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.
18th C. Italian Baroque Cassone or Blanket Chest
Located in Sheffield, MA
A wonderfully rustic early Italian hand carved cassone with egg and dart moulded frame, time-softened wood and solid panels on the front and sides. Although this chest has suffered w...
Wood
Danish, Mid-20th Century, Carved Oak Footstool with Red Leather Seat, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant antique-style stool or footstool, this piece features a finely carved wooden frame and traditional detailing that evokes the refined aesthetics of the Neo-Renaissance peri...
Metal
$595 / item
Small Chippendale Bench
Located in Annville, PA
The Small Chippendale Bench is a hand carved, Chippendale style bench carved from solid, kiln dried, plantation grown, mahogany and features an upholstered slip seat on cabriole legs and ball and claw feet. Beautifully finished with neutral upholstery the Niagara Furniture...
Mahogany
Catalan Baroque Carved Walnut Cassone or Trunk, 18th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Catalan Baroque carved walnut cassone or trunk, 18th century.
Iron
$4,000 / set
H 19.25 in W 23.5 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern, Footstools, Beige Shearling, Mahogany, Italy, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern, Footstools or Ottomans, Beige Sheepskin, Mahogany, Italy, 1950s A pair of Italian modernist footstools or ottomans from the 1950s, newly upholstered in g...
Sheepskin, Mahogany
18th Century Dutch Baroque Style Pine Mule Blanket Chest
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome 18th century carved pine blanket chest in the Dutch baroque style with a paneled façade and storage space. Crafted in a rustic Baroque alpine Central European style, likel...
Iron
Pair of Claw Foot Stools in the style of Thomas Chippendale
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A carved mahogany, upholstered stool in the mid Georgian manner with shell carved knees, acanthus decoration and hairy paw feet. We are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time.
Wood
18th Century French Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Blanket Chest
Located in Astoria, NY
Magnificent 18th-century French carved chest coffer sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features an intricately hand-carved linenfold compos...
Walnut
$5,950Sale Price|52% Off
H 29.38 in W 71 in D 27 in
Italian 19th Century Baroque Style Carved Walnut Figural Cassone Chest-Trunk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Italian 19th century Baroque Revival style carved walnut figural Cassone chest-trunk. The ornately carved chest, also known as a marriage chest, with ...
Wrought Iron
Classic Antique Style Bench
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant Empire style bench in walnut. Canes seat and sides, generous size-44" wide. Practical and sturdy.
Walnut
Mid 18th Century Floral Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Vo', Veneto
Tyrolean painted chest H. 81 – W. 147 – P. 69 Ancient Tyrolean chest, entirely built in fir wood. The surface has been decorated with a dark brown background color, semi-covering, ...
Fir
Hobbit Poodle Footstool in Red Oak
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Use a foot-stool in the kitchen to reach that top shelf, by the fireplace to peek inside the Christmas stocking, or at the back door to sit on when you change your shoes. The Poodle ...
Hardwood, Oak
18th Century American Pine Decorated Blanket Chest
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century American pine decorated blanket chest, probably from New England, circa 1770 having a dovetailed case on wide bracket feet, the li...
Pine
$3,098Sale Price|25% Off
H 24.41 in W 66.93 in D 22.84 in
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Blanket Chest in Solid Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are pleased to present this refined antique Italian chest dating back to the early 18th century. Crafted from solid walnut, this chest boasts a sturdy construction that ensures du...
Walnut
Pair Antique Footstools or Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair antique footstools or benches on casters with floral upholstery. Good condition overall with slight finish loss due to age and use. Can be...
Hardwood
Sold
H 17 in W 19.75 in D 9.5 in
Antique French Bench Stool Gothic Renaissance Carved Oak Trestle Fleur de lis
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Bench Stool Gothic Renaissance Carved Oak Trestle Fleur de lis. Direct from France, a highly carved antique oak bench or stool. Superb hand carvings and craftsmanship...
Oak
19th Century, Renaissance Footstool with Velvet and Carved Gryffins
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century, Renaissance footstool with velvet and carved gryffins is ideal for the masculine decor, and features artistic sculptures of the fearsome mythical beast that was a cross...
Velvet, Oak