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.
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Inlay Chess Games Side Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut games side table with inlay chess game and framed top over four beautifully walnut Bobbin turned twisted carved side legs, connected to one ano...
Wood
Italian Renaissance Revival Game Table, Ebony, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance Revival (19th Century) ebony and penwork game table with square top on three barley twist uprights and lions paw feet.
Ebony
$2,200
H 22.64 in W 21.07 in D 21.07 in
Danish Rosewood Coffee Table with Removable Chess Board, 1960s
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Georg Petersens
Located in Lejre, DK
Game table in rosewood, designed and made by Georg Petersen. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$1,831
H 28.35 in W 23.63 in D 18.71 in
Victorian 1880 Walnut & Hardwood Marquetry Inlaid Chess Games Table Ornate Legs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely small Victorian 1880 walnut & mahogany marquetry inlaid Chess games table A very good looking well ...
Hardwood, Walnut
19th Century French Game Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French game table is a masterful blend of form and function, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship characteristic of the period. Made from fine walnut, the table f...
Walnut
$3,391
H 30.52 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Stunning Antique Victorian 1860 Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Chess Games Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original Victorian circa 1860-1880 Mother of Pearl black lacquered with ornate gold leaf floral h...
Hardwood
Regency Mahogany Games Table with Satinwood Inlay
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Regency-period games table from England, circa 1810-1815. Crafted from mahogany, the apron is decorated with fine line inlay in satinwood and maple, while the tapered legs a...
Felt, Mahogany, Maple, Satinwood
Spanish Round Carved Wood Side Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Charming Spanish round side table crafted from wood, featuring an elegant circular top and beautifully carved floral decoration around the apron. The table is supported by four dist...
Hardwood, Oak
$1,831
H 27.56 in Dm 21.26 in
ANTIQUE HARDWOOD SATiNWOOD & WALNUT CHESS GAMES TABLE WITH LOVELY TURNED BASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Satinwood, Walnut & Mahogany Chess with ornately Turned Victorian triple pillared base...
Satinwood, Walnut
$1,283
H 14.97 in Dm 17.72 in
Vintage Hardwood Satinwood & Walnut Chess Games Table Ideal as a Side End Piece
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage satinwood, walnut & mahogany chess table with ebonised accents A good looking well ma...
Satinwood, Walnut, Hardwood
Italian Walnut Louis XIV Side Table With Bobbin Legs
Located in Viterbo, VT
Side table hand-crafted in Italy in the mid 1700s using walnut. The table has fantastic character and patina, as well as beautiful proportions and small decorative elements that make...
Walnut
Antique walnut game table, Italian, 19th century
Located in Cesena, FC
Nineteenth-century Italian walnut antique game table. Elegant walnut game table with slab detailing. The top has fish holders at the 4 corners and is made of fabric. Period: first ...
Nutwood
$2,510
H 31.3 in W 17.92 in D 14.18 in
Vintage Walnut Satinwood Games Card Side Table, Fold Out Chess Board & Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Antique Walnut & Satinwood fold out games chess table with twin baize lined drawers A very good looking and decorative table, it’s ...
Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century English Game Table
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century late Regency English game table.
Mahogany
Sold
H 27.56 in W 32.29 in D 16.15 in
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Inlay Chess Games Side Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut games side table with inlay chess game and framed top over four beautifully walnut Bobbin turned twisted carved side legs, connected to one ano...
Wood
NVIN0501 Vintage Inlaid Mahogany Game Table
Located in Annville, PA
A Vintage Inlaid Mahogany Game Table featuring a beautifully shaped top with fine quality mahogany grain and inlays and banding throughout. Designed after an antique original this Vi...
Mahogany
Antique Italian Walnut Side Table Console with Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table or console with four beautiful walnut carved legs, detailed by the beveled top and conic feet. The front is decorated as a drawer bu...
Wood
Antique Italian Walnut Console Desk Side Table with Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table console desk with four beautiful walnut carved legs connected to one another with central decorated stretchers and detailed by the b...
Wood
PAIR of Landstrom Mahogany Game Tables
Located in Annville, PA
A PAIR of Landstron Mahogany Game Tables featuring beautifully shaped tops with fine quality mahogany grain and a double banded inlaid edge. Designed after an antique original this...
Mahogany
Vintage Brandt Mahogany Game Table
Located in Annville, PA
A Vintage Brandt Mahogany Game Table featuring a beautifully shaped top with fine quality mahogany grain and a banded herringbone inlaid edge. Designed...
Mahogany
Vintage Brandt Mahogany Game Table
Located in Annville, PA
A Vintage Brandt Mahogany Game Table featuring a beautifully shaped top with fine quality mahogany grain and a banded herringbone inlaid edge. Designed...
Mahogany
Antique Italian Walnut Desk Side Table with Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table with four beautiful walnut cabriole carved legs connected to one another with central stretchers and detailed by the shaped corners,...
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 33.47 in D 17.72 in
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Inlay Chess Games Side Table with Cabriole Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut games side table with inlay chess game, central drawers and beveled edges over four beautiful walnut cabriole legs with inlay decorated wood an...
Brass
Sold
H 25.6 in W 30.71 in D 16.54 in
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Inlay Chess Games Side Table with Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut games side table with inlay chess game over four beautifully walnut cabriole carved legs, connected to one another with central stretchers. Thi...
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Antique Game Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare beautiful antique game table in precious hand carved walnut wood. When the table is closed, the table becomes smaller and can be used as an elegant center table. This majestic t...
Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 35.5 in D 17.5 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Game Hall Table Barley Twist Louis XIII Flip Top
Located in Choudrant, LA
~ Direct from France ~ Gorgeous hand carvings on this carved French side/sofa/hall table that actually was created to function as a game table, with the swivel/flip top that opens t...
Oak