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.
Swedish 19th Century Biedermeier Chaise
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An expressive Biedermeier period chaise lounge–also called a “recamier”--dating to circa 1820 Sweden, in the manner of the famous maker Karl Johan. Resembling a gondola in silhouette...
Textile, Maple
Swedish 19th Century Carved Oak Dining Chairs - Set of Six
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous set of carved oak Biedermeier-style chairs from Sweden, early 19th century, with soft cut-velvet seats to enhance the sense of refinement the period is known for. The curv...
Textile, Oak
Late 19th century Swedish birch oval center table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Swedish birch oval center table circa 1895. Fine quality Karl Johan inspired center table. Quarter veneered flame birch top with an ebonised inlaid border and fu...
Birch
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...
Birch, Fir
Pair of Antique Swedish Satin Birch Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique Swedish satin birch Biedermeier armchairs. They were recently imported from Sweden, and they date from around the 1860-1880 period. The quality is outstan...
Cotton, Birch
$2,950 / set
Oversized "Napoleon Hat" Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This neoclassical design, fondly referred to as "Napoleon Hat" because of the shape of the curving back crest, these chairs were designed to be used in a living room setting, as occasional conversational chairs...
Ebony, Fir
Antique Pair Swedish Biedermeier Birchwood Ebonized Armchairs 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of Swedish Biedermeier figured birchwood open armchairs, circa 1880 in date. The chairs feature hand-carved diamond back supports with ebonized align...
Wood
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers circa 1860. Fine example of a Karl Johan period secretaire which was Sweden's take on the French empire and the German b...
Birch, Pine
19th Century Swedish Mahogany Chiffonje, Writing Agency - Cabinet by Karl Johan
By Karl Johan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Biedermeier writing agency, secretary table made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany with a writing flap, designed by Karl-Johan in goo...
Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century Swedish Biedermeier mahogany secretary featuring a drop-front desk and three lower drawers. Constructed with mahogany veneer throughout, the drawers retain lionhea...
Mahogany
$1,682 / set
Pair of Antique Swedish Stools
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of antique Swedish stools. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1900-10 period. They are of outstanding quality with a beautiful and u...
Cotton, Wood
Swedish Biedermeier Dining Chairs Set of 8 Flame Golden Birch
Located in Lewes, England
Biedermeier dining chairs in rare mixed set of 8 antique Swedish with flame golden birch veneers with the distinctive curved seat back, differing carved central motif sand gracefully...
Birch
Mahogany and leather Klismos chair, early 20th century
Located in Uppsala, SE
Mahogany Klismos chair with light brown leather seat made in the early part of the 20th century. The vintage leather is newly upholstered. This piece is most likely Scandinavian and ...
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Birch Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretary bureau crafted in birch veneer with warm golden yellow tones. The clean-lined form includes an upper drawer, central fall-front desk area, ...
Birch
Biedermeier Art Deco Style Partners Desk Curved Johan Vilhelm Karlsson 1947
By Continental Art Deco
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Art Deco style pedestal partners desk with the finest grade Mahogany veneers on probably a birch frame in a classic deep rich darker color French polish finish. ...
Birch
Pair of mid 19th century Swedish carved elm chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality pair of 19th century Swedish carved elm commodes circa 1850. Rectangular tops in book marked veneered elm, solid moulded edges and rounded corners which form the top of...
Elm
Early 20th Swedish birch long bedroom stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th swedish birch long bedroom stool circa 1900. Fine example of swedish simple but elegant design, birch frame with 6 tapering supporting legs with upholstered top. Ideal f...
Fabric, Birch
19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Style Walnut Settee
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning 19th Century settee featuring the clean lines and warm wood tones characteristic of Swedish Biedermeier design, with a silhouette influenced by French Neoclassical forms. ...
Walnut
Biedermeier Butler's Desk, Karelian Birch, Sweden, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Biedermeier butler's desk crafted for 19th Century city living. The birch case piece is meant to provide storage and utility in the home's entry room, with lockable drawe...
Wood
Swedish 19th century carved birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century carved birch chest of drawers circa 1870. We are pleased to offer this fine quality 5 drawer chest of drawers from Scandinavia. 3 plank top surface with rounde...
Birch
Pair Antique Swedish Karl Johan Revival (Biedermeier) Chairs - Fully Restored
Located in Atlanta, GA
Superb examples of the Karl Johan Revival style, which is the Swedish equivalent of the European Biedermeier style, but with strong influences from the French Empire style. The perio...
Velvet, Hardwood, Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Drop-Leaf Pedestal Table Golden Birch 142cm
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier drop-leaf table in stunning tiger stripe and quilted golden birch veneers and four elegant curved feet. The pedestal column in particular features beauti...
Birch
Swedish Antique Biedermeier Carver Chairs 1800s Quilted Golden Birch A
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of beautiful carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arm...
Birch
Pair of Antique Swedish Satin Birch Biedermeier Stools
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique Swedish satin birch Biedermeier stools. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1880-1900 period. They are of outstanding quali...
Cotton, Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Pedestal Table Golden Birch 104cm lions feet 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier round table in stunning tiger stripe and quilted golden birch veneers and four elegant curved lions feet. The pedestal column in particular features an ...
Birch
$3,200 / set
Swedish Biedermeier 19th Century Birch Armchairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of Swedish Biedermeier armchairs from circa 1820 in birch that expresses the most extraordinary patterns (which occur naturally in the wood) but have been revealed by the skil...
Metal
Antique sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A sofa from the second half of the 19th century in a Victorian style. An antique, small piece of furniture with a beautiful form will give elegance to any interior. A sofa with a sim...
Fabric, Walnut
Swedish Biedermeier Dining Chairs Set of 6 Flame Golden Birch
Located in Lewes, England
Rare set of 6 antique Swedish flame golden birch Biedermeier dining chairs from C1870-1920 with the distinctive curved seat back, carved central motif and gracefully curved front leg...
Birch
Early 19th century Swedish pair of Karl Johan stools
Located in London, GB
A nice pair of C19th mahogany veneer Karl Johan stools. Their four curved sabre legs support an oval upholstered deep seat which has over time been upholstered in traditional Damask ...
Mahogany
$1,252Sale Price|20% Off
1940s, Elm Sewing Box Table, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant Swedish sewing box from the 1940s, crafted in the Biedermeier revival style and veneered in richly figured elm with refined marquetry inlay. The lid features a delicate decor...
Beech, Elm
Swedish Biedermeier Style Pair of Carved Birch Armchairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique pair of Swedish late 19th century/early 20th century carved birch armchairs, the style would best be described as Biedermeier hence the beautiful blonde wood frames with Neo...
Textile, Birch
Biedermeier Settle Sofa Quilted Golden Birch Swedish, 19th Century Couch Settle
Located in Lewes, England
Beautiful and very unusual 19th century Swedish antique Biedermeier settle sofa in top grade quilted golden birch in a deep French polish finish with lovely carved detail. It has de...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Golden Birch square Pair
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of Swedish Biedermeier Empire antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arms...
Birch
19th Century Oak and Fruitwood Intarsia Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A 19th Century Biedermeier Swedish Jewelry box in oak with an ornamental inlay decoration. The fine intarsia work, featuring a floral pattern, is...
Wood, Oak, Paper, Fruitwood
Antique Biedermeier Maserbirch Console Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier Period birch with ebonised detail console table, circa 1830 in date. The rectangular burr birch top is raised on a pair of 'S' scroll ...
Wood
Biedermeier Sofa Couch Empire Settle Swedish 19th Century 3-4 Seat Loveseat
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted figured veneers in a rich deep French polish finish. Lovely curved legs, arms and back with a fully sprung seat and web...
Birch
19th century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table circa 1890. Elegant piece of late 19th century swedish furniture. Overall rectangular shaped top with canted corners. Made in ...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Three-Seat Sofa Couch Settle Settee, Late 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Lovely antique Swedish Biedermeier carved three-four-seat sofa in Classic darker mahogany colour French polish finish that brings out the figure in the top grade golden birch quilted...
Wood
Swedish Biedermeier Curly Birch Sofa w/Wavy Top Rail
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Biedermeier upholstered sofa, with quilted curly birch veneers, from the mid 19th century. This antique sofa from Sweden has an elegantly swag scallop back top rail with so...
Wood, Birch, Upholstery
Pair of Biedermeier Satin Birch Armchairs, Sweden, 1910s
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Biedermeier style armchairs in satin birch with brown upholstered seats. The chairs feature open backs, curved armrests, saber front legs, and a warm patterned wood grain. St...
Wood, Birch
Rare Pair Swedish Biedermeier Style Sofas Couch Empire 20th C 172cm 3-4 Seat A
Located in Lewes, England
Rare pair of Swedish Biedermeier Empire style sofas from latter part of 20th Century in top grade birch in a light oak French polish finish. Its very unusual indeed to find a mat...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Drop-Leaf Pedestal Table Golden Birch Tiger Stripe 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier drop-leaf table in stunning tiger stripe and quilted golden birch veneers and four elegant curved feet. The pedestal column in particular features beauti...
Birch
Swedish 19th century birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century birch chest of drawers circa 1880. Simple but elegant Scandinavian chest of drawers, veneered in quarter sawn birch to allow the striking grain to show through....
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers circa 1830. Fine quality swedish commode, with inlay, stringing and contrasting stained birch. Matched veneer top surface, with s...
Birch
$3,500
Biedermeier Piano Bench
Located in New York, NY
Lovely antique piano bench with internal compartment for music sheet storage. The perfect accompaniment to a beautiful piano, this piece is suitabl...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Sofa Quilted Golden Birch 19th Century Antique A
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa settle couch in the country style with a wealth of appliqué decoration on the front panels, arms and legs. Measure: 215cm. It is finished in ...
Birch
Pair of Biedermeier Style Satin Birch Armchairs, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Biedermeier-style armchairs in solid birch with original blue patterned upholstery. The chairs feature rounded backrests, tapered legs, and stylized inlaid details on the arm...
Wood
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 3 Seat, 19th Century Ormolu A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier 2-3 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with wonderful curved arm detailing and ormolu style decorative ends and motifs in the ...
Birch
Birch Hand-Carved and Ebonized Biedermeier Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of armchairs crafted of solid birch, the classically curved back crest adorned with a carved, ebonized fan motif and sabre legs. The armchairs boast a pair of whimsical, eboni...
Birch
19th century Swedish birch caddy top chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish birch caddy top chest of drawers circa 1870 Good quality Biedermeier influenced Scandinavian birch chest of drawers. 3 plank birch top surface with a shaped mo...
Birch, Pine
Antique Swedish Cherrywood Bedside Table, Biedermeier, Circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, antique Swedish bedside table with one drawer, polished brass pull made of hand crafted, partly veneered Cherrywood, designed by Mobile Fresno ...
Metal, Brass
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Fan Golden Birch 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in a honey color French polish finish with rounded arms. They have fu...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofa Couch Empire 19th C 3-4 Seat Lion Feet
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted birch figured veneers in the sort after mid oak French polish finish. The sofa is approx 200cm long. It has swooping l...
Birch
Mid 19th century Swedish birch buffet sideboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish birch buffet sideboard circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this stunning piece of mid 19th century craftsmanship found on our travels around Scandinavia. L...
Mirror, Birch
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish 1800s Antique Honey pair
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of carver chairs in highly quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey color French polish finish with ormolu roundel on the arms and f...
Birch
Pair of Antique Swedish Karl Johan Biedermeier Flame Birch Chairs - Restored
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite pair of early 20th-century side chairs represents the Karl Johan Revival style—Sweden’s distinct interpretation of the pan-European Biedermeier movement—a stunning ret...
Fabric, Upholstery, Birch
Pair of early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretaire chests
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretaire commodes circa 1830. Rare pair of biedermeier period swedish chest of drawers. 4 drawers, each top drawer with a fully fi...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Early 1900s Antique Quilted Birch Wreath A
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of beautiful carver chairs in highest grade quilted birch veneers finished in the Classic darker oak / mahogany color French polish finish with rounde...
Birch
Biedermeier Drawers Writing Desk Secrétaire Cabinet Swedish Ormolu Detail 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Exceptional Swedish antique Biedermeier writing desk chiffonier secrétaire cabinet in highly quilted golden birch veneers and finished in the Classic light honey color French polish....
Birch
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Dark Golden Birch 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in a darker oak color French polish finish with rounded arms. They ha...
Birch