Classical Roman Seating
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 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 Seating
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Original Vintage Wooden Thonet Design Side Chair Model 13
By Thonet
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning vintage side chair is a true eye-catcher that will enhance almost any interior. This original Thonet design chair features a design from the 1930s and is crafted from b...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Comfortable Vintage English-Style Sheepskin Leather Wingback Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Who could possibly resist such a beautifully warm-colored sheepskin leather wingback armchair? We certainly can't! This fantastic vintage wingback chair boasts timeless English charm...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Unique and Characterful Set of 6 Original Antique Dutch Leather Dining Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of 6 fantastic antique Dutch dining chairs boasts a striking character and is truly a statement piece. Dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, these chairs retain t...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Sturdy Vintage Ottoman Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Antique Italian Cherrywood Sofa
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Cherry wood center sofa, early '900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cherry
Characterful Vintage Cognac-Colored Club Chair Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning vintage sheepskin leather club chair is a true eye-catcher that should not be missing in any interior. It has a beautiful cognac color, is full of character, and is ele...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin, Fabric
Antique English Footstool/ Ottoman with Turned Legs from the 19th Century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Wonderful Antique English Footstool/ Ottoman with Turned Legs from the 19th Century
A footstool, also known as a hocker, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxati...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Savonarola Dante Or Curule Folding Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Stunning Italian iron Savonarola Dante chair also known as x chairs or Curule chairs. Featuring an iron frame that folds in a Campaign style with bronze-mounted finials. A sling back...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Iron
Green Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Office Chair in English Style on Wheels
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here a beautiful green adjustable cowhide leather Chesterfield office chair in English style on wheels.
This stunning luxury green cowhide leather and wooden Chesterfield off...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Concrete, Metal
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 Seating
Materials
Rattan
Characterful Vintage Sheepskin Leather Wingback Chair with Beautiful Colors
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A true eye-catcher with a striking character that will fit into any interior; this is a perfect description of this sheepskin leather wingback armchair. This timeless vintage piece f...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Characterful Dark Sheepskin Leather Club Chair with Black Piping
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning sheepskin leather club chair is a perfect addition for those who appreciate furniture with a strong character. Its dark color, distinctive armrests, and refined black p...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
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 Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage Sheepskin Leather Club Armchair in a Beautiful Light Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This stunning vintage sheepskin leather club armchair will feel at home almost anywhere. It is full of character and features a refined finish with decorative nails. Combined with it...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Neo-classical Style Needlepoint Upholstered Curule Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Vintage neoclassical style curule bench covered in multi toned floral needlepoint upholstery and nailheads.
Bench, needlepoint bench, ottoman, footstool, floral bench...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Large Square Ottoman Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation haven. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can en...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Beautiful Art Nouveau Jugendstil Design Ottoman by Schuitema
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau Jugendstil Design Ottoman by Schuitema.
A footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. Wi...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Elegant 19th-Century English Chinoiserie Mother of Pearl Decorative Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This graceful 19th-century Victorian antique chair is full of stunning decorative details and features a classic spoon-shaped backrest. This highly original English Victorian chair...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Wood
Sofa Settee 3-Seater Crimson Cut Velvet Italian Toni Facella Sensi Della Penna
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An opulent, cut-velvet, three seater sofa, by Italian architect & designer Toni Facella Sensi della Penna
This sofa epitomises elegance, opulence and c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Velvet
Comfortable Characteristic Sheepskin Leather Armchair with a Stunning Patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing armchair has developed a beautiful patina over the years, as is typical for sheepskin leather. It is full of character and, thanks to its lovely cognac color, has a time...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 Sheepskin Leather Club Chairs by Nico van Oorschot
By Nico Van Oorschot
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 2 timeless and stylish sheepskin leather club chairs by Nico van Oorschot in beautiful colors.
These two club chairs were designed by Nico van Oorschot and...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 Sheepskin Leather Club Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this set of 2 stylish sheepskin leather club armchairs with a beautiful vintage look.
These chairs have a bold, stylish, and characterful appearance, and each is fi...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Sheepskin Leather Designer Ottoman by Bart van Bekhoven
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning vintage sheepskin leather designer ottoman by Bart van Bekhoven.
A sheepskin leather footstool—also known as an ottoman—transforms your already comfor...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 Sheepskin Leather Club Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this set of 2 characterful luxury sheepskin leather club armchairs with a beautiful patina.
With this timeless pair of club chairs, you not only bring comfortable s...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Classic Dark Brown Sheepskin Leather Design Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful and well-preserved classic dark brown sheepskin leather design armchair.
This timeless piece is not only a delight to look at, but also offers superb...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Wingback Chair Made from Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this comfortable vintage wingback armchair made from distinctive sheepskin leather.
A true eye-catcher full of charm! This inviting vintage armchair, crafted from s...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Green Vintage Bistro Chair with a Woven Reed Seat
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this charming green vintage bistro chair with a woven reed seat.
This elegant and characterful chair has developed a beautiful patina and some signs of use due to f...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Textile, Wood
Cowhide Leather Club Armchair in a Cognac Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this neat and well-maintained cowhide leather club armchair in a beautiful cognac color.
This stunning cognac-colored cowhide leather club chair, with its timeless d...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Armchair Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this elegant and stately armchair made of sheepskin leather, offering excellent seating comfort.
This wonderful armchair has, as is typical for sheepskin leather, de...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Sheepskin Leather 2-Seater Sofa in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this characterful and beautifully aged vintage sheepskin leather 2-seater sofa in classic English style.
Most people would agree — sheepskin leather furniture develo...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 Green Vintage Bistro Chairs with Woven Reed Seats
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is a set of 2 charming green vintage bistro chairs with elegant detailing and woven reed seats.
This lovely and graceful pair of green vintage bistro chairs features ma...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Rattan, 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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Green Vintage Bistro Chairs with Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this set of 4 charming green vintage bistro chairs with woven rattan seats.
This lovely and elegant set of four green vintage bistro chairs features beautifully woven r...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Sheepskin Leather Wingback Chair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this comfortable sheepskin leather wingback armchair with decorative nail finish and warm colors.
Thanks to its beautiful warm color palette, this sheepskin leather win...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Vintage Leather Design Armchair by De Sede, Model DS50
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this Swiss 1970s vintage leather design armchair by the beloved brand De Sede, model DS50.
This timeless design classic from the top Swiss brand De Sede fits beautiful...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather
Wingback Chair Made of Sheepskin Leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this comfortable and luxurious wingback armchair made of sheepskin leather with a beautiful warm appearance.
Thanks to its lovely warm color tones, this sheepskin leathe...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Comfortable Vintage Sheepskin Wingback Chair with a Beautiful Color
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing sheepskin wingback armchair is a true eye-catcher that should not be missing from any interior. It embodies timeless style and elegance.
The armchair features a beautif...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 2 Beautiful Cognac-Colored Cowhide Leather Club Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious and complete set of full grain leather club chairs offers both comfort and style, making them a perfect addition to almost any room or interior style. The set is craft...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
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 Seating
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Set of 2 Comfortable Sheepskin Leather Armchairs with a Beautiful Patina
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic set of two sheepskin leather armchairs effortlessly fits into nearly any interior. Their rich, deep warm tones and sleek finish give these armchairs a stately and char...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Light Cognac-Colored cowhide Leather English Chesterfield Wingback Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Luxury, character, and style—these three words perfectly describe this cowhide leather English Chesterfield wingback armchair. It features a light cognac color and a distinctive appe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brick Red Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Concrete, Metal
Set of 2 Vintage Bentwood "Long John" Thonet Design High Dining Chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Beautiful original vintage design dining chairs by Thonet. The chairs are comfortable and have a fantastic, luxurious appearance. With their timeless design, they fit perfectly in bo...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Set of 6 Vintage Wooden Windsor Spindle Chairs from the 1970s
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Set of 6 Vintage Wooden Windsor Spindle Chairs from the 1970s in English Style
These fantastic vintage wooden spindle chairs from the 1970s in English style are not only perfect for...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Large Square Ottoman Made of Sheepskin Leather with Decorative Nails
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A sheepskin leather footstool, also known as an ottoman, transforms your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Set of 4 Tall Vintage Bentwood "Long John" Thonet Design Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Set of 4 Tall Vintage Bentwood "Long John" Thonet Design Chairs
Stunning original vintage design dining chairs by Thonet. These chairs offer excellent seating comfort and exude a lu...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 6 Vintage 1960s Dutch Marko Dining Chairs with Armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
These beautiful vintage chairs by Marko were originally used as school or church chairs, but they also work perfectly in a canteen or as dining chairs. What makes these chairs unique...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Seating
Materials
Wood
Classical Roman seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include and Gillows of Lancaster & London. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $324 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $1,997.
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