Decorating with Italian Florentine is the perfect way to bring Old World style into your home!
I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of decorating with Italian Florentine home decor, and have been for years. There’s just something about the richness of the gold leaf and colors that evokes such beauty when used in the home.
Authentic Italian Florentine pieces are becoming quite elusive to find in the secondary market, especially the larger pieces, such as furniture, wall sconces, and the rare barometer. Thankfully, smaller pieces of Italian Florentine decor items can still be found at estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores at decent prices, though prices have definitely surged in the last year as it becomes more and more collectible.
Italian Florentine decor originated in Florence, Italy during the 15th century. This style of decor drew its inspiration from the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Florence, known for its Renaissance art, architecture, and craftsmanship. Florence has long been a center of artistic innovation and luxury craftsmanship, and Italian Florentine decor reflects the city’s tradition of creating ornate, opulent, and intricately detailed pieces that exude a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
During the 1940’s, 50′, and 60’s, the Florentine style came back into vogue when the Hollywood Regency period became extremely popular. Florentine trays, plaques, jewelry boxes and reproduction Florentine furniture once again became highly sought after. Today, Italian Florentine pieces are being used in modern spaces as well as traditional, farmhouse, Country French, and Old World interiors
via Rue27Maison
via murraysauctioneers.ca
This Italian Florentine commode is truly amazing! Absolutely swoon worthy!
Finding larger pieces of Florentine furniture is almost impossible today, and if you do find it, usually the prices can be quite high. Any piece of Florentine furniture makes quite a focal point when used in home decor.
via GrantDillon.com
Some of the most popular pieces of Italian Florentine are the nesting tables. Many times, these are still easily found and they are perfect for sitting beside a couch or chair, or use by the tub in the bathroom holding accessories.
shop.chartreuseandco.com
Some of the most popular pieces of Italian Florentine home decor from the 1950’s and 60’s are the ornate Florentine gilt mirrors.
Made of carved wood, they are covered in the richness of gold leaf and amazing carved detail.
via vagabondantiques.co.uk
Florentine mirrors come in a myriad of sizes, and the small petite mirrors have become very collectible as home decorators will group them together to create a gallery wall for a stunning look.
Authentic Florentine pieces are easy to spot once you start looking for them.
Not all pieces are marked, however many will be stamped, engraved, or have a “Made In Italy” label on the back.
Decorative wall plaques featuring classical motifs are another Florentine item that can still easily be found. I love the beautiful colors that are found in these pieces.
Renaissance artwork often makes an appearance in Florentine pieces, as with this framed artwork featuring a famous rendition of the Madonna and Child.
One highly collectible piece that I’m always searching for is the Italian Florentine triptych. I love them, and if you’ve followed me for awhile, you know how much I love antique religious artifacts. These triptychs are a perfect addition to any religious collection or displayed on their own.
The triptychs have hinged tri-fold wood panels and feature paintings of nativity scenes, Madonna with child, and angels.
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
One piece of Italian Florentine home decor that I’m alway on the hunt for is the elusive Florentine Barometer.
They are such a fabulous decorating piece and can be seen in so many of the high end decorating magazines, however they are very hard to find. The Florentine Barometer makes quite a statement, and will definitely draw one’s eye no matter where it’s displayed!
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
Decorative items such as candlesticks, picture frames, trays, and decorative boxes adorned with intricate designs and gold leaf are also highly sought after.
These pieces are highly desired for their ability to bring a sense of timeless elegance and luxury to interior spaces.
Though many Florentine pieces are done in white and gold, pieces are also available in a wide range of colors, such as pink, green, and the highly popular turquoise blue, making them perfect for any palette.
Florentine trays are still quite easy to find, and they can be used in so many different ways!
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
via 1stdibs
Some of the later Florentine pieces made in the 1970’s were made of resin and not wood. I always pass those up when I find them. For me, the resin pieces just don’t have the same beauty as those made of wood.
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
Italian Florentine pieces have become timeless and enhance so many decorating styles, and it pairs beautifully with other antique furnishings.
The next time you’re at an estate sale, antique mall, or thrift store, keep an eye out for a piece of Italian Florentine. I hope I have inspired you to add a piece of Italian Florentine furniture, or an accessory, to your home interior!
Cheers, Cindy
You also might enjoy this post: “French Chair Makeover“
Thank you for this wonderful post…I have been collecting Italian Florentine for years, it makes my heart happy….I am still on the hunt for a barometer that I can afford! I’m trying to be patient
I have bought a few more Florentine pieces because I can’t resist the beauty and the price was right. Love that gold gilt elegance.
Great post! I learned a passel full today!
Thank you for this article! I have many Florentine pieces, but it helps to understand the history and evolution of this style.
I buy it whenever I find it!! Always a lovely surprise to find a small box or piece of art!
Great post, Cindy! I am fortunate to own a few pieces that were my Italian grandmother’s, and also a small tray my parents brought back from Italy for me. Small & precious treasures for sure!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
I too love a bit of golden bling on furniture and art objects!
All these pieces are so lovely. Thank you for the history of these pieces. When we have traveled to places and palaces in Europe I’m fascinated by the beautiful art. Cherry
I have quite a collection of Florentine pieces. I try not to buy anymore unless it’s a great price. Florentine is beautiful.