A Glimpse into the Biedermeier Style

The Biedermeier style of floral arranging is such a fascinating and charming approach: within this style, flowers are arranged in compact and concentric rings of alternating colors. Typically rounded or conical, each layer contains one type of flower which contrast with the ring adjacent to it usually in color, form and texture to create interest in the design. Berries, fruits or objects may be introduced to create even more interest.

Biedermeier arrangements are typically made using the pavé technique- pavé is the French word for "paved". Imagine a walkway paved in cobblestones, the stones fairly small but set so closely to one another that they form a solid surface. In floral arranging, a pavé arrangement is one where the designer trims off leaves, cuts the stems fairly short and places the flower heads very closely together. This creates a lush and clean look.

Biedermeier style refers to both a style and a cultural attitude that emerged in Germany around 1815 after the Napoleanic Wars. As Neoclassical art was giving way to Romanticism, Germany’s middle class began to embrace simpler pursuits, rejecting the opulent French style. Society yearned for a relaxed and simple way of life.

The movement can be seen in painting, interior design, architecture, decorative arts and floral design. Biedermeier arts and crafts focused on simplicity, paring forms down to their essentials, merging the useful with the beautiful.

Otto Wagner

J. Ferdinand Rothbart, 1848

These days, Biedermeier is most often recognized as a style of furniture- look for simple, practical, elegant forms that integrate geometric shapes. Biedermeier rejected the dark ebony and mahogany so common in Empire furniture for lighter woods, like walnut, pear and cherry. While Empire style was formal, impressive, gold accented and highly ornamented, Biedermeier designers embraced a more natural, relaxed look. Common features of the style are curves, playful geometric shapes and an emphasis on the grain of the wood, as opposed to any kind of applied ornamentation.

We’ve put together a signature Biedermeier arrangement for you to bring a touch of the inspiring movement into your home. Embracing the geometric form, the arrangement is reduced to concentric rings of material. It is at once structured and relaxed, with a focus on form while remaining casual. Enjoy!

This blogpost was written with help from the Britannica Encyclopedia and Apartment Therapy.

January 2021