Biedermeier Bookcase with Drawers

Walnut was and is probably the most popular domestic precious wood for antique furniture of all epochs. The fine pores of the wood make it ideal for shellac polishes. But beautiful wax or oil finishes are also possible.

A pilaster is a wall pillar used instead of a voluminous column, which can be found on the pilasters of antique cupboards and chests of drawers.

Inlay is the term we use to describe work in which, unlike marquetry, material is taken out of a solid piece of wood. Then the inlays are inserted.

In the Biedermeier period, black ebony was used as a contrast to light woods such as cherry, birch or ash. It was used for key plates and thread inlays.

The term "ebonising" refers to the blackening of wood. As the root of the word suggests, this is how people have tried to imitate the very expensive ebony.

In Biedermeier furniture making, attention is paid to straight lines and a strictly cubist design style. Carefully selected and mirrored veneers now provide the design of the surface. Sparingly placed columns and recessed key plates made of ebony loosen up the flatness.