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.
1940s Mid-Century Sofa in the Biedermeier Style – Cherry & Burlwood
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique German Biedermeier sofa made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Cherrywood and Burlwood, in good condition. The particularized settee is composed with a slightly inclined backrest with wide, tall curved armrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Upholstery, Cherry, Burl
$2,766Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Large Biedermeier Sofa in Green with brass details, circa 1860
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this massive sofa, typical for the Biedermeier style, with a softly upholstered seat and backrest. This article of furniture has characteri...
Walnut
Austrian Biedermeier Settee, walnut - Josef Dannhauser, Vienna 1820 - 2 Seater
Located in Göttingen, NI
2-Seater Burl Walnut veneered. Flat frame on profiled volute feet, bowed armrests. Seat, armrests and back newly upholstered with yellow gold-colored moirée height 95 cm, seat hei...
Walnut
$6,800
Biedermeier Canape
Located in Hudson, NY
An Austrian Biedermeier style small pedestal sofa in fruitwood represents the high point in this design form. Amazing in its day the style is sleek and dramatic and still is to this ...
Wood
Biedermeier Walnut and Velvet Cream Color Austrian Sofa Canapes, 1820
Located in Roma, Lazio
Biedermeier two-seat sofa. Sofa all veneered in walnut wood and covered in beige color velvet and combined fabric. The sofa is small in size, and seats two people well. It is made ...
Velvet, Walnut
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 backre...
Mahogany
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. This refined piece of furniture has rolled armrests decorated with twisted patterns and medallions, and large backrest highlighted with scrolls and palmette. The sofa rests on four square fluted legs. The Biedermeier period began in the states of the German Confederation and in the Austrian Empire in 1815 (Congress of Vienna) and ended in 1848 (March Revolution). The Biedermeier style referred mainly to the decorative arts, but also included sculpture and painting. In contrast to the opulence and heroism of Napoleon's Empire, the Biedermeier style promoted calm and simplicity. From 1830 onwards, it embodied a new, comfortable, bourgeois way of life. In furnishing, the emphasis was placed on the structure of the furniture that had robust and geometrical forms, softened by curves. The simplicity of the materials, mainly light woods, was compensated by the variety and exuberance of the forms the backrests of the seats were carved in fan shape, the armrests of the sofas rolled...
Fabric, Mahogany
Louis XVI Style Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XVI style canape made by La Maison London. Hand carved in solid wood, painted in an ecru white with gold highlights. Upholstered in a fabric of your choice Please note: 11m of...
Giltwood
17th Century Walnut Sofa
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fine 17th century walnut Louis XIII canapé. The original frame was fully restored and newly upholstered by our workshop.
Walnut
French Louis XV Style Cane Back Settee
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Large French Louis XV style cane back settee, also called canapé or sofa. Sofa in a very good state, no damage to the cane, rare find. Double-caned s...
Velvet, Cane, Wood
Italy Venezia Mid-18th Century Baroque Wooden Sofa
Located in Brescia, IT
Mid-18th Century hand-carved 1750 Venetian Baroque walnut sofa, three-seat with armrests. Remarkable work by Venetian cabinetmakers. The 18th C...
Walnut, Silk
$4,950
H 40 in W 54 in D 27 in
French Louis XVI Style Wingback Settee with Original Gilding and New Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style settee from the early 19th century, with original gilding and new upholstery. Born in France during the early years of the 19th century, this settee features...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,930
H 36.62 in W 63.78 in D 26.38 in
Restored Biedermeier Sofa, Walnut, Reupholstered, Austria, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This stunning Biedermeier sofa from the first half of the 19th century originates from Austria and represents the essence of classic elegance and craftsmanship of its era. The const...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
French 1940s Canapé in Walnut Attributed to Maurice Jallot
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 1940s three-seat sofa in walnut. Elegant design and highly refined finishes. The structure is in good condition, the upholstery need to be redone.
Upholstery, Walnut
$18,957
H 40.56 in W 108.27 in D 29.53 in
Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
An elegant and impressive large Louis XV style confidante sofa which has been hand carved and gilded using traditional methods and materials to achieve...
Wood, Giltwood
Chic Large French 1950s Sofa by Maison Leleu
By Maison Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic large French 1950s sofa by Maison Leleu, Paris.
Upholstery, Oak
$2,960
H 29.53 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
Maison Jansen Stamped Sofa, Louis XV Style, France
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare Maison Jansen stamped French Louis XV style sofa with original grey patina, and clean lined cream upholstery. Lovely classical Louis XV shape, good width, seats three comfortabl...
Wood
Large Conversation Settee - Canapé à confident - Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Very unusual and large conversation settee - canapé à confident. Carved gilt-wood and velvet fabric, circa 1880.
Velvet, Wood
Biedermeier Walnut Wood and Velvet Austrian Sofas, 1820
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
Fantastic Biedermeier sofa, all in walnut wood with a fantastic "patina", finished with a precious white fabrics. All the details from which it is made are delicious. The sofa is co...
Velvet, Walnut
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 craftsmanshi...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa, Germany, 1830
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier sofa, Germany 1830, walnut, finely carved details on legs, back and front. The sofa is in good condition, the wood surface does not show any fading or damages. A new upho...
Walnut
Empire or Biedermeier Sofa in Mahogany, Northern Europe, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Empire or Biedermeier upholstered sofa with a French-polished mahogany frame, Northern Europe (from either North Germany or Denmark), circa 1825. Well-articulated applied carvings of...
Mahogany, Upholstery, Muslin
Sold
H 37.25 in W 65.63 in D 27 in
Biedermeier Fruitwood and Walnut Antique Canapé Settee Sofa, circa 1830
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A superbly designed canapé from the second quarter of the 19th century, the thin and dainty profile is most striking. Careful attention was clearly shown in choosing proportions on ...
Fruitwood, Walnut
Beautiful Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Roma, Lazio
Beautiful Biedermeier sofa, with a beautiful drawing in the center of the back, all covered with new silk and velvet. Note also the rear covered and finished.
Velvet, Walnut, Silk
19th c. Biedermeier Sofa or Canape
Located in Winter Park, FL
A large Biedermeier Sofa or Canape. Crafted in flamed Birch wood and pine, this sofa is expertly constructed with mortise and tenon and sliding dovetailed construction. Finished in a...
Birch, Pine
19th century Biedermeier Settee
Located in New Orleans, LA
Simply Elegant Biedermeier Petit Canape
Mahogany, Golden Birch and Ash Adorned, Classic Biedermeier Settee
Located in New York, NY
This graceful sofa features wide, arched arms which fan out to cuddle a pair of roll pillows, nestled into the self-sprung seating. A gently sloped back provides comfort, while the s...
Birch