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 German 19th Century Brown Glazed Pottery Cake Baking Mold
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming 19th-century German ceramic cake dish featuring a rich brown glaze and authentic rustic character. Discovered at an antiques sale in Nuremberg, Germany, this rare piece be...
Pottery
Antique German 19th Century Brown Glazed Pottery Cake Baking Mold
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming 19th-century German ceramic cake dish featuring a rich brown glaze and authentic rustic character. Discovered at an antiques sale in Nuremberg, Germany, this rare piece be...
Pottery
Monumental 19th C Italian Glazed Pottery Planter
Located in Hudson, NY
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Earthenware
Danish 19th Century Antique Copper Cake Baking Mold Form
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
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Copper
Vintage Glazed Brown Pottery
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
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Clay
$275
H 6.5 in W 7 in D 8.2 in
French Provincial 19th Century Pottery Cooking Pot with Partial Green Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial spheroidal pottery cooking pot from the 19th century with green glazed accents, molded handle and tripod base. Created in Southern France during the 19th century,...
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On Hold|$395
H 12 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in
Rustic French 19th Century Olive Oil Pottery Jug with Brown and Mustard Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rustic French 19th century pottery olive oil jug with front spout, large upper handle and back one. This 19th-century rustic French pottery olive oil jug exudes an irresistible old-w...
Pottery
$495
H 3.5 in W 8 in D 6.5 in
French 19th Century Pottery Covered Baking Dish with Brown Blotched Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pottery covered baking dish from the 19th century, with brown glaze and lateral handles. Created in France during the 19th century, this pottery baking dish features a circu...
Pottery
$395
H 4.6 in W 9 in D 10 in
French 19th Century Green and Brown Glazed Pottery Cake Mold with Grooves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rustic French pottery cake mold from the 19th century with green glaze. Delight in the antique charm of this 19th century French pottery cake mold. With its rustic allure and charm...
Pottery
$425
H 6.2 in W 5 in D 6.5 in
19th Century French Jaspe Pottery Pitcher with Yellow Glaze and Green Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French jaspe pottery pitcher from the 19th century, with yellow glaze and green accents. Created in France during the 19th century, this jaspe pottery pitcher features a yellow gla...
Pottery
19th Century French Pottery Conscience Jug
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French green glazed pottery jug with ovoid form, short flared neck and looped handles. Beautiful rustic patina, minor glaze loss, chipped bottom. Known as a conscience...
Earthenware
Rustic French 19th Century Pottery Vegetable Steamer with Yellow Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French rustic pottery vegetable steamer from the 19th century, with yellow glaze. Created in France during the 19th century, this vegetable steamer charms us with its simple lines ...
Pottery
$920Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.85 in Dm 20.87 in
19th Century Antique French Glazed Terracotta Mixing Bowl, Handcrafted
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exceptional antique French pottery bowl is a stunning example of rustic craftsmanship and timeless design. Measuring an impressive 53 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height, this la...
Terracotta
19th Century South German Glazed Confit Pot / Jar
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This beautiful earthenware storage jar dates from the late 19th century and was used for preserving and fermenting food. The jar is handmade and typical of the period with its earthy...
Earthenware