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.
Italian Neoclassical Walnut Curule Stool With Ebonized Accents, Circa 1950's
Located in Stamford, CT
Neoclassical style walnut stool with ebonized accents. Italian circa 1950's. What a great looking stool with a beautiful profile and lovely color. The back ebonized details, especial...
Walnut
Swedish 19th Century Biedermeier Chaise
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An expressive Biedermeier period chaise lounge–also called a “recamier”--dating to circa 1820 Sweden, in the manner of the famous maker Karl Johan. Resembling a gondola in silhouette...
Textile, Maple
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
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Wilhelmine-Henriette. Ebonized finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This Wilhelmine-Henriette dining chair is part of our Eclectica collection of Biedermeier chairs. It is made from solid Italian walnut wood. The black finish is applied by hand with ...
Velvet, Walnut
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Otto-Karl, Walnut light
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 is a light chestnut finish. ...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair Hickory White Biedermeier Inspired Maple and Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Hickory White Furniture Biedermeier inspired Lacquered Maple and Black Upholstered armchairs. Measures 22" in width, 21" in depth and 40" in height. Seat height is 18".
Upholstery, Maple
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Maria-Theresia, Walnut light
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 is a light chestnut fin...
Velvet, Walnut
Eclectica, set of 8 Walnut Biedermeier dining Chairs each in different style
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection showcases a selection of Biedermeier-style chairs presented in a distinctive format. Here, the set includes 8 individually styled chairs, each combining wood...
Velvet, Walnut
Eclectica, set of 8 White Biedermeier dining Chairs each in different style
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection showcases a selection of Biedermeier-style chairs presented in a distinctive format. Here, the set includes 8 individually styled chairs, each with its own u...
Bouclé, Walnut
Eclectica, set of 8 Ebonized Biedermeier dining Chairs each in different style
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs offered in various way. Here offered in a selected set of 8 chairs each in a different style. The chairs are made from prec...
Velvet, Walnut
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
Pair Austrian Biedermeier Fruitwood & Ebonized Armchairs, Embroidered Upholstery
Located in Morristown, NJ
Austria, circa 1825–1840 An exceptional pair of Austrian Biedermeier armchairs distinguished by elegant architectural lines, beautifully figured fruitwood veneers, and extraordinary...
Textile, Upholstery, Ebony, Fruitwood
Set of Six Antique Biedermeier Burled Walnut Dining Chairs
By Biedermeier, Baker Furniture Company
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
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Otto-Karl, Ebonized finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This Otto-Karl chair is part of our Eclectica collection of Biedermeier chairs. It is made from solid Italian walnut wood. The ebonized finish is done by hand with shellac, giving it...
Velvet, Walnut
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
19th Century Austrian Pair of Antique Biedermeier Ebonized Wood Side Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique Austrian pair of Biedermeier side chairs made of hand crafted polished ebonized wood, in good condition. The detailed dining room chairs have a slightl...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Ebony
$8,931Sale Price|31% Off
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Sofa with New Upholstery
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant Biedermeier sofa from Southern Germany, dating from around 1825, represents the very essence of early 19th-century design. Crafted with finely figured walnut veneer laid...
Fabric, Upholstery, Spruce, Walnut
19th Century German Set of Six Antique Biedermeier Walnut Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique German Biedermeier set of six dining room chairs made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Walnut, in good condition. The side chairs have an open, detailed carved ba...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut, Ebony
Antique Biedermeier Armchair, Mahogany & Maplewood, Circa 1820-1840
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, antique Biedermeier German single armchair made of hand crafted shellac polished Mahogany, the fiber décor is made of Maplewood in good condition. The seat backrest of...
Mahogany, Maple
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
$2,540Sale 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
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Model Clara-Luise, White finish
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 features a refined whitewa...
Bouclé, Walnut
$2,857Sale Price|55% Off
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.
Birch, Fabric
Mahogany and leather Klismos chair, early 20th century
Located in Uppsala, SE
Mahogany Klismos chair with light brown leather seat made in the early part of the 20th century. The vintage leather is newly upholstered. This piece is most likely Scandinavian and ...
Leather, Mahogany
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
Set of 10 Walnut Biedermeier Style Dining Chairs, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined set of ten walnut dining chairs in the Biedermeier taste, dating to circa 1920. Each chair features a gently curved back with a broad crest rail and a distinctive open spla...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
$10,646Sale Price / set|22% Off
Set of Four Biedermeier Walnut Shovel Chairs, Hungary, 1825
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A fine set of four Biedermeier walnut shovel chairs, crafted in Hungary around 1825. Each chair features the characteristic wide, curved “shovel” backrest in beautifully grained waln...
Walnut, Upholstery
19th Century Fine Set of Three Biedermeier Walnut Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Set of Three Viennese Biedermeier Chairs, Circa 1825–1830 This rare set of three original Viennese Biedermeier chairs, crafted around 1825–1830, represents the very finest in early 19th-century Austrian furniture...
Upholstery, Walnut
Eclectica, set of 6 Ebonized Biedermeier dining Chairs each in different style
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs offered in various way. Here offered in a selected set of 6 chairs each in a different style. The chairs are made from prec...
Velvet, Walnut
Biedermeier Sofa in Walnut, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier two-seater sofa veneered in walnut, standing on column legs with ebonized capitals. The gently curved backrest terminates in stylized volutes. The sofa has been newly uph...
Fabric, 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
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection_Model Wilhelmine-Henriette, White 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 features a refine...
Bouclé, Walnut
4 Vintage ISA International Biedermeier Style Modern Cherry Dining Side Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of four late 20th century dining chairs by ISA International. The chairs are designed after Vittorio Dassi . Made from Canadian cherry in Biedermeier styling with a flared back...
Fabric, Cherry
Swedish Biedermeier Dining Chairs Set of 6 Flame Golden Birch
Located in Lewes, England
Rare set of 6 antique Swedish flame golden birch Biedermeier dining chairs from C1870-1920 with the distinctive curved seat back, carved central motif and gracefully curved front leg...
Birch
Swedish 19th Century Carved Oak Dining Chairs - Set of Six
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous set of carved oak Biedermeier-style chairs from Sweden, early 19th century, with soft cut-velvet seats to enhance the sense of refinement the period is known for. The curv...
Textile, Oak
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Fan Golden Birch 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in a honey color French polish finish with rounded arms. They have fu...
Birch
19th Century German Biedermeier Armchair, Fauteuil, Cherry, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Cherry Wood Armchair South-West Germany Cherry circa 1830 Dimensions: H x W x D: 99 x 58 x 56 cm, seat height: 45 cm Description: The sabre-shaped, flared rear legs are co...
Cherry
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 Swedish Biedermeier Style Walnut Settee
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning 19th Century settee featuring the clean lines and warm wood tones characteristic of Swedish Biedermeier design, with a silhouette influenced by French Neoclassical forms. ...
Walnut
Biedermeier Style Forged Iron Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking blend of sculptural form and artisanal craftsmanship, this Biedermeier-style forged iron dining or side chair features an elegant hand-forged silhouette with dramatic scro...
Iron
Biedermeier Walnut Tub Chair with Curved Crest Rail, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Biedermeier tub chair has the quiet, confident presence that walnut furniture from this period does so well. The curved back sw...
Upholstery, 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
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
Eclectica. Biedermeier Chair Collection. Johann-Friedrich, White finish
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Eclectica collection is a group of Biedermeier chairs. This listing offers the model Johann-Friedrich. Crafted from fine solid Italian walnut, this version features a refined wh...
Bouclé, Walnut
$1,255 / set
German Pair of 19th Century Biedermeier Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A restrained pair of German Biedermeier side chairs of circa 1820 in that timeless combination of blonde wood and ebonized accents. The upper handrails have an architectural profile ...
Fabric, Fruitwood, Maple
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Chair, Cherry, Germany (Bavaria) 1800-1810
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier Chair South Germany Cherry early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 97 x 49 x 50 cm Seat height: 49 cm Description: Beautifully shaped chair, made of solid cherry in ...
Cherry
A Pair of Large 19th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Period Side Chairs
By Biedermeier
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptional pair of classic Biedermeier period side chairs. Large scale and gutsy (not petite) these are as genuine and good as Biedermeier gets. Matchbook mahogany veneers over p...
Mahogany
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
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
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
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
$1,717 / set
Pair of Antique Swedish Stools
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of antique Swedish stools. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1900-10 period. They are of outstanding quality with a beautiful and u...
Cotton, Wood
$1,167Sale Price|23% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Side Chair with Carved Backrest
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This refined Biedermeier side chair, crafted in walnut around 1830, exemplifies the elegance of early 19th-century German design. The chair features a gently curved backrest with a c...
Fabric, Walnut
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
Antique German Biedermeier Mahogany Fauteuil Wingback Library Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique mid to early 19th century German Biedermeier library / lounge armchair. Made of mahogany featuring traditional form with fauteuil padded arms and flared ear / wing back with...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
$4,892Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Biedermeier Armchairs Mahogany c. 1820
Located in Münster, DE
Pair of bergères, France, c. 1820, mahogany, upholstered seat in gondola form, backrests with stylized dolphins, newly upholstered and covered, shellac hand polish Height: 85.5 cm, ...
Mahogany
$5,494Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair Swedish Biedermeier Style Sofas Couch Empire 20th C 172cm 3-4 Seat A
Located in Lewes, England
Rare pair of Swedish Biedermeier Empire style sofas from latter part of 20th Century in top grade birch in a light oak French polish finish. Its very unusual indeed to find a mat...
Birch
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
Danish Biedermeier Easy Chair in Mahogany, Copenhagen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant and well-proportioned easy chair crafted in solid Cuban mahogany with finely carved details. The chair is a representative example of Danish Biedermeier furniture, also refer...
Brass