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
19th Century Biedermeier Étagère Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Epfach, DE
A rare furniture which is perfect for presenting collectibles like porcelain.
Walnut
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
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
$1,987Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.23 in W 22.45 in D 15.36 in
Barovier&Toso Coffee Trolley, Brass & Glass, Mid-Century Modern, 1953
Located in bari, IT
Barovier & Toso coffee trolley in worked glass. and brass with removable tray. The coffee table can be adjusted in height as needed. The tray has the foll...
Brass
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
$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
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
$2,649Sale 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
English George III Mahogany Butler's Tray Table on Folding Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 19th century Regency George III period mahogany butler's tray on folding stand. Unusual square shape tray as these are mostly rectangle in shape. Beautiful old patina with ex...
Mahogany
20th Century Biedermeier Style Sewing Table
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Biedermeier style sewing table Lyre sewing table in Biedermeier style. Ash roots on solid pinewood. (G-Gm-122).
Wood, Ash, Pine
Antique 19th-Century Biedermeier Burled Walnut Pedestal Carved Tilt-Top Table
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional 19th-century Biedermeier tilt-top table beautifully exemplifies the refined simplicity, understated elegance, and balanced proportions characteristic of the period. ...
Walnut
$850
H 21.25 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in
Italian Walnut Flip Top Extension Side Table, Vintage 1950s Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian walnut side table that flips open to become serving table.
Walnut
$950Sale Price|26% Off
H 33 in W 27.25 in D 17 in
19th Century Mahogany English Butler's Serving Bar Tray on Wooden Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
Large mahogany butlers tray on stand featuring a rectangular shaped tray with a surround gallery. with handles on either end for easy access. On folding X frame stand with heavy wove...
Mahogany
$2,003Sale Price|23% Off
H 29.93 in W 15.75 in D 12.21 in
Biedermeier Sewing Table, Walnut Veneer on Pinewood, Germany, 1820
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Very nice sewing table with a fine veneer picture, walnut veneer on pinewood body. The Side table dates back to the Biedermeier period. In very good restored condition.
Walnut
Sculptural Danish Lunch Board in Solid Teak by Johannes Aasbjerg
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual solid teak, sculptural lunch board by Johannes Aasbjerg, for Excellent Furniture, Denmark. Versatile design with hairpin style legs this version is 36.5" long.
Teak
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