Biedermeier

A style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the first half of the 19th century. Inspired by French Empire and German painted peasant work. The name was borrowed from an imaginary cartoon character called Papa Biedermeier, an uneducated country gentlemen who considered himself a connoisseur of fine and industrial arts. Simple marquetry patterns were used with pressed brass ornaments of Greek inspiration as well as painted motifs of wreaths, urns, and floral, animal and human forms. Woods used were mainly fruitwoods, maple, mahogany and birch.

Apron

A structural support placed at right angles to the underside of a shelf, chair seat, or table top to provide additional weight bearing strength and often decorative flourishes.

Ash

Ash is a strong hardwood that varies in hue from grayish hue to deep brown, and is typically a lighter shade. It is used mainly in structural concealed portions of furniture such as drawer linings.

Burl

Burl is a type of wood that comes from an irregular growth on a tree. Burl wood is usually cut in a thin veneer form to show its exquisite detail. Burl wood is most common in walnut, elm and yew. Burl wood has been used to decorate furniture for centuries and was highly popular during the Biedermeier period.