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What is the difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles?
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The difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles lies largely in the characteristics most commonly associated with them. Although these two furniture styles both emerged around 1815 and persisted into the 1840s, pieces associated with them have differing features. Developed in France, the Empire style emphasized ornamentation and grandeur, with furniture makers often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman forms. Dark woods were the most commonly used materials of the style. In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, artisans working in the Biedermeier style favored simplicity. They also tended to source woods locally and chose light finishes for their pieces. Explore a selection of Biedermeier and Empire furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Biedermeier Furniture on 1stDibs
Biedermeier Style Austrian Art Deco Inlaid Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Biedermeier Style Austrian Art Deco Inlaid Side Table
Category
Vintage 1930s Biedermeier Console Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers, Cherrywood, Austria circa 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding 19th century Biedermeier chest of drawers from the early period around 1830 in Austria. This completely restored antique three drawer Biedermeier commode impresses with i...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Materials
Brass
Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary Desk Cabinet Chest 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Austrian Biedermeier flame mahogany secretary chest, circa 1860.
The cabinet having a stepped cornice with circular turned finial brackets at each corner, the top of the cabinet is fitted with a single locking drawer with an oval brass lockplate (key is present).
Below is a locking fall front panel (key present) with a wavy edge in relief, the fall when open reveals a fitted interior with a recessed storage area flanked with a pair of ribbed columns and having a central locking door enclosing a single drawer and six drawers to each side with ivory pulls.
The fall front has a green baize writing surface, below are a pair of cupboard doors with corresponding wavy recessed panels, to the interior is a single shelf and plenty of useful storage.
The cabinet is raised on a plinth base with turned feet and corresponding circular turned finial brackets.
Condition is excellent, the cabinet is made from the finest flame mahogany, this very elegant antique biedermeier secretary cabinet...
Category
Antique 1860s Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Fine Large Salon Biedermeier Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
This impressive and generously proportioned early Viennese Biedermeier table was crafted in Vienna circa 1825 and exemplifies the highest achievements of authentic Biedermeier furnit...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Biedermeier Center Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th Century German Biedermeier Wardrobe, Walnut with Wonderful Grain Pattern
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique Biedermeier Cabinet
Southern Germany
Walnut
Biedermeier circa 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 179 x 111 x 50 cm
Description:
Two-door piece of furniture standing on bloc...
Category
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Cherry Pedestal Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
We are delighted to present this exceptional and rare Viennese Biedermeier cherrywood tilt-top table, crafted in Vienna circa 1825—a truly outstanding example of early 19th-century f...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Center Tables
Materials
Cherry, Maple, Walnut
