Biedermeier Seating
Biedermeier Style
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.
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Style: Biedermeier
Early 19th Century Russian Biedermeier Sofa in Birchwood, New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Early 19th century Russian Biedermeier sofa in birchwood.
Category
1820s Russian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Pair of Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Oak Chairs, Czechia, 1800s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Pair of Biedermeier chairs
Completely restored, upholstery included.
Source: Czechia (Bohemia)
Material: Oak and High quality leather.
Period: 1800-1809
Shellac-polish.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Czech Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
Rare Pair of 19th Century Fruitwood Biedermeier Large Curved Window Seat Benches
By Biedermeier
Located in GB
We are delighted to this lovely pair of original Swedish Biedermeier fruitwood window seat benches with concave centres
A very rare pair, I’ve never seen anything this kind of sha...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Lady Chairs, Central German Probably, Maple and Plum, Thuringia, 1830-1840
Located in Greding, DE
Four delightful lady chairs made out of plum wood, with a round seat and slightly flared legs. The backrest is curved and decorated with fine maple thread inlays. The seats are newly...
Category
1830s German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fabric, Maple, Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A chair from the time of the Biedermeier, circa 1830. The chair is made of solid cherrywood. The chair is newly upholstered with straps and springs and covered with new fabric.
In v...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Decorative and Architectural Biedermeier Sofa in Birch
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and architectural Biedermeier sofa in birch,
Copenhagen Denmark , 1820-1830.
Upholstered with black fabric.
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Early 19th Century Three Biedermeier Curved Legs Set of Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid birchwood. Chairs with curved legs.
The chairs have been restored and upholstered not so long ago.
(C-128).
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
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...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Ebony, Fir
Antique German Biedermeier Chairs, Set of 4, Fruitwood, circa 1840
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Antique group of 4 German Biedermeier chairs from circa 1840. Each 2 pieces, in different design of fruit wood (cherry wood or pear wood) made...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Fruitwood
19th Century Biedermeier Large Cherry Farmhouse Seat Bench
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Extremely rare seat bench from the time of the late Biedermeier.
Made of solid cherrywood.
The bench is unbelievable 243 cm wide!
In very good restored...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Antique Elegant Biedermeier Chair circa 1820 Mahogany Veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Mahogany. Trapezoidal frame on slightly flared legs. Slightly curved backrest with straight top and middle bridge. High quality thread insert, extremely rare. Excellent warm patina a...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Set of two Chairs Mahogany antique Late Biedermeier circa 1860 woodwork
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood mahogany.
Beautiful set of 2 chairs from the late Biedermeier period. Curved legs.
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Unusua Restored Biedermeier Mahogany Armchair, Germany, 1840s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Newly upholstered Biedermeier armchair
Material: Mahogany.
Source: Germany
Period: 1840-1849.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
20th Century 4 Antique Biedermeier Style Chairs, Vienna Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Vienna Biedermeier chair after Josef Danhauser, 1805-1845.
Mahogany on solid beechwood. Classical upholstering.
Category
20th Century Austrian Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Biedermeier Black Lacquered and Azure Silk Fabric Austrian Chairs, 1820
By Biedermeier
Located in Rome, IT
Four beautiful Biedermeier chairs with an unmistakable design, black shellac for the structure and a beautiful blue silk for the seat.
The chairs are polished in black shellac, have...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Silk, Cherry
19th Century antique 4 Biedermeier Saber Legs Chairs Solid Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
4 chairs of the German Biedermeier. Solid mahogany. The striking shape with the wide-legged saber legs and the encircling backrest board was rediscovered in classicism, circa 1800. I...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Six Biedermeier Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A fine set of six Biedermeier side chairs.
Walnut and walnut burl with ebonized details.
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
Pair of Biedermeier Style Armchairs
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of Biedermeier style armchairs with clean, simple lines in lighter wood believed to be birch, circa 1930s. Seats have muslin cover and are ready to be upholstered in fabric of y...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Birch Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
Swedish Biedermeier style (19/20th Cent) birch arm chair with lyre carved back and blue and red stripe upholstery
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Birch
Set of Four Austrian Biedermeier Side Chairs with Lyre Shaped Backs, circa 1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Austrian Biedermeier dining chairs from the mid-19th century, with lyre-shaped backs, carved urns and new upholstery. Each of this set of Biedermeier side chairs featur...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Dining Room Chair Group, Set of 6
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Antique chair group consisting of 6 chairs. All chairs with newly upholstered seat and new cover.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
Early 20th Century Biedermeier Chair in Cherrywood Restored and Polished to Wax
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid 20th century Biedermeier chair in cherrywood restored and polished to wax. New upholstery. At the same price we make a new customized upholstery
Measure cm: H 45\87 x W 45 x D 45.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
19th Century, Set of Six Solid Walnut Biedermeier Chairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Set of six chairs, Biedermeier, solid walnut-wood. The chairs were new re-upholstered. In very good restored condition.
Measure: Seat height 47 cm.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Chairs, Czechia, Cherry Tree, 1820s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Pair of Biedermeier chairs
Completely restored, new fabric and upholstery included.
Source: Czechia (Bohemia)
Material: Cherry tree
Period: 1820-1829
Shellac-polish.
Category
Early 19th Century Czech Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A chair from the time of the Biedermeier, circa 1830. The chair is made of solid cherrywood.
In very good restored condition.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Biedermeier Sofa, Prob. Vienna, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Very beautiful Biedermeier sofa on carved feet in the shape of fluted scroll ornaments. The s-shaped armrests are decorated with beautiful stylized fern ornaments. The backrest is st...
Category
1830s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
19thCentury Biedermeier Living Room Set
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a living room set composed of a table, four chairs, and two armchairs.
The whole was manufactured in the second half of the 19th century.
The set is of simple, elega...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Wood
Italian Biedermeier Mahogany Reclining Lounge Armchair Cast Iron Hardware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th century Italian Biedermeier mahogany reclining lounge armchair cast iron hardware. Item features cast iron hardware, reclining back, solid wood...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut, Cedar
Set of Four Biedermeier Viennese Chairs in the Style of Josef Danhauser
Located in Charleston, SC
Set of four scallop-back Viennese Biedermeier side chairs (1815-1830) are in cherry, 19th century. The neoclassical fan back chairs are in the style of Josef Danhauser. The elegant f...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
19th Century, Set of Six Cherry Biedermeier Chairs, Germany
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Set of six chairs, Biedermeier around 1825, solid cherrywood. The chairs were new re-upholstered. Measure: Seat height 46 cm. In very good restored condition.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier walnut veneer side chairs with half round and double scroll design back (Circa 1830)
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut
Austrian Biedermeier Birch Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
Austrian Biedermeier Karelian birch arm chair with ebonized & mahogany inlaid trim on back with scroll design finial. (Circa 1825)
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Set of 4 Austrian Scrolled Back Side Chairs with Ebony Inlaid Silhouettes
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant set of four Viennese side chairs have cherry veneer and ebony in classic silhouettes surrounded by foliate reefs and framed in diamond...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry, Ebony
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Sofa from Germany
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The sofa dates from the Biedermeier period at the beginning of the 19th century. The body of the sofa is made of spruce wood and was covered with a very beautiful walnut veneer, whic...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery, Spruce
Set of Milo Baughman Biedermeier Lounge Chairs for 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...
Category
1990s American Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Maple, Fabric
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier cherrywood side chairs with scroll and fluted design on back and upholstered seat. (Circa 1830)
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A chair from the time of the Biedermeier circa 1830. The chair is made of solid cherrywood.
In very good restored condition.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Walnut Wood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Biedermeier armchair from Germany, very good restorated condition, solid walnut. The feet are with brass shoes.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut
Austrian Biedermeier Maple Settee
Located in New York, NY
Austrian Biedermeier maple settee with burl trimmed open panels on back and sides with an ebonized banding and upholsered seat
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Maple, Burl, Wood, Satin
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Armchair in Light Upholstery
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Armchair in Light Upholstery
The armrests end with decorations in the shape of bird heads.
The armchair legs are straight.
Furthermore, the backres...
Category
19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Four Biedermeier Dining Chairs in Mahogany, Lower Saxony, Germany
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful set of four (4) North German Biedermeier dining chairs with solid mahogany frames with figured mahogany on the carved top & second rails, upholstered seat & saber legs. L...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Elegant, Early 1900s Biedermeier Benches
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Beautiful pair of fruitwood framed, circa 1910, Biedermeier benches in contemporary crème, silk velvet upholstery. Graceful, serpentine top-rails rest above tapered, lobed legs.
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Set of 6 Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Austrian Biedermeier cherrywood side chairs with open scroll design back and ebonized medallion and trim. (Circa 1825)
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Set of 18 Biedermeier Style "Klismo" Cherry Wood Round Back Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 18 Biedermeier style "klismo" cherrywood round back side chairs with splayed form legs and a red and white plaid upholstered seat (4 old/1...
Category
20th Century Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A chair from the time of the Biedermeier, circa 1830. The chair is made of solid cherrywood. The chair is newly upholstered.
In very good restored condition.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Stately Tiger Maple Biedermeier Sofa
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A Biedermeier sofa with strong clean lines of a rich honey toned tiger maple.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 12 Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Biedermeier style "Klismo" cherry wood round back side chairs with splayed form legs and a red and white plaid upholstered seat. (4 old...
Category
20th Century Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A chair from the time of the Biedermeier circa 1830. The chair is made of solid cherrywood.
In very good restored condition.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Set of Four 1840s Austrian Biedermeier Period Chairs with Bookmarked Veneer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Austrian Biedermeier period side chairs from the first half of the 19th century with red upholstery. Each of this set of Biedermeier chairs features an exquisite bookma...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Wood
Biedermeier Fauteuil de Bureau, Vienna, circa 1830
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite and unusual circa 1830 Austrian Biedermeier fauteuil de bureau or Schreibtischstuhl (desk chair) of bergère à oreilles form, having wal...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Seating Set Biedermeier, 1930s
Located in Budapest, HU
Sofa, two chairs, two armchairs and table, fine seating set.
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Wood
South German Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut with Fan-Carved Crest, circa 1830
Located in Miami, FL
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: ...
Category
1830s German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Green Settee
Located in New York, NY
Austrian Biedermeier walnut veneered settee with open double scroll design arms resting on a fluted ¬Ω round shaped base with upholstered seat & sleigh back (Circa 1825)
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Two 19th Century Biedermeier Armchairs Made of Solid Birchwood
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood, birch. Very comfortable Amrlehnstühle from the Biedermeier circa 1860 historical upholstery. The black fabric cover was recently renewed.
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Birch
19th Century Walnut Czech Biedermeier Chairs Set of 4 Pieces, 1840-1849
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Shipping to any US port only for $290 USD
Set of Biedermeier chairs, four pieces.
Completely restored, new fabric and upholstery included.
Source: Czechia (Bohemia)
Period: 18340-18...
Category
1840s Czech Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Lacquer, Upholstery, Fabric, Wood, Walnut
3 Original Antique Biedermeier Chairs circa 1830 Cherrywood carved
Located in Berlin, DE
3 rare Biedermeier chairs, circa 1830.
Solid wood with wickerwork.
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Biedermeier Mid 19th Century Austrian Armchairs with Scrolled Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of Austrian upholstered Biedermeier armchairs from the mid 19th century features slanted backs with discreet scrolls in the top rail. The lovely arms are the definite focal...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Biedermeier seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Biedermeier, Josef Danhauser, Mastercraft, and Thonet. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $355 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $4,200.
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