhide leather and fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Pair of Neo-Renaissance Armchairs, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neo-Renaissance armchairs, circa 1900. Oak and leather.
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Sheepskin Leather Armchair and Dark Brown Piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful sheepskin leather design armchair with a luxurious finish and dark brown piping. This elegant sheepskin leather armchair is a great addition to almost...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

English Classic Tufted Club Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
An English Classic tufted club chair. This chair has a Classic Silhouette and features all-over tufting. It has a tight tufted seat a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid Century Sculptural Neoclassical Style Iron Column Side or Accent Chair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sculptural Neoclassical style Roman column form iron accent armchair with decorative scrolls and flared cabriolet legs. This stylized chair makes a perfect accent or desk chair. To...
Category

1970s Vintage Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Iron

Black grained cowhide leather armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this attractive and robust black grained cowhide leather armchair with elegant design. This beautiful black leather armchair is made of characterful grained leather a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Black cowhide leather chesterfield armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this spacious black cowhide leather Chesterfield armchair with a striking character. This beautiful and timeless Chesterfield armchair, in classic black, has a contempo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Cowhide Leather Design Armchair with Rounded Shapes
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this characterful and timeless cowhide leather design armchair featuring elegant rounded shapes and decorative stud detailing. This beautiful leather armchair has re...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Armchair made of sheepskin leather in a red/brown color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning armchair made of sheepskin leather in a unique red/brown color. This exceptional sheepskin leather armchair, in a rare red/brown shade, is a true eye-ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Sheepskin Art Deco Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stylish sheepskin Art Deco armchair with a timeless design and character. This armchair is made from sheepskin leather and finished with classic decorative stu...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Rattan Armchair from the 1950s with High Backrest
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this charming Dutch design rattan armchair from the 1950s with a high backrest. In our opinion, this delightful vintage piece from the '50s is a real eye-catcher. Not...
Category

1950s Vintage Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Vintage 1950s Dutch design rattan armchair with beautiful organic shapes
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rattan armchair boasts an elegant design and can be easily styled with a cushion or a sheepskin, for example. The chair fits effortlessly into almost any interior, and not only ...
Category

1950s Vintage Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Very Comfortable Sheepskin Leather Armchair in a Beautiful Dark Warm Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
For those who want to relax in classic charm and comfort, this sheepskin leather armchair is the perfect addition. Its stunning dark warm color and buttoned backrest give it the belo...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Timeless Sheepskin Leather Armchair in Excellent Condition
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This wonderful sheepskin leather armchair is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Who could possibly resist it? We certainly can't! With its beautiful warm tones and clean,...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Cowhide Leather Designer Armchair in Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning, sleekly shaped designer armchair crafted from cowhide leather in a light cognac color. This comfortable and timeless cowhide leather armchair is a wo...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Charming and Characterful Subtly Patinated Sheepskin Leather Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming and subtle sheepskin leather armchair is full of character and features lovely details. It is a timeless gem that will feel at home in almost any interior. The armchair...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Black Cowhide Leather Aviator Armchair with a Sleek Design and Stylish Shape
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This rugged cowhide leather design armchair is a true eye-catcher with its stylish shape and sleek design. Don't miss your chance to bring this unique gem into your home! It feature...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Original Flemish Armchair in Elm, 18th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original Flemish armchair in elm, 18th century.   
Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Armchairs

Materials

Elm

Classical Roman armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $800 and tops out at $16,000 while the average work can sell for $3,133.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed