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Biedermeier Furniture

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I’m excited for today’s post.  I was anticipating our lesson would pivot on the tell-tale signs of this era of furniture and design.  And, of course, we will have the same.  However, I was fascinated by the broader historical context.  Granted, the following historical overview is grossly curt and uninformed.  I merely want to give you a sense of why the furniture appears as we find it today in antique stores and museums. 

 

So here we are: Napoleon the gregarious has been exiled to the island of St. Helena after a second and final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.  During his reign as French Emperor beginning in  1804, Europe was overwhelmed with war and chaos.  He had made a tremendous impact on the region, dominating the landscape through Italy, Sicily, Egypt, and much of Europe.    During his reign, Empire furniture prevailed.  As you might imagine, the aesthetic was detailed, heavily adorned, and unattainable by the middle class. 

Following his defeat at Waterloo, the Congress of Vienna convened to establish a sense of order in the region.  The time to follow was marked by restraint and intolerance politically, with leadership aimed to reduce conflict and disorder.  The middle class began to thrive and the arts  flourish.  In juxtaposition to Empire furniture, Biedermeier furniture emerged marked by elegant, simplified lines, designed for livability and use in the home.  Neoclassical elements  such as columns, shells, and the lyre are present in the pieces.  Smooth curved shapes are predominant.  You will find the furniture makes much of its materials, particularly wood; burled wood is a significant feature.  Its breathtaking.  So, big picture: Biedermeier furniture has its origin in Post-Napoleonic Europe, spanning some 30-40 years from 1815 to the 1840’s.  Its  graceful, elegant, and confident, while decidedly restrained.

Period Austrian Biedermeier Figured Walnut Center Table. Biedermeier Armoire.  Breathtakingly Detailed Viennese Biedermeier Chest. A Pair of Biedermeier Chairs. Biedermeier Drop-Front Gentleman’s Desk.  Biedermeier Armoire.

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Can We Make-up a Party?

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I’ve decided if I were the blessed owner of these heels—which you may have seen floating around elsewhere on the internet--I would throw a party, just to wear them.  Agreed?  Tomorrow, I’ll give us a brush-up on the contours and signifying characteristics of biedermeier furniture.  And, perhaps a pronunciation lesson, as well! 

 

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Opinion?

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Now, one of my sweet girlfrends has been on me about getting on Pinterest.  But, I found such a move somewhat premature to an actual bulletin board, right?  Well, I have finally executed my plan, after finding the perfect specimen at Hobby Lobby, of all places.  So, now I may be able to graduate to an additional bulletin board, of the digital nature.  In the meantime, I need your opinion.  Which chair?  I think I know my preference.  Just curious for yours? 

 

 

Now, I have to say, the direction of my bedroom is decidedly lighter than many of my other spaces,  unabashedly laced with estrogen.  But, my sister-in-law is always telling me to go for it, as soon (or not so soon!), some man (ineffably kind, intelligent, and, perhaps, good-looking) will likely opt out of the peonies at his bedside (or the alstroemeria lilies, on a good budget day!). Haha.

To understand my contemplation with the french chair, one probably needs a peak at my humble bedding.  It could use a bit of work; but I love the buttoned sham, it’s a keeper.

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Housewives’ Guide to Antiques

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We thumbed through the Better Homes and Gardens  Decorating Book a couple weeks ago.  I neglected to tell you about the book that was included in the Decorating Book: A Housewives’ Guide to Antiques. 

The book is as useful as the its Decorating Book counterpart.  There are descriptions of the differing eras of antique furniture—including the enthusiast’s tell-tale signs of each.

Had it been written today, this book would lack a decided amount of its content.  The vastly different landscape —particularly the insistence on the woman’s role at home—colors the commentary and suggestions throughout the book.  You’ll see what I mean below.  Admittedly, I adore the book; many of the otherwise politically incorrect parts were my favorites (and are still pretty true!).  Hope you enjoy the excerpts below.  The use of language is delightful—words are one of my favorite indulgences. I’m tickled by the lack of possessive adjectives: your husband, my children.  As if all housewives—or wives—and all husbands are the same.  So. Perfect. Ha!  I imagine I would be the youngest spinster this writer would have ever met, bahaha.  Alas, my tone intends to lack any cynicism; its just humorous to observe the difference in social norms.

There is no need to feel that the furniture is out of date after a few years and thus replace it at a strain against Husbands’ budget, when the furniture is still in good shape. (15)

Don’t buy something just because it is old!  Age will not improve what was not good to start.  Not all old wine is vintage champagne—sometimes it is just wine that has turned into vinegar.  Antique furniture is no different. (17)

A lovely home is something that offers enjoyment in many ways: comfort for the body, beauty for the eye, and contentment for the mind in knowing that, “Be it ever so humble…” your home is the nicest place in the world." (18)

However, due to the sentimental value of many items belonging to elderly or deceased members of their families, and the mistaken idea of the true ages of these treasure, (Why, it must have been in Grandma’s attic forever!) some people refer to anything old or obsolete as being “antique.”  This is a common misnomer among the well-meaning but misinformed.  There is no much you can do when someone shows you a late Victorian chair which was owned by her Aunt Agatha, and proudly tells you that it is two hundred years old, except try to smile and mutter something noncommital like, “My, how interesting.” (19)

Does friend Husband shudder at the mention of antique furniture? It may well be that he has come into contact with poor specimens and has been told that, “Its rickety because its old—its an antique, you know.” 

This time Husband is right. If a chair is too wobbly to be used, it should be either discarded, or, if it is of excellent style and workmanship but suffers from years of misuse and abuse, it should be placed in a museum where it can be seen but not used. (19-20)

 “Enlist Husband’s Help” Two heads are always better than one; while he becomes an “expert” on detecting fakes, you can bone up on styles and periods. Shop and buy together—it is more four informed, alert eyes instead of just your own two, and there is much less change of being stuck with a fake.  Knowing the difference, your Husband may well surprise you by urging you to spend just a little more than you had hoped for, because of a better value than what you would have bought alone fearing his disapproval.  After all even though we women are considered shrewder shoppers, he did earn the money and he wants the most for each dollar. (24)

 

Gross, Leslie. Housewives’ Guide to Antiques. Exposition Press. New York. 1959.

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Everything Sad is Coming Untrue

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Hope this weekend provides rest in knowing that soon, in His Rest, everything sad is coming untrue.  Oh, for the day to come.  Hopefully next week, I’ll have content for you to devour—time and energy permitting. 

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Pattern

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I’ve been attempting to get my “guest room” in order for the Fall.  It is inconvenient at best and disappointing at worst to be unable to house a friend for the night, when a husband is out of town or the weekend has found a friend from afar, near.  I “inherited” a futon from a dear family friend.  It is perfect.  Casual (I don’t often do casual), just undersized, and now happily situated out of their garage and into my little home. 

It is simple and dying for pattern.  I was delighted to find tips on incorporating pattern into one’s space on One Kings Lane today.  The fabric below (including the 1st pillow and last blanket made by my dear Grams), was compiled this weekend from scraps I’ve been meaning to use and fresh finds from the fabric store.  I’m still not quite sure this is the final mix, but is a start and so much fun to play with.  By the end, I will have a futon full of happy, handmade, patterned pillows.  Can’t wait to be done to show you! (Yes, those are my heels.  650 sq. feet creates its own set of necessities!  I wish I could say those were all of them.)

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Time for FALL.

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It seems, with the changing of each season, I suddenly love the ensuing season supremely over the others.  It appears I love the change more than the substance of any one season.  The newness, the inspiration, of the changing is energizing.  And, so, with September well here, we embark into Fall.  Put away any sea shells or other remnants of the summer.  It is time for the holidays to descend and us to enjoy the season full of food, football, and family.  I spent a bit of the holiday weekend pulling out holiday decorations and sorting through what is to come for Christmas.  So. Exciting.