Empire Pillows and Throws
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
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century Ikat Tapestry Pillow 23" x 16" , handmade Pillow, authentic Early-19th Century Piece in great Condition
Category
19th Century Turkish Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Feathers
1880 Antique Needlepoint Tapestry Pillow - 21'' X 18''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1880 antique needlepoint tapestry pillow 21'' X 18. " Features needlework. Handmade.
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11", Authentic 17th Century Piece , Woolen Pillow
Category
17th Century German Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 24'' X 26''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French tapestry pillow. 19th century. 24'' X 26''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1900 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Pillow Ca. 1900
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Throw Pillow Made from Mid-18th Century French Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 23" x 9" , handmade, authentic 18th century piece in great condition
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry Pillow 17'' X 17'', handmade, authentic 17th Century Piece, Traditional Empire Style
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
18th Century Metallic Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Metallic Tapestry Pillow 22'' X 12'', Authentic 18th Century Empire Piece
Category
18th Century Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 9", Authentic
Category
16th Century Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
C A. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1860s Portuguese Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Renaissance Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 17'' X 10'', AUTHENTIC 17TH CENTURY PIECE
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca.1860
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1870 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1870 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17th Century
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 18" X 13" , Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
The history of Aubusson textiles dates back to the 14th century. The town of Aubusson is located in the La Marche area of France, which is located at the base of the Creuse River. It...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13", Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow With Garlands of Flowers
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 25'' X 22''
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1900 Antique Embroidery Indian Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Embroidery Indian Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Cotton, Wool
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 16'' X 14" , Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1850 Antique French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Tapestry Pillow
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1820 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1820
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1930 Suzani Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1930 Antique Suzani Pillow
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique 16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 29'' X 18''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 16th-century Brussels tapestry pillow. Empire and Traditional Design.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Circa 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
1660s Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1700 Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1700 Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1700s Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 20" x 20", Authentic 16th Century piece handmade
Category
16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' X 20''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' x 20". Empire and Traditional
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 15'' X 12''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow. 15'' X 12'' x 6''.
Category
16th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow With Figures In A Landscape In A Sepia Tones Ca.1850
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Throw Pillow Made from 17th Century Brussels Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17" x 12", authentic 17th century European piece, good condition
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
1850 Antique Uzbek Pillow - 20'' X 14''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1850 antique Uzbek pillow. 20'' X 14''
Category
18th Century Uzbek Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1640 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1640 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
1640s Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 17''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson tapestry pillow, 17" X 17" x 6" Made in the 1900s.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Early 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Antique Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Turkish Pillow
Category
17th Century Turkish Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Cotton, Wool
1850s French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
1850s French Tapestry Pillow 18" X 13", Authentic French Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Silk, Wool, Cotton
16th Century Antique a Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 16''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Extremely fine super antique a Brussels baroque tapestry pillow from late-16th century. Handmade, vintage, stylish and decorative. 17'' x 16'' inches. less
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Circa 1850 Antique Portuguese Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique Portuguese Pillow
Category
1850s Portuguese Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1800 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow With Grapes on Ivory Background - 2
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1800 antique French Aubusson tapestry pillow with grapes on ivory background 20'' x 15''. Features needlework. Handmade.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 20'' X 16''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 17th century Brussels tapestry pillow. 20'' x 16'' x 6''.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Mid-18th Century French Part Metallic Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Part Metallic Tapestry Pillow - 23" x 9"
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow 18 X 17, handmade and needlepoint, wool pillow, traditional and empire design.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
1880 Antique French Needlepoint Pillow - 19 X 18
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1880 antique French needlepoint pillow. 19 X 18, tribal and traditional, handmade and authentic.
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9", Authentic and Antique , Woolen
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Circa 1860 Antique French Textile Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Textile Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Empire pillows and throws for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire pillows and throws 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 pillows and throws created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, fur and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire pillows and throws made in a specific country, there are Australia, and Oceania pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pillows and throws, popular names associated with this style include Schumacher, and Emily Barbara. 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 pillows and throws differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $239 and tops out at $239 while the average work can sell for $239.
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