Category Archives: Styylish History

A Place of Gathering: A Closer Look at the Biedermeier Table

Biedermeier Table- Interior with table and chairs- Styylish

Today’s blog focus, the Biedermeier Table, is perhaps the purest expression of Biedermeier design philosophy. It’s well represented in the Styylish catalog. Indeed, of all the wide varieties of products in our carefully selected stock, it’s the style and shape we have the most of. It’s an exceptionally popular period for tables. That is not […]

What is an Antique Commode? Uncovering a European Favorite

Antique Commode- styylish

The antique commode is one of the more elusive pieces of furniture in the Styylish catalogue. Often misidentified and confused for something else, it is both widely sought after and widely misunderstood. How can that be? First and foremost, the commode has a variable definition. It is the proper term for the antecedent of the […]

Anything But Sleepy: The History of Antique Nightstands

Antique Nightstands- Styylish

An antique nightstand might be just what your bedroom needs. Also known as bedside tables, or nightstand end tables, nightstands have a fascinating history and timeless functionality. From the 19th century onwards, through art deco and mid-century modern, they have served an essential role in the history of homes everywhere. In today’s blog, we will […]

Room for Learning: The Antique Bookcase in Focus

Antique Bookcase- Styylish

No object embodies the mission of Styylish more fully than an antique bookcase. Inherently useful, and (literally) filled with stories, they are among the most elegant and tasteful additions you can make to a modern home. Recently, on our blog, we have been exploring how artisan objects interact with the social movements of their time. […]

Beauty on the Moors: Exploring the Worpswede Artist Colony

worpswede-mackensen-styylish

The Worpswede Artist Colony in the German state of Lower Saxony has been a breeding ground for creative pursuits for over a century. Its presence has had a profound effect on craftsmanship in the region. In today’s blog, we will explore the history of the colony and how it impacted the furniture craft in Lower […]

Artifact of Change: The Antique Sewing Table

Antique Sewing Table- Biedermeier period- Detail of the interior compartments- Styylish

The history of the antique sewing table is the history of shifting gender roles. Across classes and societies, women gained empowerment in their own spheres of influence in the 18th century, thereby transforming hobbies into work, side projects into industries. We saw a glimpse of 19th century social change in last week’s blog post. Our […]

The Craft of Josef Ulrich Danhauser, Furniture Visionary

Danhauser chairs- styylish

To understand the role of visionary Austrian furniture manufacturer Josef Ulrich Danhauser in the canon of interior design history is to understand how an artist can reflect the qualities of a style period while systematically upending them. A craftsman of the early Biedermeier period in Vienna, Danhauser honored the simplicity of the period. Yet he […]

Dramatic Flourishes: Rococo Furniture in Focus

Rococo furniture- Interior of a castle- styylish

Among the most glamorous furniture styles in antiques history is Rococo Furniture. Defined by the decorative swirls and grand décor of royal palaces and exorbitant wealth, authentic Rococo reverberates with elevated taste. While exploring the story of Styylish founder Silke Berlinghof in last week’s blog, we wanted to reacquaint you with the range of styles […]

The History of Antique Dressers: From Chest to Masterpiece

Antique dressers- view of a dresser in a living room- styylish

There are perhaps no objects as versatile and appealing as antique dressers. With heaps of storage and a flat surface, they can fit seamlessly into any room – and elevate it with history and style. In last week’s blog, we covered the history of the armoire and it’s distinction to the wardrobe. We explored the […]

Wardrobe or Armoire: Distinctions in Antique Storage

Wardrobe or armoire- Styylish

How do I know if I am looking at a wardrobe or armoire? In the canon of art history and antique furniture, certain terms from other languages, especially French and German, appear to describe distinct forms and features from various periods. In last week’s blog, we discovered the many ways in which a period (the […]