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Renaissance Seating

RENAISSANCE STYLE

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.

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Style: Renaissance
Renaissance style Chairs Made In Oak With Green Fabric From 1930s
Renaissance style Chairs Made In Oak With Green Fabric From 1930s

Renaissance style Chairs Made In Oak With Green Fabric From 1930s

Located in Lejre, DK

The two oak chairs in Renaissance style, upholstered with green velour fabric from the 1930s, are exquisite examples of vintage furniture with timeless app...

Category

1930s Danish Vintage Renaissance Seating

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Oak

Antique Renaissance Revival Lion Northwind Carved Walnut Figural Side Chair
Antique Renaissance Revival Lion Northwind Carved Walnut Figural Side Chair

Antique Renaissance Revival Lion Northwind Carved Walnut Figural Side Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Renaissance Revival Lion Northwind Carved Walnut Figural Side Chair. Item features pierced carved scrollwork back, lion/northwind carved face, nailhead trim, solid wood const...

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th C. Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut High Back Side Chairs - a Pair
Antique 19th C. Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut High Back Side Chairs - a Pair

Antique 19th C. Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut High Back Side Chairs - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pair of Antique 19th C. Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut High Back Side Chairs. Item features a stretcher base, solid wood frame, nicely carved details, very nice antique item. Circ...

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Stylized, Carved Walnut Armchair/Throne in Blue Upholstery, 1960s-1980s
Stylized, Carved Walnut Armchair/Throne in Blue Upholstery, 1960s-1980s

Stylized, Carved Walnut Armchair/Throne in Blue Upholstery, 1960s-1980s

Located in Opole, PL

Stylized, Carved Walnut Armchair/Throne in Blue Upholstery, 1960s-1980s This striking piece is a fusion of historic elegance and bold design. Crafted from rich walnut wood, the armc...

Category

20th Century Dutch Renaissance Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs
18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs

Located in Hixson, TN

A marvelous 18th century Italian writing table with the three chairs from Florence, Italy. This desk is an example of country Italian furniture. Simple but elegant. Strong but utilit...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Jacobean Style Armchair
Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Jacobean Style Armchair

Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Jacobean Style Armchair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Italian Renaissance carved walnut Jacobean style armchair. Item includes pierce carved stretcher base, solid wood construction, upholstered bac...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

6 Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Oak Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs
6 Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Oak Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs

6 Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Oak Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

6 antique Italian Renaissance carved oakwood upholstered dining chairs. Listing features (5) side chairs, (1) armchair, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, finely carved d...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Seating

Materials

Naugahyde, Oak

PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Centuty
PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Centuty

PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Centuty

Located in Madrid, ES

PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Centuty Portuguese D. Maria style, in carved and gilded wood. Upholstered in fabric in burgundy tones. Signs of use. Dim.: 106 x 62 x 62 cm. or...

Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Hand-Carved English Renaissance Side Chair with Red Velvet Upholstery
Hand-Carved English Renaissance Side Chair with Red Velvet Upholstery

Hand-Carved English Renaissance Side Chair with Red Velvet Upholstery

Located in Queens, NY

English Renaissance style oak carved side chair with a square back and stretcher with red velvet upholstered seat and back

Category

20th Century British Renaissance Seating

Materials

Oak

English Renaissance Walnut Bench, 19th Century, Red Velvet Seat, 1850
English Renaissance Walnut Bench, 19th Century, Red Velvet Seat, 1850

English Renaissance Walnut Bench, 19th Century, Red Velvet Seat, 1850

Located in Queens, NY

English Renaissance style (19th Century) 6 legged walnut bench with stretcher and red velvet upholstered seat.

Category

19th Century British Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Seventeenth Century Italian Chairs
Pair of Seventeenth Century Italian Chairs

Pair of Seventeenth Century Italian Chairs

Located in London, England

A sumptuous pair of seventeenth century Italian walnut chairs, the backs surmounted by carved and gilt finials with red velvet seats and backs, wit...

Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Velvet

Set of Two Armchairs and Seven Chairs Portugal, late 19th century
Set of Two Armchairs and Seven Chairs Portugal, late 19th century

Set of Two Armchairs and Seven Chairs Portugal, late 19th century

Located in Madrid, ES

Set of two armchairs and seven chairs Portuguese, late 19th century, made of rosewood. Open backs, leather seats with studs. Dimensions: (armchair) 125 x 64 x 51 cm; (chair) 116 x...

Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Armchair, "frailero" or friar. Wood, leather. Spain, 16th century.
Armchair, "frailero" or friar. Wood, leather. Spain, 16th century.

Armchair, "frailero" or friar. Wood, leather. Spain, 16th century.

Located in Madrid, ES

Friar armchair. Walnut wood, leather. Spain, 16th century. Armchair with arms and high back of the type known as “frailero”, which has leather with studs on the seat and upper part ...

Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Other

17th Century Renaissance Sgabello Walnut Chair
17th Century Renaissance Sgabello Walnut Chair

17th Century Renaissance Sgabello Walnut Chair

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

Beautiful 17th century (1650-1680) Sgabello. The countries where this could originate are located in and around the Alps. So Switzerland, Austria, Southern Germany, and Northern Ita...

Category

17th Century Swiss Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Henri II Walnut Stool Early 17th Century
Henri II Walnut Stool Early 17th Century

Henri II Walnut Stool Early 17th Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Lovely and rare Henri II style stool in walnut from the early 17th century from France. A rare piece consisting of four balusters resting on a base . Very beautiful octagonal top it ...

Category

17th Century French Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Renaissance Walnut Armchair with Red Velvet Upholstery
Spanish Renaissance Walnut Armchair with Red Velvet Upholstery

Spanish Renaissance Walnut Armchair with Red Velvet Upholstery

Located in Queens, NY

Spanish Renaissance (17th Century) walnut armchair with filigree front stretcher, scroll finial on back, and red velvet seat and back.

Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Italian Early 17th Century Painted Renaissance Cassone
Italian Early 17th Century Painted Renaissance Cassone

Italian Early 17th Century Painted Renaissance Cassone

Located in Troy, NY

Italian Early 17th Century Painted Renaissance Cassone. Charming, painted cassone with a lift top, the rounded front decorated with pastoral scenes, ni...

Category

Early 1600s Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Italian Renaissance Wooden Side Chair with Lion Crest, 20th Century
Italian Renaissance Wooden Side Chair with Lion Crest, 20th Century

Italian Renaissance Wooden Side Chair with Lion Crest, 20th Century

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Renaissance-style carved wooden chair with spiral turned front legs and stretcher, rear saber legs, and a back featuring a painted white crest with a central black lion.  

Category

20th Century Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

3 Italian Renaissance style (17th Cent) green and gold painted & carved ladder b
3 Italian Renaissance style (17th Cent) green and gold painted & carved ladder b

3 Italian Renaissance style (17th Cent) green and gold painted & carved ladder b

Located in Queens, NY

3 Italian Renaissance style (17th Cent) green and gold painted & carved ladder back high back side chairs with rush seat. (PRICED EACH)

Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Rush, Wood

Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Benches, Black Painted, Circa 1940s
Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Benches, Black Painted, Circa 1940s

Italian Renaissance Wrought Iron Benches, Black Painted, Circa 1940s

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of Italian Renaissance style (1940s) black painted wrought iron benches with cross form "X" legs with a stretcher having a round medallion supporting an open woven saddle seat (...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

16th Century Italian Armchair with Carved and Gilded Friezes, Firenze
16th Century Italian Armchair with Carved and Gilded Friezes, Firenze

16th Century Italian Armchair with Carved and Gilded Friezes, Firenze

Located in Prato, IT

Florence, late 16th century Restored New padding Typical Renaissance Florentine "Seggiolone" Dimensions: cm W66 x D63 x H140.

Category

16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Six French Renaissance Dining Chairs
Set of Six French Renaissance Dining Chairs

Set of Six French Renaissance Dining Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful set of Six French Renaissance Dining Chairs chairs in oak wood from the end of the 19th century. These chairs rest on four fluted legs c...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century Set of Six Tuscany Renaissance Chairs, Hand-Carved Walnut
Early 20th Century Set of Six Tuscany Renaissance Chairs, Hand-Carved Walnut

Early 20th Century Set of Six Tuscany Renaissance Chairs, Hand-Carved Walnut

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Early 20th century set of six Tuscany Renaissance chairs in hand-carved walnut, spring seat upholstered in ocher-colored velvet. The chairs are still usabl...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Renaissance chair with heraldic emblems of the Szontágh de Igló et Zabar family
Renaissance chair with heraldic emblems of the Szontágh de Igló et Zabar family

Renaissance chair with heraldic emblems of the Szontágh de Igló et Zabar family

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Renaissance chair with heraldic emblems of the Szontágh de Igló et Zabar family in excellent original condition.

Category

18th Century Slovak Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Carved Walnut Armchair
18th Century Italian Carved Walnut Armchair

18th Century Italian Carved Walnut Armchair

Located in Hudson, NY

This lovely large single chair made in Italy perhaps the Tuscan region in the late 18th cnetury is crafted from fine walnut with a deep rich color and patina. The large deeply carved and decorated arms join uprights that are also carved and decorated the whole is set up and joined to a large center carved front and side stretchers . The construction is peg supported throughout & newly upholstered in a Quadrille fine linen. The upholstery is also enhanced by large cast bronze decorative tacks in several sizes and trimmed out in old bullion trim...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Bronze

Italian Renaissance Chair
Italian Renaissance Chair

Italian Renaissance Chair

Located in New York, NY

Over the course of five centuries of use, this Italian Renaissance walnut chair has acquired a rich patina. Its austere form is relie...

Category

16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Armchair 17th Century in Walnut
Spanish Armchair 17th Century in Walnut

Spanish Armchair 17th Century in Walnut

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Elegant Spanish Renaissance armchair from the early 17th century in walnut with a high back claw feet Very beautiful seat with a beauti...

Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

IMPORTANT PAIR OF 18th Century PORTUGUESE STATE CHAIRS
IMPORTANT PAIR OF 18th Century PORTUGUESE STATE CHAIRS

IMPORTANT PAIR OF 18th Century PORTUGUESE STATE CHAIRS

Located in Madrid, ES

IMPORTANT PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY PORTUGUESE STATE CHAIRS Portuguese, from 18th century in rosewood and other woods, back with hollow tables. Upholstered seats. Small defects. Dim...

Category

Early 18th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Bench European Carvings 18th Century Rare Europe
Bench European Carvings 18th Century Rare Europe

Bench European Carvings 18th Century Rare Europe

Located in New York, NY

Bench rare European carvings 18th century rare Europe. A very rare bench made during 18th century in Europe. A few parts have been restored.  

Category

Early 18th Century European Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Friar armchair (frailero). Walnut wood, textile. Spain, 16th century.
Friar armchair (frailero). Walnut wood, textile. Spain, 16th century.

Friar armchair (frailero). Walnut wood, textile. Spain, 16th century.

Located in Madrid, ES

Friar armchair. Walnut wood, textile, metal. Spain, 16th century. Has defects. Armchair with arms and high back of the type known as “frailero”, which has a textile upholstery with...

Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Armchair with Arms of the Seventeenth Period
Armchair with Arms of the Seventeenth Period

Armchair with Arms of the Seventeenth Period

Located in Marseille, FR

Armchair with arms of the seventeenth century in walnut covered with striped velvet. Good condition of tapestry. Some grafts and old restorations. Dimension height 90 cm for a width ...

Category

17th Century Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of six walnut "spool" chairs - Late 17th / Early 18th century
Set of six walnut "spool" chairs - Late 17th / Early 18th century

Set of six walnut "spool" chairs - Late 17th / Early 18th century

Located in Vicenza, IT

Elegant group of six "spool" chairs, made of turned walnut, dating from the late 17th-early 18th century. The provenance can be traced to the Veneto area or, alternatively, to Emilia...

Category

17th Century European Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wool, Wood

18th century, Two of Tuscany Walnut Stools
18th century, Two of Tuscany Walnut Stools

18th century, Two of Tuscany Walnut Stools

Located in IT

A pair of walnut stools, Tuscany, early 18th century Dimensions: left: D 43 x W 27.5 x H 107 cm; seat height 55 cm Right: D 44 x W 27 x H 101.5 cm; seat height 50.5 cm These two st...

Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut

PAIR OF PORTUGUESE CHAIRS D. JOSÉ 19th Century ROSEWOOD
PAIR OF PORTUGUESE CHAIRS D. JOSÉ 19th Century ROSEWOOD

PAIR OF PORTUGUESE CHAIRS D. JOSÉ 19th Century ROSEWOOD

Located in Madrid, ES

PAIR OF PORTUGUESE CHAIRS D. JOSÉ 19th Century in rosewood, carved. Backrests decorated with "rocaille" elements. Upholstered seats. Signs of use. Dim.: 100 x 46 x 42 cm good condit...

Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Pair of Italian Arm Chairs, circa 1800
Pair of Italian Arm Chairs, circa 1800

Pair of Italian Arm Chairs, circa 1800

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tooled leather paneled backs with scroll finals, having straight arm supports above a leather and brass trim seat raised on square legs joined a g...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Eight Portuguese Chairs and Canape, 18th Century in Oilwood
Eight Portuguese Chairs and Canape, 18th Century in Oilwood

Eight Portuguese Chairs and Canape, 18th Century in Oilwood

Located in Madrid, ES

Eight Portuguese Chairs and Canape 18th Century In oilwood, cut and pierced "Amphora" backrests, fabric seats.Small defects and different sofa fabric. Dim.: (chairs) 98 x 50 x 43 c...

Category

Early 18th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Chair Backstool Set of 5 Renaissance Oak English Architectural Velvet Sage Green
Chair Backstool Set of 5 Renaissance Oak English Architectural Velvet Sage Green

Chair Backstool Set of 5 Renaissance Oak English Architectural Velvet Sage Green

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

A set of exceptionally rare, English, late-Renaissance, oak, architectural, backstools upholstered in a sage green 19th century Renaissance-revival velvet - The architectural insp...

Category

Early 1600s English Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Oak

Oak Stool
Oak Stool

Oak Stool

$1,117

Oak Stool

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Exquisite early 19th-century English oak stool in the High Period style. A rare collector's item with a superb turned base. Beautiful rectangular top with a curved edge. Suitable a...

Category

19th Century British Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Oak

PORTUGUESE CHAIR LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Century
PORTUGUESE CHAIR LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Century

PORTUGUESE CHAIR LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

PORTUGUESE CHAIR LOUIS XV STYLE 19th Century in mahogany wood seats, armrests and back in straw. Small defects. Dim.: 113 x 66 x 60 cm. good conditions

Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Wood

Italian Renaissance Walnut Arm Chair
Italian Renaissance Walnut Arm Chair

Italian Renaissance Walnut Arm Chair

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Renaissance Savanarola style walnut arm chair with gold velvet back and red and gold cut velvet seat (19th cent).    

Category

19th Century Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Gold

Italian Renaissance Side Chairs Set of 4, Oak with Black Leather, 1851
Italian Renaissance Side Chairs Set of 4, Oak with Black Leather, 1851

Italian Renaissance Side Chairs Set of 4, Oak with Black Leather, 1851

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 4 Italian Renaissance style oak high backed side chairs with black tufted leather backs & seats on porcelain casters (casters sgnd: R.Comb/Goodyear/1851)

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Oak, Leather

19 / 20th C. Antique Italian Renaissance, Wood, Savonarola, Chairs, Set of 2!
19 / 20th C. Antique Italian Renaissance, Wood, Savonarola, Chairs, Set of 2!

19 / 20th C. Antique Italian Renaissance, Wood, Savonarola, Chairs, Set of 2!

Located in Austin, TX

Charming Set of Chairs, Savonarola, Set of 2, Italian Renaissance, Wood, 19th / 20th Century, 1800's to 1900's!! Add a touch of Italian Renaissance to your home decor with this set of 2 antique...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Renaissance Style, Northern Italian Chairs
Renaissance Style, Northern Italian Chairs

Renaissance Style, Northern Italian Chairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of richly hand-carved walnut armchairs with faces and foliate details.

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Set of Four Italian Early 19th Century Walnut and Leather Throne Chairs
Set of Four Italian Early 19th Century Walnut and Leather Throne Chairs

Set of Four Italian Early 19th Century Walnut and Leather Throne Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A handsome and most impressive set of four Italian early 19th century Renaissance st. walnut and pressed leather throne armchairs. Each chair is raised by straight square legs connec...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of French 19th Century Renaissance St. Walnut and Giltwood Armchairs
Pair of French 19th Century Renaissance St. Walnut and Giltwood Armchairs

Pair of French 19th Century Renaissance St. Walnut and Giltwood Armchairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A handsome pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. walnut and giltwood armchairs. Each chair is raised by elegant circular tapered turned legs with fine bun feet and connected by...

Category

19th Century French Antique Renaissance Seating

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

Renaissance seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Vanleigh Furniture, Coduri of Lyon, France, and Dante Savonarola . It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $324 and tops out at $110,955 while the average work can sell for $3,250.