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.
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Period Topographical Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German Biedermeier period topographical porcelain cup and saucer. The front decorated with a finely hand painted depiction of ...
Porcelain
Antique German Biedermeier Footed Silver Sugar Chest or Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique German sugar box is composed of .875 silver and dates to circa 1850 in the Biedermeier style. The box sits on ornately crafted feet and features clam shell relief decora...
Silver
$675
H 2.38 in Dm 4.5 in
Royal Doulton White Blue Gold Coffee or Tea Demitasse Cup & Saucer, circa 19th C
By Davis Collamore & Co Ltd. 1, Royal Daulton
Located in New York, NY
A very special English Royal Doulton for luxury retailer Davis Collamore & Co LTD, espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer set, ci...
Gold
18th Century Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy
By Michael Plummer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George III sterling silver locking tea caddy has a navette, paneled shaped form. The body of this silver tea caddy box is embellished with bands of bright cut engraved volute spiraling leaf ornamentation on a matte background to the upper and lower portions; these bands flank a plain undulating bordered panel. The ornamentation to the surface of the caddy alternates with panels of concave vertical fluted decoration. This antique Georgian tea caddy is retains the original hallmarked flush hinged covers; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is embellished with further bright cut engraved undulating borders accented with bud motifs, in addition to simplified borders paralleling the domed paneled portion; the domed portions reflects the incurved shape of the body. This impressive cover is surmounted with a cast sterling silver urn style finial, in the Classic Adams style. The caddy retains the original fitted fully working lock and functional key. This sterling silver tea caddy is a highly desirable shape and style. Condition: This Georgian silver tea caddy...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique German Silver Bear Sugar Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German silver bear sugar box; part of our continental ornamental silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique German silver sugar box have been realistically modelled in form of a bear. The box has been embellished with fine embossed decoration reproducing the details of the bear's fur and anatomical features. This exceptional antique silver box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique silver bear box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The German Hanau hallmarks to the underside of one foot are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this German silverware...
Sterling Silver
$637Sale Price|22% Off
H 4.93 in W 11.23 in D 6.69 in
Biedermeier Box, Ash Veneer, South Germany, circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Biedermeier Box, Ash Veneer, South Germany circa 1830 Ash veneered on softwood. Original brass handle and pressed brass fitting Restored and shellac hand-polished Dimensions: H 12....
Ash
Spode Indian Tree Cup and Saucer
Located in Asheville, NC
This is an absolutely fabulous antique Copeland Spode Indian tree cup and saucer. It is a spectacular example of Spode porcelain with rust and orange...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Cup & Saucer, circa 1840
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Chinese cup & saucer, circa 1840.
Porcelain
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Espresso Coffee Tea Cup Saucer
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian porcelain espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer 'Toscana' by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vienna porcelain - Cup and Saucer, early 19th century
Located in DELFT, NL
This fine cup and saucer set was produced by the Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur, also known as the Kaiserlich privilegierte Porzellan-Fabrik, established in 1718. Founded by Claudius Inn...
Porcelain
$534Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in W 10.63 in D 7.49 in
Late Biedermeier Jewelry Box, Printed beech, Germany circa 1840
Located in Regensburg, DE
Late Biedermeier Jewelry Box, Printed beech wood, from Germany circa 1840. Restored and hand-polished with shellac. Dimensions: H 9 cm / 3.54 in W 27 cm / 10.63 in D 19 cm / 7.48 in
Beech, Paint
$580
H 4 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
19th Century Biedermeier Period Topographical Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful setting of two china porcelain pieces, made in Germany, in the mid 19th Century. All items are in very good condition with no chips, cracks, or flea bites, only a view mi...
Porcelain
Antique European Silver Sugar Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique European silver sugar box modelled in the form of a stork; part of our collection of silver bird sugar boxes This exceptional, fine and impressive antique cast 800 standard silver sugar box has been realistically modelled in form of a stork. The silver box is embellished with fine details reproducing the bird's plumage and anatomical features. The body of the bird is further ornamented with impressive cast silver hinged wings; the hinged components indicate the high quality of the piece. This exceptional and large antique silver stork sugar box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique stork...
Silver
Sèvres - Louis Philippe - Cup and Saucer 'Capraire', early 19th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Sèvres porcelain cup and saucer from rom the 'Service fond beau blue, frise capraire en or' of the Emperor Louis Philippe at the Tuiler...
Porcelain