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 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
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
$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
Antique German Silver Bear Sugar Box, Hanau, Circa 1900
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
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 English Sheffield Silver Footed Jewel Box, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Sheffield Silver-Plated Footed Jewel Box, Circa 1890. Beautiful Chasing
Sheffield Plate
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
19th Century Meissen Hand Painted Cup and Saucer
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Diminutive whimsical 19th century Meissen cup and saucer. The purple trim with gilt decoration with birds and insects. The saucer is 5 inches in...
Porcelain
Popov, Moscow Porcelain - Covered Cup and Saucer - mid 19th century, Russia
Located in DELFT, NL
Popov porcelain; Russian covered broth bowl & stand. Broth bowl and stand, superbly decorated in the Rococo taste with delightful swags of flowers pe...
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
Porcelain Tea Cup and a Saucer, Vieux Paris, Beg. of 19th Century
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain tea cup and a saucer, Vieux Paris (Old Paris), France, Paris, beg. of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: gilding, overglaze hand painting, porcelain Vinta...
Porcelain
Porcelain Tea Cup & Saucer, France By Vieux Paris, Early 19th C.
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain tea cup and a saucer, Vieux Paris (Old Paris), France, Paris, beg. of 19th Century Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, gilding, overglaze hand painting Vinta...
Porcelain
Niderviller - Porcelain Cup and Saucer - early 19th century, France
Located in DELFT, NL
Early 19th Century French Porcelain Cup and Saucer This elegant French porcelain cup and saucer, dating to the first quarter of the 19th century, exemplifies the refined artistry of ...
Porcelain