The Biedermeier style dominated the early and mid. 19th century; as a response to the splendor of the Empire style, which it also was inspired by. The rich decorations and artistic accessories were replaced with simplicity and functionality, while maintaining the aesthetic look of items of equipment. The popular period in the world of art and interior design manifested mainly in the design – in moderation of the ornamentation and simplicity of the shapes. What is worth knowing about Biedermeier, that is about the style considered to be the last phase of the development of Classicism in Europe?

The short history of the Biedermeier style

Biedermeier was developed in Central Europe between years 1815 and 1848, mostly in Austria and Germany. However, its influence was visible as far as Russia. The Congress of Vienna and the end of the Napoleonic era are considered to be the beginning of the style, whereas the Spring of Nations, when Eclecticism started to dominate, to be its end. What is interesting, Biedermeier is an equivalent of the American Federal style and English Regency style. The name itself, Biedermeier, derives from the last name of the protagonist of poems by Ludwig Eichrodt, Biedermaiers Liederlust, who was a conservative character without any aspirations and with close-minded views.

Biedermeier – a style of townspeople for townspeople?

Romantic artists defined Biedermeier as a style of townspeople for townspeople, but it was never defined precisely. In contrast to other trends in the world of interior design and art, no manifesto was created. That makes it difficult, after many years, to allocate some items and works to the 19th-century period. How did Biedermeier manifest in furniture making? In this respect, the manufacturers were focused on practicality and comfort, which have not lost their importance in the interior arrangement to this day. Practical furniture with delicate ornamentations in the form of lines of floral patterns were to meet the needs of the middle class. The designed items were primarily made of materials in light, warm colors – most often, they were various types of wood, such as walnut, oak, cherry, pearwood, and birch. They were chosen not by an accident. Because the Biedermeier style was intended to be used by townspeople, the focus was placed on easily available local materials which they just could afford. The characteristic form, however, had to be nice. Although aristocratic splendor had initially been abandoned, more and more decorations were used on the furniture over the years. Their form, however, remained unchanged – simple geometric shapes that often correspond to porticoes, striped upholstery, or tables on a single leg are the characteristic elements of the Biedermeier style.