Classical Roman More Lighting
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.
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze
20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Carrara Marble, Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster
1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Porcelain, Glass
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Porcelain
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Hardwood
1820s Italian Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Metal, Brass
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
2010s Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Brass
Early 20th Century Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
2010s British Classical Roman More Lighting
Stainless Steel, Metal
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze, Copper
1890s Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Bronze
2010s Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Gold, Brass
1950s Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Art Glass
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman More Lighting
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Opaline Glass, Wood
1940s Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster
Mid-20th Century Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster
1940s French Vintage Classical Roman More Lighting
Crystal
Mid-20th Century European Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Composition
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman More Lighting
Marble, Bronze
20th Century Classical Roman More Lighting
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass
Mid-20th Century European Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman More Lighting
Breccia Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman More Lighting
Alabaster