View of Zurich. "The City of Zurich in Switzerland" copperplate engraving by T. Salmon

View of Zurich. "City of Zurich in Switzerland" copperplate by T. Salmona taken from "The Present State of All Countries and Nations of the World…" printed in Venice around 1740. In good condition, except for a slight discrepancy with the legend (see photo). The engraving is presented in a modern frame.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by strong influences from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV style. Next is Baroque, a term derived 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. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced 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 solid, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These were quite distinctive products but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient themes were also of interest, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads — these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. 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 in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for elegant antique pieces suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item in accordance with its description and photographs. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.