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.
Bronze Patinaed Native American Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Austrian style bronze multicolored patinaed figure of Native American chief with rifle standing on a travertine base (Kalba style)
Bronze
Continental German Terra-Cotta Mask
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (late 19th Cent) sculpted terra-cotta master mask mold bust of a serene male face displayed on a square black marble base stand (part of a collection)
Marble
German Short Green and Tan Drizzle Ceramic Vase
Located in Queens, NY
German mid-century style short bulbous shaped light green and tan woven design drizzle \"fat lava\" vase with a low neck.
Lava
$1,488Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Biedermeier Paperweight, White Lacquer, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Rectangular white lacquered paperweight with silver-plated fittings and handle and polychrome city view on cardboard, framed behind glass.
Paper
Antique glas cup "Farmers silver", Germany around 1880
Located in Hamburg, DE
“Bauernsilber,” also known as “farmer’s silver,” is a unique technique that became popular in the 19th century, particularly in Germany. Despite its name, it is not real silver but r...
Glass
Continental German Terra-Cotta Mask
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (late 19th Cent) sculpted terra-cotta master mask mold of a smiling \"idiot\" face with sleepy eyes displayed on a square black marble base stand (part of a collec...
Marble
19th Century German Biedermeier Blue Ceramic Vase with Speckled Design
Located in Queens, NY
German mid-century style blue and white speckled ceramic vase with elongated handles and long taped neck
Ceramic
Vintage Regency Carved Pillar Candlesticks - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of architectural stature and classic warmth to your mantel or dining table with this handsome pair of vintage turned wood candlesticks. Crafted in a Neoclassical or Biede...
Wood
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
3 Antique Silver Money Boxes, Piggy Banks, Austria-Hungary & Germany, 19th Cent.
Located in Vienna, AT
Three silver money boxes, two in tankard form with padlocks, one in cuboid form with built-in lock, hinged lids. Dating: 19th Century Material: Silver 13 Lot ('812....
Silver
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Biedermeier Table Mirror, Carved Wood & Gilt, Circa 1850
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very handsome and unusual table top dressing mirror likely made in Austria in the early to mid 19thC. The shield shaped mirror has a gilded...
Wood
Vienna Imperial Porcelain Coffee Service, 8 People, Prussian Blue & Gold, 1825
By Viennese Imperial Porcelain Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant 19-piece coffee service consisting of a coffee pot, a large milk or hot water pot, a large sugar urn and eight coffee cups with saucers. Large bulbous vessels on stepped stan...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Vase with Hand-Painted Flowers, Ca 1900
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Meissen porcelain vase with hand-painted flowers. Purple and gold decoration. Ca. 1900. Measures: 19.5 x 11 cm. In excellen...
Porcelain
Continental German Terra-Cotta Mash
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (late 19th Cent) sculpted terra-cotta master mask mold of a laughing Grotesque face with a furrowed brow displayed on a square black marble base stand (part of 39 ...
Marble
$1,850Sale Price|61% Off
Biedermeier Period Wood and Gilt Clock
Located in Montreal, QC
Austrian Biedermeier period gilt and polychromed wood clock. Chiseled gold Swiss movement, signed: P.Francois a' Nion.
Ormolu
Meissen Figurine 'Estrella', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin, while with her left hand she perf...
Porcelain
$2,325Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique Biedermeier Jewelry Box, Wood & Silver Plated
Located in Greding, DE
White lidded box standing on small spherical feet with trapezoidal body and lid with a groove. The fittings are silver plated. Key available. Interior veneered in cherry.
Wood
Silver 812.5 Biedermeier Lidded Casserole Wooden Stick Radelpunze Vienna 1827
Located in Vienna, AT
Silver 812.5 (= Silver 13 Lot) Biedermeier lidded casserole with wooden stick Vienna / Austria, made 1827 Austrian finest silver item of best manufacturing quality ! Specifications: The casserole is...
Sterling Silver
Biedermeier Chimney Clock with Inlays, circa 1860
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosewood with tendril and thread inserts. Rectangular base with four columns and the clock hung under the architrave. Dial Email. Gold-plated brass bezel and decorated gold compensat...
Beech
Golden 750 Biedermeier Box Painting Portrait of Little Girl Vienna Made 1828
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden biedermeier round box with lovely portrait of a little girl. Vienna / Austria, made 1828 Finest golden item of best manufacturing quality! Specifications: The lid of round golden box...
Gold