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.
Restored Biedermeier Coat Hanger, Beech, Revived Polish, Czech, 1890s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This freestanding coat rack is a monumental and highly elegant example of craftsmanship from the late 19th century, made in Bohemia. Its design draws on the tradition of the popular ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Height adjustable Biedermeier Music stand, walnut, circa 1840
Located in Münster, DE
Music stand, walnut, circa 1840, shellac finish 3-legged base, height-adjustable via a screw thread, can be used on either side, Dimensions: Height 122.5 – max. 135 cm Width 40 ...
Nutwood
Antique Biedermeier Magazine Holder, Mahogany on Oak, Holland, 1860s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Antique Magazine holder /Newspaper rack. Mahogany veneer on Oak. 1860/70 Holland. Biedermeier. Nice warm color. Good condition.
Mahogany
Dutch Hand-Carved Wooden Umbrella Stand, Biedermeier, Circa 1890
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Dutch-style (19/20th Century) carved and stained wood umbrella stand with 4 shoes at base and copper trim
Wood
Unusual Biedermeier Birch Quartetto Music Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Almost square top with four pull out drawers in the frieze exposing music stands. The base with a lever to raise or lower the overall stand. The octagonal support resting on a confor...
Birch
$353Sale Price|40% Off
French Brown Hat Box for Cylinders, Early 19th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
French brown hat box for cylinders, early 19th century. Rare old leather hat box for top hats. This old hat box in the shape of a cylinder is an original fro...
Leather, Fabric
German Black Lacquered Telescopic Music Stand. Circa 1860
By J.Ch. Detmering
Located in Charleston, SC
German black lacquered dueling telescopic music stand supported on bulbous pedestal and tripod scrolled base. Stamped by maker. J. Ch. Detmering, Hamburg. Stand adjust on telescop...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Magazine Record Holder Monterey American Country Style
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid Maple Country style Monterey magazine record holder, circa 1950's with hand painted motifs very interesting and unique solid piece.
Maple
Guillerme et Chambron Magazine Holder
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Guillerme et Chambron magazine or book holder with wonderful oak patina and thick dowel design Sold individually
Oak
Wicker Rattan Magazine Holder
Located in New York, NY
A rattan wicker magazine holder stand, circa mid-20th century. Piece has two storage compartment areas to hold magazines, newspapers, papers, books, etc. A great addition to an offic...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Umbrella Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a pop of personality to your space with this vintage boho hand-painted umbrella stand. Featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors, this piece showcases exceptional craftsman...
Ceramic
Gold Contemporary Magazine Holder
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold contemporary magazine holder Dimensions: L 40.5 x W 30.3 x H 30.3 cm Materials: Steel. Also available in Silver and Black. Please contact us for more information. The design of the Curva magazine...
Steel
Nickel Circular Compact Magazine Holder
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Nickel circular compact magazine holder.
Nickel
Witco Kitty Cat Magazine Holder
By William Westenhaver / Witco, Witco
Located in Highland, IN
This kitty cat is Classic Witco– the company founded by William Westenhaver and known most famously as the furniture that adorns Elvis' "jungle room." Made of deeply carved swap cedar and finished in the Classic Witco way with the dark, raised grain, it's in the form of a cat with a body wrapped in faux fur and designed to hold books or magazines. Loaded with charm and whimsy, it is the perfect addition to hip retro pad or Tiki room...
Faux Fur, Cedar
Antique English Tortoiseshell Root Bamboo Magazine Holder, C.1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this pristine antique English Root Bamboo magazine Rack in a beautiful tortoiseshell finish, this is a 19th Century English Bamboo Magazine or Newspaper Rack I say pristine ...
Bamboo
19th Century French Bronze Mounted Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut veneered. Footed. Silk-lined. Key is included.
Bronze
Umbrella Stand, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass, Iron
English Cast Iron Umbrella / Cane Stand. Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English cast iron umbrella / cane stand with three section top, scrolled floral side mounts, four removable pans, and terminating on decorative cast egg and dart base.
Art Deco Umbrella Stand - Chestnut Wooden Umbrella Stand - France 1930s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Art Deco Umbrella Stand - Chestnut Wooden Umbrella Stand - France 1930s Very decorative and elegant umbrella stand. French Art Deco piece from the 1930s. Geometric shapes giving i...
Wood, Chestnut, Fruitwood, Nutwood
Storage table around 1870 in cherrywood
Located in Aachen, DE
Spätbiedermeier-Nähtischchen um 1870 in Kirschholz 4 zentral / parallel zu öffnende Staufächer, die Fronten mit Wurzelfurnier.
Wood, Cherry
German Adjustable Wooden Lyre Music Stand
Located in Barntrup, DE
An elegant and beautiful wooden music stand with adjustable height on a tripod base. Nicely decorated with two lyres, it will accommodate sheet musi...
Brass
Antique Iron Coatrack
Located in High Point, NC
This iron coatrack was made in Central Europe, circa 1900. It features tripod legs and an umbrella stand at the base, while at the top six arms in tripod formation curve outwards, sp...
Iron
Leather Hat Box for Cylinders, Early 19th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Leather hat box for cylinders, late 18th century. Rare old hat box made of leather and cardboard for cylinders. This old hat box in the shape of a cylinder is an original from the ti...
Leather
Sold
H 50 in W 16 in D 16 in
19th Century Biedermeier Adjustable Wooden Duet Sheet Music Stand AAA+ Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique and stunning stand for sheet music or books. This antique musicians stand is not only in excellent condition, it also is highly practical and a stylish piece to look at. It ...
Wood
Pair of Biedermeier Style Burlwood and Bronze Mounted Pedestals
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous PPair of Biedermeier Style Burlwood and Bronze Mounted Pedestals. Probably 20th century and possibly made by the high-end manufacturer, Theodore Alexander of N...
Bronze
Biedermeier Music Stand, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier music stand on a tripod base with two extendable candlesticks. Books can be placed on both sides of the gable-shaped stand, which can be rotated and adjusted in height.
Bronze
Sold
H 68.9 in W 19.5 in D 17.3 in
Late 19th Century Biedermeier Solid Oak & Adjustable Duet Music Stand Mint Cond
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and practical, antique music or books stand. This antique duet stand is not only in excellent condition, it is also highly practical and a s...
Oak