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.
Rare Azure Blue Biedermeier Pharmacy Jar from the Middle of Nineteenth Century
By Carl Moser 1
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare and wonderful blue Victorian Pharmacy Jar. Excellent condition. Original inscribed HYDR:OXYDAT:RUBER on an enamelled shield, surrounded by a go...
Cut Glass
$8,750 / set
French Terra Cotta Head Urns
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French (18th Century) terra cotta urns with heads covered by a drape and an upper wreath border with two handles on top section (PRICED AS PAIR)
19th Century Important Painted, Spanish Terracotta Urns
Located in Miami, FL
19th century important painted, Spanish terracotta urns. Spectacular reliefs and colors.
Ceramic
Historic Cast Iron Garden Urns, Neoclassical Campana Style, 1860
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Pair of cast iron garden urns, circa 1860 RSA Antiques Rare pair of garden urns Solid cast iron, circa 1860. Neoclassical Campana shape on a square plinth base, with a continuous be...
Iron
Pair of Outdoor Meiping Form Cast Iron Urns with Beige and Brown Patina
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Contemporary outdoor cast iron floor urns with tapered meiping form bodies and fluted mouths, covered in a natural beige and brown patina. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Iron
Pair of Outdoor Cast Iron Urns with Beige and Brown Patina
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Contemporary outdoor cast iron floor urns with tapered bodies, three small handles around the fluted mouths, and three decorative ridges, covered in a natural beige and brown...
Iron
German Style Amber Cut Glass Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German style amber cut glass floral design urn (19th Cent)
Cut Glass
Rosenthal and Wien. Early lidded porcelain vase with two handles. Classic form.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rosenthal and Wien. Early lidded porcelain vase with two handles. Classic form. Hand-painted at the porcelain factory in Wien. Gold decoration. Burgundy-colored. Early 1900s. Marked....
Porcelain
A "Grand Tour" Cast Iron Etruscan Vase/Urn
Located in Sheffield, MA
A “Grand Tour” Cast Iron Etruscan Vase 19th Century Depicting classical Greek figures, with ring handles with a leaf motif on each side. Height 20 in. Vas INV. 9
Iron
19th Century Spanish Terracotta Jar with Green Glaze and Handles
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Spanish terracotta jar embodies rustic charm and timeless beautiful Mediterranean craftsmanship. Hand-thrown from clay, the vessel is distinguished by its rich gree...
Terracotta
19th Century Spanish Pottery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Spanish pottery jar is a beautiful example of rustic Mediterranean craftsmanship. Handcrafted from terracotta, the jar features a warm ochre glaze on the upper port...
Terracotta
Large Glazed Terra Cotta Olive Oil Jug
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage Italian terracotta olive oil jug. Hand painted decorations in blues and gold. Nice lion head with rings on each side,
Terracotta
Pair of Cast Iron Urns “Mikrokosmos” by Olof Hult
By Olof Hult
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of cast iron urns “Mikrokosmos” designed by Olof Hult (1892-1962) for Nafveqvarns Bruk, Sweden, designed 1922, executed 1920s-1930s. Height 7", diameter 15". Similar item was ...
Iron
French Terra Cotta Jugs
Located in Darnestown, MD
These French terra cotta storage jugs are unusually large. The one on the left is 17 1/2" tall and the right is 21 1/2". They were most likely made ...
Terracotta
Large 19th Century Gilt/ Painted Porcelain Pair Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Large pair early 19th Century gild hand painted and crafted porcelain covered decorative urns / vases . Each urn features exterior painted scene details with gilt gold side handles. Each signed with pseudo sevres mark...
Gold
Cast Iron Urn Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cast iron urn produced in Sweden.
Iron
Vintage Pair of Cast Concrete Swag Urns - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous pair of large cast concrete urns. Beautiful swag details and large handles. Perfect indoors or outdoors. You decide. Covered with a brilliant all over patina. Acquired fro...
Concrete
Pair of 19th Century French Weathered Iron Campana Form Garden Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a backyard or a patio with this elegant pair of classical Roman antique urns. Crafted in France circa 1850, each vase stands on a square base with pedestal over a gadrooned ...
Iron
Pair of 19 Century Cast Iron Urns
Located in London, Park Royal
19th French century cast iron urns. Scrolled decorative handles. Very nice patina.
Iron
$2,778 / set
H 11.82 in Dm 14.57 in
Pair of Antique Swedish Decorative "J. & C.G. Bolinder" Cast Iron Urns
By J. & C.G. Bolinder
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique cast iron urns from Sweden made during the late 19th century, around 1870. The garden urns are the classic medicine shape with handles at the sides. Marked “J. & C.G. Bolinde...
Iron