Victorian gilt owermantel mirror, with molded cornice above carved frieze

Victorian gilded overmantel mirror, with a shaped cornice above a carved frieze and an original mirror plate with some foxing in a beautifully decorated frame surrounded by half columns and scrolls down to the base. This antique mirror has been restored and is in excellent condition, ready to be placed in your home.

Unique 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 items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture dates back to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture corresponds to the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated from the reign of Napoleon, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and worth mentioning are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used luxurious materials were employed to 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive pieces but also introduced 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’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to and preserving 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 piece suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.