A walnut sideboard with two framed doors from the 17th century

Walnut sideboard with two framed doors; rests on two turned legs, with two drawers beneath the tabletop. Northern Italy, 19th century.

It comes from a private Lombard collection and is in good condition, with cracks on the boards consistent with the late 1800s.

Luxurious 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 distinct 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 own characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few key ones can be highlighted. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was predominant. Its early 20th-century variants 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 dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by strong references to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

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 representative 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 influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is often designed to resemble the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant. Which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a lasting mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, often using brown stains, with cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. There was also an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle’s heads—these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. 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 in each country, so each style had its own unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer’s perspective, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and correspondence to the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.