18th century Piedmontese gold mirror with mercury mirror and double frame decorated with gold Mecca carvings

18th-century Piedmontese gilded mirror with mercury glass and a double frame decorated with gilded sculptures of Mekka. 

Cymatium with a slightly convex sculpture and the frieze below, originating from the 18th century, are probably reproductions made from original designs. 

The Mekka mirror from Piedmont comes from a Milanese palace and is in good condition. 

Wonderful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by strong influences from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco,” meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also had a significant impact. Flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a lasting mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Today, many global brands recreate such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently across countries, and each style had its own unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching its description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.