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Category Archives: Styylish History

Antique Furniture in Film and Television: How Shapes Define Cinematic Elegance

Antique furniture in film and television- Styylish

Antique furniture in film and television is more than decoration. It’s a silent narrator, revealing character, mood, and historical context. Among the most compelling styles on screen are Biedermeier and Empire furniture — celebrated for their elegant proportions, polished veneers, and timeless balance. From the candlelit salons of The Empress to the eerie domestic interiors […]

Small Antique Side Tables: Styles, Shapes, and Timeless Functionality

Small Side Tables- Biedermeier table next to a modern sofa- Styylish

Small antique side tables are some of the most versatile and charming pieces in any interior. Though compact in size, they carry immense stylistic and functional value, offering both practical storage and a touch of elegance. Over centuries, these tables have evolved through distinct artistic periods, from the ornate curves of Louis XV to the […]

The Evolution of the Bombe Chest | Antique Furniture Guide

Rococo Bombe chest in an interior- Styylish

The bombe chest is one of the most admired forms in antique furniture. Its distinctive convex curves and bulging sides make it instantly recognizable. The shape adds movement and luxury to any interior. Collectors and interior designers have prized it for centuries. From its Baroque origins to Rococo elegance, the bombe chest reflects the skill […]

From Stiff to Soft: How Seat Heights Changed Through the Centuries

Seat Height of Chairs and Sofas- View of a salon- Styylish

When you sit down on an antique chair or sofa, you might notice something surprising: the seat feels higher, firmer, and more upright than the plush lounge furniture of today. This isn’t just coincidence. Seat height has always reflected how people lived, ate, entertained, and even dressed. Fashion—especially women’s gowns and skirts in the 18th […]

Antique Game Table: Origins and Development

Interior with antique game table

The antique game table is a fascinating and versatile piece of furniture, with a rich and varied history. Television and PlayStations weren’t always the entertainment products of choice. As far back as thousands of years ago, people played board games like backgammon on gaming tables.  Antique game tables and card tables are some of the […]

From Chaise Longue to Duchesse Brisée: The Evolution of Elegant Reclining Furniture

Chaise Longue- Styylish

When it comes to antique seating, few pieces capture the imagination like the chaise longue. Long associated with aristocratic leisure and refined interiors, this extended chair has taken many forms over the centuries. From the French chaise longue of the 18th century to the elegant duchesse brisée, and from the sculptural récamier to the romantic […]

The Art of the Armrest: A History of Armchairs and Status

The Art of the armrest- Styylish

The Art of the Armrest: A History of Seating Comfort and Status What does an armrest say about a chair—and the person sitting in it? More than you might think. As we trace the history of armchairs, the evolution of the armrest offers a surprisingly rich narrative. From ancient thrones to mid-century masterpieces, the presence—or […]

Secrets Inside: Antique Furniture with Hidden Compartments

Interior of a Biedermeier Secretary Desk- Styylish

Introduction: A Hidden World Beneath the Surface Antique furniture tells stories—of craftsmanship, history, and often, mystery. Some of the most fascinating pieces in any collection are those that hold secret compartments, cleverly integrated into their design. These hidden spaces weren’t just curiosities; they served practical—and sometimes political—purposes. From Biedermeier secretaries with concealed drawers to Louis […]

The Language of Flowers: Symbolism in Antique Furniture and Art

Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers- marquetry detail front flowers- Styylish

Before emojis or love letters, people turned to flowers to express feelings that words often couldn’t—especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as floriography, the symbolic language of flowers influenced not just literature and fashion, but also interior design and the decorative arts. Nowhere is this more poetically expressed than in flower symbolism in […]

The Art and History of Murano Glass Chandeliers

Few objects in the world of decorative arts capture the imagination quite like a Murano glass chandelier. These luminous masterpieces are more than lighting fixtures—they are the embodiment of Italian artistry, innovation, and centuries-old tradition. Handcrafted on the island of Murano near Venice, these chandeliers have graced palaces, villas, and contemporary homes for generations. In […]