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.
$2,629Sale Price|50% Off
17th Century French Renaissance Hand-Carved Front Section of a Built in Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful carved Renaissance front section was a part of a built in cabinet. The carvings are typical for Bretagne area in France and it can be ...
Oak
4 Stained Glass of Painter of the Flemish Renaissance and Their Painting
Located in Brussels, Brussels
- Magnificent set of 4 windows of the 19th century representing the great painters of the Flemish Renaissance. At the top of each stained-glass window are men playing guitar, smokin...
Glass
Stained Glass Panel
Located in Antwerp, BE
Offering this stunning stained glass panel on chain. In the shape of a floral tree with various colors and pattern. Also have many shades of green,...
Stained Glass
Antique Stained Glass Window of Saint Edmund
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique ecclesiastical stained glass window of Saint Edmund reclaimed from Beeleigh Abbey. This dramatic stained glass window reads 'Saint Edmund’ on a religious scroll. Competent...
Glass, Stained Glass, Wood, Pine
$4,109 / set
H 61.03 in W 38.19 in D 0.79 in
Henry LHOTELLIER (1908-1993) 2 abstract stained glass windows with their frame
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Henry LHOTELLIER (1908-1993) 2 abstract stained glass windows with their frame circa 1970
Glass
$3,362
H 68.51 in W 24.41 in D 2.37 in
19th C Italian White and Gold Religious Stained Glass Church Panel
Located in Hastings, GB
A very beautiful carved wooden stained glass panel, highly decorative with water gilding and stained glass panelling. Dating to the early 19th century, Italy, the panel has eight...
Gesso, Stained Glass, Wood
French 17th Century and Later Cabinet on Stand
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An ornately-carved walnut 17th century and later French cabinet on stand, the top with a pair of carved doors and paneled carved sides with co...
Walnut
$28,750
H 93 in W 60 in D 1 in
Large Italian Stained Glass Vitreaux Window *The Presentation of the Virgin Mary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Large Stained Glass and Hand-Painted Vitreaux Panel depicting "The Presentation of the Virgin Mary", also called Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, feast celebrated in the Roman Catholic and Eastern churches on November 21, depicts the Mother of God’s entrance into the Temple. It was held in the Eastern church in the 6th century but did not become widely accepted in the West until the 15th century. The finely executed colorful stained glass panel beautifully displays the presentation of the child Mary in the temple...
Stained Glass
17th Century Italian Tortoiseshell Table Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
17th century Ebonized case with parcel gilt decoration, iron handles and hinges. Fitted interior with inset tortoiseshell panels surrounded by brass filigree inlaid ebonized wood drawer and door fronts. Faux painted architectural columns on either side of center door which opens to reveal an additional set of small drawers. A rare early cabinet...
Tortoise Shell
19th Century, French Renaissance Walnut Cabinet
Located in Hixson, TN
An astounding French Renaissance walnut cabinet with superb detailed carvings. This piece is not only striking but its large. The top has a v...
Walnut
Late 19th Century Renaissance Style Carved Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique carved cabinet having a central marquetry inlaid door panel with high relief carved rope design flanked by carved figural columns, panel...
Wood
17th Century Spanish Renaissance Vargueno in Walnut & Wrought Iron
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish Renaissance style (17th Century and Later) wrought iron mounted walnut vargueno on later stand with a fall front enclosing 3 long drawers.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Amber and White Stained Glass Window Panels
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of vintage stained glass panels features a bold geometric design crafted with rich amber-colored textured glass and opaque white glass accents. Each panel is framed in lead...
Glass
$9,500
H 25.2 in W 19.49 in D 9.06 in
An Italian Renaissance Style Walnut Studiolo Cabinet, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Italian Renaissance Style Walnut Studiolo Cabinet, 17th Century Description: A renaissance style studiolo of architectural form in walnut, the exterior entablature with risen gal...
Walnut
Sold
H 40.25 in W 18 in D 1.25 in
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Pitch Pine Panel Double Faced, Linen Fold
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 19th century French pitch pine panel features an intricately hand carved linen fold motif. Double faced, this piece may be viewed from both sides. Architectural fragment as...
Pine
Italian Renaissance Style Coat of Arms Wall Carvings
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style (19th century) carved oak vertical coat of arms wall carving with 2 griffins centering a helmet above 3 crowns.
Oak
Pair of 17th Century Renaissance Style Carved Panels from France
Located in Dallas, TX
These phenomenal hand-carved architectural panels date to the 1600s. They are completely carved in relief, and they are in the Renaissance style with motifs of scrolling rinceaux at ...
Wood