Biedermeier Decorative Objects

To identify Biedermeier furniture, familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Rather than a maker, Biedermeier refers to a period in history that began in 1815 with the close of the Napoleonic Wars and lasted through 1848, when revolutions broke out in many Central European countries. Furniture produced during this era usually features simple, symmetrical designs with rounded corners and edges; cherry, walnut and birch wood were among the most common materials. During the 20th century, several manufacturers introduced lines of Biedermeier furniture inspired by 19th-century originals. If you find a marking for a 20th-century maker on your furniture, it is most likely one of these later pieces. Because it may be difficult to determine if a furnishing is an original or an example of the revival style, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer help you with the identification process. Shop a collection of Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs.

Biedermeier-style furniture is a type of furniture that emerged from Germany during the 19th century. The pieces were the antithesis of the opulent French designs of the time, displaying clean, simple lines and forms that emphasized functionality. Furniture in this style became popular again in the 1970s. Shop a selection of Biedermeier-style furniture on 1stDibs.

The difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles lies largely in the characteristics most commonly associated with them. Although these two furniture styles both emerged around 1815 and persisted into the 1840s, pieces associated with them have differing features. Developed in France, the Empire style emphasized ornamentation and grandeur, with furniture makers often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman forms. Dark woods were the most commonly used materials of the style. In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, artisans working in the Biedermeier style favored simplicity. They also tended to source woods locally and chose light finishes for their pieces. Explore a selection of Biedermeier and Empire furniture on 1stDibs.