Early 20th century French chandelier, gilt bronze and thirteen clear crystals, in excellent condition

French chandelier from 1900, gilded bronze and crystal with thirteen light bulbs, in excellent condition. 

Made with six lights placed on curved double spiral arms, finished with ormolu floral bobeigs, topped with faux wooden candles and E14 sockets. The remaining seven lights are housed in elegant crystal candelabra with French mignon sockets. Romantic and bright crystal spikes that can be unscrewed for maintenance using a brass ring. 

The bronze structure with a square cross-section has a vertical cage-like design, decorated with pendants and crystal elements, finished at the bottom with a large crystal ball and a pinecone-shaped finial. The upper crown is adorned with crystal spears, three of which are not original. All other crystals are original, as are the magnificent gildings. 

The chandelier has been completely disassembled, cleaned with an ammonia solution that restored the gildings’ former shine, and fully rewired. Gallery photos show images before restoration. One arm shows an old repair, but this antique French chandelier in Louis XV style is now in perfect condition.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing appreciation for high-quality vintage items that possess character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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 notable. Eclectic furniture mainly refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Early in the century, you find antique neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. This style features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to dazzle with splendor and serve a role in luxury. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles the historical era. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now recreate such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production varied by country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when choosing elegant antique pieces for your interior.