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 Flow Blue V&B Villeroy Boch Lot of 5 Plates Pheasant Series Decor
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of five porcelain flow blue plates, made by Villeroy & Boch, Germany, circa 1890s or older. Images show a hand painted Pheasant pattern. This is...
Porcelain
Set of Three Late 18th-century European Pewter Dinner Plates
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a set of three authentic antique Continental European pewter plates, likely of German, Swiss or Dutch origin, dating to the late 18th century to early 19th century (circa 178...
Pewter
19th Century Flow Blue V&B Villeroy Boch Lot of 6 Plates Pheasant Series Decor
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of six porcelain flow blue plates, made by Villeroy & Boch, Germany, circa 1890s or older. Images show a hand painted Pheasant pattern. This is ...
Porcelain
19th Century Flow Blue V&B Villeroy Boch Lot of 6 Plates Pheasant Series Decor
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of six porcelain flow blue plates, made by Villeroy and Boch, Germany, circa 1890s or older. Images show a hand painted Pheasant pattern....
Porcelain
Set of 12 Austrian Porcelain Plates with Fish
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 12 Austrian (19th Century) white and grey porcelain plates with floral design and fish at center (PRICED AS SET)
Set of Four Rare Spanish Tin-Glazed plates 18th C.
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A charming set of four, rare tin-glazed earthenware plates, Spain, Catalonia, 18th Century. Each hand-painted in cobalt blue on a cream-white ground. Size: 7.75" Diameter x 1.5" H ...
Earthenware
Set of 12 Minton Gold Rimmed Porcelain Ball Dinner Plates
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
One of Minton's most popular patterns is named "Porcelain Ball” which features a large diameter plate bordered by a gold and white floral decoratio...
Porcelain
Corteo Porcelain Set of 12 Dinner Plates Made in Italy
By Vito Nesta
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The triunphant entrance of a Sultan into a conquered city is the theme of these collection in which all the plates are part of the same image, connected amongst them and telling one ...
Porcelain
Set of 12 English Raised Gilt Porcelain Dinner Service Plates
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A regal set of 12 elaborately gild service plates, by Royal Worcester. The set with delicate broad gilt borders with a white porcelain background. The mark on the back from 1950.
Porcelain
Set of 12 English Porcelain Botanical Plates, Spode, circa 1900
By Spode
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 English porcelain botanical plates, Spode, circa 1900.
Ikat Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 6
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Ikat patterns are an integral part of our colorful world, celebrating the beauty of this timeless textile technique. Inspired by its rich heritage, we’ve transformed some of our most...
Ceramic
$2,114 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 9.45 in
44 - Piece 18th Century Viennese Blue and White Porcelain Dinner Plates Set
By Viennese Imperial Porcelain Manufactory
Located in Firenze, IT
An elegant forty-four (44) piece blue and white porcelain plates set with Floral and Insect decoration, a magnificent example of refined European ceramic and Austrian craftsmanship ...
Porcelain, Paint
Set of 13 plates Blue and White 18th Century China
Located in New York, NY
A set of 13 porcelain plates of excellent quality med in China during the Qing dynasty Qian Long 1736-1795. Richly decorated on both sides.
Porcelain
Faience Grapes Plate Villeroy & Boch, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rustic faience grapes plate signed Villeroy & Boch, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Majolica Chesnut Leaf Plate Villeroy & Boch, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica chesnut leaf plate signed Villeroy & Boch, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Italian Mid-Century Restaurant Ceramic Dinner Plates, Set of 8
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian mid-century Restaurant Ceramic Dinner Plates, Set of 8 A set of 8 different restaurant collectible plates made of hand-painted ceramic. There is a special edition of "Italy...
Ceramic
$1,450 / set
H 0.5 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
Set of 12 C. Ahrenfeldt Limoges for B. Altman Porcelain Dinner Plates
By B. Altman and Company 1, Charles Ahrenfeldt
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of 12 C. Ahrenfeldt Limoges for B. Altman Porcelain Dinner Plates, with blue painted and gilt scrollwork, marked to underside. 10.5" Diameter. Provenance: The Estate of Alton G...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.58 in Dm 9.85 in
Royal Copenhagen Saxon Flower, Twelve Dinner Plates, Decoration Number 4/1621
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Saxon Flower. Twelve dinner plates. Decoration number 4/1621. 1st factory quality. Measures: 25.5 cm. In very good condition.
Porcelain
23 Royal Copenhagen Henriette, Hand-Painted Porcelain, 23 Dinner Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
23 Royal Copenhagen Henriette. Hand painted porcelain. Henriette 23 dinner plates no. 444/8549. Measures: Diameter 25 cm. In perfect condition. 1st. factory quality.
12 Royal Copenhagen Henriette, Henriette Large Soup Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
12 Royal Copenhagen Henriette. Hand-painted porcelain. Henriette large soup plates no. 444/8546. Measures: Diameter 24.5 cm, 5 cm deep. I...
Sold
H 0.79 in Dm 8.67 in
12 Royal Copenhagen Henriette, Hand-Painted Porcelain Henriette Lunch Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
12 Royal Copenhagen Henriette. Hand-painted porcelain. Henriette lunch plates no. 444/8550. Measures: Diameter 22 cm. In perfect condit...