Antique walnut chest of drawers with three drawers from the 19th century

Lyre-shaped chest with three drawers, walnut, 1800s, originating from Piedmont, in excellent condition, restored approximately twenty years ago. The support legs are decorated with a front carving depicting leaves and grapes, which repeats on the outer frame surrounding the drawers. The drawers are adorned with an oval image featuring geometric decorations made from boxwood marquetry, around a flush-mounted plaque with a lock. The sides are shaped like a lyre, and the top has a central marquetry in an oval field with a chariot with a horse and figures against a background of ebony and pearwood. The top was replaced in the past with a new one, originally intended to be marble. Piedmont, first half of the 19th century.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be a perfect idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s 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 a few stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was predominant. 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.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It was inspired by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate brilliance and serve a luxurious role. Selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these works.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on 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 design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest 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 recreate 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, and each style had its unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that fits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital for buyers, as many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.