Classical Roman Seating
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.
2010s Italian Classical Roman Seating
Concrete, Metal
19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Seating
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Leather, Sheepskin
1980s Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Leather, Sheepskin
1990s Classical Roman Seating
Leather, Sheepskin
1980s Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Cowhide, Leather
1980s Spanish Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Bronze, Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Iron
1970s Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Metal, Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Iron
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Brass, Steel
18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Seating
Elm
18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Giltwood
1980s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Velvet
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Roman Seating
Upholstery
Early 20th Century British Classical Roman Seating
Brass, Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Classical Roman Seating
Concrete, Metal
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Silk, Velvet, Mahogany, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Seating
Satinwood
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Classical Roman Seating
Glass, Art Glass
2010s Danish Classical Roman Seating
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
2010s Danish Classical Roman Seating
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
2010s British Classical Roman Seating
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
1950s English Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Leather
Early 20th Century British Classical Roman Seating
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Seating
Stainless Steel
2010s British Classical Roman Seating
Alpaca, Beech
2010s Italian Classical Roman Seating
Steel
1970s French Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Metal
2010s British Classical Roman Seating
Sheepskin, Beech
2010s British Classical Roman Seating
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Seating
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Seating
Mahogany
1940s English Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Leather
Early 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Seating
Cane, Mahogany
1850s Spanish Antique Classical Roman Seating
Granite
1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Fabric
1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Wrought Iron
20th Century Mexican Classical Roman Seating
Metal
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Bronze, Wrought Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Wood
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Mahogany, Giltwood