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
19th Century Important Painted, Spanish Terracotta Urns
Located in Miami, FL
19th century important painted, Spanish terracotta urns. Spectacular reliefs and colors.
Ceramic
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
$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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
$420Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 2.75 in D 1.75 in
Early 20th Century German Amber Glass Crocodile Bottle, Antique Decor
Located in Wainscott, NY
Early 20th Century Amber Glass Crocodile Bottle, Antique Decor, Germany Lovely Decorative bottle for styling a bar area or shelving object.
Crocodile, Glass
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
Cast Iron Urn Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cast iron urn produced in Sweden.
Iron
19th Century Spanish Terracotta Olive Pot with Aged Chocolate Patina
Located in New York, NY
19th century Spanish large terracotta olive pot. Unearthed from a very large family run olive oil producing business in southern Spain. Beautifu...
Terracotta
$1,600
H 28.5 in W 28.5 in D 25 in
French Classical Style Cast Iron 28" Garden Campana Urn Outdoor Planter Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. French Classical Style Cast Iron 28" Garden Campana Urn Outdoor Planter Pot. Item fea...
Iron
Dogon Terra Cotta Vase
Located in Montreal, QC
Dogon terra cotta vase decorated in relief with Lizards and human face with nice patina.
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
Meissen Porcelain Urn Snake Handles Amphora, Germany
Located in New York, NY
An antique Meissen porcelain urn with snake handles amphora, circa early-20th century, Germany. This Meissen urn is hard-paste porcelain, hand painted, fea...
Porcelain
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