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 lion paws, the rear is a shelf. Northern Italy, 1600.

It comes from a private Milanese residence, 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 number of enthusiasts of 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 are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture dates back to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early variations 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 and accessories originate from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 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. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate 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 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when seeking a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and accurate description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.