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.
Venetian Credenza Sideboard Mid 19th Century Biedermeier in Walnut wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
All original, elegant and important Venetian sideboard from the mid-19th century, Biedermeier period, in solid walnut and walnut veneer, with two doors and two drawers, wax polished ...
Walnut
Vintage Double Door Column Sideboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This handsome vintage sideboard masterfully blends Traditional elegance with distinctive architectural details. Crafted from richly grained wood, the piece features striking fluted p...
Metal
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chest of Drawers, Austria, circa 1825
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic Biedermeier cherrywood chest of drawers made in the early 19th century in Austria around 1825. This beautiful straight shaped Biedermeier commode shows a precious cherrywoo...
Brass
Vintage Biedermeier Style Bookmatched Burl Wood Three-Door Sideboard Credenza
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
An exceptional and highly decorative Biedermeier-style three-door sideboard cabinet, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and an exquisite play of natural wood grains. This striki...
Burl
Biedermeier Cabinet, Walnut Veneer, Full Columns, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large (127 cm / 50 in high) neoclassical / early Biedermeier Half-Cabinet or Chest, from South Germany circa 1820. Walnut veneered on softwood. Refinished and hand polished with she...
Oak, Walnut, Softwood
$3,568Sale Price|24% Off
H 32.49 in W 34.45 in D 17.92 in
Small Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet with Drawer, South Germany circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant small Biedermeier half cabinet from Southern Germany, circa 1830. The charming piece is veneered in richly grained walnut on a solid spruce body, displaying the warm tones an...
Walnut, Spruce
19th Century Biedermeier Blond Cherrywood Chest of Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 19th century blond cherrywood Biedermeier three drawer chest with black lacquer accent. Excellent hand made quality. Has an Art Deco Modern looking appeal. The Art Deco period was...
Cherry, Fruitwood
$3,995
H 31.13 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood and Brass Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Romweber USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous burled Carpathian elm wood, with brass trim and origi...
Brass
$6,015
H 33 in W 59.06 in D 19.69 in
Ivory Sideboard with Three Doors, Solid Wood & Murano Glass Design
Located in Guazzora, IT
Discover our extraordinary sideboard, a unique piece that embodies the elegance and sophistication of contemporary design. Designed and handcrafted with obsessive attention to detail...
Brass
Vintage Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Arthur Umanoff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage burl wood credenza designed by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham in the United States, circa 1970s. This credenza has a minimalist but highly functional design and is complemente...
Burl, Lacquer, Wood
$5,052
H 36.62 in W 46.07 in D 23.23 in
19th Century German Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers, Cherry, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers Southern Germany Cherry around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 93 x 117 x 59 cm Description: A four-tier piece of furniture standing on pedestalled block ...
Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
XIX Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, 1830-1835 Mahogany Biedermeier Chest of Drawers with spectacular mahogany veneer which is laid absolutely symmetrically and runs a...
Mahogany
Burton-Ching George III Style Burl Walnut Credenza Sideboard Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Burton-Ching George III Style Burl Walnut Credenza Sideboard Cabinet
Walnut
$25,000
H 32.25 in W 84.13 in D 22 in
Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black...
Brass
$5,326Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 63 in D 17.72 in
Marble effect Glass Sideboard 3 doors Jusfurnituress Designer Handmade
Located in Guazzora, IT
Our modern marble-effect glass sideboard is an eye-catching piece of mid-century modern furniture made with meticulous attention to detail in Italy. This elegant sideboard features...
Brass
Ello Mirrored Five Door Sideboard by O. B. Solie
Located in Hanover, MA
Glamorous mirrored credenza buffet cabinet designed by O. B. Solie for Ello in the 1970's as part of their successful "Reflections" collection (See last image for an original Ello te...
Stainless Steel
$6,500
H 32.75 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Credenza Sideboard in Sculpted Walnut by Greta Grossman 1950s
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in Troy, MI
Stunning Mid Century modern sideboard in walnut designed by Greta Magnusson - Grossman for Glenn of California circa 1950s Fully restored three panel front door cabinet on a floatin...
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 76 in D 18 in
Baker Cherry 4 Raised Panel Doors Biedermeier Style Long Sideboard Credenza MINT
By Baker Furniture Company, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Cherry 4 Raised Panel Doors Biedermeier Style Long Sideboard Credenza MINT
Brass
Biedermeier Style Satinwood Bookcase Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Biedermeier style, satinwood, bookcase cabinet or credenza features shelves, drawers and lockable side cabinet. This piece is nicely shallow at 10 inches depth but wide enough to off...
Satinwood
Sold
H 39.75 in W 73.75 in D 20.5 in
Austrian Biedermeier 1840s Walnut Sideboard with Drawers, Doors and Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier period walnut sideboard from the mid 19th century, with four drawers, two pairs of double doors and ebonized columns. Created in Austria during the second qua...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 38.75 in W 72.25 in D 22.5 in
Austrian Biedermeier 1840s Walnut Three-Door Enfilade with Ebonized Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier period walnut three-door enfilade from the mid-19th century, with ebonized accents. Created in Austria during the second quarter of the 19th century, this wal...
Walnut
Sold
H 33.27 in W 37.6 in D 22.05 in
Small Biedermeier Commode, Walnut Veneer, Southwest Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant, small early Biedermeier Commode / Chest of three drawers from Southwest Germany, Stuttgart, circa 1820. Walnut veneered on softwood and walnut solid legs. Excellent high-gl...
Metal
Biedermeier Cherrywood Austrian Sideboards, 1890
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
Refined and elegant design for a sideboard with an extraordinary taste; its "Patina" brings out the grain and gives a warm color that is truly pleasing to the eye. The sideboard i...
Cherry
19th Century German Empire Style Biedermeier Mahogany Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
Incredible elegant 19th century German Empire style Biedermeier mahogany credenza. This piece has a phenomenal polished finish and lovely brass details. A Classic beauty!
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century Biedermeier walnut credenza. The cabinet has a drawer and 2 shelves for storage. A very handsome and functional piece that could be used in a variety of settings!
Walnut
Sold
H 43.31 in W 46.46 in
19th Century Dark Wood and Silver Inlaid Spanish Chest of Drawers, circa 1830
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning Spanish "Mª Cristina de Borbón -Dos Sicilias" precious wood with silver inlaid chest of Drawers. The name of the Queen refers to the style of the commode, because it was mad...
Silver
Swedish Biedermeier Credenza Made of Ash
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Swedish Biedermeier credenza/ sideboard made of ash and pinewood. 3 lockable drawers and 3 lockable doors with shelves inside. Very massive handmade construction. Impressively smooth...
Ash, Pine
German Light Walnut Biedermeier 2-Door Credenza
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rectangular top with front canted corners above a conforming case with matched grain veneers, the interior with adjustable shelf, raised on tapered legs.
Walnut
Period Biedermeier Chest of Drawers or Commode
Located in Houston, TX
Period Biedermeier chest of drawers or commode. Handsome period Biedermeier three-drawer chest of drawers or commode with beautiful patina retaining...
Wood