A walnut sideboard with two doors in excellent condition, 16th century

Walnut sideboard with double doors in excellent condition, featuring a gear-shaped frame under the top made from a single plank and sides. At the front, a long drawer crowns two doors decorated with geometric tiles carved into solid wood. The interior is divided by a single shelf. The front legs are carved in the shape of a lion's paw, the rear is a shelf. Northern Italy, 1600.

It comes from a private Milanese residence, and is in good condition consistent with its age. The interior is lined with paper.

Wonderful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing appreciation for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Early in this century, antique furniture included 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 was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. 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 ornate pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a profound mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened 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 furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty and history of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its unique character. This is especially crucial when selecting a luxurious antique for your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately important for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photographs. We also have experts including art appraisers, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.