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.
Large Antique Burgess and Leigh Hamilton Flow Blue Rectangular covered Vegetable
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Large antique Burgess and Leigh Hamilton flow blue rectangular covered vegetable with lid. This is 11 inches long x 7.5 inches wide and 5.5" tall to the lid. Marked with under glaze ...
Porcelain
18th Century German Hammered Copper & Brass Bread Box, Kitchen Utensil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful antique 18th century German bread box. Perfect for decoration in your old country kitchen. The piece is in good used antique condition with patina and a view minor dents. S...
Brass, Copper
Austrian Biedermeier Wooden Compote with Classical Column Stand, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Austrian Biedermeier compote from the mid-19th century features a circular wooden bowl over an exquisite stand made of three elegant columns with ebonized wood capitals and base...
Wood
$4,667
H 8.27 in W 12.21 in D 8.67 in
Italy Late 18th Century Porcelain Richard Ginori Doccia Soup Bowl
Located in Brescia, IT
This very fine soup bowl is a piece of the production of the Italian factory Richard Ginori Doccia. It is a timeless piece rich of beauty and elegance, ...
Porcelain
Handcrafted Kashmir Extra Large Porcelain Blue and White Bowl
Marble Mortar from 18th Century
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice mortar is made of white marble. This is a French work from 18th Century
Marble
Loetz Small Vase With Colered Dots Austria 1930s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Verviers, BE
Loetz Art Nouveau vase with details of Colered dots glass 1930s Beautifully decorated glass Rare to find with original condition The piece is in good condition and a real beauty! P...
Art Glass
Tureen Bowl Cauliflower Cabbage Vegetable
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful white (off-white) and green pottery cauliflower vegetable soup or stew tureen, Trompe l'Oeil style, circa mid-20th century. Tureen has a 'cauliflower' lid with knob ...
Ceramic, Pottery
La Pierre Sterling Silver Compote
Located in East Hampton, NY
La Pierre sterling silver pierced compote.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Compote Candy Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Sterling Silver Compote/Candy Dish, a timeless piece that adds a touch of elegance to any setting. Crafted with the utmost precision and attention t...
Sterling Silver
$280Sale Price|30% Off
H 3.252 in W 6 in D 12 in
Antique German Dresden Porcelain Gilded Floral Centerpiece Bowl Compote 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Dresden crown H mark centerpiece bowl or serving compote. Made of porcelain featuring scalloped oval form with floral design and gold accents. Attributed to Adolf ...
Porcelain
Antique 18th Century Mennecy Figural Mouse Snuff or Patch Box
By Mennecy Porcelain Manufactory 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare figural porcelain snuff box in the form of a mouse attributed to Mennecy porcelain. Having a porcelain mounted lid with wonderfully hand-...
Porcelain
$297Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 3.5 in W 5 in D 3.5 in
Burgess & Leigh English Ironstone Footed Teacups; Set 10
Located in Malibu, CA
Burgess & Leigh English Ironstone teacups & saucers in the Davenport pattern with embossed strawberry and grape leaf design. Set of 10. Cups;...
Ironstone
$3,195Sale Price|54% Off
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 3 in
18th Century, Lowestoft English Porcelain Trinket Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
18th century, English porcelain trinket box hand decorated in polychrome glazes and inscribed: "A Trifle from Lowestoft 1795".
Porcelain
Fine Victorian Style Sterling Silver Compote
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine Victorian style sterling silver compote, Reed and Barton, Francis 1, swirled around the upper portion with a floral garland border Measures: Height...
Silver
Sold
H 13.5 in W 15 in D 13.75 in
19th Century German Hammered Copper & Brass Bread Box, Kitchen Utensil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique 19th-Century German Tin-Lined Bread Box — Marked “Fr. Müller Nürnberg” A charming and well-preserved German bread box dating from the mid to end 19th century. Discovered at ...
Brass, Copper
Sugar Bowl, Anton Knöll, Vienna, 1821
By Anton Knöll
Located in Greding, DE
Two-handled sugar bowl in Amphora form with flower decoration and gadrooned underbelly. The lid knob in the shape of a bouquet of flowers. 570g. Marked on the bottom Anton Knöll, Vie...
Silver