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.
$985 / item
Leather Top Nesting Table
Located in Annville, PA
This English style Leather Top Nesting Table from Niagara Furniture features three tables, the larger table with a genuine leather, tooled p...
Mahogany
$920 / item
Tall Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
An ingenious set of three Tall Nesting Tables that stores the two smaller end tables underneath the largest table. The smaller tables unfold and op...
Mahogany
Set of 3 English Renaissance Style Oak Nest of Tables
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 English Renaissance-style (20th Century) oak nest of tables.
Oak
$1,350 / item
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
$1,485 / item
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
Set of 3 Maison Baguès Nesting Table
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 Maison Baguès nesting table, bronze bamboo shape, original cloudy mirrors Dimensions: 20 W / 14 D / 16 H 18 / 13 / 15 17 / 12 / 14.
Bronze
Pair Of Nesting Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Located in NY.
Metal, Iron
$1,356 / set
H 22.45 in W 22.05 in D 15.85 in
Bevan Funnell Burr / Burl Oak Nest of Tables Absolutely Stunning
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning brand new Bevan Funnell burr oak nest of tables These are...
Oak
Henredon Set of Three Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and nicely detailed set of three tables by Henredon. The large table is 20"h X 24"w X 15"d The two small tables are 18"h X 11"w X 11"d
Wood
$2,582 / set
H 21.26 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Art Deco H & L Epstein Rare Set of Three Nest of Tables, English, c1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Devon, England
A very stylish and distinctive Art Deco nest of walnut tables dating to the 1930s and made by H & L Epstein a highly regarded furniture maker of the period. One large table with two ...
Walnut
Bamboo Nesting Tables
Located in Asheville, NC
Late 20th century, Tommy Bahama style set of three nesting tables fit inside each other. Wrought iron bases, attached burnt bamboo tray tops.
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Style Nest of Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern style nest of tables. The side tables are sculpted from American walnut with a hand-rubbed lacquer finish and brass ferrules. Hardware is acid dipped and hand-ru...
Wood
Dorothy Draper Set of Nesting Tables
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of three nesting tables by Dorothy Draper. Refinished in a dark espresso finish. Measures: Large: 18" D x 22" W x 18.25 H Medium: 18" D x 19.88" D x 17.38" H Small: 17.88" ...
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood nesting tables The largest 20" wide by 14" deep by 26" tall. The smallest 12 1/2" wide by 8" deep by 14"tall.Nice carving good condition with age appropr...
Hardwood
G Plan Astro Tile Top Nesting Tables in Teak #3
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: England Designer: Victor B. Wilkins Manufacturer: G Plan Era: 1966 Materials: Teak, Afromosia, Tile Measurements: 19.5″ wide x 19.5″ deep x 20″ tall
Teak
Nesting Tables by Haslev
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of two nesting tables with inlaid stoneware tiles by Nils Thorsen for Royal Copenhagen. Produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri.
Stoneware, Wood
Set of Modern Black Nesting Tables
Located in North York, ON
Set of modern black nesting tables. Modern Deco inspired featuring mahogany woods and sleek curved legs. Custom finished in hand polished black lac...
Wood
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H 20.08 in W 43.9 in D 38 in
Lovely circa 1950's Vintage Italian Marquetry Inlaid Nest of Six Triangle Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative nest of six triangle tables, circa 1950’s made in Italy with Renaissance style inlaid panels A very good looking and utilitarian nest of tables, they can be used as six side tables, as one large coffee table, you can make a long short...
Beech, Walnut