Italian antique furniture-periods, the types and purchasing decisions

It is an error to say that Italy is one of the cradles of civilization. Magnificence with the Roman Empire is still preserved in many of its cities and metropolitan areas. The Italy was at the center of the artwork, Renaissance masterpieces that are kept up to date. Many thanks to several factors, culture and the Arts in this region continued to flourish. These are just some of the main elements that explain the great curiosity of Italian antiques. It is perfectly organic for anyone to want to consider a piece of background and admire it in their own home.

The periods of Italian furniture creates and changes in fashion closely followed the common pattern for the rest of Western Europe. Before the 15th century Renaissance classicism, the decor was simple and lacked the intricate ornamentation typical of later periods. However, Italian craftsmen were known for creating exceptional pieces in terms of high quality.

With the beginning of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century, the creation of furniture has undergone a revolution. Interest in classical antiquity period, more exactly in Greek and Roman art, began to influence the Italian opera. The artists grew to become much more interested in various natural types and their intrinsic beauty. Furniture designs inspired by Romans and royal Thrones chairs, tables and cabinets. As a result, the pieces produced by artisans became larger, more welcoming and more majestic. The ornamentations were influenced by the conventional patterns in Roman architecture and sculpture. Sharp ornaments and Gothic art, gave way to more creative and natural ones, like animals, seashells, vases and scrolls.

By the beginning of the 16th century, Italian furniture designs became much more influenced by the grotesque shapes and fantasy. The pieces became more elegant, while the ornamentations were inspired by works of Gothic art, Arabic and Oriental. These trends have been transmitted from Mannerism, creative style inspired by the works of Michelangelo. Ornamentation in organic forms and exaggerated human became the norm. Using expressive color mixtures was also characteristic.

Inside the 17th-century Italian furniture styles were influenced by Baroque and Rococo, although the latter does not turn out to be extremely popular had in other parts of Europe. Furnishing elements regained their mole, but this time I grew to become much more comfortable. The comfort of the user had a large influence on the style. Curved and irregular types were the norm. Ornaments were influenced by Mannerism, but decorative grew to become much more and much more complex. Shell, floral ornament shapes and animals were popular, but other natural elements like the Sun, have been used as well. The principle of asymmetry has been widely styled with the decoration of pieces of furniture.

Italian furniture manufacturers were affected by the types of neoclassicism and Empire in the 18th century. Neoclassical elements of furniture had been as soon as once more inspired by the decorative art of ancient Greece and Rome. The styles have become less complex. Curved types were replaced by simpler geometric ones. Bright colours, typical of the Mannerist and Baroque periods, were replaced by those much more organic and relatively pale. The ornamentation became more flat. Roman decorative motifs like vases, urns, busts, wreaths and ribbons, regained their popularity. The Empire is generally described as the second phase of Neoclassicism. Furniture styles became more geometric and simpler, but this was not the case with all ornamentation. They grew to become the largest and were influenced by Egyptian, as well as works by Greek and Roman art.

19th century in Italy saw the rebirth of many styles from Gothic and Renaissance to Rococo, which influenced the design of furniture. Inspiration was drawn from ancient artwork, even starting from Oriental art. As a result, with ivory inlay grew to become increasingly well-liked. Ebony was also widely used in conjunction with traditional walnut, from which Italian furniture was made.

To exist, collectors can find numerous Italian antiques. Items from the 18th and 19th centuries are more abundant in the market, but it may also be possible for you personally to find well-preserved 17th century pieces. Search for articles from Venice, Florence and Milan areas and the Veneto, that were (and still are) the production centers of Italian furniture.

If you can speak English you are halfway to speaking Italian.

If you can speak English you are halfway to speaking Italian. Enjoy the advantage of a natural assimilation of the Italian language and culture. Italian is a melodious and charming language, enchanting to listen to, and a delight to speak.

Tastes differ widely, of course, but Italian is considered by many to be one of the world's most beautiful languages.

A few excellent reasons for studying Italian are that Italy is a world leader in manufacturing, import-export activities, in an extensive range of fashion articles, in interior and furniture design, automobiles and motor cycles, and other commercial activities.

Italian is indispensable for students of art, music, law, European history and archaeology.

The artistic and literary heritage of Italy is an exaltation of the Genius Loci. Tuscany in particular has its great poets - Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarch, its mighty master, and Leonardo da Vinci, who created a new universe here on earth. It gave the world, among many others, the ageless, muscular art and brawny sculpture of Michelangelo to which we can add such great geniuses as Galileo, Macchiavelli, Giotto, Botticelli, Brunelleschi....

Italian explorers include Christopher Columbus, Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), Giovanni da Verrazzano, and Amerigo Vespucci - the man who gave his name to America.

Over 60 percent of the world's greatest art treasures are in Italy.

Since 1972 New Itineraries Cultural Association, a group of over twenty qualified teachers has offered Italian Language and Culture Homestays to foreign students wishing to gain a better academic and working knowledge of the language and culture.

The guest student lives in the home as one of the family. Tuition is given daily and is individually-planned, tutor-to-student. Accommodation is in comfortable homes of excellent quality, in or near Florence and in the Chianti Wine area. All meals are taken in the family and guests have private room and private bath.

University students, opera singers, professionals and senior citizens have participated in our homestay programs, using our individually-planned, tutor-to-student method. Homestay guests are mainly university students, opera singers, professionals and senior citizens.

Since 1972, hundreds of students have enjoyed our warm hospitality and appreciated the quality of the homes and expert tuition. Their gratitude is shown by testimonials and long-lasting friendship with the host family.

Homestay tuition in the comfort of the host's home is a unique opportunity to learn Italian, actively, naturally and thoroughly. In the traditional classroom, and after attending school, students inevitably meet other students from their own country and so speak in their own language. In a host family this cannot happen. You think and speak Italian in every day-by-day situation. This round-the-clock exercise is the very heart of constant and permanent learning.

A language which is assimilated and intensely lived and used in this practical manner makes "Living and Learning with Your Teacher" the most effective and natural way of securing a good knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

Our homestay tuition programs offer a worthwhile and highly rewarding vacation to learn and speak our language, understand our way of life, our culture - and to visit Italy.

Decorating with Italian Furniture & Accessories

Decorating with Italian furniture and accessories can cover a wide range of home owner tastes. Renaissance, Classic, Tuscan, and modern contemporary Italian furniture are the more popular styles. Furniture design in Italy is a skilled trade that has been passed down from one generation to another for hundreds of years. Although the styles have changed dramatically with time the workmanship has retained the high quality of earlier periods, creating not only unique elegant furniture, but actual works of art in many cases.

Renaissance style Italian furniture was designed in a variety of fashions. Large heavy, very unique and ornate design was incorporated into every piece of furniture. Detailed carvings in wood furniture include everything from various fruits and birds, to grotesque animal and human figures. A combination of Roman and Gothic styles make this decor something not to be easily forgotten. A word of warning though; this type of furniture is more suited for large spaces as everything, from elaborately designed credenzas to elegant iron accent pieces, are "big".

Probably the most familiar form of furniture to come out of Italy is Tuscan furniture, named for the Tuscany Valley in Italy. There are actually two styles of Tuscan furniture, one being the more elegant design furniture coming from Florence. The traditional, more common style of furniture, is the simpler, almost rustic design that came from the rural areas of Italy. Decorating with this style of Italian furniture relies more on accent and accessory pieces than the furniture itself. The furniture is built sturdy but simple, made to last in country homes and farmhouses. Woods such as chestnut, cypress, and fir are common together with leather and iron accents.

Decorating with Tuscan style accessories involves color, stone and metal. Deep rich red and cool Mediterranean blue colors combine to give a feeling of warmth and friendliness to the decor. Granite, marble and limestone are very popular in accessories and are used particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Metals used in this design are normally in a raw form, unpolished and include copper, iron, tin and pewter.

All of these elements are used in different pieces to give a home the peaceful, lived in, relaxed feeling. Throw-pillows and blankets decorated in the earthly colors depicting the country landscape, detailed wrought iron wall sconces and candle stands, and colorful tapestries and paintings stand out when added to the simpler styled Italian furniture pieces. Large family kitchen tables are often topped with bowls of colorful fruit (real or ceramic), open cupboards display linens or dishes, and terracotta or copper pots can be used in any room of the house for decoration or storage. Antique rugs can add color and warmth to the wood or stone floors of a Tuscan designed room.

Contemporary or modern Italian furniture is made of the same old world craftsmanship, but has a totally different look. Wood, leather, and chrome are combined in ultra sleek smooth designs. Glass is commonly used in tables leaving the stylish slim curves of the chairs below to act as the focal point. Clean and unobtrusive, the modern Italian furniture pieces can often act as works of modern art as easily as they do as functional furniture pieces.

There can be no question, if you are considering decorating your room or home with Italian furniture and accessories, you will certainly find a style to suit whatever taste you may have.

If you can speak English you are halfway to speaking Italian.

If you can speak English you are halfway to speaking Italian. Enjoy the advantage of a natural assimilation of the Italian language and culture. Italian is a melodious and charming language, enchanting to listen to, and a delight to speak.

Tastes differ widely, of course, but Italian is considered by many to be one of the world's most beautiful languages.

A few excellent reasons for studying Italian are that Italy is a world leader in manufacturing, import-export activities, in an extensive range of fashion articles, in interior and furniture design, automobiles and motor cycles, and other commercial activities.

Italian is indispensable for students of art, music, law, European history and archaeology.

The artistic and literary heritage of Italy is an exaltation of the Genius Loci. Tuscany in particular has its great poets - Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarch, its mighty master, and Leonardo da Vinci, who created a new universe here on earth. It gave the world, among many others, the ageless, muscular art and brawny sculpture of Michelangelo to which we can add such great geniuses as Galileo, Macchiavelli, Giotto, Botticelli, Brunelleschi....

Italian explorers include Christopher Columbus, Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), Giovanni da Verrazzano, and Amerigo Vespucci - the man who gave his name to America.

Over 60 percent of the world's greatest art treasures are in Italy.

Since 1972 New Itineraries Cultural Association, a group of over twenty qualified teachers has offered Italian Language and Culture Homestays to foreign students wishing to gain a better academic and working knowledge of the language and culture.

The guest student lives in the home as one of the family. Tuition is given daily and is individually-planned, tutor-to-student. Accommodation is in comfortable homes of excellent quality, in or near Florence and in the Chianti Wine area. All meals are taken in the family and guests have private room and private bath.

University students, opera singers, professionals and senior citizens have participated in our homestay programs, using our individually-planned, tutor-to-student method. Homestay guests are mainly university students, opera singers, professionals and senior citizens.

Since 1972, hundreds of students have enjoyed our warm hospitality and appreciated the quality of the homes and expert tuition. Their gratitude is shown by testimonials and long-lasting friendship with the host family.

Homestay tuition in the comfort of the host's home is a unique opportunity to learn Italian, actively, naturally and thoroughly. In the traditional classroom, and after attending school, students inevitably meet other students from their own country and so speak in their own language. In a host family this cannot happen. You think and speak Italian in every day-by-day situation. This round-the-clock exercise is the very heart of constant and permanent learning.

A language which is assimilated and intensely lived and used in this practical manner makes "Living and Learning with Your Teacher" the most effective and natural way of securing a good knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

Our homestay tuition programs offer a worthwhile and highly rewarding vacation to learn and speak our language, understand our way of life, our culture - and to visit Italy.

Decorating with Italian Furniture & Accessories

Decorating with Italian furniture and accessories can cover a wide range of home owner tastes. Renaissance, Classic, Tuscan, and modern contemporary Italian furniture are the more popular styles. Furniture design in Italy is a skilled trade that has been passed down from one generation to another for hundreds of years. Although the styles have changed dramatically with time the workmanship has retained the high quality of earlier periods, creating not only unique elegant furniture, but actual works of art in many cases.

Renaissance style Italian furniture was designed in a variety of fashions. Large heavy, very unique and ornate design was incorporated into every piece of furniture. Detailed carvings in wood furniture include everything from various fruits and birds, to grotesque animal and human figures. A combination of Roman and Gothic styles make this decor something not to be easily forgotten. A word of warning though; this type of furniture is more suited for large spaces as everything, from elaborately designed credenzas to elegant iron accent pieces, are "big".

Probably the most familiar form of furniture to come out of Italy is Tuscan furniture, named for the Tuscany Valley in Italy. There are actually two styles of Tuscan furniture, one being the more elegant design furniture coming from Florence. The traditional, more common style of furniture, is the simpler, almost rustic design that came from the rural areas of Italy. Decorating with this style of Italian furniture relies more on accent and accessory pieces than the furniture itself. The furniture is built sturdy but simple, made to last in country homes and farmhouses. Woods such as chestnut, cypress, and fir are common together with leather and iron accents.

Decorating with Tuscan style accessories involves color, stone and metal. Deep rich red and cool Mediterranean blue colors combine to give a feeling of warmth and friendliness to the decor. Granite, marble and limestone are very popular in accessories and are used particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Metals used in this design are normally in a raw form, unpolished and include copper, iron, tin and pewter.

All of these elements are used in different pieces to give a home the peaceful, lived in, relaxed feeling. Throw-pillows and blankets decorated in the earthly colors depicting the country landscape, detailed wrought iron wall sconces and candle stands, and colorful tapestries and paintings stand out when added to the simpler styled Italian furniture pieces. Large family kitchen tables are often topped with bowls of colorful fruit (real or ceramic), open cupboards display linens or dishes, and terracotta or copper pots can be used in any room of the house for decoration or storage. Antique rugs can add color and warmth to the wood or stone floors of a Tuscan designed room.

Contemporary or modern Italian furniture is made of the same old world craftsmanship, but has a totally different look. Wood, leather, and chrome are combined in ultra sleek smooth designs. Glass is commonly used in tables leaving the stylish slim curves of the chairs below to act as the focal point. Clean and unobtrusive, the modern Italian furniture pieces can often act as works of modern art as easily as they do as functional furniture pieces.

There can be no question, if you are considering decorating your room or home with Italian furniture and accessories, you will certainly find a style to suit whatever taste you may have.

Antique furniture-buy select duration, type, and Italy

It is one of the cradles of civilization Italy say does not make mistakes. The Roman Empire and many of the major cities with the city's magnificent still remains. Italy Renaissance works, his masterpiece remains the middle of the day. Culture and art in this area thanks to the numerous factors that continue to thrive. These are just some of the big Italy antique furniture is the primary factor to explain the curious. It is a fully considering the background of their own at home, people want to respect it for organic.

Italian furniture making period and after the transformation of fashion is closely for the rest of Western Europe a common pattern. Classicism was a previous 15th century revival of the later period is a typical complex furniture general lack of ornamentations. However, Italy is an excellent piece on the side of the craftsman high-quality have been known for making.

At the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15th century, furniture create a revolution in Italy. Ancient Greece and Rome in the classical period, and interest in more accurately art, Italy began to affect the work. The artist much more diverse natural kinds and has grown to be interested in their intrinsic beauty. Furniture design the Roman throne and Royal Chair, table, Cabinet was inspired by. Thus, the piece was produced by artisans, and far more spectacular and comfortable. Decorate the Roman sculpture and architecture existing Ornamentations motif through impact. Gothic artwork of the scroll gave way to a sharp and complex ornaments, vases, shells, animal, nature, and more creative.

At the beginning of the 16th century, was much more odd in Italy furniture design and fantasy is influenced by the form. Was the ornamentations Gothic, Arabic and oriental pieces, the artwork was inspired by while more elegant. These new trends, a Mannerism, creative style inspired by the works of Michelangelo by streaming. The hype is organic and the human form was the norm ornamentations. Representation was also attributes using the blend colors.

Baroque and Rococo style was a 17th century Italian influence in the latter did not turn in my furniture fashion in different parts of the hugely popular even though Europe. Furniture items, but they are much more comfortable, and growing at this time, their massiveness. Users had a significant impact on comfortable style. Curves and irregular types were the norm. But the decorative motifs decorate the growth will be much more complex, much more influenced by the remaining Mannerism. Shell, floral and animal decoration form, remain popular, but use different natural elements, such as the Sun, as well. The principle of asymmetry in style with decorative furniture pieces are applied extensively.

Italy furniture makers in the 18th century, neoclassical Empire types that were affected. As the ancient Greece and Rome of neoclassical decoration of art and have been inspired through one more quickly. The style became less complex. Curve, the type was replaced by plainer geometric ones. Bright colors, Mannerism and Baroque in General for more organic and was replaced by relatively pale things. Was flattery Ornamentations. Roman decorative motifs, vases, urns, Roundup, etc, their popularity Ribbon, wreath. Because of the Empire is usually described in step 2 of the neoclassical. Furniture style was much more geometric, but in the case of all these ornamentations plainer. They grow to be larger, as well as Greece and Rome and Egypt was affected by the work.

Italy in the 19th century, Rococo furniture design in the Gothic and Renaissance influence. numerous style's revival Also inspired by the work of the ancient Oriental art was drawn in. As a result, grew barley and inlaying become better. Ebony with traditional Walnut is also taking advantage of the furniture was made in Italy.

The original collectors, you can find numerous antique Italy furniture items. However, the market was in the 18th and 19th centuries, the object is the most abundant, you can find it also in the 17th century piece retention available for you personally as nicely. Venice, Florence, Milan and the Veneto region, Italy was the center of furniture making (and still).

Decorating with Italian Furniture & Accessories

Decorating with Italian furniture and accessories can cover a wide range of home owner tastes. Renaissance, Classic, Tuscan, and modern contemporary Italian furniture are the more popular styles. Furniture design in Italy is a skilled trade that has been passed down from one generation to another for hundreds of years. Although the styles have changed dramatically with time the workmanship has retained the high quality of earlier periods, creating not only unique elegant furniture, but actual works of art in many cases.

Renaissance style Italian furniture was designed in a variety of fashions. Large heavy, very unique and ornate design was incorporated into every piece of furniture. Detailed carvings in wood furniture include everything from various fruits and birds, to grotesque animal and human figures. A combination of Roman and Gothic styles make this decor something not to be easily forgotten. A word of warning though; this type of furniture is more suited for large spaces as everything, from elaborately designed credenzas to elegant iron accent pieces, are "big".

Probably the most familiar form of furniture to come out of Italy is Tuscan furniture, named for the Tuscany Valley in Italy. There are actually two styles of Tuscan furniture, one being the more elegant design furniture coming from Florence. The traditional, more common style of furniture, is the simpler, almost rustic design that came from the rural areas of Italy. Decorating with this style of Italian furniture relies more on accent and accessory pieces than the furniture itself. The furniture is built sturdy but simple, made to last in country homes and farmhouses. Woods such as chestnut, cypress, and fir are common together with leather and iron accents.

Decorating with Tuscan style accessories involves color, stone and metal. Deep rich red and cool Mediterranean blue colors combine to give a feeling of warmth and friendliness to the decor. Granite, marble and limestone are very popular in accessories and are used particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Metals used in this design are normally in a raw form, unpolished and include copper, iron, tin and pewter.

All of these elements are used in different pieces to give a home the peaceful, lived in, relaxed feeling. Throw-pillows and blankets decorated in the earthly colors depicting the country landscape, detailed wrought iron wall sconces and candle stands, and colorful tapestries and paintings stand out when added to the simpler styled Italian furniture pieces. Large family kitchen tables are often topped with bowls of colorful fruit (real or ceramic), open cupboards display linens or dishes, and terracotta or copper pots can be used in any room of the house for decoration or storage. Antique rugs can add color and warmth to the wood or stone floors of a Tuscan designed room.

Contemporary or modern Italian furniture is made of the same old world craftsmanship, but has a totally different look. Wood, leather, and chrome are combined in ultra sleek smooth designs. Glass is commonly used in tables leaving the stylish slim curves of the chairs below to act as the focal point. Clean and unobtrusive, the modern Italian furniture pieces can often act as works of modern art as easily as they do as functional furniture pieces.

There can be no question, if you are considering decorating your room or home with Italian furniture and accessories, you will certainly find a style to suit whatever taste you may have.

The Top Italian Furniture Designers

Italy has been known throughout the centuries for producing some of the most creative and influential designs in a wide variety of industries. In modern times, Italians are known for producing luxury cars, high fashion, top-of-the-range shoe designs, luxurious ceramics and household appliances. Furniture design is no exception and for those in the know, Italian furniture designers rank as some of the best in the world. If you are looking for unique style, excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, these are some of the top Italian designers that you can consider.

Bonaldo

Bonaldo was first established in 1936 and is an international award-winning design house. The current collections reflect a high-tech approach and modern designs with furniture creations that have great visual impact. There is a strong emphasis on shapes and lines, and the furnishings of Bonoldo are suited to any modern contemporary home. Bonaldo uses a wide range of different materials and is known for their experimental work in combining different alloys to produce surprising results. Many of the designs are cast from aluminium, flexible cold-pressed polyurethane, and propylene. Handmade craftsmanship ensures high quality which the company has been known for, for decades.

Gallotti & Radice

Gallotti & Radice is an established business that has worked in crystal furnishings since the 1950s. The company has partnered with a number of well-known international designers over the years to produce impressive collections. While their fundamental material is crystal, this has been combined with metal, wood and other materials in a wide range of applications. The home furnishings are highly decorative and include lamp stands, chandeliers, ornaments, modular partitions and other complementary furnishings. In recent years, they have also expanded into corporate office furnishings.

La Palma

La Palma is a design firm that has been a leader in the furniture design industry for more than 30 years. Their furniture designs incorporate a broad range of materials and the emphasis on quality can be clearly seen in the finished product. From the sourcing of the raw materials to the actual manufacturing process, strict quality control measures are maintained. La Palma designs furniture suited to contemporary homes and their designs can be seen in hotels around the world. Part of their ethos is creating furniture that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional. They hold an ISO9001 certificate and have a strong tradition of quality customer service.

MisuraEmme

MisuraEmme is a traditional Italian design house that has been creating luxurious furniture items since 1939. Over the years, the company's dedication to learning new skills and techniques has resulted in it becoming an industrial leader in furniture design. The traditional values and craftsmanship combined with more modern manufacturing techniques has resulted in furniture items that are exclusive and of exceptional quality. The company specializes in the design of walk-in closets, storage and shelving systems, sofa designs, bedroom furnishings and complementary items. The designs have a distinctive modern feel about them yet they incorporate excellent functional details.

I 4 Mariani

The company was founded in 1957 when four brothers decided to combine their expertise in furniture design and manufacturing. Since then the business has expanded its range as it developed a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the city of Milan. Even in using modern technology, they have not lost the tradition of fine craftsmanship and this is particularly evident the high-quality designs. I 4 Mariani is particularly well known for their leatherwork and upholstery. They design furnishings suitable for homes, offices and upmarket hotels.

Fimar

Fimar is an Italian furniture design company that was established in the 1960s. They specialize in living room and bedroom furniture, and have a wide range of unique and functional designs. They use wood extensively in their designs and most furniture items reflect a natural look. In bedroom furnishings, they specialize in wardrobes and bed designs. For the living room, furniture items include advanced TV stands, shelving and storage systems. Their stand designs allow you to adjust the height and settings of the system using a remote control to meet your needs. Tables chairs and sofas are available in complementary designs.

Bontempi

Bontempi is a family-run Italian furniture design business. They manufacture a wide range of furniture items for all rooms in a home. The tables, chairs, sofas, beds and complementary furniture items manufactured at Bontempi are modern in design and suitable to upscale apartments, condos and homes. Quality finishes and unique design features are proud trademarks of the Bontempi business.

Top Design Influences for Italian Furniture Designers

What have been some of the influences on top Italian furniture style in the world? Going back to the late 15th century, the Renaissance period brought major influences from around the world, including Japanese furniture designers. Ancient Roman and Greek art designs began to show up in furniture designers' work. Yet, the Renaissance soon made way for more contemporary furniture designs influenced by local culture.

Shortly after the Renaissance, the Catholic Church's influence grew to much that modern architects brought a new look to modern furniture style revolved around the influence of the Church. The Catholic Church led a revitalization and redesign of Rome that spread a Baroque influence throughout Italy followed by Europe in the 17th century.

As new forms of woodworking flourished in Rome, cabinets, bookshelves and other modern furniture styles were embellished with Baroque accents. Famous Italian furniture architects created gilded frames, Italian chests, Florentine consoles and cabinets as well as lion commodes all with creative and extensive carvings to create a majestic and royal design.

While these were large, dominating pieces, the Baroque period turned to what is known as the Empire and Neo classicism style where shapes and forms began to dominate the work of famous designers. Contemporary furniture style were skilled in their design technique that had been passed down. In the 19th Century, Italian furniture designers returned to their Renaissance roots with Gothic influences. Oriental, in particular, Japanese interior design began to influence Italian design. Italy is known worldwide as a premier hub for fashion, design and creativity.

Gio Ponti is one of the most famous Italian furniture designers of the modern world. While he was primarily an architect, Ponti brought great influence to modern furniture styles. Ponti was best known for his chairs, in particular the Distex armchair, his "Due Foglie" sofa, glass bottles and unique lamps as well as ceramic accessories and a line of home furniture. His Superleggera (SuperLight) chair was also another well-known design created by this furniture designer.

Ponti, however, is only one of many Italian furniture designers that have influenced modern furniture designers. A strong focus on detail, quality and design bring strength to Italian furniture. Italian furniture, with its Baroque accents, is still popular with Classic, Tuscan, Renaissance and modern contemporary architects the most popular today.