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.
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
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
$4,811
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
Case with Utensils, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular case with hinged lid made decorated with fine inlays of floral and floral elements on its faces, containing a set of toiletry set composed of various elements of grooming...
Metal, Other
Handcrafted Kashmir Extra Large Porcelain Blue and White Bowl
Late 19th Century Oak-Copper French Cigar Box
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A nice antique cigar box, made of oak, decorated with bronze and copper mounts. Central plaque depicting horses. Lifting system. Space for 30 cig...
Copper
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
19th Century Japanese Style Storage Box - Bamboo and Copper
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique storage box, made of bamboo, beautifully decorated with plates of gracefully embossed copper. The chest was probably made in Japan, for the European/French market...
Copper
Antique Figured Coromandel Brass Box / Casket 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a magnificent antique brass bound coromandel Victorian Gothic Revival casket by Parkins and Gotto, 24 & 25 Oxford Street, London, circa 1860...
Brass
19th Century Box with Brass Plaque
Located in Toronto, CA
Rectangular 19th century box with an oval brass plaque without engraving. The exterior has been re-polished over time. It has a nice warm patina. The int...
Mahogany
19th Century Brass Inlaid Walnut Box
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Brass inlaid walnut box. This stunning decorative box or jewelry box has beautiful brass inlay and trim with the original tufted satin interior.
Walnut
Large antique 19th century copper pan
Located in Ipswich, GB
Large antique 19th century copper pan having a quality circular shaped copper pan with the original brass carrying handles. D. 1860
Brass, Copper
19th Century Indian Box
Located in Tampa, FL
This exquisite antique box from 19th century India is a true treasure with its rich patina and traces of green paint. The brass studs add a real touch making it a genuine statement p...
Brass
19th Century Victorian Box
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A Victorian dresser box. Beautiful decoration.
Paper
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