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 Chair, Solid Cherry Wood, Restored, Germany, Circa 1820
Located in Münster, DE
Biedermeier single chair, around 1820, solid cherry wood, newly upholstered and covered, wax polish, backrest with delicate bracing, restored condition, shellac polish Height: 90.5 ...
Nutwood
19th Century German Walnut Biedermeier Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century German Walnut Biedermeier Bench is a stunning antique piece of furniture that exudes elegance and charm. Crafted from walnut wood in the Biedermeier style, this benc...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,792 / set
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.
Upholstery, Cherry
20th Century antique Empire Style Palisander Swan Sofa Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Empire Swan canapé in the style of Classicism, (1810). Exotic palisander on solid beechwood. Partially ebonized and gilded. On each side a carved swan's head. Very high quality sat...
Mahogany
Vintage Pair Of Biedermeier Style Walnut Veneered Gold And Black Upholstered Be
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Elevate your interior with this stunning pair of Biedermeier-style bergères, a blend of vintage charm and timeless elegance. These chairs feature exquisite walnut veneers paired with...
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Set of 4 Biedermeier/Art Deco Chairs, Birch
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century set of 4 Biedermeier/Art Deco chairs, birch Slightly arched backrest with straight top and 2 middle bridge. Newly upholstered seat and covered with a high quality fab...
Birch
$838Sale Price|51% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Style Mahogany Chair
Located in Berlin, DE
Very elegant Biedermeier chair circa 1825 mahogany. Solid mahogany. Trapezoidal frame on saber-shaped legs. High-profile, profile-backed backrest Framing with wide top and middle web...
Wood, Mahogany
Biedermeier Chair, South Germany 1820
Located in Leimen, DE
This elegant Biedermeier chair comes from Southern Germany and dates back to around 1820. The walnut chair stands out for its exquisite shovel back design. The chair showcases slight...
Walnut
Pair of Outdoor White Painted Folding Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of outdoor white painted folding side chairs with metal frames and 2 slat back and 7 slat seat
Metal
$9,500 / set
Pair of Swedish Biedermeier Gilt Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Swedish Biedermeier birch open Armchairs with a green painted & parcel gilt double swan splat back and upholstered seat (19th Century)
Gold Leaf
Set Biedermeier Arm Chairs Mahogany Seats 1930
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing an elegant set of four Biedermeier arm chairs Frame & Wood: Crafted from rich, warm-toned mahogany with a smooth polished finish, displaying the fine grain characteri...
Wood
Biedermeier Armchair, Scandinavia, circa 1900, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier armchair, Western Europe, circa 1860. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation, the seat and backrest have been covered with a new velvet fa...
Velvet, Walnut
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).
Wood, Birch
19th Century Biedermeier Curving Backrest Chair
Located in Berlin, DE
Biedermeier chair, circa 1845. Solid wood with red cover. Rear legs saber-shaped. Wide curving backrest. (C-127).
Fabric, Wood
Set Of Eight Continental 19th c. Biedermeier St. White Ash Burl Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful set of eight Continental 19th century Biedermeier st. White Ash Burl and ebonized Fruitwood dining chairs. This set of dining chairs with six side chairs and two arm chai...
Fruitwood, Burl
ANTIQUE 1880 SWEDiSH BIEDERMEIER WALNUT DRESSING TABLE STOOL EMBROIDERED TOP
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique circa 1880 Walnut Swedish Biedermier dressing table stool Please note the delivery fee ...
Walnut
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.
Mahogany
Pair of Interesting Biedermeier Chairs antique circa 1840 Cherry Wood veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of interesting Biedermeier chairs, circa 1840 Cherry tree, straight frame on flared, ball-shaped legs. Rectangular backrest frame with finely curved end and corresponding cen...
Cherry
20th Century Set of 2 Biedermeier/Art Deco Chairs, birch
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Set of 2 Biedermeier/Art Deco Chairs, birch Slightly arched backrest with straight top and 2 middle bridge. Newly upholstered seat and covered with a high quality fabri...
Birch