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.
Pair of Biedermeier Style Satin Birch Armchairs, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Biedermeier-style armchairs in solid birch with original blue patterned upholstery. The chairs feature rounded backrests, tapered legs, and stylized inlaid details on the arm...
Wood
Two Large Biedermeier Armchairs Walnut Cream Material with Blue Flowers
Located in DE
Two large Biedermeier armchairs circa 1850 in a typical cream material with blue flowers. These two chairs are very comfortable chairs made from walnut. The Biedermeier period refe...
Walnut
Biedermeier Sofa Walnut circa 1830 Cream Material with Yellow Flowers
Located in DE
Large Biedermeier sofa circa 1830 in a typical cream material with yellow flowers. This beautiful cream sofa is made out of walnut. It is an elegant piece. The Biedermeier period r...
Walnut
Set of Milo Baughman Biedermeier Lounge Chairs for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Biedermeier 90 collection, Milo Baughman did with Thayer Coggin in the is one of the last collections Milo and Coggin did together in the 1990's. Milo Baughman believed the midcentury style needed to be warmed up a bit. For admirers of Biedermeier furniture, the neoclassical style that flourished in Austria and Germany from 1815-1830, the choices are few: scarce and expensive antique pieces and now, Milo Baughman's Biedermeier 90 collection for Thayer Coggin, a furniture maker in High Point, N.C. ''When I teach the history of modern design, I start with Biedermeier, because it's the first indication that there would be a new philosophy in design, furniture designed to be more honest and simple,'' said Mr. Baughman, who has designed furniture for Thayer Coggin since 1953 and also teaches design at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The 27-piece collection, which includes consoles, tables and upholstered seating, captures the spirit of Biedermeier design with honey-colored wood veneers, neoclassical fluted columns and natural steel finishes. - Ref NYTIMES, 8/10/1989 “Eurostyle started out as a fairly valid design statement,” says Milo Baughman, a highly regarded veteran furniture designer who teaches at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. ''But when it was reduced to more commercial levels and picked up too quickly by people who make cheap furniture...
Fabric, Maple
Swedish Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nordiska Kompaniet, armchair, leather, birch, Sweden, 1950s This elegant safari lounge chair is crafted from natural cognac brown leather, which has developed a beautiful patina ove...
Leather, Birch
$2,708 / item
H 30 in W 29 in D 32 in
Walnut Finish Cane Back Armchair with Oatmeal Fabric Upholstery, Soho Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Soho armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with walnut finish, natural color cane and oatmeal fabric. The Soho armchair perfectly blends vintage elegance with modern craf...
Walnut, Leather, Fabric, Cane, Wood
$3,485 / set
H 27.56 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Set of Two Mid Century Blue Velvet Vintage Armchairs, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A wonderful armchair made in the 1960s in Poland. Stabile design of the furniture and a comfortable seat. Furniture after full upholstery renovation, refreshed woodwork. The whole is...
Textile, Beech
$5,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26 in W 34 in D 30.5 in
Pair of Milo Baughman Cantilevered Lounge Chairs for Thayer Coggin 1970s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Milo Baughman Cantilevered Lounge Chairs for Thayer Coggin 1970s This pair of lounge chairs feature an L-shaped cantilev...
Steel, Chrome
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Flatbar Lounge Chairs, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Flatbar Lounge Chairs, 1970’s. Original upholstery, shows some sun fading on back. There was a small tear on side of one arm that has been fixed.
Stainless Steel
$6,495 / set
H 31 in W 25 in D 28 in
Vintage Stainless Steel "Z" Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A stunning pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by legendary modernist Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the 1970s. These iconic pieces exemplify Baughman’s innovative approach to...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
$7,895 / set
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 27.5 in
Milo Baughman Cognac Leather & Chrome Lounge Chairs for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Polished Chromed Steel, New Cognac Full-Grain Leather ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Steel, Chrome
$3,250
H 24 in W 28.5 in D 28.5 in
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Set of Four Art Deco Armchairs, France, 1920s-1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
A lovely and unusual set of four large Art Deco period armchairs, upholstered in beige velvet, with embroidered detailing on the backs. They have deep seats and tall backs. The...
$1,742
H 27.56 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century Baby Blue Velvet Vintage Armchair, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A wonderful armchair made in the 1960s in Poland. Stabile design of the furniture and a comfortable seat. Furniture after full upholstery renovation, refreshed woodwork. The whole is...
Textile, Beech
$2,904
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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Red Vinyl Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in New York, NY
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin red vinyl lounge chair. The chair has walnut legs, nice mid century modern lines, and angled tapered rear legs.
Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 30.32 in D 31.5 in
1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chair Made In Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful Danish lounge chair from the 1930s reupholstered in the 1970s with red velvet / velours. The chairs is in very good and clean condition and sits very comfortable. Webbing a...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 30.32 in D 31.5 in
1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chair Made In Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful Danish lounge chair from the 1930s reupholstered in the 1970s with red velvet / velours. The chairs is in very good and clean condition and sits very comfortable. Webbing a...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 30.32 in D 31.5 in
Pair 1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chairs Made In Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Pair beautiful Danish lounge chairs from the 1930s reupholstered in the 1970s with red velvet / velours. Both chairs are in very good and clean condition and sits very comfortable. W...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 24.81 in D 28.75 in
Swedish Art Deco / Biedermeier Lounge Chair in White Bouclé and Walnut Armrests
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful Swedish Biedermeier / Art Deco lounge chair. This lounge chair has recently completely restored and therefor is the condition very good. All springs and binding...
Bouclé, Walnut
Early 20th Century Biedermeier Attributed Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original chairs in style of Biedermeier, original upholstery. We recommend reupholstry.
Wood, Walnut
Biedermeier Armchair with Ottoman, Germany 1820-1830, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier armchair with ottoman, South Germany, 1820. Very comfortable armchair with walnut veneer frame and matching ottoman. The size of the ottoman is: 22.83 x 16.92 x 16.92 inc...
Walnut
Biedermeier Ears Armchair to Recliner Armchair from 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Biedermeier toe cheek / Transfiguration armchair, circa 1820. Mahogany veneer, on high curved, conical legs. In the front straight frame. Both sides curved supports for sli...
Mahogany
Sold
H 43.31 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
Biedermeier Wing Chair, Adjustable, Walnut, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Wonderful so called 'Wing Chair' (German: "Ohrenbackensessel") from early Biedermeier time around 1820. Walnut solid wood, hand polished with shellac (French polish). Backrest is a...
Brass
Pair of Biedermeier Bergere Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Biedermeier bergere armchairs. Craved highlights on arms and legs.
Wood
Pair Club Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of stylish upholstered beech wood armchairs in an exagerated Biedermeier style. From a Newport , RI estate.