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.
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Wing Armchair. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant Viennese Biedermeier upholstered wing armchair from c. 1825 is distinguished by sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design and excellent craftsmanship an...
Upholstery, Walnut
Biedermeier Walnut Blue Fabric Vintage Wingback Chair Armchair Vienna circa 1925
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier vintage wingback chair or armchair from walnut and sky blue upholstery designed and manufactured circa 1925 Vienna. While the walnut frame in beautiful brown color tone is refinished some time ago and demonstrates stunning warmth and depth, the upholstery was newly reupholstered with sky blue high quality textile fabric. The wingback chair or armchair features a stunning slightly curved backrest, which flows into the armrests and is great to use as freestanding fireplace armchair...
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
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
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
Frits Henningsen Style Swedish Biedermeier Wingback Lounge Chairs - Pair
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Frits Henningsen Style Swedish Biedermeier Wingback Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 27.5 wide x 32 deep x 48.5 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair cleara...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage French Country Biedermeier Style Armchairs Newly Reupholstered, Pair
By Biedermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Country Biedermeier Style Tufted Back Wingback Armchairs Newly Reupholstered in "French-Blu" Mohair - Pair This exquisite pair of Vintage French Country Biedermeier S...
Mohair
Biedermeier Wing Chair by Schinkel, Mahogany, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
German Biedermeier (2nd qtr.,19th Cent) mahogany sleigh back wing chair with open scroll design arms with padded arm rests. (designed attr: to KARL FRIEDRICH SCHINKEL)
Mahogany, Upholstery
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
$1,250 / set
H 43 in W 31.5 in D 32 in
Vintage Woodmark Originals Queen Anne Style Mahogany Wingback Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Woodmark Originals Queen Anne Style Mahogany Wingback Chairs - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 43" H x 31.5" W x 32" D x 19.5"...
Mahogany
Antique Wingback Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
Great antique wingback chair with a tight seat. Newly reupholstered in natural linen. Chippendale style legs.
Linen
$5,124
H 42.13 in W 30.71 in D 30.71 in
Fully Restored Vintage Chesterfield Porters Wingback Armchair Brown Leather
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Porters barrel back armchair in whisky brown leather This chair a real tour de force, is has absolutely everything going ...
Leather
Large 19thC English Olive Leather & Mahogany Wingback Armchair
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1880 Large 19thC English olive leather & mahogany wingback armchair Measures: W 83 x D 96 x H 118cm Seat height 49 cm.
Leather, Mahogany
$9,565
H 53.94 in W 30.12 in D 32.29 in
Antique 1840 Museum Quality Claw & Ball Carved Feet Wingback Very Large Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime, museum quality extra large Wingback armchair with ornately carved Claw & Ball legs What a chair, you will never see ano...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$2,800
H 43.5 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Mid Century Queen Anne Mahogany High Wingback Arm Chair Floral Crewel
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning Queen Ann style high back chairs with raised floral stitching upholstery.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$6,000 / set
H 46 in W 32 in D 32 in
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$6,330 / set
H 34.26 in W 24.02 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Scandinavian Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A matched pair of Scandinavian lounge chairs in dark stained wood, newly reupholstered in a quality woven fabric in sage green. The frames feature curved armrests and splayed legs ch...
Fabric, Beech
$3,599Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 43 in W 31.25 in D 32.5 in
1970's Wingback Chairs Refinished & Reupholstered - a Pair
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage pair of wing chairs for sale. They are from the 1970's, and have been professionally restored. The wood bases and legs have been refinished in walnut, and have been reupholstered in new fabric and foam. The fabric is a beautiful linen with textured cotton. The fabric has variations of earthy brown, tan, black, and white. The seats have springs in them, and have a high-quality solid frame. They're in the manner of Henredon wing chairs...
Fabric, Wood
$4,099 / set
H 38.39 in W 26.97 in D 22.05 in
Antique Pair of circa 1880 William Morris Carved Legged Wingback Armchairs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of original circa 1860-1880 English William Morris style wingback armchairs with grey linen summer cushions A good looking and well-m...
Upholstery, Walnut
$9,500 / set
H 42.92 in W 31.11 in D 25.79 in
A Pair of Vintage French Style Solid Timber Wingback Chairs
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of Vintage French Style Solid Timber Wingback Chairs Description: This striking pair of French-style wingback armchairs features bold, black-and-white zebra-patterned upholst...
Wood
Pair of Striped French Bergère Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
An elegant pair of French bergères or wingback chairs from France, showcasing timeless appeal and refined proportions. These comfortable lounge chairs feature classic high backs with...
Wood, Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 46 in W 27 in D 24 in
19th Century Biedermeier Wing Chair Reimagined in Bleached White Cotton Textile
Located in Wainscott, NY
Elegant 19th century Biedermeier-style armchair crafted from richly figured burl wood. The graceful lines and sculpted arms exemplify the refined simplicity of the Biedermeier period...
Wood, Burl
Sold
H 43.31 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
Biedermeier Wing Chair, Adjustable, Walnut, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Wonderful so called 'Wing Chair' (German: "Ohrenbackensessel") from early Biedermeier time around 1820. Walnut solid wood, hand polished with shellac (French polish). Backrest is a...
Brass
Biedermeier Wingback Chair, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large wingback armchair on slightly tapered feet. The chair is made from walnut and is newly upholstered with a high quality fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 49.21 in W 26.77 in D 29.13 in
Biedermeier Vintage Cherrywood Wingback Chair, circa 1830 Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
The Biedermeier wingback chair is made of solid cherrywood carefully cleaned and newly hand-polished. Furthermore the renewed upholstery is covered with cognac leather and decorated ...
Leather, Upholstery, Cherry
Antique Biedermeier Reclining Wingback Chair
Located in New York, NY
Antique, Biedermeier reclining wingback chair with a walnut frame. Has a down cushioned seat and casters. Reclining, iron, mechanism is in working...
Iron