Skip to main content

Classical Roman Furniture

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
92
666
332
844
118
69
198,281
115,523
44,218
33,249
16,444
12,244
10,908
10,845
10,001
8,956
7,400
6,655
6,522
6,430
6,229
6,162
4,951
3,747
142
268
434
187
99
103
75
13
1
15
7
8
19
14
12
15
19
329
255
211
180
113
635
438
82
44
44
1,031
944
959
65
31
6
6
4
Style: Classical Roman
Italian Putti Oil Painting, circa 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming oil on canvas depicting a scene with puttis frolicking in a garden setting. The painting needs slight restoration as depicted in photos. The painting has a beautiful giltwoo...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Regency Mahogany Hall Chair by Gillows
Located in Sherborne, GB
Mahogany Regency hall chair by Gillows circa 1815 with Roman and Greek architectural influences, the top cresting rail has bold Greek key decoration, the back panel has a step oval c...
Category

1810s English Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Icarus Statue on Stone Fragment
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Well rendered depiction of Icarus, in brown stained terracotta on an angular stone base. Statue is signed but it is difficult to interpret the signature. It appears to be "Faffa Ales...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Stone

Mid Century Cast Limestone Sculpture Bust Of A Roman Emperor Possibly Caesar
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast limestone sculpture bust of a Roman dignitary, possibly Caesar or Augustus. Great detailed casting of stone with an angled pose in typical Roman garb. Fantastic hair! P...
Category

1920s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone, Limestone

Large Cast Stone with Leaf Patterns Flared Tops 3 available ps
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast stone urns or planters. Almost 2 ft tall x 19 wide at the top with flared edges. Acanthus leaf impressions all the way around with a ribbed base. Have 3 available. In ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

Bust of Marcus Aurelius in polychrome marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, Marcus Aurelius, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, m...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Early 20th Century Bronze Bust of David, Désiré Weygers
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique brown patinated bronze bust depicting the mythical David after Michelangelo's masterpiece displayed in the Museum of Florence. The ...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

English Chesterfield Wingback Chair in Cowhide Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this elegant, smooth, and comfortable English Chesterfield wingback armchair made of cowhide leather, with graceful legs. This stylish English Chesterfield wingback chair of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Italian Carved Marble Bust of Robbed Eros with Quivers, God of Love, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian hand carved marble bust of robbed Eros with quivers. Eros signifies the God of love. Early 19th Century
Category

1820s Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair of Octagonal Framed Pompeiian Red Pottery Roman Medallions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Octagonal framed 'Pompeiian Red' pottery Roman Medallions Each one a well executed glazed pottery male profile portrait medallion, with a vin...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Velvet, Wood

Pair of Antique Cast Plaster Corbels
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of antique cast corbels are hollow and are secured with iron horizontal bars. Can be hung for display or use as brackets for shelving. Also will work well for bookends.
Category

19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Plaster

A Plaster Bust of Seneca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known as Seneca, was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, a statesman, dramatist, and in one work, satirist, from the pos...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Scandinavian wooden and cowhide side/desk/chair from the 60s/70s
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian vintage chair from the 60s/70s is made of wood and cowhide. Thanks to its timeless design, it fits easily into almost any interior and is versatile in use...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Early 20thC Hand Carved Carrara Marble Guardian Angels Praying
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Amazing pair of hand chisiled marble statues of kneeling guardian angels praying. Hand crafted in Italy from Carrara Marble in about the 1920s. These were kept in storage for a numbe...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Classical male torso carved on white Carrara marble -made in Italy
By Lorenzo Todini
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Male torso, classical art, Greek art, Torso, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient torso, Greek torso, statuary marble sculpture. Male torso carved on statuar...
Category

1990s Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Large Oriental Rug with Red and Pink Tones – 345x250 cm
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large and colorful Oriental rug with predominantly red and pink tones, measuring 345x250 cm. Brighten up your home with this stunning rug. It features beautifu...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Bust Eleonora Duse Attributable Sculptor Arrigo Minerbi Villa Callas Sirmione
By Arrigo Minerbi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Bust of Eleonora Duse attributable to the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, from Villa Callas Sirmione of Giovanni Battista Meneghini. Bust obtained from stone o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Stone

Japanese 1920s Enamel and Brass Jardiniere
Located in London, GB
This is a very decorative and good sized jardiniere, made and enamelled in Japan in the 1920s. Good quality enamelling - this shows some signs of wear, consistent with it's age. We would recommend this is used for indoor plants...
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae Et Panegyricus, 1712
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare and ‘old’ antiquarian book, C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae et Panegyricus dated 1712. Published by Johannus Minellii in 1712. Covered and bound in v...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

Pair of Old Italian Stone Garden Vases. Florence, Late of 18th Century
Located in Budapest, HU
Extraordinary pair of vases dating back to the late 1700s and coming from a villa on the hills of Fiesole (Florence).
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cement

Antique English Oak Side Table / Hall Table from the 19th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this classic and charming antique English oak side table / hall table from the 19th century. This beautiful oak piece is a true showpiece for any antique enthusiast o...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique 18th-Century English Chest of Drawers with Brushing Slide
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning antique English chest of drawers, also known as a dressing chest, from the 18th century — complete with a brushing slide. In our view, no interior is tr...
Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-nineteenth century bronze bust of Lucius Verus, circa 1860-1870, on circular waisted socle. Lucius Verus ruled Rome alongside Marcus Aureli...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Large Terracotta Statue of Discobolus, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Terracotta Statue of Discobolus, 19th Century A Terracotta statue of the classical Greek 'Discobolus" by Myron. This particular figure is modelled after the 2nd century Roma...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Garden Metal Wall Candle Holder, 1950s, France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Classic metal wall candleholder, fits three candles. Decorated with metal Leafs . 1950s, France.
Category

1950s French Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Metal

Altorilievo battaglia romana in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, altorilievo, bassorilievo, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, altorilievo scolpito, scultura antic...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Marble

Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in San Francisco, CA
G. B. Piranesi in his fifties was interested in archaeology and studied in Southern Italy where he produced drawings of Greek architecture. Medium: Etching on laid paper. Year: circa...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Paper

Antique French faux bamboo firescreen with luxurious fabric
Located in Harderwijk, NL
How lovely is this antique firescreen? A charming item that adds character and warmth to your space! With its classic look and refined details, this piece is not only functional but ...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Italian 17th Century Pair Decorative Torchères Hand-Carved Walnut Giltwood
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian precious original 17th century pair of decorative columns , Torchères, hand-carved walnut gold leaf covered, on a tripod base.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th century grand tour classical Italian bronze compote
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a late 19th century Italian neo classical bronze compote. This classical bronze compote has ornate claw feet and mythical figures on either side of the bowl with rings. This ...
Category

1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Marble Pilaster Console Plinth
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of antique stone console table supports or pedestals have finely carved fluted fronts topped by acanthus leaves set against uncarv...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair of 19th Century Green Wall Brackets These are beautifully designed
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pair of 19th Century Green Wall Brackets These are beautifully designed pieces, they are in a classical style and painted in a very dark green, they could be used as wall bracket...
Category

1920s Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Early 20th Century Capodimonte Porcelain Double Socket Table Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century capodimonte porcelain double socket table lamp Beautiful hand painted mythological Roman scenes featuring Romulus and Re...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Category

1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

Set of 2 black vintage bistro chairs in Thonet style with an elegant design
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming vintage set of 2 bistro chairs features a gracefully curved wooden frame. Thanks to their timeless design and appearance, they can easily fit into almost any interior s...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Mid 20th Century Italian Burl Olive Arched Beveled Wall Mirrors
Located in Southampton, NJ
An unusual mid 20th century version of Classic Italian 'Serliana" shape Olive Burl-wood arched wall mirrors with distinct Palladian architecture design elements. Substantial construc...
Category

20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Brass

World of Bernini 1598-1680 by Robert Wallace Hardcover Book in Sleeve
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The World of Bernini. 1598-1680. Wallace, Robert Published by Time-Life Books., New York, 1973. Beautiful and Collectible Vintage 1973 Hardback Time Life Library of Art “The World o...
Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Paper

Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica
Located in Houston, TX
Italian glazed ceramic bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica. Italian ceramic bust of a Classical Roman with unusual iridescent glaze, marked Santa M...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Enameled Opaline Hand Painted Decorated Lidded Decorative Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent antique Italian lidded urn, crafted in the early 19th century, is a stunning example of enameled opaline artistry. The urn features a rich, deep turquoise hue that s...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Gold

UNIQUE EXQUISITE VISCOUNT DAVID LINLEY ROMAN LOOKiNG SYCAMORE CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite original Viscount David Linley very large chest of drawers custom made for Gary Ba...
Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Oak, Sycamore

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 Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

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 Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Large Murano Scavo Vase Attributed to Seguso, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Large and heavy handmade vase in burnt orange and deep blue with the typical "sandy" mixture giving the piece a bit of a rough texture. The technique was developed for giving glass t...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Porcelain "Recipe" Plates Set of Three
Located in North Miami, FL
These delightful hallmarked set of three vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti recipe plates are amusing and unusual. One is for stuffed crown roast or frankfurters, th...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Neoclassical Style Gilt and Silvered Mirror with Carved Columns
Located in Essex, MA
Large rectangular Italian "neoclassical style " mirror with finely carved reeded classical columns as the supports. Wonderful gilt and silvered patina for the opulent, decadent, an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Giltwood

Hand-painted antique bridal chest/ coffee table from the 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this charming and beautifully hand-painted antique bridal chest / coffee table from the 19th century, adorned with striking colours and decorative motifs. How deligh...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood

Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in San Francisco, CA
G. B. Piranesi, in his fifties, was interested in archaeology and studied in Southern Italy where he produced drawings of Greek architecture. Medium: Etching on laid paper. Year: c...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Very beautiful wing chair made of cowhide leather in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This cowhide leather wing chair is a timeless eye-catcher that, in our opinion, should not be missing from any interior. Thanks to its colours and sleek finish with matching piping, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin

Roman Style Brass Circular Side Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Roman Style Brass Circular Lamp Table, After the Antique, 20th century, the circular dish top above cantered reeded legs, joined by cross supports, centered by masks, on paw feet. 22...
Category

20th Century Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Brass

A fine pair of 19th c French classical silvered bronze and gilt figural lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of 19th century French slivered bronze large figural lamps. Depicting classical Roman figures. Gilt details . Great quality and condition.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of 2 Elegant Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
What a wonderfully charming set of chairs we have the pleasure of offering you! These highly original English Victorian chairs feature a woode...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Spanish side table from the late 18th century with a drawer
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this bold and characterful antique Spanish side table from the late 18th century, featuring a drawer. This antique Spanish side table dates back to the 18th century and...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique 17th-century English oak chest
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this stunning antique 17th-century English oak chest with a beautiful patina. This remarkable oak chest dates back to the 17th century and is full of original and exqui...
Category

17th Century Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Roman / Etruscan Style Statue
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique Roman / Etruscan style pottery partial statue. Robed figure in draped fabric. Measures: 7.5 inches in height. Exact age unknown, the pieces in t...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Roman 100-400 AD Ancient Greenish Glass Swirled Sprinkler Flask In Perfect Shape
Located in Miami, FL
Ancient Roman glass flask bottle. An stupendous ancient glass flask, created during the Roman imperial period, between the 100 to 400 AD. Crafted in blown bi-color glass with spirals and swirled decorations. Measures: Height of 5.25 inches and a base diameter of 3 inches (133 mm by 76 mm). Ancient Roman Glass A large part of the ancient glass work repertoire was designed for table use, in particular for carrying and serving water and wine at banquets. Jugs, one of the most frequently used containers, existed in various dimensions (the smaller examples would contain condiments, the largest ones beverages) and shapes: a spherical or more elongated body, a flat or higher, molded base, a trefoil-shaped or circular and elaborate mouth. This example can certainly be dated to the Late Roman period because of the pale, greenish hue of the glass, the simple form of the base, wide mouth, indented rim and especially the presence of the spiraling patterns in low relief which are clearly visible on the body, having appeared as an ornament in glass work from the 4th century onward. Provenance: Saint Louis Museum Missouri, ascension date 1960, acc no 59.87; T.K. Asian antiquities gallery, Williamsburg Virginia; purchased by James & Nancy Markell, Virginia 1980; by descent to Lauren Markland, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; acquired in Palm Beach, FL. in March 7, 2020. Note: Similar examples are in collections of the british museum in london and the metropolitan museum of new york city. Note: It is perfect condition with light natural iridescent, with no cracks or previous repairs. Condition: The overall condition of this ancient bottle...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Bronze Architectural Push Pull double Door Handles with Ancient of King
Located in London, GB
Set of two rounded bronze door handles based on medieval or ancient coins resembling a crowned king. These door handles are European 1970s. Their reliefs full of fine detail have the...
Category

1970s European Vintage Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Mid-19th Century French Weathered Painted Iron Medici Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant set of four 19th-century Medici vases were crafted in France circa 1860 and reflect the timeless grandeur of classical garden design. Made from cast iron, each vessel fe...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Iron

Nineteenth Century Italian Florentine Giltwood Mirror
Located in London, GB
A nineteenth century Italian Florentine giltwood mirror, the boldly carved, gesso and gilded frame with period mirror plate, having large leaf cresting to top, leading to elaborate ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Classical Roman furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Luca Scacchetti, LAGU, and Richard Ginori. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $2,914.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed