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.
$576Sale Price|24% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Footstool
Located in Darmstadt, DE
We present an authentic small Biedermeier footstool from around 1830. The piece features a solid walnut top resting on oak legs, displaying the w...
Oak, Walnut
Small Biedermeier Walnut Footstool, South Germany circa 1830, Solid Walnut
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This small Biedermeier footstool is a charming example of early 19th century craftsmanship from South Germany. The piece is made entirely of soli...
Walnut
Mid-Century Plastic Stool or Footstool, 1970, Hungary
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - New fabric. - Cleaned.
Fabric, Plastic
Footstool Schumacher Flamestitch Upholstery
By Missoni
Located in New York, NY
A footstool with rich brown bun feet, upholstered in (possibly) a Schumacher flame-stitch fabric, with brass nail-head design around, circa mid-20th century. Great as a footstool or low bench seat...
Brass
Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional and rare 19th century Irish oak stool, with beautifully rich patination and grain. The padded brass studded seat is of rectangular form ...
Brass
$1,703 / set
H 18.31 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...
Pine
19th Century Oriental Carved Wood Stool
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderfully stylish 19th century Oriental style stool, with pierced fretwork decoration to the frieze, stuff over upholstered seat, raised on classical carved cabriole legs with my...
Mahogany
Art Deco Figured Walnut Dressing Table Stool, English, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
Very stylish Art Deco dressing stool dating to the 1930s, can be used for dressing table or footstool. Newly reupholstered in an Art Deco style fabric, beautifully figured walnut ven...
Walnut
18th Century French Louis XVI Diminutive Mahogany Footstool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming diminutive or petite footstool from the French Louis XVI period. The stool features a hand-carved mahogany frame with neoclassical motifs. T...
Brass
$855
H 10 in W 32 in D 12 in
18th Century Louis XV Petite Footstool Tabouret Original Aged Finish, France
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $950....Petite Louis XV carved wood footstool or low tabouret with cabriolet legs and floral carvings. Newly upholstered in a styliz...
Wood
$5,200 / set
H 17.5 in W 17 in D 15.5 in
Swedish Gustavian Footstools in Ephraim Ståhl Style, circa 1830
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Gustavian footstools. In the style of Ephraim Ståhl. Rectangular frame with slight bowfront and back. Featuring a decorative hand-carved scroll with fleurons on t...
Linen, Wood, Paint, Fabric
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Giltwood Footstool
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French Louis XVI style giltwood footstool. Unusual antique French Napoleon III gilt wood footstool, stool or tabouret with beautiful patina. This great French Louis XVI...
Giltwood
1950's Midcentury Small Tabouret or Footstool, Europe
Located in Praha, CZ
all in original condition sign of use Only 17x17x17 cm
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$984Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.97 in W 14.18 in D 14.57 in
Cubic Art Deco Stool, Walnut Veneer, France, circa 1930
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful original Art Deco stool from France about 1930. Walnut veneered and polished. Covered with anthracite fabric and border finishing. Dimensions: H 38 cm x W 36 cm x D 37 cm.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 7.88 in W 16.54 in D 11.03 in
Small Biedermeier Walnut Footstool, South Germany circa 1825, Newly Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This small Biedermeier footstool from South Germany dates to around 1825 and reflects the early phase of the period with its elegant simplicity a...
Walnut, Fabric
Sold
H 17.33 in W 23.04 in D 13.39 in
Small Biedermeier Stool, Beech Wood, Austria / Vienna, circa 1850
Located in Regensburg, DE
Small Biedermeier stool from Vienna, Austria circa 1850. Beech solid wood, shellac hand polished. Newly upholstered with black textured fabric. Dimension...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 17.72 in W 16.54 in D 13.39 in
Biedermeier Stool, Stained Beech, Black Fabric, France, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Biedermeier stool, stained beech, black fabric, France circa 1820 Small stool, ottoman or tabouret from the restoration / Biedermeier period. Solid beech, stained in walnut tone. N...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 18.51 in W 18.31 in D 13.19 in
Pair of Early 19th Century Stools, Cherry Wood, France circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Pair of early 19th century stools, cherry wood, France circa 1820 A beautiful pair of small neoclassical Biedermeier scissors stools or tabourets. Solid cherry wood, hand polished...
Brass
Biedermeier Nightstand, Cherry Veneer, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Biedermeier nightstand, cherry veneer, South Germany circa 1820 Small cambered Biedermeier nightstand / bedside table or pillar cabinet. Che...
Brass
Sold
H 20.08 in W 23.63 in D 18.12 in
Large Biedermeier Stool, Walnut Veneer and Solid, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large Biedermeier stool, walnut veneer and solid, South Germany circa 1820 Walnut veneered frame. Walnut solid legs and intermediate bar. Newly upholstered and covered with black...
Fabric, Walnut
Biedermeier Footstool, 1830ca
Located in Praha, CZ
Nice original condition.
Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 25.2 in D 14.18 in
Biedermeier Gondola Tabouret / Stool, Mahogany and Maple, Austria, circa 1835
Located in Regensburg, DE
Magnificent neoclassical Biedermeier Tabouret or Gondola- / Basket stool from Austria, circa 1830-1840. Wonderful classic and elegant design. ...
Fabric, Mahogany, Maple
Pair of Upholstered Stools in the Biedermeier Style from England
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant pair of 19th century stools from the Biedermeier period - each stool featuring gently splayed legs of mahogany. Great color and patina, the slightly domed seats are upho...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Biedermeier Carved Footstools with Fortuny Upholstery
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Remarkable pair of hand-carved footstools made in the Biedermeier taste of 19th century Europe. Featuring a Fortuny upholstered cushion in a square case. Constructed with exposed dov...
Fabric, Wood
Biedermeier Foot Stool, circa 1820
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Biedermeier foot stool of oval form having burled walnut frame with splayed legs, circa 1820.
Walnut, Upholstery
Sold
H 18.5 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in
French Biedermeier Mid 19th Century Stool with Upholstered seat and Saber Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Biedermeier style stool features a square seat with new muslin upholstery. The neutral color of the upholstery allows the warmth of the four saber legs and simple skirt t...
Wood, Muslin, Upholstery