Empire Lighting
EMPIRE STYLE
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Empire
Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Empire 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Originally an Empire Candelabra from the 1820s converted into a table lamp in the early 20th Century.
The lampshade in black ...
Category
1820s European Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful brass wall lights with crystal glass beads. Manufactured in the 1960s in Europe, Spain.
The lights are in the shape of a peacock. With crystal beads between the b...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier
Measures
37 In H x 27.25 In w x 27.24 D
Category
1910s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs.
Dimensions:
Hei...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability
Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Category
2010s Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Set of 4 1940's French Empire style Bronze / Glass Bag/ Tent Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Set of 4 French Empire Bronze/ Glass Wall Sconces. Bag and tent form.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze with marble base. Empire 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze with a marble base. Empire, made during the 1820s. Originally a empire candlestick converted to a table lamp in the early 20th ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Chandelier, Vienna circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Four-armed chandelier made of fire-gilded bronze with eagle heads and acanthus leaf decor.
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Baloon Chandelier, France Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
French Empire Style Chandelier, France Early 20th Century.
Small French balloon chandelier, in gilded and chiseled bronze with Empire palmet...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Beautiful tablelamp originally a Empire Candlestick i bronze. From 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Table Lamp, originally a Empire Candlestick i Bronze from France during the 1820s.
Newly rewired electricity
New lampshades in black lacquer with gilding on the inside t...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milan, IT
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Gold Leaf
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes
Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the...
Category
2010s German Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
19thc French Empire Cascading Cut Crystal Chandelier attributed to Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Absolutely Beautiful 19thc French Empire Cascading Cyt Crystal Bag and Tent Form Chandelier attributed to Baccarat France. This is an exceptional piece, the detailed crystal elements...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Pair of French Louis Philippe Siena Marble and Gilt Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of fine lamps of Siena marble with gold and silver gilt bronze mounts and supports, France, circa 1830
37" H x 8" diameter base
PRICED WITHOUT SHADES
(SHADES AVAILABLE SE...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Siena Marble, Silver, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Brass or Bronze 3 Light Sconces
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-cast and stylish pair of French brass or bronze 3 light wall sconces in the Empire style, each with a central female figure garbed in classical clothing and holding 2 candle b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
20th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp
Located in IT
20th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp
This elegant table lamp model buillotte was made in France towards the beginning of the twentieth century, of classic taste with deco...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp
Located in IT
19th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp
This elegant table lamp model buillotte was made in France in the early nineteenth century, classic taste with decorative elements Em...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Table Lamps originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Brass Table Lamps originally candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in the early 20th Century.
Newly,...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Baroque Brass Empire Chandelier Rock Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Swan
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new repr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting
Materials
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Brass, Wire
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Beaded Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space.
Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg.
With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience.
Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size.
Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Wire
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
c1900 French Empire 23 Light Gilt Bronze/ Tole/ Quiver/ Chandelier Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Rare 23 Light French Maison Bagues Empire c1900 Gilt Bronze & Tole Chandelier. Quiver/ Arrows and Cut Crystal Star Detail. 2 lights tucked into each bobesche and many more light...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Angel Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space.
Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 99 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 83 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg.
With 18-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience.
Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size.
Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Wire
Alabaster Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze and hand carved Alabaster pendant. 4 lights.
Dimensions: Height 39" diameter 29 1/2" France, circa 1930.
CW3174.
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Pair Of Empire Style Niermann Weeks Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of wall sconces in the Empire style with embossed gilt metal having a floral-like design, three electrified lights with beeswax candle covers. The sconces with drapes of fac...
Category
20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French 19th Century Brass and Onyx Single Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French Empire style single light table lamp with contemporary linen shade. Elegant with neoclassical designs and featuring a tapered onyx shaft ornamented with decorat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Onyx, Brass
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920's Caldwell Empire style bronze double light sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Period First Empire Patinated Bronze and Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
Magnificent pair of French 19th century Period First Empire round patinated bronze and bronze three light sconces with bronze candle cups of acanthus leaves, adorned with feathers, b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Corton Clarinet Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage Corton clarinet made in Czechoslovakia and upcycled into a fabulous table lamp mounted on a beautiful onyx base with a vintage black silk shade. The clarinet shows signs of being a much loved and used musical instrument...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Empire Lighting
Materials
Onyx, Metal
19th Century French Empire Style 24-Light Gilt Bronze / Patinated Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with grandeur using this extraordinary 19th Century French Empire Style Chandelier. Crafted from two imposing circular charcoal-patinated balusters suspended by...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Empire Style Glass Gilt Metal 6 Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Empire style chandelier with cut glass plate and canopy within a gilt metal support and three chains supporting 6 lights.
Dimensions: 27" H x 27" diameter
Dealer: S138XX
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Empire Chandelier, Russia, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Large eight-flame chandelier of the Russian Empire with cobalt blue glass and fire-gilded arms with cockerel decoration and hanging pine cone. The supporting hoop is connected by fou...
Category
1810s Russian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Glass
MID 19th CENTURY EMPIRE BOUILLOTTE LAMP
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant bouillotte desk lamp from the Empire period. The stem is made of bronze and has a green patination, and is decorated with phytomorphic elements (including a pine cone in the ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Blue Opaline Glass Table Lamp
Located in Rochester, NY
1930's French blue opaline glass table lamp w/ brass fittings. 40" h to top of brass finial / 25" h to top of electric socket x 6 1/2" diam...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Bronze Ormolu Mounted / Patinated Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with timeless elegance using this exquisite 19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier, designed in the form of a Greek oil lamp. This chandelier is a r...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Bouillotte French Lamp Gild Bronze 4 lights Flora Motive Empire Style
Located in Sweden, SE
Stylish antique Bouillotte lamp. Square foot with a four candleholders in flora motive candleholders and adjustable fabric shade with fixation bolt in form of an arrow feather. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Impressive Italian Gilt Brass Frame Sixteen Light Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your space with the grandeur of this Impressive Early 20th Century Italian Gilt Brass Frame Sixteen-Light Cut Crystal Chandelier. This chandelier is a magnificent example of ...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1900's Swedish Empire Crystal Chandelier with 12 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire crystal chandelier with crystal hangings, 12 lights, newly rewire for the US
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Very Impressive Gilt Bronze Mounted Glass Alabaster Shades Ten Light Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Enhance the grandeur of your space with this Palatial Italian Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Chandelier, a masterpiece of opulence and design. This chandelier is not just a lighting ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
A Fine French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal Swan Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A FIne French Empire Style gilt bronze and cut crystal multi light swan chandelier. This exquisite chandelier is embellished with six beautiful gilt bronze swans, a round cut crystal...
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Cut Crystal Globe Gilded Bronze
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a rare find. Its a 1920s French Empire cut crystal and gilded bronze chandelier. The has one large center globe surrounded by 6 smaller matching glo...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Impressive & Large Gilt Bronze / Art Glass Holding Base Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your decor with this Impressive and Large early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Holding Frame, a work of art that seamlessly combines gilt bronze and white art glass to create a vis...
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Bouillotte Lamps or Table Lamps, 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Empire gilded bronze finely chiseled Bouillotte lamps with dark green painted tole adjustable shade.
Two E 14 light bulbs.
We can deliver wired for US standard.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Bronze 8 Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome 19th century French Empire style bronze chandelier with 8 lights. Beautiful decorative detail on the base and arms. A classic fixture that is sure to impress!!
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1920's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Charming French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1920s.
This lovely piece has an ornate bronze frame hung with prisms of crystal glass.
The crystal glass pr...
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Monumental French Bronze and Alabaster Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Alabaster. Bronze. 53" h x 40" diameter.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation. Crack in top globe. No shades. Some light fixtures broken. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category
1980s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Antique French Empire Style Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Pair of French Empire Chandelier Circa 1900's In perfect conditions, 20 lights on
ea. chandelier. Chandeliers have been US...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa late 19th century French Empire sconces with eagle's heads and woman's faces. Original finish and patina, *8 available
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
A French Figural Bronze Inkwell Desk Lamp with Tole Shade
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Figural Bronze Inkwell Desk Lamp with Tole Shade, Late 19th / Early 20th Century
French double inkwell figural bronze desk lamp, comprised of a central winged bronze cherub...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire Sconces with Lion's Head
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with lion's head and crystal hangings
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930’s French Empire Style Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French empire style sconces with swan atop and on arms
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's Swedish Empire 6 Lights Chandelier with Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Empire lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Alexandre Vossion, and Maison Baguès. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $194 and tops out at $220,000 while the average work can sell for $4,434.
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