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.
$4,110 / item
Mahogany Executive Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Ideal for use either at work or in a home office the Niagara Furniture Mahogany Executive Desk with a tooled leather top is both beautiful and functional. Built in three sections for...
Mahogany
$2,085 / item
Mahogany Writing Table Green Leather
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table Green Leather by Niagara Furniture which is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the offic...
Leather, Mahogany
$4,345 / item
Large Burled Executive Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Equally suited for use either at the workplace or in a home office the Niagara Furniture Large Burled Executive Desk with tooled leather top is both decorative and functional. Built ...
Wood
$4,900 / item
Burled Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Burled Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-...
Wood
Important and Rare Joseph Bertin - Milan - Ebene Desk 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Joseph Bertin - Milan - Ebene Desk 19th Century Magnificent ebene desk by the cabinetmaker Joseph Bertin from the 19th century with the manufacturer's signature and stamp. This des...
Wood
Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk with a richly restored top and sympathetically restored drawer area. The solid brass p...
Mahogany
$11,952
Oak Renaissance Cabinet
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Cabinet We present you a unique Renaissance Cabinet from the XVII Kabinet comes from Germany. It is made of oak. Cabinet is a box furniture, it consists of an upper chest and a bas...
Oak
Cassettone Bureau-Chest Bambocci 16century Italian Renaissance Walnut Lombardy
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM QUALITY, ITALIAN, RENAISANCE WALNUT CASSETTONE WITH A FITTED BUREAU IN THE UPPER PART & EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOCCI CARVING, LOMBARDY - This exceptionally rare, museum quality, piece of early furniture was conceived and crafted as an artwork of the finest quality of its time. Throughout time it has been a luxurious, statement piece which has protected it, and fortunately it has survived in virtually, original condition. - This magnificent cassettone exudes the character and quality of the finest, late-Renaissance furniture. Northern Italian Renaissance furniture often had the sides, legs or angles, 'a Bambocci', incorporating carved figures which were considered unique sculptures in their own right. - The putti on this cassettone are beautifully carved and of sculptural quality. Each angel has one arm raised to heaven, a poignant touch. - The lion’s paw feet are a classical feature and make a great statement. - This cassettone was conceived to have visual impact through the quality of the carving, as well as being very practical with the writing compartment fitted in the top part. - It has survived in very original condition with a few small repairs and losses, and the colour and patina are warm and lustrous. - This cassettone is illustrated Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45, one of the seminal works on Lombardy furniture, and has been in two renowned collections. The hinged top in two sections faced with a solid moulded edge. The front part has a fall front and opens to reveal a writing compartment. The fall front retains its original lock and is concealed with a false drawer which is above three drawers. All with moulded panels, escutcheons and retaining the original iron handles. The front ends have exceptional, bambocci, carved putti raising their arms to heaven above trailing foliage. Standing on magnificent lion's-head carved feet. The sides are panelled. Exceptional original colour and patina. Literature : Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45. A Gonzalez-Palacois, Il mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996 illustrates related pieces Measures: Length 147 ½ cm. 58 in, height 104 cm. 41 in, depth 75 cm. 29½ in, Provenance: Coll. Private Azzate The Collection of Sandro and Lidia Orsi, Ca’ Mera, Varese. Regarded as one of the most beautiful homes in Lombardy, Ca’ Mera, the country house of Sandro and Lidia Orsi was filled with beautiful objects from many different epochs. A renowned antiquarian from Milan, over his lifetime Sandro and his wife Lidia revived the Renaissance and Baroque character of the house and instilled their own unique vision into the interiors, which culminated with the creation of a Kunst – or Wunderkammer. “I have never seen such an example of poetical taste”, Sir John Pope...
Walnut
$2,275Sale Price|20% Off
French Henri IV / Renaissance Chest Desk in carved wood 17th - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful Rrenaissance / Henry IV chest from the 17th century, transformed into a desk in the 19th century. Magnificent details are hand carved. The wood has a superb patina. Fo...
Wood
$2,085 / item
Mahogany Writing Table Red Leather
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table Red Leather top by Niagara Furniture is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the office. Features include a three panel green genuine full gra...
Leather, Mahogany
$3,466
Baroque secretary
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Baroque secretary from the 18th century, in very good condition.
Oak
$4,870 / item
Penhurst Mahogany Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The Penhurst Mahogany Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk matches a number of other pieces which we produce, please see the links below for related products. The fant...
Leather, Mahogany
Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Cabinet We present you a unique Renaissance Cabinet from the sixteenth century, Kabinet comes from Germany. It is made of oak. Cabinet is a box furniture, it consists of an upper c...
Oak
Antique 1850 Renaissance Revival Burr Walnut Pugin Gothic Writing Table Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning Renaissance Revival circa 1850 burr walnut writing table after Pugin What a piece! This writing table or desk is stunning, it offers huge amo...
Walnut
$2,085 / item
Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table by Niagara Furniture which is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the office. Features include a three panel brown genuine leather tooled top...
Leather, Mahogany
$2,405 / item
Hidden Drawer Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The Niagara Furniture Hidden Drawer Desk, a luxury piece of fine furniture with a hidden surprise inside. This tall chest was originally designed f...
Mahogany
Writing Cabinet Scrittoio Escritoire Desk Walnut Italy Florence Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally rare, late-Renaissance, Florentine, walnut, writing cabinet, scrittoio, escritoire or desk in two parts This striking, writing cabinet has a classical form, ornam...
Walnut
RARE ARMORED OFFICE DRAWER Indo-Portuguese, from the 17th century
Located in Madrid, ES
RARE ARMORED OFFICE DRAWER Indo-Portuguese, from the 17th century. in teak, ebony and sissoo. Ornamented with rosettes, fleurs-de-lis and quartered shield ...
Wood
PORTUGUESE PAPER STATIONERY 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
STATIONERY D. JOSÉ 18th Century 19th century Portuguese. in chestnut wood, with two drawers and three drawers. Folding lid with drawers and bins. Signs of use. Dim.: 140 x 115 x ...
Wood
Large Floating Walnut Modern Executive Desk on one inch Lucite Base.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Amazingly cool, mid century modern desk. Rectangular form with rounded corners. Heavyweight construction floating on a super sturdy one inch thick acrylic base. Expertly restored ...
Steel
$3,295 / item
H 30 in W 66 in D 34 in
Straight Leg Chippendale Style Library Writing Desk by Leighton Hall
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is a new traditional mahogany Library Writing Desk. It’s design was inspired by Chippendale desks from the Regency period and features classi...
Mahogany
Midcentury Executive Boomerang Desk
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very unique large executive boomerang desk. The top is made out of laminate and the bottom is solid wood.
Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Metal
19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality carved Chinese Chippendale style kneehole desk. The top of the desk has an intricately fretted gallery which is in perfect condition. Below this the desk h...
Mahogany
Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Executive Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Executive Desk This desk measures: 74.25 wide x 31.5 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches Great Vintage Condition - Desk has Sta...
Rosewood
1968 Executive Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Cherry Chippendale Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice New England Cherry Chippendale Slant Front desk with a great color and patina on an older refinish. Nicely fitted interior with a shell ...
Cherry
Helikon Mid Century Burlwood Executive Desk
By Helikon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Helikon Mid Century Burlwood Executive Desk This desk measures: 79.75 wide x 37.75 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches We take our photos in a controlled light...
Burl
Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this nice vintage desk made by Dillingham
Walnut
Victorian Partners Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian mahogany partners desk. Circa 1860 This wonderful desk stands upon a plinth base. We can ship to anywhere in the world - including the US - so please get in touch for shipp...
Mahogany
19th Century French Wooden Writing Desk
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice writing desk, fabricated in France in the 19th Century. It has a lift up lid. On the front there are two drawers. The desk has traces of use, see the pictures. We work w...
Wood
Kittinger George Washington Style Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The absolute highest quality piece of American cabinet making is exemplified in this VINTAGE Kittinger George Washington Style Desk. From the recently refinished top to the brass cap...
Mahogany
Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk has a lot of outstanding qualities. Made of mahogany solids and hand cut satinwood inlaid veneers, the desk features two wide drawers resting over top of beautifully tapered legs. The interior of the Antique Inlaid Secretary...
Mahogany
Burled Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Burled Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-...
Wood
Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition. Wood: walnut Dimensions height 110 cm width 86 cm depth 52 cm.
Walnut
Sold
H 30.12 in W 48.04 in D 23.63 in
Antique 1850 Renaissance Revival Burr Walnut Pugin Gothic Writing Table Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning Renaissance Revival circa 1850 burr walnut writing table after Pugin What a piece! This writing table or desk is stunning, it offers huge a...
Walnut
Sold
H 3.55 in W 1.97 in D 4.73 in
Shell Shapped Nail '1' for Spanish Desks or Bargueños, Second Half 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Shell shaped nail for Spanish desks or Bargueños. Wrought iron, Second half 20th century, after 16th century models. 20th century, inspired by models from the 16th century. Multipl...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 53.94 in W 48.82 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Cabinet with Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Majestic antique Italian renaissance style writing desk. Rare and precious solid carved walnut wood. Comfortable size for a practical us...
Walnut
Renaissance Style Desk from the Late 19th Century
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique, massive desk with an extension was made of oakwood at the end of the 19th century. The furniture made in the Renaissance style has side cabinets and three roomy drawers, ...
Oak
Antique Desk in the Neo-Renaissance Style from circa 1920
Located in Chorzów, PL
The old, Classic desk was created circa 1920 from oakwood. The furniture in the neo-Renaissance style has drawers and shelves and simple decorations. Perfect for home or business off...
Oak
16th Century Italian Renaissance Period Walnut Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare late 16th century Renaissance period walnut library table or writing table from Umbria, Italy. Known as an "Asso di Coppe" table constructed in a trestle style with an exposed m...
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 39.5 in D 25.5 in
Antique 19th Century French Henry II Style Walnut Trestle Table Library Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
French library table in Henry II style, circa 1890s. Made from walnut with a long carved central drawer over turned legs and trestle base. Brass drawer pull features two delphins (do...
Abalone
Italian Florentine Style Walnut Podium Desk, circa 1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 16th century Florentine style, podium height drop front desk. Beautifully carved solid walnut, having a fitted interior, and 32 inch writing surface when open. Italian, early 20t...
Walnut