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.
$1,615 / set
Pair of Painted Stools, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of painted stools with splayed tapered legs and a simple stretcher. Newly upholstered in grey fabric and repainted in cream white with an antique patina.
Fabric, Wood
Antique Biedermeier Armchair, Hand Polished Mahogany, Circa 1810-1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique German Biedermeier single armchair made of hand shellac polished Mahogany, in good condition. The detailed side chair has a half round, arched backrest with sli...
Fabric, Velvet, Mahogany
Pair of Biedermeier Period 19th Century Walnut Stools with Carved Gilt Lion Paws
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Austrian Biedermeier period walnut stools from the 19th century, with saber legs, carved giltwood lion paw feet and new custom linen upholstery. This pair of Austrian Biede...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Antique Italian Biedermeier Regency Carved Walnut Curule X-Bench Stool - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Biedermeier Regency Carved Walnut Curule X-Bench Stools - a Pair. Stools feature beautiful hand carved details, turn carved stretcher base, and remarkable authentic p...
Wood
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Sofa Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite Viennese Biedermeier Sofa, circa 1825 — Museum-Quality Masterpiece We are pleased to present this elegant and truly exceptional early Biedermeier sofa, handcrafted in Vien...
Upholstery, Walnut
Austrian Biedermeier Swivel Armchair of Unusual Form, circa 1830
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An unusual circa 1830 Austrian Biedermeier fauteuil de bureau or Schreibtischstuhl (desk chair) of large scale and bergère à oreilles (wingback) for...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Six Austrian Biedermeier Side Chairs with Lyre Shaped Backs, circa 1850
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of SixAustrian Biedermeier Dining Side Chairs with Lyre Shaped Backs, circa 1850. Very solid construction. Firm, Newer red velvet upholtered seat. The lyre shaped back are adorne...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$1,234Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Side Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant Biedermeier side chair, South German/Austrian origin, circa 1830. The frame is crafted from solid birchwood with warm honey patina, featuring gently curved legs and a shaped backrest with a carved central motif. The seat has been newly upholstered with a striking deep blue neoclassical fabric...
Fabric, Birch
Nordic Birch Biedermeier Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Designed for a graceful 19th century sitting room, this chair is constructed of solid highly figured birch, and reupholstered in a period appropriate, but modern fabric. The addition...
Birch
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
Antique Biedermeier Dining Chairs, Cherrywood with Ebonized Inlays
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique pair of German Biedermeier dining room chairs made of hand crafted shellac, partly veneered Cherrywood in good condition. The detailed Shovel chairs ha...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Cherry, Ebony
$4,690Sale Price / set|20% Off
Early 19th Century Set of Four German Biedermeier Chairs in Birch Wood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful set of four Biedermeier chairs from Germany, dating from around 1820. Each chair is crafted from solid and veneered birch wood, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and ele...
Birch, Fabric
19th Century Biedermeier Two Walnut Chairs. Vienna, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine and elegant pair of Viennese Biedermeier chairs were made circa 1825-30. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Biedermeier Scroll Form Arm Chairs in Hand Finished Burled Elm
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and sculptural pair of Biedermeier arm chairs were realized in Austria circa 1880. Realized in a stunning burled elm- showcasing the sumptuous natural grain of the wood-...
Fabric, Elm
19th Century Fine Pair of Walnut Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine walnut Viennese Biedermeier chairs were made circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design and excel...
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique sofa, Northern Europe, around 1880.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa, Northern Europe, around 1880. Very good condition, after wood renovation. dimensions: height 111 cm seat height 46 cm width 178 cm depth 72 cm
Fabric, Walnut
Set of 4 Biedermeier Side Chairs with Upholstered Seats and Ebonised Wood Detail
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 19th c. 4 Biedermeier chairs with inlaid curved spindle backs, an upholstered seat, on turned front legs and sabre back legs. Ebonized wood inlay and detail throughout elements...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$1,094Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 2 Biedermeier Cane Chairs in Cherry Wood, Austria, Early 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Two beautiful chairs in Biedermeier style come from Austria, early 19th century. They are made of cherry wood, while the seats are made of a characteristic Viennese weave. The set is...
Cane, Cherry
19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Walnut Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Pair of Viennese Biedermeier Chairs Attributed to Josef Danhauser — Vienna, Circa 1825 We are proud to present these rare and exquisitely designed Biedermeier chairs, cr...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set Of Four 19th Century German Biedermeier Chairs, Circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Four antique Biedermeier chairs Saxony Beech tree first half 19th cent. Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 46 x 45 cm - Seat height: 47 cm Description: Solid beech chairs standing on sab...
Beech
$2,345Sale Price|30% Off
Biedermeier Armchair, Solid Cherry Wood, Germany, Circa 1810
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful Biedermeier armchair from south Germany, very good restorated condition. Solid cherrywood and completely new upholstered. Measures: Seat height 45 cm.
Cherry
Antique Austrian Biedermeier Style Burled Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Austrian Biedermeier Style Burled Curved Back Vanity Accent Chair in Plush Green Velvet Chenille This antique Austrian Biedermeier Style burled accent chair is a timeless pi...
Chenille, Upholstery, Burl
Biedermeier 19th Century X-Form Stool with Out-Scrolling Arms and Cushion
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier period X-form walnut stool from the 19th century, with out-scrolling arms and upholstery. Created in Austria during the 19th century, this Biedermeier walnut ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Biedermeier Chair, South Germany 1820, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier chair, South Germany 1820. This beautiful Biedermeier chairs is decorated with a pretty walnut veneer. The open work back is embellished with an ebonized lyre motif. Thi...
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
Set of 10 Biedermeier Chairs, Ash, Southern Germany, First Half 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Ten identical Biedermeier board chairs Southern Germany Ash First half of the 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 89 x 44 x 42 cm - Seat height board: 45 cm - with upholstered cush...
Ash
Pair of Antique Swedish Satin Birch Biedermeier Stools
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique Swedish satin birch Biedermeier stools. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1880-1900 period. They are of outstanding quali...
Cotton, Birch
Biedermeier 19th Century Chairs with Ebonized Accents and New Upholstery, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Biedermeier period Austrian chairs from the 19th century with horseshoe style backs, ebonized banding, four tapering legs and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of Bi...
Upholstery, Wood
Restored Biedermeier Sofa, Cherry Wood, Spruce, Revived Polish, Austria, 1820s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This Biedermeier sofa dates back to the early 19th century and originates from Austria. It is crafted from solid cherry wood, veneered with spruce, which adds strength and a characte...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer, Spruce
Set of Milo Baughman Biedermeier Lounge Chairs for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
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
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
$2,823Sale 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
$2,250 / set
Set Of 4 Biedermeier Style Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of four mahogany dining chairs with spring and coil construction, blue upholstered seats with multi-colored trim. The chairs with a pierced back splat and the whole resting upon ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Biedermeier Sofa with carved Swan Décor, veneered in Walnut, Germany, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier sofa with straight frame and rounded backrest. The couch is veneered in walnut and decorated with carved swans on the high armrests. The sofa has been expertly restored and hand polished as well as reupholstered. The high-quality upholstery fabric is patterned with black diamonds on a white background on the seat and backrest and has a mottled black and white design on the armrests. The cushions are designed to match and give the light sofa...
Walnut, Fabric
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
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Biedermeier Fruitwood Side Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of beautifully honey colored fruitwood Biedermeier side chairs, with gently curved rectangular backs, the top and side inlaid with banding, the splat carved with a stylized flower head, on sabre legs. Newly upholstered in black Prussian horse hair fabric...
Fruitwood
Fine Pair of Ebonized Biedermeier Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of important Biedermeier side chairs in the manner of Josef Danhauser. Crafted from ebonized fruitwood with border of intricate pearwood inlay. Resting on four tapered sabre sha...
Fruitwood, Pearwood
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Side Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant, early Biedermeier chairs were made in Vienna circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design and e...
Upholstery, Walnut
Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut The sofa is made out of walnut wood and re-upholstered in a silkyfabric. Rests on 4 curved legs. Armrests are made out of 2 cylinder shapes, embellished ...
Fabric, Walnut
$1,627Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair with Inlaid Panels
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This early Biedermeier chair from around 1815 is crafted from solid cherrywood and displays the calm elegance and balanced proportions typical of the period. The backrest features be...
Cherry, Fabric
$3,500
Swedish Birch Club Chair
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
The Swedish burled birch club chair with a "molded" frame. Recently restored and upholstered.
Birch
Pair of Flemish Mid 19thC Flame Mahogany Sofas
Located in Altrincham, GB
Pair of Flemish Mid 19thC Flame Mahogany Sofas with Reeded Leg of Biedermeier Influence - 60" w x 30"d x 44"h (18" to the seat)
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Five Handcrafted Biedermeier Dining Chairs, Walnut, Circa 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th century antique set of five Biedermeier dining chairs from Germany. Crafted from partly veneered walnut and finished in a restored, hand-polished surface. The warm waln...
Wood, 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
$3,823Sale Price / set|29% Off
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Shovel Chair Pair, circa 1825
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant pair of Biedermeier shovel chairs dates from around 1825 and reflects the restrained, architectural clarity characteristic of the early Biedermeier period. Crafted from ...
Walnut
19th Century Set of 6 German Biedermeier Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a set of 6 German Walnut Biedermeier dining chairs, designed in a classic style. These add a touch of elegance and charm to any dining space. Crafted from high-quality...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Wingback Armchair, South German, 1840
Located in Belmont, MA
This stunning Biedermeier wingback armchair, crafted in South Germany around 1860, is a timeless example of 19th-century design. Made from beautifully grained yew wood, the chair sho...
Yew
Early 20th Swedish birch long bedroom stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th swedish birch long bedroom stool circa 1900. Fine example of swedish simple but elegant design, birch frame with 6 tapering supporting legs with upholstered top. Ideal f...
Fabric, Birch
Vintage French Country Biedermeier Style Armchairs Newly Reupholstered, Pair
By Biedermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Country Biedermeier Style Tufted Back Wingback Armchairs Newly Reupholstered in "French-Blu" Mohair - Pair This exquisite pair of Vintage French Country Biedermeier S...
Mohair
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier 19th Century Side Chairs with Carved Open Backs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Austrian Biedermeier period side chairs from the 19th century, with unusual carved open backs, curving legs, carved gadroon motifs and leaf themed upholstery. Created in Au...
Upholstery, Wood
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. AFTER RENOVATION Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery. Wood: mahogany dimensions: height...
Fabric, 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
A Pair of Biedermeier Stools, 1820, Walnut Veneer, Refinished
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Biedermeier Stools, South Germany, circa 1820 This elegant pair of Biedermeier stools originates from South Germany and dates back to around 1820. Crafted with the distinctiv...
Walnut
Italian Fiorini Biedermeier Style Solid Cherry Klismos Side Dining Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Italian Fiorini Klismos side dining chair. Made of solid cherry featuring Biedermeier and Regency styling with sculpted open back, nailhead trim and flared legs. Made in Ita...
Leather, Cherry
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
$1,850 / item
Biedermeier Style Upholstered Arm Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Biedermeier style upholstered arm chair with marquetry inlay on cresting rail and apron. The chair upholstered in a neutral woven fabric with geometric motif having double welting co...
Fabric, Wood
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
$16,000 / set
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier walnut veneer side chairs with half round and double scroll design back (Circa 1830)
Walnut
19th Century Czech Biedermeier Sofa, Brown Ash, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included Shellac polish. Source: Czech Period: 1830-1839.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Lacquer
$6,341 / set
Pair of Biedermeier Armchairs, Germany 1820
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Biedermeier Armchairs, South German 1820 This unique pair of Biedermeier armchairs has a gorgeous walnut veneer. They have very pretty hand-carved details on the armrests. T...
Walnut