Fratino walnut table with a wonderful single-axis top

Walnut Fratino table with a magnificent single-plate top (with two small edge trims) from the 18th century, featuring legs in the shape of a lyre made of walnut wood, but likely replaced with original parts from a later period.

This historic table should be restored to close the side joints of the top, while striving to preserve the original patina of this Lombard refectory.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. There is currently a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style emerged. Its early 20th-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.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon's reign. It imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also interesting and worth noting. The next style is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and bulky, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports and legs often took 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 craftsmen. 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 an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. And this ultimately matters to the buyer, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.