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.
Classical Roman Style Bathtub, Solid Marble, Custom Sizes
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Roman style bathtubs Solid one piece manufacture Designs in various marbles with custom sizing and design options available Small or la...
Carrara Marble
$4,440 / item
Classical Style Serpentine Marble Sink
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A period style newly made sink cut from one block of Carrara marble, features a serpentine shaped fully gadrooned molded surround. Ideal for either old or new properties. Custom ...
Carrara Marble
Carved Onyx Rock Sink Basin with Live Edge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single natural onyx sink basin with original live edge. This carved vessel sink, created from a rough onyx rock, has a carved and then polished interior basin, making for easy clea...
Stone, Onyx
Onyx Rock Sink Bathroom Basin with Live Edge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single natural onyx sink basin with original live edge. This carved vessel sink, created from a rough onyx rock, has a carved and then polished interior basin, making for easy clea...
Onyx
Crema Tirreno Roll Ball Sink by Serafini
Located in Geneve, CH
Crema Tirreno roll ball sink by Serafini Special Edition Materials: Crema Tirreno marble. Dimensions: D 54.5 x H 14 cm Tap not included. Marmi Serafini is...
Marble
$1,370
H 5.25 in W 21.5 in D 14 in
An Oval Shaped Petrified Wood Sink with Polished Basin and Live-Edge Exterior
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful petrified wood sink. This petrified wood sink has a mostly oval shape with a flatter back-side. The colors are primarily beige and cream, with warmer brown and rust tones. While the interior of the bowl has been polished, the surround has been left unpolished. Petrified wood is the result of a tree, or portion thereof, which has transitioned to stone over a period of time via a process referred to as permineralization. During this process, all of the trees organic...
Wood, Petrified Wood
$1,276
H 5.52 in W 18.51 in D 17.33 in
Bathroom Sink, Basin, Solid Carved Walnut Wood, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique handmade wooden sink carved by artist from single piece of walnut wood with basic carving tools, easy maintaining. Great for any interior, whether it be modern or rustic, it w...
Wood, Walnut
$725
H 4.73 in W 16.93 in D 18.51 in
Wood Sink, Basin, Solid Wood, Walnut, Contemporary Design, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Handmade carved walnut sink, a stunning blend of natural beauty and artisanal craftsmanship. This unique piece features a rich, warm walnut finish that highlights the intricate carvi...
Wood, Walnut
$1,480
H 4.73 in W 14.18 in D 28.35 in
Solid Wood Bathroom Sink, Basin, Contemporary Design, Walnut, Carved, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique handmade wooden sink carved by artist from single piece of walnut wood with basic carving tools, easy maintaining. Great for any interior, whether it be modern or rustic, it w...
Wood, Walnut
Antique Marble Vanity Sink Top
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique marble vanity sink top with newly drilled holes to accommodate modern fixtures. Some rust stains.
Marble
$1,059
H 4.34 in W 22.45 in D 17.72 in
Live Edge Wood Bathroom Sink, Basin, Solid Wood, Walnut, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single piece of wood, this hand-worked basin is a functional sculpture that brings a raw, elemental presence to the bath space. Its irregular, organic silhouette is a d...
Wood, Walnut
Seashell and Lucite Soap Dish
Located in New York, NY
A great vintage Lucite/acrylic and seashell soap dish, circa late-20th century, 1970s; fits a standard size bar of soap. Real natural seashells encased in Lucite/acrylic. Very good c...
Acrylic, Shell, Lucite
$863
H 5.91 in W 16.93 in D 18.51 in
Bathroom Sink, Basin, Solid Wood, Walnut, Contemporary Design, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique handmade wooden sink carved by artist from single piece of walnut wood with basic carving tools, easy maintaining. Great for any interior, whether it be modern or rustic, it w...
Wood, Walnut
$1,062
H 5.91 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Live Edge Wood Bathroom Sink, Basin, Solid Wood, Walnut, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This sculptural sink is carved from a single block of solid walnut, shaped entirely by hand to reveal the quiet drama of its grain and form. Its bowl flows inward with natural curvat...
Wood, Walnut
Classical Marble Stone Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Marble sink basin, cut from one single block. these are timeless character piece happily works in old and new properties 26" wide x 16...
Carrara Marble
Carrara Marble Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A simple natural design ideal for kitchen or bathroom for old and new buildings, Superb warm veined character, cut from one piece of carrara marble Limited Stock
Carrara Marble
Marble Stone Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Roman revival sink basin of simplistic design, made from one piece of stone, ideal for outdoor purposes too. Measures: W46cm x DP31cm x H14 cm.
Carrara Marble
Italian Period Marble Antique Sink
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Italian Period marble antique sink of great size being nearly 4 ft wide, the piece has exceptional form and beautifully balanced detailing, we think it ma...
Marble
Antique Carrara Marble Bathtub from Italy, Early 1800s Genoa
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning carrara marble bathtub was recently pulled from an estate in Genoa, Italy, and dates to the beginning of the 19th century. It has been carved from one solid piece of marble, and unlike other marble tubs of similar style, there is a raised sitting area on the bottom of one end of the tub. The only ornamentation on this tub are the two raised rings, carved in relief, on the front side of the tub. This tub is sometimes referred to as a Roman style tub. Versatile in its simplistic design, this freestanding bathtub...
Carrara Marble