Early 19th Century German Brown Walnut Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, circa 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
This fantastic Biedermeier commode was made circa 1820 in South Germany. The chest of drawers is
Brass
Sold|$3,439 / item
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Two-drawered chest of drawers standing on pentagonal pointed feet with bevelled corners and very
Walnut
Sold|$11,800
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Medium Size
Located in Westport, CT
A gorgeous walnut veneer two-drawer chest with chamfered front edges finishing on slight saber
Walnut
Sold|$20,161
Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, German, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of seven-drawer chests on low feet with lateral pilasters and a slightly protruding cornice at
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers with three drawers and a beautiful walnut veneer pattern.
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Franconia, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Franconian Biedermeier chest of drawers on plinthed square feet with ebonized full
Walnut
Continental Early 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Burl Walnut Biedermeier Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning continental early 19th century neoclassical St. burl walnut and ebonized fruitwood
Sold|$11,880
Biedermeier Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Biedermeier walnut commode, Circa 1885. The is a very handsome commode with beautiful
Walnut
Sold|$24,500
Magnificent Burl Walnut Biedermeier Commode
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
The burl book matched top with canted edge over a single long drawer and 2 stepped back drawers flanked by ebonized and gilt columns supported by block legs on stepped ebonized feet....
Walnut
Sold|$13,600
Fine Austrian Early Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Fine Austrian early Biedermeier three-drawer chest of drawers with brass edging along its plateau
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Southern Germany, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawered Biedermeier chest of drawers with diamond-shaped ebonized escutcheons and mirrored
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany around 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers on conical feet with three drawers and rounded corners. Ebonised key
Walnut
Sold|$15,500
Darker Pair of Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Darker pair of Biedermeier style chest of drawers in walnut veneer on pine, comprised each of two
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier chest of drawers comes from Germany and was made in 19th Century. It is veneered
Walnut
Sold|$4,731
Biedermeier Walnut Veneered Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Elegant early 19th Century walnut veneered Biedermeier commode. This beautiful commode has a
Fruitwood
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany around 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers on square pointed feet and bevelled corners. The corpus with three
Walnut
Sold|$11,385
Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, Italy, circa 1840
Located in Greding, DE
is accentuated with a moulding strip. The chests show a very beautiful walnut veneer pattern. They
Walnut
Biedermeier Dresser, South German 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
This beautiful three-drawer 1820s Biedermeier dresser’s organic vibrant walnut veneer grain and the
Walnut
Sold|$17,020
19th Century Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Chests
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Early 19th century, a pair of ebonized Biedermeier chests with two drawers in very good condition
Walnut
Biedermeier Three Drawer Chest with Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three drawer Biedermeier chest with original marble top. This chest was made in Germany in !940 for
Walnut
Sold|$11,800
Biedermeier chest of drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Sleek and handsome early 19th century walnut veneered three-drawer chest adorned with diamond
Walnut, Pine, Ivory
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Southern Germany, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawered Biedermeier chest of drawers on s-shaped feet. The body shows ebonized half-columns
Wood, Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Probably South German, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawered Biedermeier chest of drawers on tapered feet. The chests has a beautiful walnut
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest with three drawers and a straight body with rounded corners. Very beautiful
Ash, Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Biedermeier chest of drawers from first half of 19th century, approximately 1830 - 1850. This piece
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, South German, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Biedermeier chest of drawers with full-columns standing on socketed square legs. The
Walnut
Sold|$4,174 / item
19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Half Cabinet
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Small, fine Biedermeier half cabinet in walnut veneer. The veneer is continuous and partially
Walnut, Spruce
Chest of Drawers, Biedermeier Chiffon from Around 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Chest of drawers - Biedermeier chiffon from around 1860. Very good condition, after professional
Walnut
19th Century German Black Walnut Biedermeier Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine 19th century German Black Walnut Biedermeier commode. Beautiful wood finish and
Walnut
19th Century, German Biedermeier Black Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Outstanding 19th century German Biedermeier black walnut commode. Beautiful wood grain and very
Walnut
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Black Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 19th century Austrian Biedermeier style black walnut commode. Featuring a gorgeous
Walnut
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Black Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Outstanding 19th century Austrian Biedermeier black walnut commode. Very pretty wood grain and
Walnut
Pair of Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, Italy, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Impressive pair of large Biedermeier commodes, each with three drawers and refined ebonized details
Walnut
Sold|$8,400
Fine Biedermeier chest of drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Fine early 19th century Biedermeier chest of drawers in walnut with rounded column detailing, ivory
Walnut, Pine, Ivory, Satinwood
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique pillar chest of drawers in the Biedermeier style, manufactured in Scandinavia around 1860
Walnut
19th Century Period German Biedermeier Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 19th century period German Biedermeier walnut commode. Beautiful polished finish and
Walnut
Small 19th Century German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Rare Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers. Around 1820. Walnut veneered on pine. Simple
Walnut, Pine
Early 19th Century Viennese Biedermeier Walnut Commode
Located in Hixson, TN
This is an exceptional walnut commode from the Biedermeier period. The construction of the piece is
Walnut
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous early 19th century German Biedermeier walnut commode with black walnut inlay. Beautiful
Walnut
Period Austrian Biedermeier Walnut and Ebony Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant period Austrian Biedermeier walnut and ebony commode. Gorgeous finish and lovely brass
Brass
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Central Germany circa 1820-25
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Biedermeier chest of drawers in walnut with ebonized columns and protruding head
Walnut
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A Biedermeier column chest of drawers, Southern German circa 1820. Walnut veneer on pine. On 4
Walnut, Pine
19th Century German Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers, circa 1835
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers South-West-Germany Walnut Biedermeier around 1835
Walnut
Sold|$11,622 / set
Pair of Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Italian chests on baluster legs with three drawers and side arabesque marquetry. Top drawer
Walnut, Burl
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Console Half Cabinet
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The furniture is a console half cabinet from the Biedermeier period. The half cabinet is walnut
Walnut, Spruce
18th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Bow Front Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 18th century German Biedermeier walnut bow front commode. Very fine finish and
Walnut
Sold|$8,995
Walnut Biedermeier Commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
Walnut Biedermeier commode with three drawers.
Wood
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful small Biedermeier pillar half cabinet with one drawer a two doors. A wonderful walnut
Walnut, Spruce
Sold|$2,000
Walnut Biedermeier Commode
Located in Miami, FL
SOLD NOV 2010 Beautiful 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode with rich, warm patina and polish
ANTIQUE BIEDERMEIER BURL WOOD INLAID CHEST OF DRAWERS Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
A fine Late 19th early 20th century Biedermeier Inlaid figural commode. Commode features three
Walnut
Sold|$5,500
Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and fully functioning dark wood chest of drawers. Book matched veneers adorn the
Walnut
Sold|$3,650
Antique Biedermeier Period Chest of Drawers
Located in Austin, TX
Antique Biedermeier period chest of drawers from Vienna. Beautiful figured walnut veneer with three
Bronze
Period German Biedermeier Blond Walnut and Ebony Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome period German Biedermeier blond walnut and ebony commode. Beautiful polished finish and
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Central Germany, Probably Hesse C. 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers on square feet, veneered in walnut, with three drawers and gilded key
Walnut
Sold|$14,000
19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Three-drawer Biedermeier chest with rounded corners and a beautifully book-matched walnut veneer
Walnut
Antique Biedermeier Burl Wood Inlaid Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
A fine late 19th early 20th century walnut Danish Inlaid figural commode. Commode features three
Walnut
Sold|$9,800
Austrian Biedermeier Black Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Period Austrian Biedermeier black walnut commode. Circa 1820. This handsome piece has beautiful
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.