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.
Biedermeier Sofa Couch Empire Settle Swedish 19th Century 3-4 Seat Loveseat
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted figured veneers in a rich deep French polish finish. Lovely curved legs, arms and back with a fully sprung seat and web...
Birch
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Wilhelmine-Henriette, Walnut finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Wilhelmine-Henriette. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version is a dark walnut ...
Velvet, Walnut
Biedermeier Settee, Solid Maple, Hand-Carved, Bavaria, Circa 1857
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous Biedermeier style settee from 19th century Bavaria made from exceptionally beautiful, solid maple in a sheltering design like a banquette to enclose the upholstery. Some a...
Upholstery, Maple
19th Century Exceptional Set of Four Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Set of Four Early Viennese Biedermeier Walnut Chairs, circa 1820–1825 This rare and highly refined set of four early Viennese Biedermeier chairs, dating to circa 1820–18...
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,962Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Feather Sofa Vienna 1840
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This elegant and truly exceptional Viennese Biedermeier-style sofa was made around 1840. Made of mahogany and ebonized beech veneer, polished to maintain the original period patina,...
Velvet, Beech, Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Sofa Couch 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century Swedish
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with curved arm detailing and ormolu style decorative ends and central motifs in the highest...
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Carver Chairs, Golden Birch, Circa 1870
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of carver chairs in highly quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey color French polish finish with ormolu roundel on the arms and f...
Birch
$2,476Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Rocking Chair, Mahogany, Germany, circa 1840
Located in Greven, DE
19th century antique rocking chair North Germany Mahogany Late Biedermeier, around 1840 Dimensions: Height: 97 cm, width: 5...
Mahogany
Antique Swedish Maple Biedermeier Settee with Ebonized Accents, 1830
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This wonderful 19th century Swedish maple settee features classic Biedermeier design elements adapted to Scandinavian tastes for lightness and simplicity, using only the finest quali...
Maple
Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs, Circa 1820, Hand-Carved Birch, Pair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of Swedish Biedermeier armchairs from circa 1820 in birch that expresses the most extraordinary patterns (which occur naturally in the wood) but have been revealed by the skil...
Metal
Dutch Willem III sofa, ca 1870-1890
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch Willem III sofa, ca 1870-1890 A Dutch Willem III sofa from the period 1870-1890 with a curved back and covered with striped fabric upholstery. In the...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Shovel Dining Chairs, Nutwood - Set Of 6, AT ca. 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic set of six 19th century so-called "shovel" dining chairs from the famous Biedermeier period in Austria. These high-quality chairs were handcrafted out of fine nutwood aroun...
Fabric, Nutwood
20th Century Biedermeier Style Green Painted Metal Benches
Located in Queens, NY
2 Contemporary green painted metal train platform / park outdoor benches with slat backs and seats (PRICED EACH)
Metal
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Wing Armchair. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant Viennese Biedermeier upholstered wing armchair from c. 1825 is distinguished by sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design and excellent craftsmanship an...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Walnut Sofa. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
A refined Viennese Biedermeier sofa dating to circa 1825, distinguished by its harmonious proportions, graceful silhouette, and beautifully patinated walnut. Crafted from solid waln...
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa. Item features a carved face to lower crest ands further carved wooden fra...
Fabric, Mahogany
$917Sale Price|27% Off
Biedermeier Walnut Wood and Velvet Austrian Desk Chair, 1820
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
Elegant single chair, of the early Austrian Biedermeier period. All veneered in walnut wood, with inlays in lighter woods. As you can see from the photos, the back legs and the back...
Walnut, Velvet
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Heinrich-August, Ebonized finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This Heinrich-August dining chair is from our Eclectica collection. It is crafted from solid Italian walnut wood with an ebonized finish. This finish is applied by hand with shellac ...
Velvet, Walnut
$2,950 / set
Oversized "Napoleon Hat" Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This neoclassical design, fondly referred to as "Napoleon Hat" because of the shape of the curving back crest, these chairs were designed to be used in a living room setting, as occasional conversational chairs...
Ebony, Fir
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Clara-Luise, Walnut light
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Clara-Luise. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version is a light chestnut finish...
Velvet, Walnut
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Armchair. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Early Viennese Biedermeier Armchair, circa 1825 This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier armchair dates to circa 1825 and exemplifies the refined pr...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Sofa. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine and elegant Viennese Biedermeier walnut sofa was made circa 1825-30. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined desi...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Recamiere. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Viennese Biedermeier Recamier / Daybed, Walnut Veneer, Vienna, circa 1825 An exceptional Viennese Biedermeier recamier (daybed), crafted in Vienna around 1825. This eleg...
Upholstery, Walnut
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Couch Honey Color, 3-4 Seat, 19th Century Empire Rare A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 3-4 seat sofa couch in beautiful light honey color French polish finish with curved arm detailing and carved applique decorative motifs in the highest quality qui...
Birch
Pair of Antique Swedish Satin Birch Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique Swedish satin birch Biedermeier armchairs. They were recently imported from Sweden, and they date from around the 1860-1880 period. The quality is outstan...
Cotton, Birch
19th Century Fine Set of Four Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare and elegant set of four Viennese Biedermeier cherrywood chairs, crafted in Vienna circa 1825 — an exceptional example of early Austrian Biedermeier at its finest. These chair...
Upholstery, Cherry
South German Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut with Fan-Carved Crest, circa 1830
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very beautiful South German Biedermeier Sofa in fine walnut with shaped, fan-carved crest rail above scrolled armrests terminating in out-scrolled feet, Germany, circa 1830. Note: ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Biedermeier Sofa, Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Large sofa raised on six block feet with a rounded backrest terminating in stylized volutes at the armrests. Veneered in walnut and hand-polished. The seat has been newly upholstered...
Fabric, Walnut
Stunning Set of Six William Doezema Biedermeier Dining Chairs for Mastercraft
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set of 6 William Doezema Biebermeier Amboyna dining chairs for Mastercraft. This set retains it's original black leather in nice vintage condition but the foam looks to be c...
Leather, Cane, Amboyna
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Three-Seat Sofa Couch Settle Settee, Late 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Lovely antique Swedish Biedermeier carved three-four-seat sofa in Classic darker mahogany colour French polish finish that brings out the figure in the top grade golden birch quilted...
Wood
$3,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Biedermeier Chairs, Walnut Veneer & Ebonised Decor, Austria, 1820
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pair of Viennese 1820 walnut veneer chairs with round backs and ebonised decor. Original horse hair see weed upholstery. Polished with shellack. Reupholstered in French linen. Great ...
Nutwood
Biedermeier Bergere Chair, Walnut, Creme Velvet, Austria, circa 1840
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant Biedermeier Bergere chair from Austria around 1840. Walnut veneer on softwood. Newly upholstered with light, cream-white velvet fabric and double keder. Very good seat comfor...
Velvet, Walnut
Set of Six Biedermeier Shovel-Back Chairs, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six Biedermeier side chairs with high backrests terminating in characteristic shovel-shaped tops. The chairs stand on tapered square legs with straight aprons. The seats have ...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Cherry Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Pair of Viennese Biedermeier Chairs – Circa 1825 We are proud to offer an exquisite and rare pair of Biedermeier chairs, masterfully crafted in Vienna around 1825. These...
Upholstery, Cherry
$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
Original Biedermeier Chair, Beech, Spruce, Walnut Veneer, Austria, 1820s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original very well preserved condition Stable wooden construction Revitalized polish Upholstery in good condition
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut, Spruce, Lacquer
Biedermeier Armchair, South West Germany, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier armchair, South West Germany, 1820. This very comfortable original Biedermeier armchair or bergère comes from south west Germany. It shows the influence from the French Restoration Style...
Walnut
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Maria-Theresia, White finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Maria-Theresia. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version features a refined whit...
Bouclé, Walnut
Set of Four German Biedermeier Gondola Chairs, circa 1820
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A well-proportioned set of four German Biedermeier gondola chairs dating to around 1820. The chairs show the characteristic clarity of the Biedermeier period with restrained lines, g...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of 4 Original Thonet Chairs, Austria, Late 19th - Early 20th Century
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant set of four bentwood chairs, marked "Thonet Austria," attributable to the renowned Gebrüder Thonet (Thonet Brothers) manufacture, likely made before the 1921 merger with Mund...
Beech
Armchair with Dolphin Motifs, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Mahogany armchair with a rounded backrest and S-shaped armrests terminating in stylized dolphin heads. The seat and backrest have been newly upholstered in green satin fabric. The f...
Satin, Mahogany
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Heinrich-August, White finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Heinrich-August. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version features a refined whi...
Bouclé, Walnut
19th Century Fine Set of Three Ebonized Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine set of three ebonized Viennese Biedermeier chairs were made circa 1825. Ebonized Biedermeier pieces were mostly made in Vienna, Austria and account for only 1-2 % o...
Upholstery, Pearwood
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Otto-Karl, White finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Otto-Karl. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version features a refined whitewash...
Bouclé, Walnut
Antique Pair Swedish Biedermeier Birchwood Ebonized Armchairs 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of Swedish Biedermeier figured birchwood open armchairs, circa 1880 in date. The chairs feature hand-carved diamond back supports with ebonized align...
Wood
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
Handsome Set 10 Viennese Biedermeier Style Burl Dining Chairs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Dramatic set of 10 burl walnut veneer dining chairs made in the Viennese Biedermeier style. The set consists of 8 side chairs measuring 35"t x 20""w x 18"d with a seat height of 18"t...
Upholstery, Burl
Antique sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A sofa from the second half of the 19th century in a Victorian style. An antique, small piece of furniture with a beautiful form will give elegance to any interior. A sofa with a sim...
Fabric, Walnut
Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofa Couch Empire 19th C 3-4 Seat Lion Feet
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted birch figured veneers in the sort after mid oak French polish finish. The sofa is approx 200cm long. It has swooping l...
Birch
Set of Six Antique Biedermeier Burled Walnut Dining Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Biedermeier
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an absolutely stunning set of 6 Biedermeier dining room armchairs. The polished, handcrafted walnut burl on these chairs is showstopping, beautifully figured and dramatic gr...
Walnut
Set of four chairs Biedermeier, circa 1830, Northern Franconia, cherry walnut
Located in Münster, DE
Set of four chairs Biedermeier, circa 1830, Northern Franconia, solid and veneered cherry wood, walnut inlay Reupholstered and re-covered, hand-polished with shellac Height 90 cm...
Walnut, Cherry
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Georg-Ludwig, Walnut dark
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Georg-Ludwig. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version is a dark walnut finish ....
Velvet, Walnut
Biedermeier Side Chairs in Walnut, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier side chairs veneered in walnut, featuring heart-shaped backs with an openwork trefoil motif. The chairs have been newly upholstered in dark blue fabric and hand-polished.
Fabric, Walnut
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 Sofa in Mahogany, Northern Germany, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier sofa with a shaped apron and rolled legs. The armrests are decorated with stylized cornucopias, while delicate string inlays frame the surfaces. The rounded backrest is ...
Satin, Mahogany
19th Century Fine Set of Four Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare and elegant set of four early Viennese Biedermeier walnut chairs, crafted in Vienna circa 1825, representing the very highest level of Austrian cabinetmaking and refined early...
Upholstery, Walnut
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Johanna-Sophie, White finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Johanna-Sophie. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version features a refined whit...
Bouclé, Walnut
Biedermeier Backless Garden Bench, Hand-Carved Wood, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Outdoor painted wood backless garden bench with carved scroll side base
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Revival Lounge Chairs - COM Ready
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Antique Swedish club chairs. Crafted in the neoclassical revival, some would say “Biedermeier revival style” with a small intricate applique detail on the front of the arm. F...
Muslin, Mahogany