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
$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 German Biedermeier Amber Cut Glass Floral 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
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
$4,900 / set
H 18 in Dm 8.5 in
19th Century Continental Style Hand Decorated Floral details Covered Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
These exquisite 19th-century Continental style covered urn is a testament to the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of its era. The urn's exterior is adorned with a vibrant and det...
Porcelain, Paint
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 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
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
Vintage Italian Terra Cotta Urn Vases, Ecru Glazed, Mid 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage pair of glazed ecru colored terra cotta ceramic décor in the shape of urn with overspilling fruit ornaments, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa Mid ...
Ceramic
$309Sale Price|25% Off
H 7.88 in Dm 8.67 in
19th Century Spanish Terracotta Cooking Olla, Handcrafted Rustic Style
Located in Valencia, VC
A traditional double-handled terracotta cooking olla with a rich, aged patina. The exterior features a raw, matte terracotta finish, while the rim and interior are glazed, making it ...
Clay, Earthenware, Terracotta
19th Century Spanish Pottery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Spanish pottery jar showcases the rustic charm and artistic flair of traditional Mediterranean craftsmanship. Hand-thrown from terracotta, its warm ochre glaze is b...
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
19th Century Terracotta Olive Storage Urn Mid Eastern European
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful urn which was most likely created in the late part of the 19th century. Used for storage and transportation. Amazing color and patina. Top opening...
Clay, Terracotta
19th Century French Green Glazed Terracotta Olive Jar Urn Vase
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb 19th century French Provençal green glazed terracotta olive jar or urn. These jars were used for storing and preserving olive oil. It would be beautiful with a bouquet of fl...
Terracotta
19th Century French Amber Demijohn Bottle, Hand-Blown Glass
Located in Winter Park, FL
A large 19th century French globular form amber demijohn bottle with air bubbles typical of handblown glass. Circa 1850-1860. 14"H x 11.5" Diameter Weight: 4.9 Lbs #80259B Packagin...
Blown Glass
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