Antique continental pair of bedside tables

Continental pair   inlaid nightstands featuring serpentine marble tops above 2 drawers inlaid with floral motifs, equipped with original brass handles and flanked by ormolu decoration, inlaid sides, and elegant legs with brass sabot feet.  Year 1920

Beautiful 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. 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

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. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese *barocco* — meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude glamour 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 has 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 robust, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy 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. During this period, there was also an interest in mythology and antiquity, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads — these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce 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 in each country, so each style had its own character depending on the nation. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

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