Trentina Lastronata secretary desk - an antique from a private Milan collection

Antica Trentina Lastronata corner cabinet made of walnut wood, decorated with geometric threads of maple and cherry. 

The front of this XVIII-century foldable commode features three large drawers, topped with a calatoia, and two rows of slanted drawers. It rests on support legs. 

It comes from a private collection in Milan, is in good conservation condition, with sliding drawers and minimal signs of wear, tears, or missing panels, fully functional and dated to the mid-18th century.

Exquisite antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Currently, there is a growing appreciation for 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 own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque influences.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word '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 chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how the Baroque style has profoundly influenced modern classical furniture, which often echoes the aesthetics of the past. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes inspired the design, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Today, many global brands recreate such furniture, 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 relevant when seeking an elegant antique piece suited to your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for 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 access to art appraisers, historians, and experts worldwide.