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 Side Coffee Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table features rectangular top with beveled edges over four beautifully bobbin turned barley twisted legs, connected to one another with c...
Wood
Micromosaic Circular Table, Attributed to the Vatican Mosaic Workshop
By Vatican Mosaic Studio
Located in London, GB
This table is a truly exceptional piece of antique Italian furniture. The item has been attributed to the Vatican Mosaic Workshop (opened 1727). This studio was made up of a collecti...
Malachite, Marble
PAIR OF 19TH-CENTURY COLUMNS Made of Chestnut Wood with Carvings
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF 19TH-CENTURY COLUMNS Made of chestnut wood with carvings, decorated with male figures holding Templar crosses. Portugal Signs of use. Dimensions: 140 x 34 x 32 cm Good cond...
Wood
Antique Giltwood and Scagliola Circular Table, after Della Valle Brothers
By Della Valle Brothers
Located in London, GB
This wonderful table is designed after the famous Della Valle brothers (Italian, fl. mid-19th century). The brothers were exceptionally skilled craftsmen who specialised in the produ...
Scagliola, Giltwood
Vintage Aluminum Gueridon Table with Faux Horn Legs, Unique Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage aluminum gueridon with faux horn legs. Will make a unique addition to any setting. Perfect drinks table.
Aluminum
$15,342
H 37.01 in W 18.51 in D 14.97 in
Italy 18th Century Louis XV Walnut Side Table Gueridon with Drawings
Located in Brescia, IT
18th Century Louis XV Italian (Tuscany) walnut side table with drawings. It was a work table to contain embroidery accessories, a very charming piece. It shows a beautiful proportio...
Walnut
ZEL ITRI — Brass Side Table with Hand-Cut Zellige Mosaic
Located in Paris, FR
Hand-cut zellige tiles are set into a polished brass rim and paired with our ITRI bell base. The surface reads like jewelry—faceted glaze, subtle grout lines, a soft metallic halo. E...
Brass
1930's Swedish Oval Pedestal Table
Located in New York, NY
A 1930's Swedish Deco occasional table with oval top in bookmatched birch veneer and faceted pedestal base with feet, contrasting in Macassar ebony.
Birch
19th Century French Charles X Gueridon Table with Bronze & Marble
Located in Queens, NY
French Charles X-style (19/20th Century) round bronze gueridon end table with 3 scroll legs supporting a black marble top and shelf with a lower stretcher having a finial.
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Gueridon Table in Mahogany & Marble
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful Restauration French Gueridon made in mahogany and marquetry. This marble named "Brecht" is recognized by its different forms and colors.
Marble
French Art Deco Alabaster Gueridon Table / Side Table
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Alabaster Gueridon Table France, 1930-1940 Gueridon Side Table / Drinks Table in Turned Alabaster. Manufactured at the Art Deco Period. Rare find. Amazing color! Elegant ...
Alabaster
$9,500
H 32 in W 35.5 in D 25 in
French Louis XVI Style Belle Époque Oval Giltwood Carved Marble-Top Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Louis XVI Style 'Belle Époque' oval giltwood carved center table with marble top. The ornately decorated apron topped with a veined white marble top and raised on four flute...
Marble
$6,543Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 64.57 in D 21.26 in
Antique 18th Century Spanish Walnut Wall Table or Side-Table with Turned Legs
Located in Casteren, NL
A rare Spanish walnut side table or wall table that was made in Spain in the mid 18th century. This table is unique because of its intricately turned legs. The legs' top block featur...
Walnut
Early 19th Century Mahogany Gueridon
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Louis Philippe mahogany gueridon / center table. The marble top is white & grey with a triple beveled edge. Standing on a flamed mahogany pedes, with curved carved legs and claw feet...
Marble
Spanish Alabaster Gueridon Table / Side Table
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gueridon Side Table / Drinks Table in Turned Alabaster, Spain, 1950s-1960s Manufactured at the Mid-Century Modern Period. Elegant alabaster side table with round top and pedestal rou...
Alabaster, Brass
Important Detailed Bronze Tasselled Rope Table or Gueridon
Located in North Miami, FL
Three legs and very realistic and ornate, this patinated bronze rope and tassel-like table base has beautiful proportion.
Bronze
Sold
H 24.41 in W 24.81 in D 17.33 in
Antique Italian Walnut Side Coffee Table Gueridon with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table features rectamfular top with beveled edges over four beautifully bobbin turned barley twisted legs, connected to one another with s...
Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.41 in D 24.41 in
Antique Italian Hexagonal Walnut Gueridon or Side Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table features hexagonal top with beveled edges over eight beautifully bobbin turned barley twisted legs, connected to one another with si...
Wood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 20.48 in D 18.9 in
19th Century Renaissance Syle Carved Walnut Gueridon Table or Pedestal Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality Italian renaissance style gueridon table or pedestal table. The table presents a refined carving work in walnut wood. Cherub heads on either side of the top and...
Walnut