Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Large Biedermeier chest of drawers featuring three drawers and a subtly bombé lower front. The top
Brass
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, We would like to offer you this truly exquisite, early Biedermeier walnut chest of four
Walnut
Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
A Biedermeier chest of drawers with three drawers and brass handles, standing on low tapered legs
Brass
Lovely Handmade Victorian circa 1850 Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning walnut circa 1850 Biedermeier chest of drawers
Walnut
Sold|$11,500
Large Early Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Handsome neoclassical Biedermeier two-drawer chest with chamfered edges and tapering straight legs
Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers, Franconia, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Frankish Biedermeier chest of drawers veneered in walnut. The slightly protruding top
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Nashville, TN
Exquisite Biedermeier Walnut Dresser from 1820, Southern Germany. This remarkable Biedermeier chest
Wood
Miniature Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers, circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Charming miniature chest of drawers from the Biedermeier period, crafted around 1830 with
Walnut, Softwood
Sleek Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers, Medium-Size
Located in Westport, CT
An early 19th century three drawer chest in a beautiful bookmatched walnut veneer on pine adorned
Walnut
Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers or Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A stunning three drawer commode made of walnut. Dovetailed drawer construction, original ebony
Sold|$24,000 / set
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chests of Drawers, Italy
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Biedermeier chests of drawers from Italy, crafted circa 1830. The commodes feature
Brass
Early 19th Century Small Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Darmstadt, DE
the Biedermeier period circa 1800. Beautiful walnut veneer on pinewood corpus. The commode is in a
Walnut, Pine
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Two-Drawer / Commode
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The chest of drawers with two drawers was made circa 1820 from veneered walnut wood. The locks are
Spruce, Walnut
Sold|$4,850
Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawers/Commode
By Biedermeier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Biedermeier walnut chest of drawers/commode. This stunning piece has four large drawers. Drawers
Walnut
Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers with dark grey Stone Top, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Walnut veneered Biedermeier chest of drawers with three drawers and old grey marble top with a
Marble
Sold|$8,995
Biedermeier Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
Biedermeier Walnut Chest with 4 drawers.
Wood
Sold|$5,500
German Biedermeier Walnut Commode
Located in Astoria, NY
German Biedermeier walnut chest of drawers or commode with three drawers, ebonized columns and
Wood, Walnut
Huge 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Drop Front Desk Secretaire
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning large 19th century Swedish Biedermeier walnut
Walnut
German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers from the 1830s
Located in Greding, DE
Wonderful German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers from the 1830s. The Biedermeier walnut chest of
Walnut
Stunning circa 1850 Solid Walnut Biedermeier Chest / Bank of Drawers Patina
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Biedermier flamed walnut chest of drawers, circa
Walnut
Sold|$3,400
19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode
By Biedermeier
Located in East Hampton, NY
Walnut Biedermeier chest of four drawers with working keys, Germany, 1850s Repairs to the top.
Sold|$6,875
Biedermeier Walnut Armoire Chest Wardrobe
By Biedermeier
Located in Sofia, BG
A Very fine wardrobe with two doors, veneered in walnut with open stain. Austrian Empire, first
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Classical Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Very Fine 19th century Biedermeier style walnut chest. The wood and finish on this piece are
Walnut, Burl
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut Veneered, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers with three drawers and ebonised columns. The chest of drawers is
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
This original Biedermeier chest of drawers dates back to 1820 and was made in Southern Germany. The
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, circa 1840
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers veneered in walnut, featuring balustered corner pilasters on the sides
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers in walnut veneer with three drawers, square tapered feet and ebonized
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut veneered, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers in walnut veneer with three drawers, square feet and ebonised
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier chest of drawers, South German 1820. Walnut veneer. Beautiful original Biedermeier
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German, 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
Beautiful original Biedermeier chest of drawers, South German 1820, mirrored walnut veneer. The
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
This elegant original Biedermeier chest of drawers dates back to around 1820. It was made in
Walnut
Early 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Chests of Drawers
Located in Berlin, DE
This Biedermeier commode was produced circa 1820 in Germany. The chest of drawers is made out of
Pine, Walnut
Early 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Chests of Drawers
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Biedermeier commode was made circa 1820 in South Germany. The chest of drawers is
Pine, Walnut
Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Austria 19th
Located in Brussels, BE
Walnut Biedermeier chest of drawers - Austria 19th.
Wood
Late Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Large chest of drawers in walnut veneer with three drawers and balustered pillars at the front
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, Southern Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers in walnut veneer with oval brass fittings and bevelled corners. The
Walnut
19th Century German Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawer
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Classic Biedermeier column chest of drawers. South German, around 1820. Walnut veneered on
Walnut, Pine
Souther German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Baden Biedermeier commode Southwest Germany Walnut Biedermeier around 1825 Dimensions: H x
Walnut
19th Century German Biedermeier Sideboard, Chest, Walnut, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century small antique Biedermeier sideboard Southern Germany Walnut Biedermeier around 1825
Walnut
Small Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers, Walnut, Germany, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Small Biedermeier chest of drawers with exquisitely beautiful grain South-West Germany (Baden
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German 1820, Walnut Veneer
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier chest of drawers, South German, 1820. Unpretentious design and a gorgeous walnut veneer
Walnut
19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Chiffoniere / High Chest of Drawers
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The chiffoniere comes from the Biedermeier period circa 1830 from Germany. The chest of drawers has
Spruce, Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Trumeau Chest. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine Biedermeier walnut trumeau chest is the best example of top-quality Viennese piece
Brass
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Biedermeier style chest of drawers from 19th century. This piece of furniture comes from Germany
Walnut
Sold|$17,189 / set
Pair of Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, Walnut, Italy circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of large Biedermeier chests of drawers with three drawers made of walnut. The chests stand on
Walnut
Early 19th Century German Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
German walnut biedermeier chest of drawers. Rhineland area around 1820. Shellac polished. Three
Pine, Walnut
Sold|$38,000
Pair of Biedermeier Chests of Walnut Drawers.
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of Biedermeier Chests with ebony details and brass hardware.
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This exquisite Biedermeier chest of drawers hails from 19th Century Germany, showcasing a timeless
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers was made in the 19th Century, originating from Germany. Crafted
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers was made in first half of the 19th Century (1830-1840
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers was made in 19th Century, originating from Germany. Crafted with
Walnut
Biedermeier Writing Chest, Walnut Veneer, Ebonized, South Germany circa 1825
Located in Regensburg, DE
Extraordinary, greatly restored neoclassical Biedermeier writing chest or Commode in walnut from
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers was made in 19th Century, originating from Germany. Crafted with
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers was made in 19th Century, originating from Germany. Crafted with
Walnut
19th Century Southern German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, C. 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier chest of drawers South Germany Walnut Biedermeier around 1820
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Wood, France, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Biedermeier style chest of drawers from the beginning of the 19th century. This piece of furniture
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Wood, France, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Biedermeier style chest of drawers from the beginning of 19th century. This piece of furniture
Walnut
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.
Shopping for a commode or a chest of drawers?
Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote any case piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot.
As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.
So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands.
Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.
When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?
Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.
At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.