French tablet mirror from the second half of the 19th century

French mirror with a backing plate from the second half of the 19th century, decorated with floral, botanical, and scroll motifs, lacquered with tempera. The original gilding is visible beneath the tempera. In good condition. 

Exclusive antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally 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 century. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic 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-making. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive. Brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs were used. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas 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. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by 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 fits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.