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.
Antique Bohemian Uranium Green Opaline Glass Jug, Pitcher, 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
Very rare jug with stopper in uranium green opaline alabaster glass Bohemian glass artwork from the Biedermeier age the body has been cut in 12 side panels and hand-painted all aro...
Opaline Glass, Uranium Glass
$1,914Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Style Bohemian Crystal Bottle and Glasses Set, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A set of Bohemian crystal bottle and six glasses in the Biedermeir style. This Biedermeier-inspired set exudes a timeless elegance that complements both traditional and contemporar...
Crystal
Antique Altwasser Chocolate Jug in Porcelain with a Lion on the Handle
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Altwasser chocolate jug in porcelain modelled with a lion on the handle. Hand-painted flowers and gold decoration. Late 19th century. Measures: 24 x 16.5 cm. In good orig...
Porcelain
$7,835 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 6.5 in
Antique Bohemian Overlay Enamelled Cut Glass Set, Qajar, Islamic, 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
antique Bohemian double overlay (3 layers) cut glass two-piece set, jug and plate Glass richly cut in various shapes and decorated all around with gil...
Cut Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Lemon Pitcher
Located in Charleston, SC
A vibrant hand-painted ceramic pitcher marked Made in Italy, crafted in the form of clustered lemons with leafy green accents and a sculptural branch handle. The body is richly detai...
Ceramic, Paint
21st Century Blown Glass "Dafne Bottle with 2 Glasses"
By [1+2=8], Andrea Barra
Located in Milano, IT
Yes, it's true, it's a bottle, a decanter, but it is also an excuse to embellish the table, a even if you only load it with water, the "twisted" processing of the glass, gives ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
19th Century French Pitcher
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French Jersey pitcher.
Ceramic
Grainger Worcester Floral Decorated Blush Ivory Porcelain Jug, 1894
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Unusual Grainger & Co Royal Worcester porcelain blush ivory jug decorated with floral designs and dated 1894. The jug stands on a rounded pedestal foot with wide rounded body with compressed down narrow neck and ornately molded slanting pouring spout and a scroll handle with floral terminals. The body of the jug is applied with fine metallic gilded stems with flowers on a blush ivory ground with gilded elements to the handle and around the rims. With printed Grainger Worcester...
Porcelain
19th Century Silver Plate Holding Top / Cut Glass Claret Jug / Serving Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introduce a touch of 19th-century elegance to your table or bar with this exquisite English Silver Plate and Cut Glass Claret Jug from the mid-19th century. The pitcher, designed in ...
Silver Plate
$147Sale Price|30% Off
H 9.25 in W 7 in D 8 in
Antique Bohemian Uranium Custard Glass Ruffled Clambroth Cherry Pitcher 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Bohemian UV glass pitcher featuring ruffled clambroth top with vine handle and cherries. Attributed to Harrach or Stevens & Williams. Dimensions: 8" x 7" x 9....
Glass
19th Century French Pitcher
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French Jersey pitcher.
Ceramic
French Antique Jug Sarreguemines Pitcher Neptune, 19th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
Very old Jug, burgundy earthenware, Neptune model, blue transferware. A rare piece for earthenware lovers. It is in very good condition. A rich and perfectly ...
Ceramic
Antique Staffordshire Porcelain Lilac Sprig Decorated Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique English Staffordshire porcelain jug decorated with lilac sprigged floral designs and dating from around 1830. The jug is finely made in white porcelain and is of ...
Porcelain
19th Century English Etched Glass Pitcher
Located in Houston, TX
This is a beautiful English etched glass pitcher. The pitcher features intricate etched-glass work with ferns. A lovely piece for bedside or on th...
Glass
19th Century Etched Glass Pitcher
Located in Houston, TX
This is a beautiful English etched glass pitcher. The pitcher features intricate etched-glass work with flowers and ferns. A lovely piece for bedside or on the table. This piece w...
Glass
Antique Altwasser Chocolate Jug in Porcelain with a Lion on the Handle
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Altwasser chocolate jug in porcelain modelled with a lion on the handle. Hand-painted flowers and gold decoration. Late 19th century. Measures: 24.5 x 16.5 cm. In good ...
Porcelain
Antique German Blue Fluted Mocha Jug in Porcelain, 19th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique German blue fluted mocha jug in porcelain. Stamped, 19 century. Measures: 15 cm. In perfect condition.