$7,878Sale Price|25% Off
H 42.52 in W 77.96 in D 26.38 in
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Austrian Biedermeier-period sofa crafted of mahogany veneer, upholstered in beige fabric with geometric motifs.
Fabric, Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa in Mahogany, Northern Germany, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier sofa with a shaped apron and rolled legs. The armrests are decorated with stylized cornucopias, while delicate string inlays frame the surfaces. The rounded backrest is ...
Satin, Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Feather Sofa Vienna 1840
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This elegant and truly exceptional Viennese Biedermeier-style sofa was made around 1840. Made of mahogany and ebonized beech veneer, polished to maintain the original period patina,...
Velvet, Beech, Mahogany
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Mahogany Sofa. Austria, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Early Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Sofa, Vienna, circa 1825–1830 This elegant and truly exceptional early Austrian Biedermeier sofa, crafted in Vienna around 1830, is a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,395
H 37.21 in W 55.12 in D 32.29 in
Danhauser Sofa in Viennese Biedermeier Style, Mahogany Veneer on Beechwood
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine canapé / template by Josef Danhauser / Vienna in a Biedermeier style Exotic mahogany on solid beechwood. Intermediate circular sides, star-veneered straight frame. Armrests c...
Mahogany
$14,048 / set
H 39.38 in W 82.68 in D 29.53 in
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Feather Two Armchairs and Sofa Vienna 1840
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This elegant and truly exceptional Viennese Biedermeier-style sofa and two armchairs were made around 1840.
Velvet, Beech, Mahogany
$22,243 / set
H 42.13 in W 84.26 in D 29.53 in
Biedermeier Benches, Mahogany, Intricate Carvings, France, 1840
Located in Greding, DE
A pair of Biedermeier benches with intricate carvings, half round armrests and pillars on the sides with acanthus leaves. In the middle of the backrests are two stylized flower motif...
Mahogany
Pair of Flemish Mid 19thC Flame Mahogany Sofas
Located in Altrincham, GB
Pair of Flemish Mid 19thC Flame Mahogany Sofas with Reeded Leg of Biedermeier Influence - 60" w x 30"d x 44"h (18" to the seat)
Upholstery, Mahogany
$4,565
H 40.16 in W 76.38 in D 29.93 in
20th Century antique Empire Style Palisander Swan Sofa Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Empire Swan canapé in the style of Classicism, (1810). Exotic palisander on solid beechwood. Partially ebonized and gilded. On each side a carved swan's head. Very high quality sat...
Mahogany
$3,500
H 39 in W 69 in D 25 in
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa. Item features a carved face to lower crest ands further carved wooden frame throughout raised on paw...
Fabric, Mahogany
$3,982
H 31.11 in W 78.75 in D 25.6 in
Biedermeier Settle Sofa Quilted Golden Birch Swedish, 19th Century Couch Settle
Located in Lewes, England
Beautiful and very unusual 19th century Swedish antique Biedermeier settle sofa in top grade quilted golden birch in a deep French polish finish with lovely carved detail. It has de...
Mahogany
$4,950
H 31 in W 34.25 in D 27.5 in
Biedermeier Writing Desk or Sofa Table in Mahogany, Sweden, circa 1840
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome Biedermeier sofa table or writing desk in Cuban mahogany with one drawer and two drop leaves on cylinder column resting on quatre-form base with carved lions' paw feet, Sw...
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Wels, AT
Austrian Biedermeier Sofa, mahogany veneered.
Biedermeier Style Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Biedermeier carved mahogany frame sofa with a curved back and swan detail at the feet.
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 43.31 in W 86.62 in D 23.63 in
Biedermeier Mahogany Couch, from the First Half of the 19th Century
Located in GDYNIA, 22
We offer for sale a Biedermeier mahogany sofa from the first half of the 19th century in very good condition!
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 35.44 in W 81.89 in D 20.87 in
Biedermeier Louis Philippe Romantic Classic Cuban Mahogany Spanish Sofa, 1830
Located in Valencia, Valencia
Romantic "Reina Gobernadora" Cuban Mahogany Swan Spanish Sofa, circa 1830. Spanish Reina Gobernadora Style Sofa made with Cuban Mahogany.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Barrel-Back Sofa
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large, comfortable and sturdy Austrian/Hungarian Biedermeier barrel-back sofa in mahogany on pine. Front with free-standing columns on canted plinths, fluted capitals, discs and a ...
Mahogany, Pine
Biedermeier Style Sofa from Austria-Hungary
Located in Bedford, NY
MAHOGANY WOOD WITH BOXWOOD INLAYS. HAND CARVED- NEWER UPHOLSTERY SELF WELT- FINISHED OUTSIDE BACK
Mahogany, Upholstery
Unique Danish Biedermeier Leather Tufted Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
Danish Biedermeier curved mahogany frame sofa with tufted leather back .Nail head detail all around.A really unique piece perfect for a library or den.
Wood, Leather
Upholstered Biedermeier Bench
Located in Long Island City, NY
A side-frame constructed and upholstered Biedermeier bench or sofa. Mahogany veneered on pine wood with three diamond-shaped inlaid panels and five wood carved discs.
Mahogany, Pine
Burl Mahogany Sofa, Biedermeier Style - Late 19th Century
Located in HÉRIC, FR
This sofa is a magnificent example of burl mahogany furniture, inspired by the Biedermeier style.
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 37.5 in W 77 in D 28.5 in
Antique Mid 19th Century Mahogany and Inlay Biedermeier Settee Sofa
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Antique Mahogany and Inlay Biedermeier Settee Sofa 77"W European Mid 19th Century in Original Finish.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Mahogany, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, mahogany, circa 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation.
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 beautiful classic empire fabric in old gold with laurel wreath motifs.
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Gothic Revival Mahogany Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Providing exceptional comfort with a unique style, this 19th century Biedermeier Gothic Revival mahogany sofa is a paragon of fine craftsmanship that is so difficult to find today!
Mahogany
Mahogany sofa in the Biedermeier style, after renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique mahogany sofa in the Biedermeier style, from Northern Europe, around 1850.
Mahogany
Mahogany sofa in the Biedermeier style, 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
The mahogany sofa comes from Western Europe from the 19th century.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Upholstered Sofa in Mahogany, Denmark, c. 1840
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Biedermeier upholstered mahogany "sleigh form" sofa with splayed feet.
Upholstery, Muslin, Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Lounge Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19TH CENTURY BIEDERMEIER MAHOGANY LOUNGE SOFA LARGE AND VERY COMFORTABLE SOFA IN COMPLEMENTORY FABRIC, SCROLL ARMS HEIGHT: 38" LENGTH: 85" DEPTH: 27 3/4" SEAT HEIGHT: ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 37.8 in W 83.47 in D 28.75 in
Antique Belgian Biedermeier Sofa, Couch in Mahogany and Black Velvet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful and elegant sofa was made in Belgium, circa 1850. It has a solid oak base with precious mahogany veneer and impressive hand-carved legs.
Velvet, Oak, Mahogany
German Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Greding, DE
German Biedermeier sofa dating from 1820.
Mahogany
Sold
H 37.8 in W 84.65 in D 25.99 in
New ! Antique Biedermeier Mahogany Sofa after Renovation, circa 1840
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier style sofa after the complex process of wood and upholstery renovation. This unique piece comes from West Europe and it's dated circa 1840. Round armrests finished with c...
Mahogany
Stunning 19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Inlaid Scroll Arm Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautiful shaped period sofa circa 1820 german Biedermeier, featuring scrolled arms. Satinwood inlay to back, arms, legs and freize. Upholstery and cover in good order. Restoration...
Mahogany
Danish 19th Century Biedermeier Cuban Mahogany Hetch Swan Sofa
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and elegant Hetch Swan sofa in mahogany with fine details in the shape of swans on the front. Copenhagen, circa 1830. Made in high-quality carpentry. The sofa is newly uph...
Mahogany
Vintage Mahogany Sofa, Biedermeier Style, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
This ancient sofa is in Biedermeier style, and it is made of mahogany wood with upholstery in mahogany feathers.
Mahogany
Swedish Biedermeier Revival Crotch Mahogany Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karl Johan (Swedish Biedermeier) sofa crafted in crotch mahogany with ebonized accents.
Biedermeier Sofa, Germany, circa 1830
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Germany, circa 1830. Very good condition.
Velvet, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 72.5 in D 27 in
Scandinavian Empire or Early Biedermeier Sofa with Mahogany Frame and Upholstery
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A beautiful and comfortable Swedish Karl Johan sofa or canape with scrolled arms, camel-back, and carved cornucopia feet, in French-polished West Indies mahogany, with cream-colored ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.26 in W 61.03 in D 27.56 in
2 Seater Biedermeier Mahogany Wood Dolphins Carving Sofa Romo Fabric Grey Red
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant small Biedermeier sofa in mahogany with fine details in the shape of dolphins on the front.
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 45.5 in W 87 in D 27.5 in
Antique Mahogany Biedermeier Sofa with Dramatic Carved Cornucopia Arms
Located in Round Top, TX
Drama and elegance combine in this stunning example of Swedish Biedermeier craftsmanship. This stunning antique sofa is made from polished flame mahogany with a deep, rich patina tha...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1870
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1870. Very good condition, after renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Mahogany
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 corpus is covered with mahogany veneer. The legs end with volutes. Moreover, the armr...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition.
Cotton, Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, ca. 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, ca. 1860. Very good condition, after renovation and replacement of upholstery Mahogany wood dimensions: Height: 83 cm, seat height: 43 cm,...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Unique Biedermeier sofa, circa 1850. Very good condition, after renovation. Dimensions of the sofa: height 92 cm, seat height 50 cm, length 207 cm 68 cm.
Cotton, Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation, polished, new upholstery. dimensions height 107 cm, seat height 48 cm, wid...
Cotton, Mahogany
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 professional renovation, upholstered with new fabric. dimensions: height 109 cm / sitti...
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique Grey Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition, after professional wood renovation, new upholstery.
Cotton, Mahogany
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.
Cotton, Mahogany
*SALE* Swedish Empire Revival Biedermeier Crotch Mahogany Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crotch mahogany sofa newly upholstered in golden tan velvet fabric. Birch string inlay. Golden ormolu medallion accents. Finished and upholstered on back.
Overall Di...
Antique Biedermeier Sofa, circa 1880, after Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique Biedermeier sofa, circa 1880. The sofa is in very good condition, after professional renovation, upholstered with new fabric Dimensions: height 83 cm x width 205 cm x d...
Mahogany, Cotton
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 professional renovation, finished with a high gloss polished finish. The sofa has be...
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 professional renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Mahogany
Sold
H 40.95 in W 74.41 in D 27.96 in
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 any interior.
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, after professional renovation, the sofa has been covered with a new fabric. Dim...
Cotton, Mahogany
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 renovation, polished to a high gloss, the sofa has been upholstered with a new fab...
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 professional renovation, upholstered with new fabric. Dimensions: Height 106 cm, wi...
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 condition, after professional renovation. Seat and backrest upholstered in new fab...
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, after professional renovation, polished to a high gloss. Seat and backrest upholster...
Cotton, Mahogany
Sold
H 42.13 in W 74.81 in D 27.56 in
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 professional renovation. The sofa has been upholstered in a new fabric. Dimensions: he...
Mahogany
Sold
H 38.98 in W 78.75 in D 26.78 in
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 professional renovation, polished to a high gloss. The sofa has been upholstered in a new fa...
Mahogany
Sold
H 42.52 in W 69.69 in D 27.17 in
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. Dimensions: height 108 cm / height of the seat. 45 cm / width 177 cm / dep. 69 cm
Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa, Northern Europe, Late 19th Century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from around 1870. This piece of furniture has been renovated with new black upholstery. Dimensions: height 91 cm / height of the seat. 52 cm / width 195 cm / dep. 70 cm.
Mahogany
Sold
H 47.64 in W 80.32 in D 28.75 in
Antique Goldenrod Biedermeier Sofa from circa 1850, after Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
The mahogany sofa was made in the mid-19th century in the style of Biedermeier.
Cotton, Mahogany
Mahogany Black Sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the circa 1850. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. The sofa has been upholstered in a new fabric - black velvet. Dimensions: height...
Velvet, Mahogany
Antique mahogany sofa from Northern Europe, around 1880.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique mahogany sofa from Northern Europe, around 1880. Very good condition, after professional renovation in our workshop. The sofa was upholstered in a new dark green fabric. Dim...
Mahogany
Antique mahogany sofa from Northern Europe, around 1850.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique mahogany sofa from Northern Europe, around 1880. Very good condition, after professional renovation in our workshop. The sofa was upholstered in a new dark green fabric. Dim...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 34 in W 71 in D 28 in
Early 19th Century German Burl Walnut Biedermeier Sofa in Black Horsehair Fabric
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A magnificent piece of classical seating of ample proportions and fine detail. The couch frame is covered in beautiful burled walnut veneer and the arced arm supports are faced with ...
Mahogany, Walnut
Victorian Chaise Longue Couch Day Bed Mahogany 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
This Pretty Victorian Mahogany Chaise Longue is Raised Upon Shaped and Carved Legs Which Retain Their Original Brass and Porcelain Castors. Circa 1860 The Chaise Longue Has Recently ...
Mahogany
$4,448
H 35 in W 22.1 in D 7.5 in
Antique Medieval Gothic Style, Oak Hanging Wall Cabinet with Church Windows
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare gothic revival wall cabinet with carved church-window doors France or Northern Europe, late 19th century. This exceptional and highly decorative Gothic Revival wall cabinet dat...
Brass
$7,002Sale Price|20% Off
H 62.21 in W 44.1 in D 23.23 in
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining We present you this piece of furniture with three drawers at the bottom, a drop front, and a narrow drawer und...
Baize, Mahogany
$22,828
H 27.56 in Dm 118.12 in
Rare and Exceptional 'Gilda' Circle Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy, 1972
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Echt, NL
Very rare extra large 'Gilda' circle sofa in excellent condition. Designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1972. The sofa is manufactured by 'Roset' the company name of Ligne Roset prior to 1...
Metal
Antique French Louis Xv Style Carved Giltwood Sofa
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely antique French Louis XV style carved giltwood sofa. Note the carved shell back! The vintage fabric does show some wear but is without holes.
Upholstery, Giltwood
$16,800 / set
H 34 in W 32 in D 32 in
Napoleon III Style Chairs in Emerald Sheepskin on Gilt Rope & Tassel Frames
By Napoléon III
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Unapologetically upscale and glamorous pair of gilt rope and tassel Napoleon III style chairs freshly upholstered in hand sewn emerald sheepskin. French. Chic. Such a killer combo. L...
Sheepskin, Giltwood, Upholstery
Pair of Wedgwood Borghese Covered Vases, circa 1840
Located in New York, NY
With neoclassical decoration. Impressed Wedgwood.
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Yew Wood Baltic Empire Sofa
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A neoclassical tufted diminutive sofa with yew wood frame and brass inlay. This sofa is attributed to be from the Baltic region and made in the first quarter of the 19th century. Rec...
Silk, Yew
$29,156Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 86 in D 38 in
19thC Howard & Sons Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Leathers - Wimbledon Green
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I always have a very good selection of pieces in stock with a wide range of price points. Original Howard & Sons 19thC Chesterfield sofa that...
Leather
$20,176
H 54.73 in W 32.68 in D 24.41 in
Armchair Wing Upholstered Sage Silk Vivien Leigh Laurence Oliver Notley Abbey
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally, rare 18th century, upholstered wing armchair with a scalloped back from Notley Priory & the collection of Vivien Leigh & Laurence Oliver by descent - Acquired wi...
Walnut
Rare 19th Century Lion Monopodia Armchair After Thomas Hope
By Thomas Hope
Located in Benington, Herts
A very fine and impressive European walnut monopodia library armchair, upholstered in a Rosie Uniacke cotton velvet moss, an almost identical armchair having been published in ‘Engli...
Velvet, Walnut
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.65 in W 66.93 in D 26.38 in
18th Century Dutch Rosewood and Fruitwood Marquetry Sofa
Located in CABA, AR
In the opulent realm of 18th-century Dutch furniture, the rosewood sofa with intricate marquetry in fruitwood stands as an epitome of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted during the ...
Silk, Fruitwood, Rosewood
$196,082
H 32.29 in W 58.67 in D 18.9 in
Pair of Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Sphinxes, Egyptian Revival, France
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Exceptional pair of white Carrara marble Sphinxes on rectangular bases. A very noble female bust combined with the powerful body of a lioness, recumbent with her tail lying flat on h...
Carrara Marble
$7,283Sale Price|20% Off
H 67.13 in W 42.13 in D 22.64 in
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Located in Opole, PL
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany Furniture in the Biedermeier style, made of soft wood veneered with mahogany, dated around 1840. The monumental shape...
Mahogany
$4,995 / set
H 46 in W 58 in D 26 in
Antique Victorian Eastlake Style 3 Piece Carved Walnut Parlor Set Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique 19th Century Victorian Eastlake Style 3 Piece Ornate Carved Walnut Parlor Set Newly Reupholstered in a Purple Velvet The set comes with a settee and two side chairs. The cha...
Velvet, Walnut
19th Century Baroque Spanish Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an incredible, unique, one of a kind piece made in the early 19th century Spain. Crafted out of solid walnut, features hand turned legs, beautiful walnut back panels, with wr...
Wrought Iron
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.