Biedermeier Secretaires
Biedermeier Style
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.
1
110
to
28
68
42
110
110
110
62
45
28
25
22
22
13
11
5
1
1
3
110
15
1
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
108
32
30
24
18
110
47
30
21
16
1
1
Style: Biedermeier
Period: 19th Century
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeie...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Elm, Walnut
Unique Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1870
Located in Chorzów, PL
Historic secretary from the second half of the 19th century.
Very good condition, after professional renovation.
Wood: Mahogany
Dimensions: he...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers/ Writing Commode, Austria, ca. 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable 19th century nutwood chest of drawers/ writing commode from the early Biedermeier era in Austria around 1830. Impressing with an absolute outstanding looking grain which r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique French Secretary
Located in Malibu, CA
This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents, columns, and matched woodgrain pattern. Unlike the h...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Other
Antique High Gloss Secretary Desk, Scandinavia, circa 1950s, Restored
Located in Chorzów, PL
ANTIQUE-UNIQUE. Impressive secretary from the mid-19th century in Biedermeier style. Antique furniture with a more beautiful form will add elegance to any interior. A representative ...
Category
1850s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Secretary Biedermeier, Northern Europe, circa 1850.
Currently under renovation.
Wood: Mahogany
Dimensions: height 214 cm width 123 cm depth 57 cm.
Category
1850s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and truly exceptional walnut Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna circa 1825.
The Secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare and refined design an...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Walnut
19th Century French Drop-Front Marquetry Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, Spain circa 1900. The outside with fall front and one low door with compartment, beautiful marquetry oakwood. The wood inside opens to a central compartment fl...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South West German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier secretary desk, South west German, 1820.
This beautiful drop front desk has three drawers in the lower part, they are embellish...
Category
1810s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Drop Front Secretary Desk from G
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich dark wood and stately lines define this handsome Biedermeier drop front secretary from Germany. Note the concave curve of the upper cabinet door and beautiful mahogany grain pat...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1820-25.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna circa 1820-25.
The Secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare and refined design ...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique Biedermeier Secretary shelve circa 1810 Cuba Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
High-quality Cuba mahogany on solid oak . Rectangular body on pointed legs. Provided with three drawers . Straight writing tablet, behind it architectur...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Austria, c. 1825-30.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and early Austrian Biedermeier secretaire was made circa 1825-30.
The Secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare ...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Intarsia Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted, this piece has been obviously been designed and created with love. Elegant intarsia inlays adorn the outside of this case piece. Inside hides a whimsical array of storag...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Unique Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique secretary from the end of the 19th century. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Finished in gloss polish. Unique restored piece by our renovat...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Mahogany Bureau Secretary with Bookcase
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Empire secretary in West Indies mahogany, also known as Cuban mahogany, considered to be among the finest mahoganies because of its beautiful grain and color, Denmark, circa 1820.
Cylinder top opens to a pull-out desk which offers an adjustable baize-lined lectern or writing surface flanked by sliding storage compartments, as well as a series of small interior drawers around a central cabinet. Above the desk, are three cupboards with bowed doors, the central one featuring a pediment top. Below the pull-out desk drawer, there are three long storage...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Solid Oak Biedermeier Secretary in Honey Color
Located in Casteren, NL
A beautiful secretaire abbatant or standing secretary.
Made in the finest European oak, this secretary was made in The Netherlands circa 1840. It stands on turned feet and features 3 drawers at the lower part. The writing plate has a recessed panel with the typical Dutch Biedermeier...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Oak
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1835
Located in Berlin, DE
Pyramids mahogany on pine tree. Architecturally arranged inner life. Not long ago, the secretary was grounded. Several drawers from inside as well as from outside. With secret compar...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Biedermeier Burl Wood Secretary Cabinet
By Biedermeier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A shaped cabinet with a scrolled bonnet, a centre compartment with door opening to two shaped shelves, flanked by curved side compartments (one shelf inside at the left). Below is a ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Burl
Unique Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Historic secretary from the second half of the 19th century.
Very good condition, after professional renovation.
Wood: Mahogany
Dimensions: he...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassical Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very fine, neoclassical early Biedermeier Secretaire from South Germany around 1820.
Beautiful classicist design with gable cornice, well ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Iron, Brass
19th Century Biedermeier Style Cuba-Mahogany Secretary
Located in Berlin, DE
Classicist secretary, circa 1800-1810.
Cuba mahogany on solid softwood partly ebonized. High-right, architecturally designed body on conical legs. In the front three drawers. Straig...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Softwood, Wood, Mahogany
Secretaire Writing Cabinet in Antique Biedermeier Style Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality rosewood veneer on solid conifers. Conical body on profile frames. Base in the front, between four drawers, straight flap with shield-shaped filling. Behind it is a richly divided compartmental division of a bent temple-shaped central compartment with mirrored full columns, flanked by star-starved drawers. Over cantilevered profile cornice flat gypsum, stepped with oval cover plate. Front. All drawers and backboard made of solid wood. So-called pyramid furniture...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Birch Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
Constructed of solid birch and fir and veneered with hand-cut Nordic birch veneers, the secretary features an upper locking drawer which rests upon a fitted desk area hiding behind a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Fir
Rare Cabinet Chest of Drawers with Marble in the antique Biedermeier Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Maple root on solid conifers. Single-door cabinet in cylindrical shape. Corpus on corresponding frame. Gering marble top surface with light-grey grain. Partially ebonised. Interior s...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Antique Biedermeier Secretary in Cuban Mahogany, Copenhagen, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite Biedermeier secretary in very fine Cuban/ West Indies mahogany with all of the original appointments which include the hardware, pulls and keys. The cabinet's joinery, a...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Small Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful little Secretaire from the time of the late Biedermeier, circa 1840. The Secretaire is covered outside with walnut and root walnut veneer on a pine body. The inner part is...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Pine, Walnut
Empire or Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Very well preserved conical secretary with stepped head
Front with multiply mirrored pyramid mahogany
entire surface with original shellac hand polish
high-quality cabinet part with thread intarsia and leg buttons
very elaborate workmanship and rare furniture...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century French Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, Spain circa 1900. The outside with fall front and one high drawer and one low door with compartment, beautiful marquetry oakwood . The wood inside opens to a c...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Oak
German Birchroot Biedermeier Abbatant With Architectural Pediment
Located in Charleston, SC
This monumental Berlin Biedermeier Secretaire is one of the finest examples with its Classical Architecture of Doric Pediments, Columns, and Dental Moldings. The main structure of the Secretaire has a majestic architectural superstructural cabinet resting on top, representing a temple. The Biedermeier Abbatant is veneered in Birchroot with a fall front writing desk...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Burl
19th Century Biedermeier Sweden Secretaire, 1870s
Located in Roma, RM
Small Secretaire Biedermeier, Scandinavian origin, of excellent workmanship and in good conservative condition. In elm wood, circa 1870. A few minor d...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Elm
Biedermeier Fall Top Desk, South German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Classic Biedermeier fall top desk, South German, 1820, walnut veneer on the outside and mahogany veneer on the inside. It has a beautiful veneer grain. T...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Museum Biedermeier Secretary Signed by Adolph Friedrich Voigt, circa 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Museum Biedermeier secretary signed by Adolph Friedrich Voigt, circa 1825
Fire-gilt fittings. High quality Cuba mahogany on solid linden wood. Architecturally structured front. Rect...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
A strong, elegant piece to keep you perfectly organized! Crafted of hand-hewn fir and ash and veneered with thick hand-cut ash veneers, this chest offers storage for everything. A lo...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Ash
Biedermeier secretaire, circa 1830
Located in London, GB
A Biedermeier secre´taire a` abattant of unusual tapered form, goncalo alves with ebonized, inlaid and pewter decoration, and an enclosed fitted interior, Russian/Baltic, circa 1830.
Category
1820s Baltic Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Pewter
Biedermeier Fall Top Secretaire, Berlin 1820 with Exquisite Interior
Located in Belmont, MA
Outstanding Biedermeier fall top secretaire, Berlin 1820, mahogany veneer with ebonized details. The interior has one central compartment surrounded by 8 s...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Bureau Secretary Desk
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretary bureau was made in two sections, circa 1830. The top section has a superstructure with a straight cornice over a pair of serpen...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Charles 'X' Secretaire
Located in Sheffield, MA
Burled elm charles 'X' drop front secretary (secrétaire à abattant) with black marble top with white vains, drop door revealing a leather covered writing table...
Category
19th Century English Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Marble
19th Century German Biedermeier Style Secretary
Located in Berlin, DE
Petite secretary Biedermeier style, circa 1790.
High-quality Cuba mahogany on solid softwood. High-right body on tapering legs. Supplied with three dr...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany, Softwood
Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Austrian Biedermeier (Circa 1835) cherry veneer drop front secretary with 2 ebonized and gilt dolphins and birch root interior drawers with inlaid trim.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Cherry
Austro-Hungarian Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Woodbury, CT
Wearing a layer of Austrian walnut root veneer, this secrétaire has a unique grain that one does not often see; it swirls and undulates across the surface drawing the eye along in a ...
Category
19th Century Hungarian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Grande Biedermeier Secrétaire
Located in New York, NY
A perfect example of the wealthy, elegant Biedermeier period, this impressive, secretary is veneered in flame mahogany and birch intarsia, with bone escutcheons, secret compartments,...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
Located in Hudson, NY
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Chest, Biedermeier walnut secretary with cabinet below. Desk has four small drawers and a letter shelf. Cab...
Category
19th Century Czech Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in New York, NY
German Biedermeier (circa 1820) mahogany secretary cabinet with Corinthian columns on top and bottom section and a centered drop front revealing a...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
German Biedermeier Slant-Front Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
A very good German slant front desk with a lower case of drawers. The writing surface very nicely finished veneers with interior drawers having inlay ...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Roll Top, Walnut Marquetry, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Germany from the beginning of 19th century. The piece is made of coniferous wood, veneered with extraordinary walnut veneer, with very detailed ma...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Small Biedermeier Secretary, Walnut, Austria, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique Biedermeier secretary
Austria
Walnut
Biedermeier around 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 146 x 84 x 45 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing on pointed feet set ove...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. It is made of coniferous wood, veneered with cherrywood. It has undergone a professional renovation proces...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary, Cherry, circa 1820-1830
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary
South Germany
Cherry tree
Biedermeier around 1820-1830
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 153 x 99 x 50 cm
Description:
Writing desk standing on block feet.
Che...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry
Biedermeier Secretary Desk in Cherry Wood Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Germany and was made in 19th century. The piece is made of pine wood, veneered with cherry wood veneer. When opening the main section the doors tr...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry, Pine
19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary with Columns, circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Writing cabinet with portico structure.
South Germany
Pear tree
Biedermeier around 1815
Dimensions: H x W x D: 174 x 95 x 49 cm
Description:
Strictly cubist piece of furn...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Pearwood
Charles 'X' Secretaire
Located in Sheffield, MA
Burled elm charles 'X' drop front secretary (secrétaire à abattant) with black marble top with white vains, drop door revealing a leather covered writing table...
Category
19th Century English Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Marble
Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original secretaires, popular names associated with this style include Biedermeier, Europa Antiques, and Karl Johan. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,607 and tops out at $56,800 while the average work can sell for $7,258.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Carved Secretary Desk
Secretary Desks With Drop Front
Secretary With Glass Doors
Secretary Desk W Storage
Marble Top Secretaire
Leather Secretary Desk
Vintage Secretary
English Secretary Cabinet
Secretary Desk Walnut
Secretary Desk Legs
Brown Mahogany Secretary Desk
Late 19th Century Secretary
Slant Front Writing
Secretary Desk Antique Mahogany
Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk
Antique Mahogany Secretary Desk
Mahogany Secretary Desk Antique
Antique Painted Bureau