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 the round top via a veneered walnut band, which also opens the drawer. The raised edge at the end limits the top, also veneered with walnut and decorated with a round boxwood inlay and a central floral and leaf marquetry.

This Empire period coffee table with a round columnar structure, suitable for the living room or as a guéridon table, is in good condition, Italian, and comes from a residence in Ferrara. A guéridon is a small round table for the living room, 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 for 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 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 significant resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to dazzle and serve as a symbol of opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

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. The Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a profound mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using dark stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when seeking a luxurious antique that fits perfectly into a specific interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.