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.
$1,645 / item
Dropside Table
Located in Annville, PA
A large Duncan Phyfe style Dropside Table from Niagara Furniture with a beautifully crafted top featuring figural mahogany and satinwood, a dovetailed d...
Mahogany
$1,645 / item
Philadelphia Pembroke Table
Located in Annville, PA
The Niagara Furniture version of the Philadelphia Pembroke Table is the largest table of it’s kind that we know of. The table is versatile due it’s ability to expand in size using the drop down side panels and can be used throughout the home. High quality solid mahogany supports hold the leaves in place when they are raised. Also often referred to as either a dropside table...
Mahogany
$1,455 / item
Pembroke Table
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful Mahogany Pembroke Table from Niagara Furniture will be recognizable to anyone familiar with fine antiques. Originally designed by Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke, the form was made popular by various furniture designers in 18th century England. Also often referred to as a dropside...
Mahogany
Circa 1765-1780 Irish Wake Table of Hunt Table
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1765-1780 Irish wake table or hunt table. Drop-side form with swing leg supports. Heavy island mahogany timbers. Bold figure to the 3 boards. Raised on 6 straight, beaded legs....
Wood
English Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
English mahogany Pembroke table on turned legs ending in brass casters. Rectangular top with rounded corners; single pine-lined drawer with b...
Mahogany
English Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
This fine little oval Pembroke table has all the desirable qualities one looks for in such a table. The Cuban mahogany top is delicately banded in kingwood, the drawer and apron are ...
Mahogany, Kingwood, Rosewood
Regency Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
A narrow boxwood strand separates the mahogany self-band from the center field of this delicate Pembroke table. With its shaped-front drawer following the curvature of the top and it...
Boxwood, Mahogany
George III Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine George III mahogany Pembroke table in richly colored timber, the round top with simple edge over single drawer retaining origi...
Mahogany
Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Georgian period mahogany and crossbanded Pembroke table. Crossbanded and string inlaid top and rounded twin flaps above a single drawer with crossbandin...
Mahogany, Satinwood
George 111 Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in East Aurora, NY
A very attractive 18th century Georgian Mahogany Pembroke table on tapered reeded legs ending on the original wood wheel casters. Excellent color and patina to the old refinished sur...
Mahogany
George III Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Essex, MA
With leaves up 37.5 wide. Rectangular top with oval drop leaves. Square tapered legs.
Brass
Regency Calamander Pembroke Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rectangular hinged drop leaves, frieze drawer with brass ring handles and raised on square tapered legs. Spade feet. Calamander is an exotic wood imported from I...
Ebony
Fine Inlaid Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made Pembroke with a highly decorative and colorful mix of woods. With a cross banded top and leaves in a stained pattern, and a fine inlaid fan in the center. A drawer o...
Mahogany, Satinwood
English Satinwood Pembroke Table
Located in Faversham, GB
An exceptional satinwood and mahogany figured Pembroke table of small and low proportions. The crossbanded rounded rectangular top has a pair of fall leaves with a central figured m...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Large Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
This large mahogany pembroke table is crossbanded in mahogany with an ebony stringing separating the band from the field. A triple reading finishes the edge of the table. A single oa...
Mahogany
NVIN0513 PAIR Vintage COUNCILL Pembroke Tables
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful PAIR Vintage COUNCILL Pembroke Tables will be recognizable to anyone familiar with fine antique furniture. Originally designed by Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke, ...
Mahogany
Vintage Henkel Harris Dropside Table
Located in Annville, PA
This Vintage Henkel Harris Dropside Table, brought to you by Niagara Furniture, was manufactured using solid mahogany on all exposed surfaces. The attention to detail and expert cra...
Mahogany
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H 30.5 in W 57.5 in D 44 in
19th Century Light-Grey Italian Pinewood Folding Table, Antique Dining Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Italian oval folding table made of hand carved Pinewood with support in the Trestle design, in good condition. The two sides of the dining table are foldable. T...
Pine