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 dresser 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 pull-out 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 decorating our interiors. 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 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 are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture mainly refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants 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 styles.

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, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl—was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to impress with splendor and play a significant role in luxury interiors. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which often reflects 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 dark stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now recreate furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently across countries, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when seeking elegant antique pieces 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.