Grace in Carved Form: The Swan Motif in Empire and Biedermeier Furniture. Among the many ornamental flourishes that characterize 19th-century European furniture, few are as elegant or symbolically rich as the swan motif in Empire and Biedermeier furniture. Found in carved armrests, gilded details, and painted panels, the swan carried powerful meaning during the Empire […]
Jacob-Desmalter: Master Craftsman of Empire Furniture Jacob Desmalter was a prominent figure in the world of French Empire furniture design, leaving a lasting legacy through his innovative work and the prestigious furniture company he founded. Born in 1770, Desmalter took over his father’s furniture workshop in Paris, eventually transforming it into one of the most […]
Welcome back to our exploration of French furniture styles! In the previous blog post, we delved into the rich history of French decorative arts. We looked at many eras of furniture, from the Middle Ages through Louis XV furniture and Louis XIV style, to the end of the 18th century. We marveled at the intricate […]
While researching furniture options for your home, you may encounter a lot of terms and characterizations. Especially when browsing a site like Styylish, the distinctions between 18th and 19th-century furniture styles can get blurry. In this blog, we want to explore the difference between two of our most popular styles: Empire Style Furniture, and Biedermeier. […]
French Empire furniture is characterized by its visual power. Coinciding with Napoleon’s conquests of Europe, it brings a slice of his empire into every room it adorns. Here at Styylish, we want to inspire you to connect the treasures of that period with contemporary pieces and ideas. Empire pieces do not have to be intimidating. […]
Empire Furniture History Napoleon’s Rule and Influence Empire furniture arose during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte over the First French Empire, which lasted from 1804 to 1814. A strong military leader and ruler, Napoleon was intensely aware of the value of the arts as tools for propaganda. He promoted the developing Empire style as he […]