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.
Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical Empire Cherry Wood Biedermeier Mirror
By Thomasville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical Cherry Wood Biedermeier Style Mirror. Circa L...
Glass, Cherry
Antique German Biedermeier Style Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique German Biedermeier Style Trumeau Wall Mirror Southwest German Biedermeier style wall mirror. Mirror - walnut veneer, ebonized profile strip at the top, in the medallion reli...
Mirror, Wood
$1,550
H 20.48 in W 16.54 in D 1.19 in
19th Century Rustic Tramp Art Wall Mirror, Protruding Corners, Austria ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Amazing looking rustic Tramp Art wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria around 1880. Elaborately hand carved out of basswood this over 140 year old Tramp Art mirror comes ...
Mirror, Softwood
$2,500
H 25 in W 66.5 in D 4.75 in
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror. Circa 19th Centu...
Glass, Wood
$1,488
H 4.14 in W 2.09 in D 0.2 in
Antique 20thC Solid Silver & Lapis Lazuli Mounted Miniature Mirror C.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Continental solid silver and lapis lazuli mounted miniature mirror, of oval form, with the glass surrounded by segmented lapis lazuli panels and the revers...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
$577
H 11.82 in W 6.3 in D 0.6 in
Antique Sterling Silver Cherubs Hand Mirror S Blanckensee & Son Birmingham 1912
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning English antique sterling silver hand mirror with hallmarks for Birmingham 1912 and the makers mark of the renow...
Silver
$1,000
H 49.75 in W 21 in D 2 in
LaBarge Attr Mid-Century Modern Gilt Wood Frame Shield\Crest Shaped Mirror 1960s
By LaBarge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Attributed to LaBarge, this large mirror features a well-proportioned shield or crest shape with a carved and gilt wooden frame. A handsome accent piece for any modern home or hallwa...
Mirror, Wood
Antiqued Italian Carved Mirror, Silver Gilt Frame, Beveled Glass, 1990
Located in Dallas, TX
A sophisticated antiqued Italian carved mirror featuring an ornate silver gilt frame and a subtle beveled mirror surface. The frame is finely hand-carved with intricate detailing, sh...
Silver
Ornate Mirror From India
Located in Asheville, NC
This beweled dressing mirror will make a wonderful addition to an eastern style room, with gold painted trim, jewels, and pressed tin, it is highly decorated and sits on four ball feet.
Wood, Beads
1950's Restored Two-Strand Rectangle Rattan Wall Mirror
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired 19-inch-tall rectangular mirror, framed in a beautifully crafted double-strand rattan design. The outer frame's natural texture is comp...
Rattan, Mirror
Antique Victorian Vanity Mirror with Bear, Black Forest ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Victorian Vanity Mirror with Bear, Black Forest ca. 1900 A lovely wooden vanity mirror decorated with an elaborate carved bear...
Wood
$715
H 22.5 in W 18.5 in D 2 in
Bohemian Handwoven Wicker Wall Mirror Rhombus Shape French Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern wicker wall mirror in a handcrafted Rhombus shape. Oval handwoven Bohemian Chic Folk Art mirror, made in France. Can be hung horizontal and vertical. Mirror si...
Mirror, Wicker
Mid-Century Mirror, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Mirror,Wood,plaster Re-polished Original condition.
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
$1,485Sale Price|44% Off
H 37.5 in W 51.5 in D 3.5 in
Very Large Midcentury Wall Mirror with Carved Tribal Sculptures in the Center
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This original mid-century wall mirror features hand-painted male and female tribal sculptures in gold and black lacquer. The figures are set around a central mirror within a textured...
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
English Folk Art leather mirror
Located in MILL, NL
English Folk Art mirror Decorated all round with leather motifs, such as a basket, leaves and fruit. Handmade in the early 20th century. Dimensions: 79H x 46W x 10D cm
Leather, Mirror
Swedish Art Nouveau Folk Art Mirror, Hand-Carved Wood, Circa 1900
Located in Hammarö, SE
A remarkable Swedish Folk Art mirror from the early 20th century, crafted in richly carved wood with an extraordinary decorative program. The frame is adorned with intertwining serpe...
Pine
$1,875
H 33 in W 22.8 in D 1.4 in
Antique French Faux Bamboo Beechwood Wall Mirror with Warm Patina, 33 Inches
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully hand crafted antique wooden faux bamboo frame with original glass mirror. The beautiful color and patina of this French mirror make it a joy to own, use and look at. Ha...
Glass, Mirror, Beech
Sold
H 19.89 in W 12.41 in D 2.37 in
Tiny Biedermeier Wall Mirror, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Tiny Biedermeier Wall Mirror, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820 Cherry veneered and solid wood.Refinished with shellac hand polish. Two ebonized half-columns with old g...
Gold