Biedermeier Secretaires
Biedermeier Style
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.
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Style: Biedermeier
Antique Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk Tabernacle Cabinet 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant, antique Austrian mahogany Biedermeier secretary desk cabinet, circa 1820.
The cabinet in two sections, the top with a curved architectural pediment, below is a curved door tabernacle cupboard, flanked by a pair of columns with gilt bronze bases and capitals. The base with a series of four graduated drawers with shield shaped lock-plate escutcheons inlaid with bone, to the center is a fall front writing surface enclosing a fitted interior with a series of drawers, pigeon holes and a central locking door, the doors and drawers are inlaid with satinwood stringing. All the locks are fully operational and keys are present.
The cabinet is raised upon a plinth base, the secretary cabinet is made from the finest figured Cuban mahogany, condition is very good, no condition issues or restoration. This very elegant Biedermeier secretary cabinet...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu
Early 19th Century Neoclassical Karelian Birch Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
An extraordinary early 19th Century Neoclassical style Karelian birch secretary. This wonderful cabinet features four ebonized columns supporting giltwood caryatids, two gothic arched cabinet...
Category
Early 19th Century Baltic Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu
Biedermeier Style Burled Birchwood Secretary Desk by Colombo Mobili
Located in Shippensburg, PA
BIEDERMEIER STYLE BURLED BIRCHWOOD SECRETARY DESK
Executed by Colombo Mobili, ca. 21st century
Item # 411OBP20A
A truly remarkable Biedermeier style secretaire a'abattant desk from ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Mahogany Chiffonje, Writing Agency - Cabinet by Karl Johan
By Karl Johan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Biedermeier writing agency, secretary table made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany with a writing flap, designed by Karl-Johan in goo...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique French Secretary
Located in Malibu, CA
This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents, columns, and matched woodgrain pattern. Unlike the h...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Other
Biedermeier Secretary, Maple Veneer, Ink on Wood Decor, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Germany and was made in 19th century. The piece is made of coniferous wood, veneered with maple wood veneer on the inside. When opening the main s...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Maple
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. It is made of coniferous wood, veneered with maple wood. It has undergone a professional renovation proces...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Maple
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century, Burl birch
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century
Burl birch
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century is a true masterpiece of cabinetmaking. Its body is crafted from softw...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch
1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk, Cherry
Located in Belmont, MA
1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk in Cherry Veneer
The 1820’s Biedermeier fall top desk features stunning book-matched cherry veneer, adding warmth and sophistication. Its lower secti...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Birch, Cherry
Biedermeier Secretary Desk in Walnut, Germany, 19th Century, Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Elevate your workspace with this stunning secretary desk, a remarkable piece of furniture hailing from Germany, crafted in the first half of the 19th century. Made from pine wood and...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary desk with exquisite ash veneer and a three-drawer commode base. Behind the leather-covered writing surface lies a spacious arched compartment, complemented by six small dra...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier tall secretaire with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Cherrywood and Burlwood, in good condition. The ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. The piece is made of oak wood, veneered with mahogany veneer. When opening the main section the doors transf...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Oak
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 sophisticatedly book matched, the roll top is just the beginning. The interior is done in a beau...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two drawers flanked by two ebonized columns shows a beautiful oak veneer design. The woo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary,
Germany, 1815
Mahogany
Biedermeier secretary made of mahogany around 1815. A unique piece of furniture with antique charm. The secretary ha...
Category
1810s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two drawers flanked by two ebonized columns shows a beautiful oak veneer design. The woo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary, Light Birch Wood, circa 1830-1840
Located in Greven, DE
Antique top secretary from the Biedermeier period around 1830/1835.
Birch veneer with very subtle grain.
Architecturally structured interior with marquetry and band inlays. Exten...
Category
1830s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeie...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Elm, Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Secretaire with Secret Drawers, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary
Austria
Walnut
Biedermeier acirca 1830
Dimensions: H x W x D: 156 x 100 x 53 cm
Description:
Very interesting writing cabinet from the Bohemian/...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th-Century Biedermeier Secretary
Date of Origin: 1825–1830, (Germany, Berlin)
Material: Pyramid Mahogany
This extraordinary 19th-century Secretary with an upper cabinet, crafted ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
A strong, elegant piece to keep you perfectly organized! Crafted of hand-hewn fir and ash and veneered with thick hand-cut ash veneers, this chest offers storage for everything. A lo...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Ash
19th Century German Biedermeier Two Part Pine Bureau - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique German Biedermeier two part bureau, secretary with a two door glass display made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The upper part of the secretaire is composed ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Pine
19th Century Empire / Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautiful small secretary made of walnut veneer and solid walnut from the Biedermeier / Empire period at the beginning of the 19th century. The secretary is covered on the outside ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Birch Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
Constructed of solid birch and fir and veneered with hand-cut Nordic birch veneers, the secretary features an upper locking drawer which rests upon a fitted desk area hiding behind a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Fir
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
We present you this piece of furniture with three drawers at the bottom, a drop front, and a narrow drawer und...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Baize, Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Ebonized, Brass, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Straightened early Biedermeier Secretaire or Drop-Front Secretary / Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer from South Germany around 1820.
Neoclas...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Iron
Austro-Hungarian Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Woodbury, CT
Wearing a layer of Austrian walnut root veneer, this secrétaire has a unique grain that one does not often see; it swirls and undulates across the surface drawing the eye along in a ...
Category
19th Century Hungarian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Antique mid 19th century Dutch honey color oak Biedermeier Secretary Desk
Located in Casteren, NL
Offered here is a stunning Dutch secretary desk in the Biedermeier style, crafted in the mid-19th century, around 1840. This exquisite piece is made entirely from the finest quality ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Bone
20th Century French Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, Spain circa 1900. The outside with fall front and one high drawer and one low door with compartment, beautiful marquetry oakwood . The wood inside opens to a c...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Oak
19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers/ Writing Commode, Austria, ca. 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable 19th century nutwood chest of drawers/ writing commode from the early Biedermeier era in Austria around 1830. Impressing with an absolute outstanding looking grain which r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Southern German Secretaire, Cherry, Biedermeier circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Plain Biedermeier Secretaire
South-West Germany
Cherry
Biedermeier circa 1830
Dimensions: H x W x D: 149 x 101 x 52 cm
Description:
Secretary standing on blackened block feet with...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry
19th Century German Biedermeier Veneered Mahogany Cabinet - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier two-part cabinet with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The bottom part of the secretary is composed with two large drawers, standing on four wide wooden legs. The inside consists five drawers and two compartments, particularized by polished brass hardware, columns. The top part of the buffet is composed with one large drawer and two small drawers, the center is consisting a storage compartment with an arched...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century Secretary, Birch and Birch burl veneered
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Secretary Desk, circa 1820, Braunschweig
An exceptional secretary desk from around 1820, crafted in Braunschweig. This elegant piece is made of birch and birch burl, veneered with f...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Antique High Gloss Secretary Desk, Scandinavia, circa 1850s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
ANTIQUE-UNIQUE. Impressive secretary from the mid-19th century in Biedermeier style. Antique furniture with a more beautiful form will add elegance to any interior. A representative ...
Category
1850s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Burl
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation
Located in Opole, PL
We present you another incredible piece of furniture in our collection -- this elegant and highly exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk circa 1860.
The secretary desk was manufactu...
Category
1860s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Small Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful little Secretaire from the time of the late Biedermeier, circa 1840. The Secretaire is covered outside with walnut and root walnut veneer on a pine body. The inner part is...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Pine, Walnut
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Located in Opole, PL
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Furniture in the Biedermeier style, made of soft wood veneered with mahogany, dated around 1840. The monumental shape...
Category
1840s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Drop Front Secretary Desk from G
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich dark wood and stately lines define this handsome Biedermeier drop front secretary from Germany. Note the concave curve of the upper cabinet door and beautiful mahogany grain pat...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Austria, c. 1825-30.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and early Austrian Biedermeier secretaire was made circa 1825-30.
The Secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare and refined design and excellent craftsmanship....
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
Located in Hudson, NY
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Chest, Biedermeier walnut secretary with cabinet below. Desk has four small drawers and a letter shelf. Cab...
Category
19th Century Czech Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century German or Danish Secretaire, Mahogany, Biedermeier, c. 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique Biedermeier secretary
Schleswig-Holstein
Mahogany and others
Biedermeier around 1815
Dimensions: H x W x D: 137 x 88 x 45 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing...
Category
1810s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Maple
19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Secretary Desk/ Secretaire, Austria ca. 1820/25
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Splendid early 19th century Biedermeier secretaire/ secretary desk from the renowed period in Vienna/ Austria around 1820/25. A spectacular, early example of a Biedermeier secretary which has been venereed with finest mirror-matched nutwood, showing an extraordinary grain - just see how elegantly the grain pattern runs down from the top to the base without any visible interuption. This perfect sized Biedermeier secretaire impresses with its cambered worked doors, a drawer on the top and a fold-down writing surface. Influenced by the previous empire epoch, this superb, antique secretary is adorned by two beautifully worked full columns. When you fold down the lockable writing surface, the amazing designed interior opens up to the viewer´s eye: 9 small drawers and another large one on top, architecturally structured with ebonized column decoration and the still original mirror (unfortunately cracked - see picture#18) in the back. Artfully worked brass applications with lion heads finalize the spectacular look. Traditionally hand polished with ruby shellac, which gives the surface this lovely slight red brown tone, this breathtaking early Biedermeier secretary...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and rare early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna c. 1825.
The secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare and refined design and excellent craft...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Secretary, Bookcase, Cherry, Walnut, 1840s
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cabinet secretary from the biedermeier period around 1845.
Body in cherry, parts of the front and the wreath veneered in walnut. Handles and fittings made of brass in the sh...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Charles 'X' Secretaire
Located in Sheffield, MA
Burled elm charles 'X' drop front secretary (secrétaire à abattant) with black marble top with white vains, drop door revealing a leather covered writing table...
Category
19th Century English Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Marble
Grande Biedermeier Secrétaire
Located in New York, NY
A perfect example of the wealthy, elegant Biedermeier period, this impressive, secretary is veneered in flame mahogany and birch intarsia, with bone escutcheons, secret compartments,...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna circa 1825.
Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportio...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass
20th Century antique Biedermeier Style Slope-Flap Secretaire mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Mahogany on solid softwood. Straight, two-drawer body above short, conical square legs, above an inclined writing flap and staggered office division of drawers and compartments. Clas...
Category
20th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood
German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
German Biedermeier (circa 1820) mahogany secretary cabinet with Corinthian columns on top and bottom section and a centered drop front revealing a...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Small German Biedermeier Secretary, Walnut, Early 19th Century circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Very small Biedermeier secretary
Southern Germany
Walnut
Biedermeier around 1815
Dimensions: H x W x D: 147 x 80 x 35 cm
Description:
Exceptionally delicate Biedermeier writing de...
Category
1810s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Intarsia Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted, this piece has been obviously been designed and created with love. Elegant intarsia inlays adorn the outside of this case piece. Inside hides a whimsical array of storag...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Biedermeier Secretaire, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire with three drawers and flat writing flap. The body is veneered in cherry and polished by hand. The secretaire stands on square feet which are flanked by eboniz...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Cherry
Empire or Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Very well preserved conical secretary with stepped head
Front with multiply mirrored pyramid mahogany
entire surface with original shellac hand polish
high-quality cabinet part with thread intarsia and leg buttons
very elaborate workmanship and rare furniture...
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Biedermeier Burled Birch Cylindre Desk / Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
"Swedish Biedermeier (19th Century) burled birch cylinder secretary desk / cabinet featuring a pull-out desktop concealed by a roll door with three embossed black leather surfaces th...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Bureau Secretary Desk
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretary bureau was made in two sections, circa 1830. The top section has a superstructure with a straight cornice over a pair of serpen...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century Inlaid Carved Wood Austrian Biedermeier Style Secretaire Desk, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Austrian secretaire from the 20th century. Biedermeier style furniture elegantly inlaid, veneered and carved in walnut, maple, beech and fr...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original secretaires, popular names associated with this style include Biedermeier, Europa Antiques, and Karl Johan. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,607 and tops out at $56,800 while the average work can sell for $7,258.