Victorian walnut open bookcase - antique

Victorian open wooden shelf unit made of walnut, with a shaped, formed top over a cane wainscot and three height-adjustable shelves, surrounded by cane pilasters and carved pateras, all standing on a profiled plinth. This antique shelf has been restored and is ready to be placed in your home. Year 1880

Wonderful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.  

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the popular Biedermeier style flourished. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By 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 centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs. 

Neoclassical furniture refers to the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and worth mentioning are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, statement pieces designed to radiate 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 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, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.  

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such 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 across countries, and each style had its unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.  

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. 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.