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
$12,492 / set
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
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
$4,200 / set
H 24 in W 37.5 in D 34 in
Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Swivel Chairs with Walnut Base
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Roanoke, VA
Chi, low-profile swivel tub chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin represent a timeless blend of mid-century modern aesthetics and functional design. Chairs feature warm ...
Fabric, 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
Zebra Hide Swivel Chair, Genuine Upholstery, Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
Genuine zebra hide creates an occasional chair sure to make a statement. Each chair requires two full hides to upholster and manufacture making every chair one-of-a-kind. Due to the ...
Zebra Hide
$3,120 / set
H 36.5 in W 30.5 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Bamboo Swivel Club Chairs Lounge Chairs Upholstery Bohemian Chic 1975
Located in Miami, FL
We offer a beautiful Pair of Swivel Club Chairs in bent Bamboo and mounted on sturdy Round Bamboo Base. The Seat Cover Upholstery is Fabric with a Botanical Pattern. Easy to move and...
Rattan, Fabric, Bentwood
$1,586
H 38.19 in W 33.08 in D 36.62 in
1970s, Vintage Danish Swivel Leather Armchair, Egg Form, Original Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish swivel armchair in egg form. Original upholstery in black leather, loose seat and back cushions. Five-star base made of chrome steel. Made in about 1970 by Danish furnitu...
Steel
Pair of Lee Industry Swivel Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Lee Industries Swivel Armchairs. Down wrapped foam seat cushions. Down back cushion. Full swivel rotation. Reupholstered in a textured cotton blend in neutral light ta...
Cotton, Foam, Down
$3,628 / set
H 37.01 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Set of Four Restored Biedermeier Chairs, Walnut, Revived Polish, Czech, 1840s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of four chairs is a noble example of Central European Biedermeier design from the mid-19th century, originating from Bohemia. The design features typical elements of this st...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Walnut
$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
Milo Baughman Swivel Egg Chair, Light Red Upholstery, Mid-Century
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century swivel egg chair with a curved form upholstered in textured light red upholstery with a matching throw pillow. (MILO BAUGHMAN)(Available in other fabrics: DUF034...
Upholstery
$3,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Pair of swivel armchairs by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, GB
Danish modernist pair of swivel chairs with curved seat and backrest upholstered in black fabric on a structure made from white lacquered synthetic material with steel support. Manu...
Steel
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