A miniature with a portrait of Philippe d'Orléans painted on an oval ivory plate

Miniature portrait of Philip of Orleans painted on an oval ivory plaque, depicting Louis XIV's brother in a pretentious outfit, wig, and neck decoration. The miniature is surrounded by a brass ring, then a frame made of ivory with geometric engravings, and finally all is enclosed in a carved and gilded frame made of pure gold. In good condition, except for two old restorations on the ivory frame. France 1800.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that have a distinct character and soul. It is a nod to history, creating and designing classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

There are many different styles distinguishing antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style prevailed. Its variants in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything originated from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is in the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco' – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to literally shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs were used. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian or French creators. This is a sign of admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for elegant antiques suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. And this ultimately matters to the buyer, as many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.