Biedermeier

Throuhout the early 19th Century the Biedermeier style was fashionable in Germany and Austia and to a lesser extent Scandinavia.It was contemporary with French Empire Style, with it’s classical shapes and solidity.

The main differences in furniture are that it is more practical,less pretentious,the use of pale timber with detailed ebony inlay and only minimal amounts of carved and guilded decoration.

The interior decoration follows the same theme- the floor is kept simple,usually bare floorboards or parquet and the wall simply painted in bright or pale single colors.

Biedermeier decoration and furniture can be regognised by its key factors- clarity,proportion and restraint.

Decorative materials were marble and sandstone used for ornamentation.The dominating colours for the style are clair bois (pale wood) and black ebony inlay.

As mentioned this is for furniture but could also be seen on skirting boards,doors or other small areas.

Airy light color is prevailed but vibrant contrasting color to the pale timber could also be seen.

Soft simple natural fabrics are used for drapery.

Understated neo classical detail is simply columns, pilasters and urns.Again simple lines for chair legs, straight or sabre.