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.
German Metlack Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German (19th Century) Metlack beige and blue porcelain beer stein with scene of hunter and wife with pewter cover (Estate of Robert Ripley)
Porcelain
Antique Vienna Silver Samovar With Burner, by Alois Zitterhofer, Dated 1838
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Viennese silver samovar comprising a hot-water vessel with a lockable spout, a warmer and a burner. Cylindrical smooth vessel with two drop-ring handles on brackets, featu...
Silver
German Metlack Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German (19th Century) Metlack grey and blue porcelain beer stein with scene of 2 lovers with pewter cover (Estate of Robert Ripley)
Porcelain
German silver plate chalice with floral relief and bicycle rider finial on lid
Located in Queens, NY
German (late 19th Century) silver plate chalice with floral relief and bicycle rider finial on lid (dated 1896)
Antique Vienna Biedermeier Silver Sugar Box With Pear Knob, by Thomas Dub, 1863
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier silver sugar bowl in rectangular basic form on four rocaille feet, the walls of the container drawn in towards the top and provided with folds, which run straight on the ...
Silver
$1,575
H 7.75 in Dm 3.25 in
Neoclassical Style Dutch Continental Silver (.800) Chocolate Pot With Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical-Style, Continental Silver (.800), paw-footed chocolate pot with wood handle and hinged lid, Dutch, year-hallmarked for 1886, Ate deGroot Boersma Sneek - maker. Beautifu...
Sterling Silver
Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tea strainer is hallmarked by an unknown maker, but originated from France and dates to approximately 1890 and done in a period Victo...
Silver
Vintage Italian Pewter Beer Stein with Lion Motifs and Engraved Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a wet bar with this large beer mug. Crafted in Italy circa 2000 and made of pewter, the tall object stands on three lion shaped f...
Pewter
Vintage Italian Silver Plate Salt Shaker and Peppermill
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add style to your dining table with these vintage Italian salt shaker and matching pepper grinder are silver plate with wood liners to prevent corrosion. ...
Silver Plate
$188Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.68 in Dm 5.52 in
German Stein - Beer Mug - Tankard - Pot - Ceramic - Germany
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Charming German beer stein from the mid-20th century. Ceramic stein decorated with floral designs, houses, and two German figures, a man and a woman, in the Bavarian style. Blue and ...
Ceramic
Antique French Copper Fish Poacher or Vessel with Lid and Insert
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant antique French copper fish poacher is a beautiful example of traditional culinary craftsmanship. Crafted in heavy gauge hammered copper, it features a long, gently curve...
Copper
$160 / set
H 2.75 in W 1.88 in D 1.63 in
Pair of Vintage Silver Plate & Glass Open Salt Cellar, Germany 1890s - 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of antique decorative open salts pots. Made of silver plate metal and glass inserts. A nice original vintage item for displaying or just to use on your table. Each in the orig...
Metal, Silver Plate
$320
H 11.25 in W 6.5 in D 4.5 in
Beautiful 1 Liter Antique Germany Lidded Porcelain Veterans Beer Stein, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid works properly. It is a 1 Liter...
Pewter
Large Antique French Copper Stock Pot with Lid and Handles
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This impressive French copper stock pot dates from the 19th-century and reflects the exceptional craftsmanship associated with traditional French culinary copperware. Constructed fro...
Brass, Copper
$939 / set
H 4.34 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Antique George V Cased 4-Piece Sterling Silver Condiment Set, Viners Sheffield
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George V cased four piece solid sterling silver condiment set stamped by Viners, Sheffield 1934 comprising of a mustard pot with blue glass liner, mustard spoon and pair of p...
Sterling Silver
Beautiful Silver Plate Vintage Compote with Aqua Floats
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely decorative silver plate compote with beautiful workmanship. It's been lacquered so won't tarnish. Pretty collection of light aqua glass floaters are included.
Silver Plate
MCM Cocktail Shaker with Silver Plate Top and Recipes for 6 Cocktails
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage six recipe cocktail shaker with silver plate, center-pour lid and decorated in red and black enamel with the cocktail names printed above the ingredients with lines for amoun...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 13.19 in W 5.12 in D 8.67 in
Antique Vienna Silver Samowar With Burner by Mayerhofer & Klinkosch, Dated 1840
By Mayerhofer & Klinkosch
Located in Vienna, AT
Consisting of a hot water container with a lockable spout, a trivet and a burner. Cylindrical vessel with two drop-ring handles, removable lid with vase-shaped flower bouquet knob, s...
Silver
Sold
H 15.75 in W 9.85 in D 11.03 in
Antique Vienna Biedereier Silver Samovar With Rechaud by Franz Schaffer Mid 19th
By Franz Schiffer
Located in Vienna, AT
Festive silver samovar consisting of a hot water vessel with a lockable spout, rechaud frame and burner. Pear-shaped vessel with four vertical folds, rocaille relief band around the ...
Silver
German Metlack Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German (19th Century) Metlack blue and grey porcelain beer stein with scene of 4 figures drinking and pewter cover (Estate of Robert Ripley)
Porcelain
Sold
H 6.3 in W 6.89 in D 4.93 in
Late Biedermeier Silver Sugar Box With Chinoiseries And Dog Knob, Germany, 1848
Located in Vienna, AT
Large late Biedermeier silver sugar box on four voluted, leaf-decorated feet, merging into a rectangular body with wide fluting in the middle, walls decorated with fine chinoiserie d...
Silver
Sold
H 12.01 in W 4.73 in D 7.49 in
Antique Vienna 13 Lot Silver Samowar by Mayerhofer & Klinkosch, Dated 1846
By Mayerhofer & Klinkosch
Located in Vienna, AT
Consists of a hot water vessel with a lockable spout, a silver frame and a burner. Cylindrical vessel with two drop ring handles, removable lid with acanthus knob, pouring lever with...
Silver
Sold
H 9.84 in W 4.72 in D 8.66 in
Antique Vienna Silver Biedermeier Sugar Box Andreas Weichesmueller, Made 1844
Located in Vienna, AT
Rectangular basic shape, smooth design of the concave inwardly curved walls, slightly cambered hinged lid with cord strap. Lock present, no key. Finest handwork of simple elegance by...
Silver
Sold
H 9.85 in W 4.73 in D 8.67 in
Antique Vienna 13 Lot Silver Coffee Maker by Mayerhofer & Klinkosch, Dated 1844
Located in Vienna, AT
Consists of a hot water vessel with a lockable spout, two metal sieves, a silver warmer and a burner. Cylindrical vessel with two drop ring handles, remo...
Silver