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.
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
Austrian 1840s Biedermeier Bleached Burled Walnut Swivel Chair with Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier bleached burled walnut swivel chair from the mid-19th century, with new upholstery. Born in Austria during the first half of the 19th century, this bleached s...
Upholstery, Burl, Walnut
Swivel Wing Chair in Red, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
Very good original condition Very sturdy construction. Two items available. Czechoslovakia, 1980s Price for one item.
Steel
$13,274Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 18.12 in D 20.87 in
Set of 6 Biedermeier Shovel Chairs, Walnut and Burl Veneer, South Germany, 1840s
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful Set of 6 Biedermeier shovel chairs (backrest in form of a shovel) from South Germany around 1845. Solid Walnut and walnut veneer with walnut roots inlays on the front of th...
Fabric, Walnut, Bouclé
Italian Swivel Lounge Chair in Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leatherette, wood, Italy, 1970s Large and comfortable winged lounge chair in yellow faux-leather upholstery. The rounded overall shape of the easy chair, with the wings reaching towards the armrests, makes sure that the chair almost hugs the seater. I would like to bring to your attention that we have a second chair...
Wood, Faux Leather
$11,125 / set
H 29.53 in W 38.19 in D 31.11 in
A Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs in Natural Sheepskin Upholstery
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of modern swivel chairs upholstered in natural sheepskin. Handmade beech frames and sprung seats. Available in COM. Fast shipping worldwide.
Sheepskin, Wood
Thonet Black Swivel Austrian Art Nouveau Chair, 1890
By Thonet
Located in Roma, Lazio
Thonet swivel chair for piano from the end of the 1800s. The chair in bent wood, is all in wood polished in black shellac. The seat, round in shape, is still covered with its origin...
Wood
$8,500 / set
H 25.5 in W 26.5 in D 30 in
Milo Baughman, Swivel Chairs, Beige Upholstery, Walnut, USA, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, American Mid-Century Modern, Beige Upholstery, Walnut, Swivel Chairs, USA, 1970s Pair of mid-century modern beige fabric and refinished walnut swivel c...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning pair of vintage walnut swivel chairs inspired by the renowned designer Milo Baughman and expertly crafted in the United States during the 1960s. These iconic p...
Fabric, Walnut
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.49 in W 26.38 in D 31.5 in
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
Stylish Pair of Blush Pink Swivel Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
Sit back and relax in these excellently proportioned and fantastically comfortable pair of swivel club/lounge chairs in the style of Milo Baughman, 1970s. Graceful silhouette these c...
Velvet
American Victorian Walnut Piano Swivel Chair
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian walnut spindle back piano swivel chair with glass ball and claw feet.
Glass
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
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 22 in W 38 in D 34 in
Adrian Pearsall Swiveling Club Chair in Original Flame Stitch Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Swiveling barrel back club chair in a periwinkle blue and rose flame stich upholstery. Low slung and extremely comfortable with wide, loose cushions. Original upholstery is stained a...
Bentwood, Upholstery
Sold
H 40.95 in W 26.78 in D 30.32 in
Biedermeier Revolving Chair, Cherry Wood, Black Velvet, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very rare original Biedermeier Swivel or Revolving Bergere Chair from South Germany about 1820. Cherry veneered on softwood and solid wood. Base on four solid legs with veneered fra...
Velvet, Cherry, Paint