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.
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...
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Biedermeier Style Etagere Shelves
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Biedermeier Style Etagere Shelves Venner on solid pinewood. Partially gilded. (O-Sam-71)
Wood, Pine
Biedermeier Commode, Probably North Germany Around 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier commode with three drawers and flanking full columns, veneered in mahogany.
Wood
Antique French Biedermeier Fruitwood Buffet c. Mid 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant French buffet from the mid-19th century embodies the refined simplicity of the Biedermeier period, brought to life in richly hued fruitwood. Likely crafted in provincial...
Fruitwood
Continental 19th Century Biedermeier St. Walnut Chest Circa 1840
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most elegant Continental 19th century Biedermeier st. Walnut chest circa 1840. The three drawer chest is raised by elegant scrolled tapered feet below the straight apr...
Walnut
Continental 19th Century Biedermeier Period Walnut & Fruitwood Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and extremely unique Continental 19th century Biedermeier period Walnut, ebonized fruitwood and giltwood commode. The three drawer chest is raised by elegant block feet wi...
Fruitwood, Walnut, Giltwood
Pyramid Cabinet shelve in antique Biedermeier Style Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine pyramid cabinet in Biedermeier style. High quality mahogany veneer on solid softwood. Conical body on profiled frame base. In the front, large ce...
Mahogany
19th Century Original Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Cherrywood
Located in Berlin, DE
Cherry. High-rectangular, one-body on four feet. Overhead cover plate, including drawer. Originates from a Berlin estate. Excellent warm patina aged over decades. Age-related use t...
Cherry
Lyra Secretaire in antique Vienna Biedermeier Style Majestic Work maple veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Highly valuable bird’s-eye maple root veneer on solid pinewood. This so called Lyre secretaire Is the crowning of all European Furniture Art of The Biedermeier Period. Paw Feet and ...
Maple
Belgian Biedermeier Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a Biedermeier (circa. 1830s) commode or 3-drawer dresser that has a Birch veneer finish and is embellished with leaf-draped marquetry. It measures 40" W, 18" D, 37" H. N...
Birch
Dutch Vitrine in antique Biedermeier Style Intarsia Work birch inlay
Located in Berlin, DE
Light mahogany on solid wood. Exceptionally rich intarsia work. 2 doors with glass.
Birch
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...
Mahogany
20th Century Pyramids Chiffioniere Commode in the Biedermeier Style Beech Root
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality beech root veneer on solid conifers. Conical body on profiled frame base. Over cantilevered profile cornice flat gypsum, stepped with oval gallery. So-called pyramid furniture...
Beech
19th Century Biedermeier Style Three-Sided Glazed Glass Vitrine mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Three-sided glazed glass vitrine circa 1825 in the sense of Karl Friedrich Schinkel. High-quality Mahogany on solid softwood. Recessed frame box. Architecturally arranged front with ...
Mahogany
Elegant Commode with Mirror antique Biedermeier Style with Inlays Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Mirror-veneered Mahogany, partially ebonized. On saber-shaped feet, straight trianus body stylized arrows inlaid with flower tendrils and a large flower in the middle of framed half-...
Mahogany