Classical Roman Benches
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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Style: Classical Roman
Pair Italian paint decorated Roman style wood benches C 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair pf Italian paint decorated Roman style wood benches C 1940, a variation of the curule form, each with curved seats painted with flowers within gilt cartouches supported by 4 l...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Wood, Paint
William lV Mahogany Hall bench in the manner of Gillows
Located in Sherborne, GB
Large bold William lV mahogany hall bench in the manner of Gillows with a single piece double moulded top flanked by raised fluted bolster ends faced with turned roundels sitting on ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Mahogany
Antique English Bench/Chest with Red Tufted Seat
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this unique antique English bench/chest with beautiful wood carving and a red upholstered tufted seat.
This unique and very charming piece is incredibly versatile. I...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Textile, Wood
Antique Wooden Bench with High Back – Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this antique wooden bench with a high back and charming details from the late 19th / early 20th century.
Charming and functional in one piece!
This lovely bench can be ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Wood
Pair Of 19th Century Italian Iron And Leather Benches
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century Italian iron and leather benches.
Offered is a handsome pair of Italian wrought iron curule benches or ottomans with beautifully distressed leather seats. These ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Beautiful English Antique Hall Bench from the 18th Century with Original Details
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic English antique hall bench dates back to the 18th century and fits perfectly in both classic and modern interiors. A bench like this is not only a charming addition to...
Category
18th Century Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Wood
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19th Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Chinese bench. A special black lacquered antique Elm wood bench circa 1800. A waisted (refers to specific Chinese furniture construction & joinery) raised top set on frame with hump back stretchers and struts. A most sensational patina of black lacquer worn through to the wood showcases the benches elegant presence and raw beauty. This is an original piece with a 200 plus year history. The raw top is worn silk like smooth from age and use. The reaming black lacquer is thick having an alligatored rustic patina. The construction is solid and strong. Feet having scroll key detail carved to faces with wear prevalent to the bottom of the feet. The humpback struts show ware from one side being more evident then on the other side, more lacquer remains covering one strut. A very significant Antique Chinese Bench...
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English Mid-Century Wooden Bench with Brown Tufted Leather Seat
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This English wooden bench from the mid-20th century features a rectangular brown leather tufted seat with double nailhead trim on the surround. The bench is raised on four simple str...
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Empire Style Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Hall Bench
Located in Stamford, CT
Empire style parcel-gilt mahogany hall bench, early 20th century.
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Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Benches
Materials
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White Painted and Gilt Decorated X from Bench / Footstool
Located in Manhasset, NY
White painted and gilt decorated X from bench / footstool. Highly decorative painted bench footstool in the Hollywood Regency fashion.
Category
1950s Vintage Classical Roman Benches
Materials
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George Smith English Tufted Leather Bench
Located in New York, NY
English tufted leather bench with brass casters. George Smith.
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1980s English Vintage Classical Roman Benches
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Pair of Benches in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of benches in the manner of Maison Jansen. Has a removable cushioned seat. The benches are black with brass accents.
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1960s Vintage Classical Roman Benches
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Pair of Louis XVI style Paint Decorated Upholstered Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 17 3/4in Width: 31in Depth: 15in
This is a beautiful pair of Louis XVI style distressed and upholstered benches. They were made with one thing in mind and that i...
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20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Benches
Materials
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French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
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20th Century French Classical Roman Benches
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Spanish 18th Century Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome 18th century Spanish bench constructed from solid board planks of walnut. Sensational patina. The seat height is 18 5/8".
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18th Century Spanish Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
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Antique Pitch Pine Wooden Textile Mill Bench, Early 20th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE WOODEN BENCH
Made from pitch pine with simple lines.
Originally from a textile mill.
Dating from the early 20th century period circa 1900-1920 in date.
It is in very good...
Category
Early 20th Century English Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Pine
19th Century Italian Primitive Bench
Located in Nijlen, BE
This primitive Italian bench is an addition to any interior.
Handy sitting comfort, for example in a utility room to put on your shoes....
All-round item. Beautiful in its simplicity...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Benches
Materials
Oak
Previously Available Items
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By Marsh and Tatham
Located in Sherborne, GB
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Category
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Materials
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Bleached French Oak Curule Bench with Lion Heads and Iron Rings, Circa 1920
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French stool frame, known as a curule or savonarola, is made of bleached oak and is ready for a leather/fabric upholstery of your cho...
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1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Benches
Materials
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H 24 in W 31.75 in D 19.5 in
Large Wide Patio Garden Painted Iron Seat Bench, Circa 1930-1950
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Wide Italian Painted Iron Garden Bench. Bench has its original fantastic patina. The seat is in good sturdy condition with great wear and tear.
We can offer to arrange and cus...
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Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Benches
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Chased Wrought Iron Folding Curule Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-Forged Iron with Stitched Saddle leather makes this Curule Stool a Classic Roman Form! Curule Stools have been re-imagined and embellished since the Romans first introduced this Classic Form. This Folding Stool with Rosettes on both sides is probably Italian or French from the Turn of the Century. Beautiful wear to the leather. Waxed metal...
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1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Benches
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Wrought Iron
20th Century Carved Giltwood Classical Curule Style Upholstered Bench
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Carved in the classical fashion this Italian giltwood Curule style bench is upholstered and covered with a tasteful fabric. It likely dates to the late 20...
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Italian Painted and Giltwood Bench, circa 1920
Located in Houston, TX
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Pair of Italian Savonarola Curule Bench Seat Chairs
Located in New York, NY
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Pair of Classical Style steel patinated Curule' Chairs with a Modern Twist
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Saddle Seat Iron Garden Bench
Located in New York, NY
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Classical Roman benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches 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 iron, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and Italy 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $770 and tops out at $1,854 while the average work can sell for $1,312.