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.
$1,550 / set
Set of Continental German Decanter and 6 Glass
Located in Queens, NY
Set of Continental German (1900) cranberry colored glass decanter with painted and enamel floral trim with a set of 6 glasses with clear swirl (Stem-6" high)
Glass
Continental German Cut Glass Decanter
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (19/20th Century) cut glass decanter with 3 amber etched forest scenes with a deer, bird, and rabbit with a fluted ball stopper.
Glass
Crystal Decanter German
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial red raspberry dark pink cut-to-clear crystal wine or liquor decanter with stopper, in the style of luxury maker Val St. Lambert, circa mid to late-20th ce...
Crystal
A pair of Baccarat 'Colbert' cut glass decanters
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A pair of Baccarat 'Colbert' pattern cut glass / crystal decanters or 'carafes'. The Baccarat 'Colbert' decanter and corresponding stemware service were introduced around 1908. The p...
Cut Glass
Beautiful Crystal Glass Decanter Bottle, vintage Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing mid century large crystal decanter with stopper. The decanter is of great quality, and has an exquisite elegant design. It is hand-made of thick crystal (mouth-blown and hand...
Art Glass
Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Decanter Set by Baccarat
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine and decorative gilt-bronze and cut-glass decanter set by La Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat. The set consisting of four decanters and sixteen glasses each finely fa...
Ormolu
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanter
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Victorian cut glass decanter having an outstanding quality cut glass decanter with the original stopper Perfect original condition Dimensions: Height 2...
Cut Glass
English 1810 George III Cut Glass Ships Decanter
Located in Stamford, CT
English 1810 George III cut glass ships decanter. All-over faceted cut glass pattern. No makers mark or signature. Purchased at Taylor B. Williams antiques...
Cut Glass
Pair of Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique Edwardian quality cut glass decanters having the original stoppers In perfect original condition Dimensions: Height 28.5 cm Width 9 cm Depth 9 cm Dated 1910
Cut Glass
Art Deco Bohemian Glass Decanter Set
By Karl Palda
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Bohemian Art Deco glass with Red enamel details decanter set that includes 6 shot glasses. in the style of Karl Palda.
Enamel
Indiana Glass Amber Decanter Set, 8 Pieces
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Tiara amber glass decanter set in the Sandwich pattern by Indiana Glass Company, circa 1970. Set includes six glasses, a decanter with teardrop stopper, and a serving plate. Plate,...
Glass
Vintage Cut Glass Decanter Art Deco
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
A unique addition to any bar, the trendy teal color and vibrant hues make this a sculptural decanter, ideal for serving cocktails or your favorite spirits.
Cut Glass
Art Deco Bohemian Glass Decanter Set
By Karl Palda
Located in Miami, FL
A gorgeous Bohemian Glass with black enamel details decanter set that includes 6 shot glasses.
Enamel
Cobalt Blue Enameled Glass Liquor Set Decanter and Glasses
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cobalt blue enameled glass liquor set or aperitif service of five pieces, comprised of a decanter and four shot glasses. Mouth blown glass in a stun...
Blown Glass