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.
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
Red Biedermeier Lidded Box in Overlay Glass
Located in Hamburg, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Biedermeier era with this exquisite lidded box made of overlay glass. This piece stands out due to its masterful ...
Brass
Pair of Marble Portrait Busts of Male and Female 19th Century American
Located in London, GB
Two busts of male and female couple carved in marble, Biedemeier style American second half of 19th century, signed on reverse of each carved 'Dewey'. Two Portrait of a well to do couple firmly telling the America they have arrived and are upstanding. The hand carved marble busts are skillfully detailed and take you on a journey of the fruitiness of Middle America...
Carrara Marble
$1,538Sale 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
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Period Austrian Biedermeier Vanity Table Mirror
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
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
$2,404Sale 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
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
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
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 per...
Porcelain
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
$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
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
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