Antiques expert Silke Berlinghof-Nielsen has an eye for elegance.

SILKE BERLINGHOF-NIELSEN brings her cultivated eye and multilingual background to her curated online antique furniture marketplace, Styylish.com.

What inspired your interest in antique furniture?

As early as I can remember, I was surrounded by antique furniture. I come from a long line of antiques dealers in Heidelberg, Germany. My great-grandfather started the business, and most of his seven children followed in his footsteps, opening their own antique shops in Heidelberg. As a child, I spent time in my grandmother’s store in the Old Town. I vividly remember sketching the inlay patterns of Baroque furniture instead of the usual flowers or animals. I think that’s when my love for antiques truly began.

Do you specialize in a particular period or category of furniture?

I have a deep appreciation for 19th-century Biedermeier furniture and 18th-century German Baroque pieces.

At the same time, I admire the refined craftsmanship of French 18th-century Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. The elegant wood grain of Biedermeier furniture and the intricate inlay work found in 18th-century pieces continue to fascinate me. 

Can antique pieces work in small, modern spaces?

Absolutely. Every space has room for an antique. In a modern interior, a Biedermeier side table or an 18th-century chest of drawers can become a striking focal point. I believe in mixing periods to create contrast and character—pairing historical pieces with clean lines or bold contemporary design. That philosophy also guides my work with my online store, Styylish, where I offer a curated selection of antiques and distinctive contemporary pieces that speak to one another across time.

Can you describe a few of the pieces you’re most excited about?

I’m especially excited about a Neoclassical dresser that just arrived from Germany. It’s an extraordinary piece, showcasing exquisite geometric inlay work. The ébéniste used several types of wood to create beautifully intricate patterns. Another favorite is a Biedermeier side table from the early 19th century. It’s a perfect example of the period’s refined craftsmanship and timeless appeal. The round tabletop features a meticulously crafted piecrust walnut veneer, highlighted by a central medallion that draws the eye. Finally, I’d like to highlight an 18th-century German Baroque chest of drawers featuring a gracefully curved front and exquisite walnut veneer with intricate marquetry inlay in plum wood and bird’s-eye maple on all sides and the top. The warm tones of the walnut, combined with the elaborate inlay work, make this piece a true statement of timeless elegance.

Silke Berlinghof-Nielsen is a Belmont-based antique expert and art historian with a master’s degree in art history and a lifelong connection to the European art world. Raised in a family of antiques dealers in Heidelberg, Germany, she worked as an auctioneer and art expert before moving to the U.S.