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.
Dutch Delft Blue Porcelain Brass Wall Sconce, Biedermeier Style
Located in Queens, NY
Dutch Delft (20th Century) blue and white porcelain and brass wall sconce with two arms.
Brass
Pair of Biedermeier Giltwood Three-Light Sconces. Spectacular Water gilding Best
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of Biedermeier giltwood three-light sconces. Measures: Height 12 1/2 x width 17 inches. Excellent condition. Beautiful watergilding.
Giltwood
Pair of Biedermeier Giltwood Three-Light Sconces. Spectacular Water gilding.
Located in Buchanan, MI
A pair of Biedermeier giltwood three-light sconces. Measures: Height 12 1/2 x width 17 inches. Excellent condition. Beautiful watergilding.
Giltwood
Art Nouveau Brass Wall Sconces Hoffmann Style, 1920s
Located in Praha, CZ
This rare pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces was produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s and reflects the refined aesthetics of Hoffmann-influenced Central European Secession design. E...
Brass
$293
H 14.97 in W 3.94 in D 7.88 in
White Vintage Porcelain Brass Opaline Milk Glass Sconce Wall Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Porcelain Industrial wall lamp. White porcelain, brass and cast iron Opaline milk glass. 2 conductors, no ground. Diameter wall mount 10.5 cm / 4”. 2 holes to secure. Weight: 2.10...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Italian Giltwood Sconces
Located in Pembroke, MA
Pair of large Italian giltwood sconces in neoclassical style, with crossed flags, bows and arrows, animals and laurel leaves among other detail...
Giltwood
White Porcelain Opaline Glass Brass Wall Lamps Sconces
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Porcelain and brass wall lamp. White porcelain, brass and cast iron Opaline / Milk glass. 2 conductors, no ground. Diameter wall mount 10.5 cm / 4” for use inside only Measures: W...
Brass, Iron
$232 / item
H 9.45 in W 6.3 in D 9.45 in
White Porcelain Vintage Industrial Clear Glass Brass Wall Lamp Sconces
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Porcelain Industrial wall lamp. White porcelain, brass and cast iron Clear glass. 2 conductors, no ground. Diameter wall mount 10.5 cm / 4” for use inside only Measures: Weight: 2...
Brass, Iron
$233 / item
H 9.45 in W 6.3 in D 9.45 in
White Porcelain Vintage Industrial Clear Glass Brass Wall Lamp Sconces
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Porcelain industrial wall lamp. White porcelain, cast iron, brass and clear glass. 2 conductors, no ground. Diameter wall mount 10.5 cm / 4”. 2 holes to secure. For use inside only...
Brass, Iron
$2,000 / item
H 16 in W 5.5 in D 6 in
Kawa Wall Sconce 01, Porcelain, Brass, Ceramic Wall Light, Organic, Handmade
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tactile and textured porcelain wall sconce light in a bulbous racetrack shape. The translucent porcelain diffuser casts a warm-colored glow when lit. Shown in the photos with a wax...
Brass
Meissen-Style Porcelain Wall Sconce
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent Meissen-style porcelain wall sconce features three candle holders and is adorned with hand-painted, floral Rococo decoration. cir...
Porcelain, Meissen
$4,000 / set
H 16 in W 5.5 in D 6 in
Pair of Kawa Wall Sconce 01, Porcelain, Brass, Ceramic Wall Light, Organic
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tactile and textured porcelain wall sconce light in a bulbous racetrack shape. The translucent porcelain diffuser casts a warm-colored glow when lit. Shown in the photos with a wax...
Brass
Pair of French 1850s Rococo Revival Giltwood Two-Light Sconces
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Rococo Revival two-light giltwood sconces from the mid-19th century. This pair of French giltwood sconces was born in the year...
Giltwood
$1,129Sale Price|45% Off
H 22.45 in W 8.67 in D 4.34 in
1950s Brass Italian Wall Sconce in StilNovo Style
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1950s Italian wall sconce in the style of Stilnovo, featuring a brass frame and black lacquered candle-style bulb holders. Equipped with E14 screw fittings. The elegant, minimalist d...
Brass
Pair of Italian Carved Giltwood Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of sconces, of iron and carved giltwood; each backplate having three arrows crossed behind a bow over festooning and rosette, three scrolling candlearms terminating in wooden cups...
Iron
Group of 8 Biedermeier Appliques Gilde Wood Vienna Austria \\\'800
Located in Milano, IT
Group of eight Viennese Biedermeier appliques, the support is made up of an element in the shape of a poded vase, with a floral corolla forming the lower part; the upper edge is also...
Giltwood
Pair of Early 20th Century Biedermeier Revival Wall Lights
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of early 20th century Biedermeier revival wall lights, circa 1930. Good quality pair of wall lights very much in the Biedermeier taste. Shield shaped with ebonized edging and...
Birch
Basket Applique in Biedermeier Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely engraved bronze. Net grid with hand ground crystal stones.