The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
Antique German Biedermeier Footed Silver Sugar Chest or Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique German sugar box is composed of .875 silver and dates to circa 1850 in the Biedermeier style. The box sits on ornately crafted feet and features clam shell relief decora...
Silver
Very Fine Biedermeier Period Tea Caddy of Bombe Form in Exotic Woods, circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine and visually striking Biedermeier Period tea caddy of exceptional quality, demonstrating a highly elevated form and a most complex application of exotic woods. The hinged...
Zebra Wood, Yew, Amboyna, Satinwood
$1,681Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Tea Chest, Mahogany and Brass, Germany, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Lidded chest with a curved lid and a concave belly, standing on brass ball feet. The escutcheon is inlayed in bone. Mahogany veneered.
Brass
Serpentine Form Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Rare serpentine form English Regency tea caddy. The base with sloping sides, the interior with two fitted compartments.
Tortoise Shell
English Tortoiseshell Pagoda Form Tea Caddy, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
English Tortoiseshell Pagoda Form Tea Caddy, Early 19th Century
Tortoise Shell
18th Century Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy
By Michael Plummer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George III sterling silver locking tea caddy has a navette, paneled shaped form. The body of this silver tea caddy box is embellished with bands of bright cut engraved volute spiraling leaf ornamentation on a matte background to the upper and lower portions; these bands flank a plain undulating bordered panel. The ornamentation to the surface of the caddy alternates with panels of concave vertical fluted decoration. This antique Georgian tea caddy is retains the original hallmarked flush hinged covers; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is embellished with further bright cut engraved undulating borders accented with bud motifs, in addition to simplified borders paralleling the domed paneled portion; the domed portions reflects the incurved shape of the body. This impressive cover is surmounted with a cast sterling silver urn style finial, in the Classic Adams style. The caddy retains the original fitted fully working lock and functional key. This sterling silver tea caddy is a highly desirable shape and style. Condition: This Georgian silver tea caddy...
Silver, Sterling Silver
English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior of the caddy, resting on brass ball feet
Tortoise Shell
Antique German Silver Bear Sugar Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German silver bear sugar box; part of our continental ornamental silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique German silver sugar box have been realistically modelled in form of a bear. The box has been embellished with fine embossed decoration reproducing the details of the bear's fur and anatomical features. This exceptional antique silver box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique silver bear box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The German Hanau hallmarks to the underside of one foot are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this German silverware...
Sterling Silver
$635Sale Price|22% Off
H 4.93 in W 11.23 in D 6.69 in
Biedermeier Box, Ash Veneer, South Germany, circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Biedermeier Box, Ash Veneer, South Germany circa 1830 Ash veneered on softwood. Original brass handle and pressed brass fitting Restored and shellac hand-polished Dimensions: H 12....
Ash
Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Marble, Brass
Large 19th Century English Mahogany Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
England, circa 1880. A large sarcophagus form tea caddy box in mahogany. Resting on four bun feet and opens to reveal a tin lined casing, two covered tea sections and a central crys...
Crystal
Mid 19th Century Antique Tea Caddy in Mahogany c1840
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : 19th century antique tea caddy c1840 Period : Victoria Origin : England Decoration : Cuboid in mahogany with lighter colou...
Wood
Period Georgian Tea Caddy, Circa 1790-1810
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1790-1810 period Georgian tea caddy made from Mahogany. The tea caddy has been used well and loved over many centuries. The top has a brass ring with which to lift the lid. ...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 6 in W 15.5 in D 11 in
19th Century English Gentleman's Mahogany and Brass Campaign Jewelry Box
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
High quality English mahogany and brass fine jewelry box that was likely used for stationary as well. Attention to detail, originality and surviving k...
Brass
$1,120
H 13.5 in W 15 in D 13.75 in
19th Century German Hammered Copper & Brass Bread Box, Kitchen Utensil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique 19th-Century German Tin-Lined Bread Box — Marked “Fr. Müller Nürnberg” A charming and well-preserved German bread box dating from the mid to end 19th century. Discovered at ...
Brass, Copper
Biedermeier Box, Walnut Veneer, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Walnut veneer on softwood. Shellac hand polished. Ebonized, painted trim around the top plate. Dimensions: H 12cm x W 37cm x D 22cm.
Walnut, Softwood
Biedermeier Box, Walnut Roots Veneer with Inlays, South Germany
Located in Regensburg, DE
Neoclassical Biedermeier decorative box, walnut roots veneer with inlays, South Germany, circa 1820. Walnut roots / burl veneered on spruce. Maple, plum inlayed around and at the c...
Softwood, Maple, Walnut