Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.
Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.
Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.
Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.
Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Venetian Renaissance Style Brocade Panels, 100% Silk, Italy, C.1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
Rare and grand Venetian Renaissance style silk brocade panels (two panels per length - total of three sets available as one continuous length or sold separately) - opulent woven patt...
Silk
Authentic Fortuny Aquamarine Velvet & Gold Pillows, Italy, 21st Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite and highly collectible pair of custom pillows in the timeless manner of Mariano Fortuny, rendered in the iconic Orsini Medallion motif in aquamarine and antique gold. Each pillow is centered with a grand, perfectly symmetrical circular medallion — a classic Renaissance cartouche of scrolling acanthus, palmettes, and baroque foliate, executed in luminous metallic gold over a soft, watercolor-like ground of serene aquamarine blue. The outer field continues with an elaborate damask of acanthus plumes and ornamental scrolls, creating a rich, layered tapestry effect. • The gold is a true metallic stenciled finish with a brilliant, liquid luster that catches the light. The tonal variation and slight hand-finished mottling are hallmarks of authentic Fortuny technique. • The aquamarine velvet ground shows a beautiful patinated wash with subtle shifts in tone, from misty blue to seafoam, giving a hand-dyed, antique appearance. • Expertly tailored with custom self-piping in matching aquamarine velvet, with perfectly mitered corners and a plump, tailored silhouette. The reverse of each pillow is upholstered in a sumptuous, solid aquamarine velvet — incredibly soft, rich, and luminous — offering a calm, versatile second styling option and confirming the custom designer workroom finish. Ideal for a sophisticated statement on a cream bouclé sofa...
Cotton, Velvet
Antique Italian Ecclesiastical Silk Embroidery Panel, 17th–18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and richly ornamented antique silk embroidered textile, likely of Italian origin, dating to the late 17th to early 18th century, originally created for ecclesia...
Metallic Thread
16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Crafted from an authentic 16th Century Brussels tapestry, this extraordinary lumbar pillow represents over four centuries of European textile artistry. Woven by Flemish master weaver...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Italian Renaissance Style Gold Damask Fringe Valance
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style single gold damask valance with fringe. Antique condition, so wear and fraying.
Damask
16th Century Brussels Flemish Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A remarkable example of Renaissance textile artistry, this 16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow is fashioned from an authentic Flemish tapestry fragment dating to the late R...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Abstract Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow featuring an expressive and free-flowing pattern that departs from traditional rigid symmetry. The design is composed of layered, linear forms...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Rare Antique Embroidered Velvet Pillow with Gold and Silver Threads, Venice 1590
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and magnificent Italian Venetian pillow dating to circa 1590, showcasing the opulence and artistry of late Renaissance textiles from Venice, Italy. This exquis...
Gold, Silver
16th Century Brussels Renaissance Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment reflects the celebrated verdure style that made Flemish workshops among Europe's finest textile produc...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Italian Renaissance Velvet Shield Banner, Hand-Crafted, Circa 1850
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style (19th Century) beige and green shield shaped hanging banner with velvet trim.
Velvet
Lot of Cushions in Tapestry and Velvet from 17 ° to 19 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of cushions made with pieces of tapestry, borders and chasubles.
Wool, Velvet
16th Century Brussels Floral Renaissance Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment displays the refined floral and verdure motifs that made Flemish textiles among Europe's most celebrat...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A rare sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment in a beautifully balanced palette of deep slate blue muted forest green olive warm taupe soft beige and faded cocoa brown. Subtle ...
Wool, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Created from a genuine Brussels tapestry fragment dating to the late 16th century, this pillow showcases the bold botanical aesthetic that defined Flemish Verdure tapestries during t...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Renaissance Fruit Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment reflects the decorative fruit and vine motifs commonly associated with Flemish workshops of the 16th c...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Verdure and Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A rare 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow created from an antique verdure tapestry fragment, featuring a richly detailed floral arrangement woven in the classic Flemish tradition....
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional decorative pillow crafted from a fragment of a 16th century Brussels tapestry, showcasing the refined artistry and naturalistic elegance that made Flemish weaving amon...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
This exceptional decorative pillow has been crafted from an authentic 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment, showcasing a richly detailed Renaissance floral composition. Elegant bl...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Renaissance Brussels Tapestry Pillow, 16th Century, Decorative Textile
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional Renaissance-era Brussels tapestry fragment, repurposed into a decorative pillow, dating to the 16th century. The design showcases bold flowing drapery and abstracted f...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow Abstract Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
An authentic 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment transformed into a pillow, now defined by its heavily faded abstract appearance. The original scene has worn down almost entirely...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Renaissance Pattern
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long decorative pillow showcasing an expressive tapestry composition built from overlapping organic forms and soft, undulating lines. The design features a vertical band of muted b...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow Softened Abstract Heraldic Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
This 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow is made from an antique Flemish fragment that has gracefully aged into a subtle and highly textural decorative piece. The original Renaissa...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Flowing Renaissance Motif
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long rectangular pillow showcasing a tapestry design composed of fluid, abstract forms that merge and overlap across the surface. The composition is anchored by a central area of m...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Renaissance Tapestry Fragment Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Created from an original 16th-century Brussels tapestry fragment, this exceptional lumbar pillow preserves a rare piece of Flemish textile history while offering a functional decorat...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Pairs of Italian Renaissance Style Scarlet Velvet Embroidered Drapes
Located in Queens, NY
3 PAIRS of Italian Renaissance style (19th Century) scarlet velvet drapes with silver & gold thread embroidered border and tasseled fringe (measurements per panel) (PRICED PER PA...
Gold
Italian Renaissance Brown Velvet Drapes with Metallic Embroidery
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Renaissance style brown velvet drapes embroidered with heavy metallic thread (PRICED AS PAIR).
Metal
16th Century Antique Brussels Fruit Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment depicting stylized fruit and foliage in a beautifully aged palette of deep indigo muted teal warm sand beige golden tan an...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Italian Renaissance Style Brown Velvet Metallic Thread Drape
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style single brown velvet drape with wide metallic thread & velvet border. Antique condition, some wear.
Metal
16th Century Renaissance Brussels Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Renaissance Brussels Verdure and Floral Tapestry Pillow Fashioned from a rare 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment, this decorative pillow showcases a beautifully balanced compos...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Figural Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long rectangular pillow featuring a tapestry design characterized by flowing, abstract figural elements that create a sense of motion across the textile. The pattern is composed of...
Wool
Italian Renaissance Gold Velvet Banner, Hand-Crafted, Circa 1890
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style (19/20th Century) gold velvet hanging banner with damask and embroidered curved bottom
Fabric
Lot of Table Runners Made from Old Fabrics and Tapestries from the 17-19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of table runners made with fragments of tapestry, borders, silk brocade and chasubles. We sell them separately. . +- 200 Pieces at various prices depending on the model, cond...
Wool, Silk