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.
$1,040 / item
Small Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
This petite sized Small Bookcase from Niagara Furniture features good vertical storage in a narrow space. The simple yet elegant design makes it useful...
Mahogany
$776,771Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptionel Bookcase Forming Desk, by G. Grohé, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional neo Renaissance bookcase forming desk. This monumental piece consists in a lower part forming drop-front desk supported by two pillars with drawers. The lateral parts each open with a moulded door. The bookcase occupies the upper part, opening by four windows...
Wood
$2,365 / item
Mahogany Two Door Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Two Door Bookcase from Niagara Furniture can be used to display your most valued collectables. This bookcase is a perfect size to fit i...
Glass, Mahogany
$895 / item
Country Estate Revolving Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
A Country Estate Revolving Bookcase from Niagara Furniture with full grain leather top with a shaped molding surround, over top three dovetailed drawers and numerous supported storag...
Wood
$7,350Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century French Renaissance Two-Tiered Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque
Located in Dallas, TX
Steeped in the romance and grandeur of the late 19th century, this impressive French Renaissance Revival bookcase was originally created for a Normandy château, where its monumental ...
Brass
Antique French Pair of Renaissance Carved Bookcases Display Cabinets Oak c.1900
Located in Tyler, TX
OUTSTANDING Beautifully Carved Pair of Antique French Renaissance Revival Bookcases or Display Cabinets in Oak~~c. 1900s ~~HARD TO FIND IN PAIRS~~ Each cabinet featu...
Oak, Glass
Four Door Bookcase with Wooden Doors
Located in Annville, PA
Our version of a breakfront bookcase, this is the Niagara Furniture Four Door Bookcase with Wooden Doors. The shape of the piece with the center section protruding past the side sect...
Mahogany
Library in the neo-renaissance style, circa 1890.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Library in the neo-renaissance style, circa 1890. Very good condition. Wood: oak dimensions: height 253 cm width 165 cm depth 56 cm
Oak, Glass
Painted Antique Renaissance Style French Bibliotheque Deux Corps
Located in Dallas, TX
This fabulous parcel paint bibliotheque or buffet a deux corps from Southwest France was created in the 19th Century, largely with 17th Century elements. The large variety motifs whi...
Glass, Oak
Antique French Bookcase Cabinet Carved Oak Black Forest Renaissance Glass
Located in Choudrant, LA
Superb 19th century Antique French Dark Oak “Hunt Cabinet”, Bookcase, Vitrine or Display Cabinet! Direct from France, and one of several exquisite glass door bookcase/cabinets from...
Glass, Oak
19th C. French Renaissance Carved Walnut Marble Top Bookcase Buffet Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th Century French Renaissance Walnut Bookcase Sideboard Buffet Hutch Cabinet. Item features an ornately carved upper gallery, two upper glass front cabinet doors, twisted columns,...
Marble
Library, France, around 1890.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Library, France, circa 1890. Very good condition. Wood: oak dimensions: height 278 cm x width 222 cm x depth 62cm
Glass, Oak
Pair of Bookcase Cabinets, circa 1860, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of bookcase cabinets. Made with walnut. Very decorative piece with elephants carved in the wood. Three shelves made with glass. Very...
Walnut
From $780 / item
+ 3 moreH 29.53 in W 10.24 in D 4.73 in
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Small Bookcase
By Bruno Rainaldi, Opinion Ciatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the freestanding bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as a...
Steel
$239
H 42.33 in W 19.1 in D 13.55 in
Vintage 4 Tier Freestanding Corner Whatnot Shelves Bookcase Display Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Here we have for sale this vintage 4 tier freestanding corner Whatnot bookcase, shelves, display stand. Perfect for the corner of any room to stand book...
Bamboo, Pine
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Wall Small Bookcase
By Bruno Rainaldi, Opinion Ciatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Wall is the wall version of the Original Ptolomeo and could be defined as the "column of knowledge”. A stack of levitating books or a ground-air column (floor-ceiling) for e...
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Art Small Bookcase
By Opinion Ciatti, Bruno Rainaldi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Art is the last born in the Ptolomeo family and the extra large version of the famous bookcase, indeed thanks to its generous size can contain magazines, large format books,...
Steel
$4,877Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 24.02 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Fine Antique Regency Hardwood Brass Gallery & Marble Dwarf Bookcases
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of original Regency circa 1810-1820 mahogany open library bookcases with Italian marble tops surmounted with brass gallery rail...
Marble, Brass
Small George III Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase, England, Circa 1790
Located in Lymington, GB
A rare, diminutive, late-18th century secretaire bookcase / cabinet. George III-period, circa 1790. Mahogany of very good rich color and well patinated. Inlaid and crossbanded throu...
Mahogany
Pair of French Mahogany and Bronze Open Bookcases
By Adam Weisweiler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Petit Bibliotheques in the manner of Adam Weisweiler constructed using a finely patinated mahogany, brass and bronze; rising from bronze shod turned and tapering circular ...
Brass, Bronze
French Mid-19th Century Bibliotheque
Located in Round Top, TX
A very lovely mid-19th century Bibliotheque from the Provence region of France. Soundly constructed from painted pine in the Provencale style. A very handsome display and storage c...
Pine
$6,158
H 89.77 in W 51.19 in D 22.05 in
Antique Regency Figured Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Desk With Glazed Doors
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine quality Regency figured mahogany secretaire bookcase of elegant proportions. The upper section with glazed doors featuring distinctive shaped astral mouldings, enclosing adjus...
Mahogany
Danish Modern Rosewood Revolving Bookcase circa 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Rosewood Revolving Bookcase, Denmark, circa 1960s. Great way to organize your books and give yourself easy access to them.
Metal
Antique revolving bookcase
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful, large, antique book mill in perfect condition. The book mill has four tiers, which is unusual for a book mill. Very good quality. Origin: England Period: Circa 1900 Dim...
Teak
French 19th Century Pine and Glass Door Bibliotheque
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A capacious, 19th century French Louis Philippe style bibliothèque, handcrafted of pine with a row of four glass-front doors for displaying treasured books, heirlooms, and other coll...
Brass
19th Century French Pine Library Bibliotheque Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand late 19th century country French library bibliotheque bookcase cabinet constructed from pine. The large case features a country French aes...
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Bibliotheque or Bookcase
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Louis XVI bibliotheque, or bookcase, made of solid walnut with mahogany as a secondary wood. Nice hand carved decorative panels at the bottom with musical instr...
Glass, Mahogany, Walnut
Cabinet set on lion's paws, Germany, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An office set from around 1910 from Germany. The furniture is in very good condition. Dimensions: Desk: height 79 cm / width 166 cm / depth 80 cm Library: height 191 cm / width 2...
Walnut
Vintage Maitland Smith Leather Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
From Niagara Furniture, a Vintage Maitland Smith Leather Bookcase in excellent condition, featuring a remarkably tooled leather wrap surrounding the entire piece. Both elegant and in...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 81.5 in W 69 in D 18.5 in L 81.5 in
Antique French Renaissance Ornate Carved Walnut Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional monumental antique French Renaissance bookcase cabinet In the manner of R.J. Horner & Co. France, Circa 1900 Ornate carved walnut with female busts, faces, and foli...
Glass, Walnut
Neo-Renaissance library, France, around 1880. After renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
Neo-Renaissance library, France, around 1880. Very good condition, after professional renovation. wood: oak dimensions: height 230 cm width 170 cm depth 45 cm
Oak
Sold
H 88.5 in W 53 in D 20 in
Antique French Renaissance Revival Flame Mahogany Bookcase Display Cabinet 89"
Located in Dayton, OH
A very large and impressive antique French Renaissance Revival knockdown bookcase / showcase / curio display cabinet / or linen press. Made of flame mahogany featuring gilt ormalu m...
Glass, Mahogany
Vintage Oak Globe Wernicke Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
From Niagara Furniture; a Vintage Oak Globe Wernicke Bookcase – the perfect addition to any home or office space! Crafted from high-quality American oak, this bookcase is about 100 y...
Mahogany
Italian Renaissance Style Giltwood Open Bookcase
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian Renaissance giltwood open bookcase, 19th century with antique elements, the gilt and polychrome top with carved acanthus reserves above the three fixed shelves, conjoined by ...
Wood
Vintage Oak Globe Wernicke Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
From Niagara Furniture; a Vintage Oak Globe Wernicke Bookcase – the perfect addition to any home or office space! Crafted from high-quality American oak, this bookcase is about 100 y...
Glass, Mahogany
Historic library, Germany, circa 1910.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A library from the beginning of the 20th century. The furniture is in very good condition. Dimensions: height 181 cm / width 249 cm / depth 51 cm
Walnut
Sold
H 84.5 in W 35.5 in D 21.5 in
Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Carved Oak Buffet Deux Corps
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French oak Henri II style buffet deux corps bookcase from the late nineteenth century features detailed hand carvings of a basket, barrel, and straw hat on the lower door. The u...
Glass, Oak
Sold
H 98 in W 32.5 in D 13.5 in
Tall Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Hand Carved Oak Bookcase or Vitrine
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing just over 8 feet in height, this tall, narrow late nineteenth century French Henri II style bleached oak bookcase or vitrine features two upper doors with their original han...
Iron
Sold
H 92 in W 116.5 in D 20.5 in
19th Century Large Renaissance Style Walnut Cabinet Bookcase with Arched Center
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Renaissance style large walnut cabinet with nicely carved cornice surmounting a center arch flanked by upper single cabinet doors featuring open decorative wrought iro...
Walnut
Sold
H 96 in W 35 in D 20.75 in
19th century French Carved Oak Bookcase Hunt Cabinet Barley Twist Black Forest
Located in Choudrant, LA
19th century French Carved Oak Bookcase Hunt Cabinet Barley Twist Black Forest Hound. Direct from France, an exceptional 19th century, hand carved ...
Glass, Oak
19th Century French Carved Hunting Lodge Cabinet
Located in Hixson, TN
French oak hunting lodge cabinet topped with a distinctly rich, detailed Crown carved cornice. Lion and Sphinx carvings adorn the top of the cabinet with figural carvings down the si...
Oak
Tuscan Renaissance Wrought Iron and Walnut Cabinet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The lower part It stands on an ogee molded base and four feet with two front legs more massive and detailed than the others. It opens with two doors and three drawers. The vert...
Wrought Iron
