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.
17th Century French Renaissance Silver and Gold Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning mirror from the French Renaissance. This period was the cultural and artistic movement in France and is clearly depicted in the hand carved detailing of drapes, scrolling acanthus with religious angel...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,500 / item
Hand Carved Poplar Mirror Renaisance Style Frame
Located in New York, NY
Hand Carved Poplar Mirror Renaissance Style Frame H. 53" x W. 41"
Pine
Gilded Mirror With Acanthus Leaf Decoration, 17th-century Italian Inspiration
Located in Paris, FR
Patinated gilded mirror in wood and stucco decorated with stylized acanthus leaf friezes inspired by 17th century Italian Renaissance. Gilding to the leaf. Made by Atelier RTCD...
Mirror, Stucco, Giltwood
Antique Carved Wood Round Mirror, Renaissance Style, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Antique wood round mirror Renaissance style, 1930 period. Antique carved wood. Adorned with columns, balusters, shells, macaroon. Antique glass mirr...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Rare Italian Venetian Etched Floral Glass Wall Mirror, Set of 2
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Rare Italian Venetian Etched floral glass wall mirror - set of 2 Beautiful Rare Venetian etched glass mirrors with hand blown glass dec...
Glass, Blown Glass
$2,982 / set
H 23.23 in W 12.6 in D 1.97 in
Decorative Pair of Gilded Antique Flemish Mirrors, Europe 19th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A beautiful pair of gilded antique mirrors with old facetted glass. The mirrors originate from Holland, 19th century and are in ornamented baro...
Brass, Tin
Wall Mirror 'Saturn 2310a' Vintage Style 'Glass Frame'
Located in Paris, IDF
Small wall mirror (many models available: different shapes, sizes and colors). "Saturn 2310a" Measures: 22,5 x 9.5 cm. Made from vintage glass bowls. Specially developed and ...
Glass, Mirror
Vintage Balinese Hand-Carved, Polychromed Mirror, c. 1950
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This mirror was crafted on the island of Bali around the mid-20th Century and features wonderful Balinese carved detailing and a red, black & gold polychrome finish. There is a wall ...
Wood
$1,600
H 55 in W 31.5 in D 2.75 in
Green Painted Continental Eglomise Mirror with Neoclassical Decoration
Located in Essex, MA
A green-painted continental eglomise wall mirror with black column supports and gilded hoof feet. It is decorated at the top with crossed gilt arrows and qu...
Mirror, Wood
Italian 19th Century Venetian Oval Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely Venetian mirror from Italy, oval in shape with an intricate crown. The original plate is heavily foxed which adds intrigue, a sense of mystery to the reflection (best for di...
Mirror
18th Century Italian Walnut Octogonal Mirror
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A late 18th century Italian walnut octagonal mirror. Apart from minor restorations this mirror is in pristine condition and can be hanged in two directions.
Walnut
Antique Italian Venetian Etched Glass Mirror
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique Italian Venetian etched glass mirror, dating from around the 1900-1920 period. The quality is excellent, this is beautifully made with a gorgeous design. There ar...
Glass
French Hand Mirror Frame in Rattan Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Midcentury rattan hand mirror, French, circa 1970. Good vintage condition Shipping: L22 P2 H38 0.340kg.
Rattan, Mirror
Wall Mirrors 'Saturn' Vintage Style 'Glass Frame'
Located in Paris, IDF
Small wall mirrors. Many models available: different shapes, sizes and colors. Measures: Diameter between 12.5 cm and 21.5 cm Prices from 210€ to 315€ Made from vintage glas...
Glass, Mirror
Venetian Mirror With Etched Decorated Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive Venetian mirror with superb form and etched design. Please study the detail photos as there are flower petal, pin, and other losses that we are recommending re...
Glass, Mirror
Large Carved Wood Mirror with Scale Detail
Located in Miami, FL
A very large mirror. The thick frame is solid teak with carved scales design. Note the bevel on the mirror and please do not overlook the fact that ...
Wood
Art Deco Venetian Style Wall Mirror C. 1930 - 1950's
By André Marchand
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous High Style Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, Venetian style mirror in the manner of Marchand. This example features scalloped mirrored edging, and mirror trim which surrounds th...
Mirror
Gilt and Carved Dragon Form 19th Century Mirror
Located in Norwood, NJ
Wonderfully carved and gilt dragon form mirror. Northern Italian 19th century in the Renaissance style. beveled mirror held between the hands/claws and tail
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Sold
H 34.25 in W 49 in D 21.75 in
Antique Italian Renaissance Style Deeply Carved Walnut Console & Mirror, c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Italian Renaissance style console set offers walnut construction with parclose wall mirror having carved shell and foliate crest over marble top table having deeply carved...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 13.98 in W 4.34 in D 1.19 in
Carved Giltwood Renaissance Style Mini Sized Mirror with Crest, 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stylish Renaissance style small oval mirror with a beautiful floral crest and beveled glass, Spain, 1930s. This piece it is unusual due to its size. It wears its original antique beveled glass mirror...
Gold Leaf
Italian Renaissance Style Trompe L'oeil Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Highly detailed hand painted sepia tone Italian Renaissance style trompe l'oeil mirror with lovely antique finish.
Wood
Antique Italian Renaissance Walnut Hall Tree
Located in Dallas, TX
Soaring to almost 9 feet tall, this Antique Italian Renaissance Walnut Hall Tree will make any entryway impressive! Sculpted by master artisans with ...
Sold
H 11.38 in W 7.5 in D 1 in
Petite Pair of Original Eighteenth Century Italian Gilt Diamond Shaped Mirrors
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Elegant, sophisticated and rustic chic, this pair of 18th century mirrors offers not only these fine accouterments but, offer themselves i...
Glass, Gesso, Wood
A Renaissance Mirror from France
Located in Hixson, TN
A very nice french Renaissance mirror with broken arched pediment. Black finish with gold highlights.