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
$1,650Sale 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
English Regency Period Amboyna Wood Tea Caddy
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An English Regency Inlaid Amboyna Tea Caddy with brass mounts. The sarcophagus form with lion handles and scrolled feet. The interior with two compartments for tea with a replaced ...
Brass
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, Hanau, Circa 1900
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
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
Antique English Sheffield Silver Footed Jewel Box, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Sheffield Silver-Plated Footed Jewel Box, Circa 1890. Beautiful Chasing
Sheffield Plate
Antique Regency Tea Caddy, Mahogany, Early 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
This stunning antique Regency tea caddy is a beautiful example of early 19th-century craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed, it features a rich mahogany veneer with a warm, deep lus...
Mahogany
Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy with Fitted Interior
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A tea caddy of sarcophagus form with bowed sides and a stepped pyramidal lid, banded throughout in fine light stringing with a shield shaped escutcheon to the front and small brass b...
Wood
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers. Brass handles with star motif to the sides. Canted corners strung with satinwood. Sta...
Mahogany
$1,378
H 5.25 in W 9.5 in D 5 in
George II Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1730, Brass Handle
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An 18th Century, George II Period, Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy Having Original Brass Swan Neck Handle To Hinged Top, Enclosing Three Interior Divisions And Elegant Canted Corners,...
Mahogany
$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
19th Century Miniature Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
19th century miniature mahogany chest of drawers from England. This was most likely a very fine salesman's sample. In the 18th and 19th centuries, craftsmen would carry these small...
Bone, Mahogany
$1,500
H 5.25 in W 5 in D 2.63 in
Antique 19th Century French Beaux-Arts Silver-Mounted Enamel Tea Caddy by Risler
By Risler & Carré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French enamel tea caddy. Mounted with gilt silver mounts. By Risler of Paris. Decorated with polychrome birds or paradise, rock outcroppings, and flowers/flor...
Silver, Enamel
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