Furniture - European - Biedermeier (1815 - 1860)

Empire style furniture (and Regency in England) was largely made for the aristocracy. But the period after the Napoleonic period in the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw the rise of the middle classes, culminating in a series of revolutions in 1848. The style of furniture developed for the newly influential middle class became known as "Biedermeier" (originally a derogatory term similar in meaning to the English "plain Jane".).

The style was a simplified form of neo-classical, retaining the symmetry and proportion but with more restrained decoration. Columns and cornices were less used but the lyre motif became common. Much use was made of lighter coloured veneers, such as walnut, maple, birch and ash, in contract with the dark mahogany and rosewood used elsewhere. Inlays of contrasting woods and, later, brass, were often used. Early pieces tend to be simpler and more classical in style; later pieces after about 1840) were more curved and decorated.

 Biedermeier secretaire (Austrian 1820-25)

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Furniture - European - Pre-Victorian (to 1830)

Gothic Furniture (1200 - 1425)

Gothic chair (The English Coronation Throne)The great cathedrals of the Gothic period were expressions of a new affluence but their interiors contained simple functional, oak furniture. Late in the Gothic period, carved decoration echoing the arched shapes of Gothic architecture appeared.

All houses in the Middle Ages were damp and furniture needed to be raised off the ground to prevent rotting. For this reason, chests from the 12th century onward often had legs. 

A few new forms of furniture appeared. these included single and double-tiered cupboards and sideboards with a small storage area on tall legs and a shelf beneath.

By the 15th century, the Low Countries were becoming prosperous through trade and merchants’ homes there became better furnished. "Flanders chests", decorated with a stylised motif representing folded linen, became popular.

 

Renaissance Furniture (1425 - 1580)
The Renaissance in Italy saw the introduction of elaborately decorated chests, rich marquetry, elaborate carving and the use of walnut in place of oak. Florence was famous for marriage chests, painted with romantic scenes, were produced. Portable folding chairs with leather or tapestry seats and chairs with solid, carved backs and solid panels instead of legs were introduced.

During the early Renaissance period, the French courts employed Italian artists who brought Italian furniture designs, but with somewhat richer decoration.

 

 German Renaissance chest

Feather beds and pillows came into use. In the colder, northern countries, beds were surmounted by a canopy hung from the ceiling

In the 15th century, the southern German cities of Ausberg and Nuremburg became famous for the exuberance and virtuosity of their carved and inlaid cabinets. The earliest cabinets were placed on tables; later, they were made with stands.. 

Did you know?

The earliest chests were made by hollowing out tree trunks; and, so, were called  "trunks".

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