Italian walnut - antique from the 19th century - bookcase

Walnut shelf from the 19th century with remarkably small proportions, featuring an extended, molded cornice, single glazed doors equipped with an original working lock and key, closing three adjustable-height shelves above a panel drawer and a basic drawer, all standing on a plinth and foot-shaped supports. This antique shelf retains its original finish and is in excellent condition, ready to be placed in your home. Year 1880

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It is 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 refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations 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 period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation. 

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next 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. Exclusive, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.  

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on 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 solid, using brown stains, cornices, strong plinths, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient times were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.  

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. 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 an elegant antique that suits your interior.  

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the buyer’s perspective, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products brand provides a certificate confirming the product’s compliance with the actual description and photo. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.