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Antique Biedermeier Furniture

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19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
exclusively in Austrian/Viennese Biedermeier furniture, located in Vienna – the birthplace of the Biedermeier
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Large Salon Biedermeier Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture continues to inspire contemporary design and remains a cornerstone of curated interiors
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
crafted from cherry wood. An authentic piece of Biedermeier furniture with an elegant design that follows
Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Walnut Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
the world’s only specialists focused exclusively on Austrian/Viennese Biedermeier furniture. Located
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
is not just a piece of furniture – it is a work of art. True early Biedermeier commodes of this
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Sofa Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite Viennese Biedermeier Sofa, circa 1825 — Museum-Quality Masterpiece We are pleased to
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th Century Fine Viennese Biedermeier Bergere. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
the Biedermeier period. Biedermeier furniture is revered for its refined proportions, understated
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birdseye Maple

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Large Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1820-25.
Located in Vienna, AT
aesthetics and superb quality that define authentic Viennese Biedermeier. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Vitrine. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Austrian Biedermeier furniture, we have encountered only a handful of vitrines of this quality and rarity
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Commode. Vienna, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
timeless elegance of Biedermeier furniture. It features four beautifully balanced drawers, richly veneered
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture. Biedermeier is more than furniture; it is a timeless work of art.
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Bureau-Commode. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
in Vienna between 1820 and 1825—the golden age of Biedermeier design. Ebonized Biedermeier furniture
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Sofa. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
sets Viennese Biedermeier furniture apart is its balance of refined simplicity and architectural
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Walnut Drop Front Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture from circa 1825. Renowned for its refined proportions, understated elegance, and
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Maple, Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Set of Six Chairs Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture is admired not only for its harmony and simplicity but also for its extraordinary
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry, Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
top arranged in a radiant starburst pattern — a hallmark of the finest Biedermeier furniture. The rich
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Cherry Console Tables, Vienna c. 1835.
Located in Vienna, AT
Depth: 18 1/2 inches As specialists in Austrian/Viennese Biedermeier furniture for over three decades
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Tall Trumeau Chest, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
commode exemplifies all that makes Viennese Biedermeier furniture so revered: sophisticated proportions
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Satin Birch Chairs Swedish Biedermeier Karl Johan Gustavian Fine Antique
Located in London, GB
crafted, they exhibit the exemplary quality, associated with the finest Biedermeier furniture. They have
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birch, Satinwood

Secretaire
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Age of Viennese Biedermeier. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is celebrated for its sophisticated
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Secretaire
Secretaire
$13,800
Biedermeier Neoclassical Chest of Drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Elegant Biedermeier Style Neoclassical Chest of Drawers. Chest features three ample drawers with
Category

Early 20th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Console with Mirror
By Biedermeier
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A super Biedermeier cabinet with single drawer and cupboard with matching pier mirror, excellent
Category

19th Century Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Biedermeier Burl Wood Secretary Cabinet
By Biedermeier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A shaped cabinet with a scrolled bonnet, a centre compartment with door opening to two shaped shelves, flanked by curved side compartments (one shelf inside at the left). Below is a ...
Category

19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Burl

Biedermeier Freestanding Tiered Display Shelf / Vitrine / Etagere
By Biedermeier
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
in Vienna where she acquired a deep knowledge and love of Biedermeier and Art Deco furniture
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

A Pair of Large 19th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Period Side Chairs
By Biedermeier
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptional pair of classic Biedermeier period side chairs. Large scale and gutsy (not petite
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Biedermeier Walnut Wood and Velvet Austrian Desk Chair, 1820
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
Elegant single chair, of the early Austrian Biedermeier period. All veneered in walnut wood, with
Category

1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Biedermeier Cylinder Roll Top Desk with drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in Pasadena, TX
A fine example of a classic Biedermeier design desk. Clad in fine mahogany veneer and
Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Poplar Briar Wood Austrian Corner Cabinet, 1820
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
this corner cabinet of first Biedermeier period. Corner cabinet all veneered in poplar briarwood. The
Category

1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Poplar

Cubic Biedermeier Box, Mahogany and Maple, Austria, circa 1840
By Biedermeier
Located in Regensburg, DE
Cubic Biedermeier box, mahogany and maple, Austria circa 1840 Rare cubic shaped decorative box
Category

1840s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Oak

Antique Biedermeier-Style Drop-Front Mahogany Secretary Chest
By Biedermeier
Located in Milano, IT
Biedermeier-style secretary chest is much more than a piece of furniture; it is a living testament to the art
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Biedermeier Style Carved and Inlaid Silk Upholstered Chair
By Biedermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Biedermeier Style Carved and Inlaid Silk Upholstered Armchair This exquisite antique
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Silk, Wood

German Biedermeier Style Mahogany Console Table with Marble Top
By Biedermeier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Biedermeier-style console table showcases the timeless elegance of 19th-century
Category

Late 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th-C. Inlaid Biedermeier Style Side Chairs - Black Leather Upholstery -Pair
By Biedermeier
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 19th- C. Biedermeier style side chairs with black leather upholstery. The
Category

Late 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Leather, Maple, Satinwood

Poltrona in legno di noce del XIX secolo di epoca Biedermeier
By Biedermeier
Located in Vicenza, VI
Poltrona Biedermeier in legno di noce, di ambito veneto eseguita nella prima metà del XIX secolo
Category

19th Century Italian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Walnut and Mother-of-Pearl
By Biedermeier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Biedermeier Walnut and Mother-of-Pearl Chest of Drawers crafted in walnut veneer with mother-of
Category

Late 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 3 Seat, 19th Century Ormolu A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier 2-3 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Couch Honey Color, 3-4 Seat, 19th Century Empire Rare A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 3-4 seat sofa couch in beautiful light honey color French polish finish with
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th Century Biedermeier Sewing Table, Austria
By Biedermeier
Located in Praha, CZ
- original conditon - good condition - made of wood
Category

19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Cherry Wood Austrian Mirror, 1830
By Biedermeier
Located in Roma, Lazio
Beautiful and very special Biedermeier vanity mirror, refined and classy with a very simple design
Category

1830s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Cherry

Pair of Massive Antique Danish Biedermeier Pier Console Mirrors
By Biedermeier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stepped design In burl wood with a cornice at the top and a recessed panel with an oval mirror over the tall two-part mirror. A shelf with a dark wood inset oval has scrolled suppo...
Category

19th Century Danish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Burl

German Biedermeier Satinwood Settee W/ Gilt Foliage Wreaths Silk Seat, C. 1815
By Biedermeier
Located in Charleston, SC
German Biedermeier satinwood settee with a gilt carved shaped back, flanking scrolled arms, central
Category

1810s German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Silk, Satinwood, Giltwood

Antique Biedermeier Style Satinwood Drop Leaf Table W/ Ebonized Pedestal Paws
By Biedermeier
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Continental Biedermeier style drop leaf work table. The top is banded with
Category

Late 19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Satinwood

Stuning Antique circa 1880 Neoclassical Biedermeier Maple Wall Mirror with Foxed
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Flamed Maple original Biedermeier wall mirror with
Category

1880s English Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Glass, Maple

A Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Maplewood Stools
By Biedermeier
Located in London, GB
Austria, circa 1880 A pair of Biedermeier stools with Maplewood bases, the legs turned with
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Maple

Empire Revival Biedermeier Style Mahogany Vanity without mirror
By Biedermeier
Located in Pasadena, TX
piece is made with a nice Flaming Mahogany giving it a Biedermeier feel. It has 4 small upper drawers
Category

1890s American American Empire Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Desk in Maple Burl
By Biedermeier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined 19th-century Biedermeier secretary desk, exquisitely crafted in maple burl and veneers
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Maple

Magnificent 19th Century Marble Top European Biedermeier Pier Table
By Biedermeier
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Rectangular Carved, ONE OF A KIND, Original Beidermeier Wooden and Marble Top Table, Intricately detailed with Carvings, ebonized...
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Satin Birch Wood Swedish Biedermeier Library Reading Armchair Ebonished
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this lovely hand made Swedish Biedermeier library reading armchair A very
Category

19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Desk in Maple Burl with Ebonized Details
By Biedermeier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined 19th-century Biedermeier secretary desk, crafted in maple burl and veneers, showcasing
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Burl

Antique Scandinavian Chest of Six Drawers Gustavian Swedish Karl Johan 1840 Pine
Located in London, GB
by the majestic grandeur of the continental Empire and Biedermeier furniture styles. Also
Category

1840s Swedish Gustavian Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Castle Furniture Biedermeier Table K. F. Schinkel Castle King Palace
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive mahogany. Round column shaft, below which are three volute-shaped curved legs. Straight cheeks for round tabletop. The table is equipped with a folding mechanism. On the rev...
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Swedish Dresser
By Biedermeier
Located in Turners Falls, MA
19th Century Swedish four drawer Dresser. Serpentine front with decorative hardware. Original condition shows the character and history of the piece.
Category

19th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Serpentine

Biedermeier Chairs
Located in Greding, DE
Set of three Biedermeier chairs in cherry wood with fan-shaped backrests and newly upholstered
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Biedermeier Chairs
Biedermeier Chairs
$7,120 / set
Vintage Boho German Biedermeier Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
materiality of the German Biedermeier period (c. 1815–1848). Crafted during a mid-20th-century revival, the
Category

Early 20th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Biedermeier bed
Located in Belgrade, RS
This Biedermeier bed from the period 1830–1840 is a remarkable example of the era’s stylistic
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Biedermeier Stool
Located in New York, NY
This freshly reupholstered stool is adorned with golden silk/wool in traditional Biedermeier style.
Category

1840s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birch

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Antique Biedermeier Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, walnut and hardwood. Your living room may not be complete without a piece of antique biedermeier furniture — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique biedermeier furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Neoclassical, Empire and Victorian styles are sought with frequency. A well-made choice in our collection of antique biedermeier furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Biedermeier, Josef Danhauser and Viennese Manufactory are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Biedermeier Furniture?

Prices for a piece of antique biedermeier furniture start at $125 and top out at $159,900 with the average selling for $4,798.

A Close Look at Biedermeier Furniture

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.

Questions About Antique Biedermeier Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Biedermeier-style furniture is a type of furniture that emerged from Germany during the 19th century. The pieces were the antithesis of the opulent French designs of the time, displaying clean, simple lines and forms that emphasized functionality. Furniture in this style became popular again in the 1970s. Shop a selection of Biedermeier-style furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify Biedermeier furniture, familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Rather than a maker, Biedermeier refers to a period in history that began in 1815 with the close of the Napoleonic Wars and lasted through 1848, when revolutions broke out in many Central European countries. Furniture produced during this era usually features simple, symmetrical designs with rounded corners and edges; cherry, walnut and birch wood were among the most common materials. During the 20th century, several manufacturers introduced lines of Biedermeier furniture inspired by 19th-century originals. If you find a marking for a 20th-century maker on your furniture, it is most likely one of these later pieces. Because it may be difficult to determine if a furnishing is an original or an example of the revival style, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer help you with the identification process. Shop a collection of Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.