A style of interior design of circa 1825-1848, which takes its name from a comic character in German popular literature. It typifies homeliness, comfort and simplicity, with a tendency towards lightness of form and the use of light-colored wood. The term is strictly applicable only to Germany and Austria, but contemporary furniture in England shows similar tendencies. In spite of the original Biedermeier characteristic of light colors, many of these cases are finished in shiny black. Some of the pillars are china or alabaster, while white inlay contrasts with the body-color of the cases.