Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Large Biedermeier sofa raised on four slightly curved square legs, featuring a rounded backrest
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Sofa, Walnut, 1820s, Fully Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included Shellac polish. Source: Austria
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Antique Grey Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique Biedermeier sofa from the late 19th century. This furniture is in perfect condition after
Cotton, Mahogany
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. AFTER RENOVATION
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. AFTER RENOVATION Very good condition, after
Mahogany
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Sofa, circa 1840-1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Stunning antique Swedish Biedermeier sofa, circa 1840-1860. The ebonized applied carving adds a
Antique Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860s, Restored
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique Biedermeier sofa. An antique piece of furniture with a beautiful form will give elegance to
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Sofa Satin Birch. Vienna, circa. 1830.
Located in London, GB
A Viennese Biedermeier sofa from around 1830 is a splendid representation of the Biedermeier style
Fabric, Satinwood
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Golden Birch Honey Colour, 19th Century
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish antique Biedermeier sofa in classic honey colour French polish finish with curved arm
Birch
Carved Antique 19th Century Danish Birch Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Round Top, TX
quality and craftsmanship of this Biedermeier sofa. Enhanced with flame birch veneers that make the wood
Birch
Sold|$3,000
Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Biedermeier birch sofa with ebonized back and side splats, 19th Century. When inquiring about this
Wood, Paint, Upholstery
19th Century Antique Mahogany Biedermeier Sofa Day Bed
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19TH CENTURY ANTIQUE MAHOGANY BIEDERMEIER SOFA DAY BED STUNNING SHAPE SEAT HEIGHT: 18 1/2"
Mahogany
Polished Biedermeier Sofa, Walnut, Black Base fabric, Central Germany circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Large Biedermeier sofa with thick armrests and curved sides. The sofa is veneered in walnut and has
Wood, Walnut
Sold|$3,200
Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Winter Park, FL
This walnut sofa with ebonized details can be converted into a bench or window seat by removing the
Wood
Sold|$7,097 / set
Biedermeier Sofa and 4 Dining Chairs, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This marvelous Biedermeier sofa set comes from Germany and was made in the 19th century. All pieces
Walnut
Rare Serpentine Birch Austrian German Biedermeier Sofa Settee 1860s era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
, library, or sitting room, this Austrian German Biedermeier sofa offers both historical value and timeless
Birch
Sold|$9,500
Birch Biedermeier Sofa
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, sturdy settee, constructed of solid birch and fir, with ebonized arm rails, sprung seat and comfortably padded back and sides.
Birch, Fir
Sold|$7,800
Biedermeier Sofa Table
Located in Pembroke, MA
Austrian Biedermeier table in light walnut with nice ebonized details, a turned stretcher, elegant
Walnut
Sold|$4,867
Antique Swedish Satin Birch Biedermeier Sofa
Located in London, GB
Large impressive antique Satin Birch Biedermeier sofa, which has just been re-upholstered in our
Cotton, Birch
Swedish Birch Biedermeier Sofa Bench, circa 1880-1900
Located in Round Top, TX
This Swedish Biedermeier sofa is made stunning by the birch veneer. The substantial lines and
Upholstery, Birch
Biedermeier Sofa Couch Empire Settle Swedish 19th Century 3-4 Seat Loveseat
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted figured veneers in a rich deep French
Birch
Biedermeier Sofa Couch Empire Settle Swedish 19th Century 3-4 Seat Loveseat
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted figured veneers in a rich deep French
Birch
Biedermeier Sofa Couch Empire Settle Swedish 19th Century 3-4 Seat Loveseat
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted figured veneers in a rich deep French
Birch
Sold|$6,500
Biedermeier Sofa
Located in New York, NY
A banquette-like settee, this sprung, lush sofa was the centrepiece of a 19th century drawing room
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Couch Honey Color, 3-4 Seat, 19th Century Empire Rare A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 3-4 seat sofa couch in beautiful light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Couch Honey Color, 3-4 Seat, 19th Century Empire Rare A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 3-4 seat sofa couch in beautiful light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 3 Seat, 19th Century Ormolu A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier 2-3 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 3 Seat, 19th Century Ormolu A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier 2-3 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 3 Seat, 19th Century Ormolu A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier 2-3 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Sold|$3,223
Biedermeier Sofa, France, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier era sofa comes from France from circa first half of the 19th century. The piece is
Cherry
Sold|$12,500
Antique 1840s, Swedish Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Important period Swedish Biedermeier "L" shaped sofa, large size, maple and walnut, with silk
Silk, Maple, Walnut
Sold|$1,804
Biedermeier Sofa, circa 1860-1870
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this sofa of a classic shape, which is characteristic for the style. The wooden
Upholstery, Mahogany
Elegant Newly Upholstered 19th Century Biedermeier Sofa
By Biedermeier
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely and rare antique Biedermeier carved sofa having top grade walnut burled bookmarked veneers
Upholstery, Burl
Sold|$9,500
19th Century German Biedermeier sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
19th c German Biedermeier satinwood sofa covered in black velvet
Wood
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Sofa 19th Century Golden Birch 3-4 seater
Located in Lewes, England
Classic example of an antique Swedish Biedermeier sofa with top grade quilted golden birch veneers
Sold|$4,867
Antique Swedish Tiger Birch Biedermeier Sofa
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique Swedish sofa from the Biedermeier period, which I would date from around the
Cotton, Birch
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1900
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique sofa from the turn of the century. Furniture in very good condition, after
Cotton, Mahogany
Very Rare Antique Swedish Rosewood Biedermeier Sofa with Sliding Base Drawer
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original Swedish Rosewood Biedermeier
Rosewood
Antique Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1870, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
The mahogany sofa was made in the mid-19th century in the Biedermeier style. A couch with a classic
Cotton, Mahogany
Large Biedermeier Sofa / Banquette In Burl Mahogany
Located in BARSAC, FR
Large Biedermeier style sofa or banquette in burl mahogany veneer and solid mahogany covered with a
Mahogany
Elegant Inlaid Biedermeier Sofa, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Biedermeier serpentine sofa attributed to Johann Nepomuk Geyer, finely inlaid ash burl with
Ash, Rosewood
19th Century Burr Birch Biedermeier Sofa Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality Biedermeier period sofa table, circa 1825. Beautifully made from burr birch
Birch
Antique Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1880, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the end of the 19th century. Furniture in very good condition, after professional
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1900, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The furniture is in very good condition
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique Grey Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1910
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique sofa from the beginning of the 20th century. Furniture in very good condition, after
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1900, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique monumental sofa from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The furniture is in very good
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1900, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The furniture is in perfect condition
Cotton, Mahogany
19th Century burr birch Biedermeier sofa table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality Biedermeier period sofa table circa 1825. Beautifully made from burr birch, giving
Birch
19th Century Burr Birch Biedermeier Sofa Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality Biedermeier period sofa table circa 1825. Beautifully made from burr birch
Birch
19th century burr birch Biedermeier sofa table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality biedermeier period sofa table circa 1825. Beautifully made from burr birch, giving
Birch
19th century burr birch Biedermeier sofa table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality Biedermeier period sofa table circa 1825. Beautifully made from burr birch, giving
Birch
19th Century Karl Johan Swedish Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
A Karl Johann style Swedish Biedermeier satinwood sofa, circa 1830. This antique yet Minimalist
Satinwood
Antique Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1920, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the beginning of the 20th century. Furniture in very good condition, after
Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1920. Renovated.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique sofa from the end of the 19th century. Furniture in very good condition, after
Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1920, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the beginning of the 20th century. Furniture in very good condition
Mahogany
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.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.