Biedermeier 1815-1848
The pomp of the empire style became thinned down - the straight lines remained but the ornament all but disappeared.
The beauty was in the grain of the wood - which was highly polished.
Light woods were preferred - cherry, birch, pear, poplar and yew although in the north mahogany and walnut were still popular.
Marquetry was not often used, but you do find it in the back of antique biedermeier chairs.
Comfortable sofas, settees and armchairs set before a round table became the centre point of a room. Other furniture set along the walls.
The fall front secretaire (Schreibschrank) was still an expensive and very popular piece of furniture.
Small work tables, display cabinets and commodes were also important accompaniments to the drawing room.
Of German antique furniture - the Biedermeier pieces are still much sort after - I think this is because they match in with modern design so well.
Unfortunately, many good pieces of antique german furniture have been stripped and repolished to bring back the original light colouring. I find a room full of these very highly polished light coloured pieces rather suffocating.
Original untouched antique biedermeier furniture is almost impossible to find and reproductions are not unusual.