Empire coffee table from the early 19th century

Empire coffee table, early 19th century, round, with a drawer on a square base, featuring a central turned support made of ebony wood, fluted column in the middle section connecting to a round top via a veneered walnut band, which opens to reveal the drawer. The raised edge at the end limits the tabletop, also veneered in walnut and decorated with a round boxwood trim and a central inlay of flowers and leaves.

This Empire period coffee table with a round columnar construction, suitable for a living room or as a guéridon table, is in good condition, Italian-made, and originates from a residence in Ferrara. A guéridon is a small round salon table, typically used as an auxiliary table to display decorative objects, vases, or lamps.

Original antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct 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 own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century includes the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early 19th-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.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. The next style is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, statement pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Luxurious, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from 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 unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important 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 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.