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.

Console table

Starting in the 17th Century, console tables were side table usually fixed to a wall with front legs for support. Frequently the backside of consoles are left undecorated as they are viewed only from the front or sides and were created with the intent of display, often serving as pier table underneath a large mirror. Contemporary references to console tables can also indicate a freestanding relatively tall, rectangular table that is placed against a entrance wall or sofa.

Stretcher

A stretchers is a stabilizing support rail which runs horizontally between furniture legs. These often form X, H, or Y shapes in conjunction with the outside rails.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a straight grained hard wood with silky texture, ranging in color from dark brown to red. Furniture made from mahogany became popular in Britain from Mid-18th Century on, spreading throughout Europe.