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.
Original Biedermeier Sewing Table Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Biedermeier sewing table, circa 1825. Mahogany on solid softwood. Straight, two-handed frame box column on saber-4 legs. Four-sided table...
Mahogany
Fancy Biedermeier Sewing Table / Side Table circa 1850 Walnut
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Biedermeier sewing table / side table circa 1850 walnut Solid walnut body. Beautiful walnut mirror veneer. Frame case on four long, turned legs connected by a central bar. H...
Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Étagère Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Epfach, DE
A rare furniture which is perfect for presenting collectibles like porcelain.
Walnut
Original 19th Century antique Biedermeier Sewing Table Lyra Legs Cherrywood
Located in Berlin, DE
Biedermeier work and sewing table Cherry veneered 2 drawers. A pair of lyre feet on curly braces. Plate have old wormholes but its not active.
Cherry
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in W 17.33 in D 16.34 in
Biedermeier Sewing Table, South Germany, 1830
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique Biedermeier sewing table comes from Southern Germany and dates back to 1830. The table stands on a central foot and has one drawer...
Walnut
$1,625
H 3.15 in W 31.5 in D 23.63 in
Fine 19th Century Papier-Mâché Tray by Jennings & Bettridge, London Royal Makers
Located in Benington, Herts
A superb large hand painted papier-mâché shaped tray impressed to verso by the Royal Makers Jennens & Bettridge, London. English, circa 1830. Beautifully hand painted and gilt ...
Gold Leaf
19th Century Mahogany Serving Tray
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century mahogany serving tray Hand made serving tray from solid mahogany with brass hardware. The oval tray has four handles along four drop-down sides. The tray sits a...
Mahogany
19th Century Iron and Marble Top French Pastry Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
A gorgeous 19th century French marble top pastry table featuring old white painted patina on the iron base. This beauty features decorative brass hardware with patina and a white vei...
Marble, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Period Victorian Sewing Table Burr Walnut 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian burr walnut sewing table. Circa 1860 This sewing table is of an oval form. The top having marquetry inlays and boxwood stringing. Th...
Walnut
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Cherry Table. Vienna, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
This elegant round Biedermeier table was crafted in Austria around 1830 and is a fine example of the sophistication and timeless elegance that defines early 19th-century Viennese des...
Cherry
$2,693Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.7 in W 22.05 in D 16.54 in
Elegant Biedermeier Elmwood Sewing or Side Table, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant Biedermeier sewing or side table from Southern Germany, circa 1820, is crafted from beautifully grained elmwood with an interior division made of cherrywood, showcasing ...
Cherry, Elm
$10,400
H 28.75 in W 34 in D 21.25 in
Antique Swedish Gustavian Tray Top Table, Handcrafted Pine, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-green, antique Swedish Gustavian freestanding tray top table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, designed by an unknown master, carpenter in ...
Pine
19th Century English Mahogany Butlers Tray Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany folding butlers tray on stand tray has four folding sides with inset brass hinges. Supported on folding stand with decorative turned supports. The dimensions are with the ...
Mahogany
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Ebonized Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional Viennese Biedermeier writing table, crafted circa 1825, represents a rare and highly refined example of early 19th-century Austrian furniture. Ebonized Biedermeier ...
Pearwood
English Coaching Table with Serpentine Legs of Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine 19th century English coaching or field table (folding) of mahogany featuring elegant serpentine-shaped turning for the supports, with brass hinges and a handsome patina to the...
Metal
$4,800
H 28.75 in W 47.75 in D 26.875 in
19th Century Painted French Iron Pastry or Butcher Table with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique white painted iron table with marble top was produced in France, circa 1870. Tables such as these would have been used to do disp...
Carrara Marble, Iron
Antique lyre side table/sewing table, root veneer, around 1830
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique lyre side table/sewing table, root veneer, around 1830 Solid wood with root veneer. Unusual shape with lyre legs connected with 2 cent...
Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Burl Walnut One Drawer Sewing Stand Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beautiful 19th century burl wood sewing stand good original condition.
Walnut