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 mounted 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 bases. Romantic and bright crystal spires are removable for maintenance using a brass ring. 

The bronze structure with a square cross-section features a vertical cage-like design decorated with pendants and crystal elements, finished at the bottom with a large crystal ball and a pinecone-like cap. The upper crown is adorned with crystal lances, 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 gilding’s former shine, and fully rewired. Gallery photos show images before restoration. One arm shows an old repair, but this antique French Louis XV style chandelier is now in perfect condition.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. 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.

Several key styles stand out among antique furniture. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century reflects the beloved Biedermeier style. Early in the century, this included neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and 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 late 18th to early 19th centuries, inspired by Napoleon’s reign, with strong influences from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which often resembles the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong 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 paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French craftsmen, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its unique character. This is especially relevant when choosing elegant antique pieces for your interior.