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Empire Side Chairs

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
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchair in Blue Patterned Stripped Silk Blent - Pair This Antique French Empire armchair set is crafted from rich mahogany w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Antique Empire Black & Gold Chairs W Red Clarence House Seats
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Empire Black & Gold Chairs W Red Clarence House Seats. Each has been freshly upholstered in red Clarence House fabric with gold stars. This listing is from one pair ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 10 French Empire Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 10 French Victorian (late 19th century) mahogany side / dining chairs with shaped open backs, leather seats, and fluted front legs.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

21st Century Empire-Style White Lacquered Chair by Modenese Gastone Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
All the exclusivity of Italian handcraftsmanship is wrapped up in this chair with armrests by the producer Modenese Gastone Interiors. The frame is in solid wood, while the seat, bac...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf

21st Century Empire-Style White Lacquered Chair by Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
All the preciousness of Italian craftsmanship is wrapped up in this empire-style chair from Modenese Gastone Interiors. The frame is in solid wood, while the seat and the back are pa...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf

Late 19th Century Empire Style Childrens Chair
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant and rare childrens 'Bergère chair made in Empire style. Made of finely carved beechwood. At the top swan heads, which is a typical ornate of the Empire style. Upholstered ...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

An Empire Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay & Ceramic Castors
Located in High Wycombe, GB
An Empire Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay & Ceramic Castors 1800s
Category

19th Century British Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1930s Hickory Chair Empire Klismos Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Hickory Chair Company Empire Klismos style Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs. Measure 18" in width, 21" in depth 34.5" tall. Seat height is 18".
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Chair
Located in London, GB
Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze side chair French, late 19th century Measures: Height 94cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm Crafted from mahogany, this unusual side chair...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Swedish Empire Birch Wood Armchairs 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Stockholm Birch Wood Armchairs in the Empire / Karl Johan period, circa 1810-1830 Sweden. This Swedish pair of armchairs are veneered in a warm golden honey color. Style is ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Birch, Upholstery, Wood

Empire Armchair, France, circa 1800-1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This gorgeous French Empire armchair features a very pretty mahogany veneer. The highlight of this piece are the finely carved dolphin shaped armrests. This Classic Empire piece date...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful Empire chair that we purchased in Naples, Italy. This is a classic style, with a fun pop of color with blue velvet that can be left as is or can be reupholstered ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Set of Four French Empire Armchairs, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of four Empire armchairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant armchairs have a pretty cherry wood frame. The armrest and front ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Pair of Empire Side Chairs, France, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of two Empire Side Chairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant chairs stand out for their plain design and the beautifully designed front legs. The side chairs have a cher...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Empire Style Armchair, 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style armchair made around 1850 in black wood and green-yellow velvet. Has some nice sculptural details carved in the wood. Is easy to mo...
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

DREXEL HERITAGE Mahogany Empire Style Dining Armchairs - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining armchairs in the Empire style by Drexel Heritage. Solid mahogany with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, curved arms, upholstered seat in a red & silver col...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Late 19th-C. French Empire Gilt Bronze Mahogany Side Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 19th century French Empire mahogany side chairs with gilt bronze mounts. Note the griffins on the legs! The fabric appears to be silk. It is vintage and in ver...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Cherry, Fabric

19th Century Pompeian Style Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional 19th century Danish masters work in Pompeian style. Ca 1850 Denmark. The armchair is carved in walnut wood with marquetry inlaid.
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Karges French Empire dining arm or accent chairs. Painted white with gold carved accents, scrolled arms, brass plates, saber legs and red upholstery. Karges carefully crafts exquisite masterpieces in their Grand Rapids, Michigan facility. They do not do mass production and make each product upon order. Karges artisans are committed to let every chair, desk, table, bed, chest, sofa, and side piece emerge with integrity and handcraftsmanship and be its own unique piece. n 1886, Albert F. Karges, a first-generation German immigrant, invested $600 and began making moderately priced bedroom furniture of solid oak and walnut. At that time, the river port town of Evansville, Indiana was one of the largest hardwood furniture manufacturing centers in the world. The Company prospered through the turn of the century, and Albert's son Edwin F. Karges, Sr. joined the family business after World War I. He had a keen interest in European designs and traveled extensively in an effort to learn more about the old-world styles. Soon the Karges line took on a more classic look and began separating itself from its competitors as he began to develop his own ideas. Mr. ""K"", active in the company for over 60 years, left elegant, timeless designs, that are still best sellers after 30 years. After World War II Edwin's son, Edwin F. Karges, Jr., joined the business. He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Wood Technology, and his knowledge and skill in wood finishing provided the groundwork for developing the Karges finishing process. ""Eddie"", as he was known in the plant, was involved in all aspects of the business and will be ever regarded as the expert in matters relating to the unique Karges finish. In April of 2006, Ed Jr. passed away, leaving Karges personnel greatly saddened by the passing of this wonderfully kind and beloved man. Fortunately, however, he was a great teacher and saw to it that all were well-trained and equipped to carry on his dream for the Company. During the past 30 years, all four of Eddie's children have been involved in the business. Joan Karges Rogier, now President, worked alongside her father for nearly 30 years, representing the fourth generation of leadership. Joan brings to the Company a true understanding and appreciation of the strengths and experiences bequeathed by her predecessors as well as a sincere concern for the workers. She understands why Karges survived and why it remains strong today. Joan would tell you, ""The only way to make the very best furniture in the world is the slow, careful, hands-on way."" This quality philosophy trickles down to the work bench or desk of each employee. Joan's daughter Gretchen is the 5th generation of this amazing story, the child willing and able to work hard and take up the challenge of making furniture in the tried and true method of her progenitors. One might even say the American way. Gretchen has worked along side Ed, Joan, and an army of talented people who know and understand the goal: to make the best furniture possible. Gretchen and her husband Martin, Karges' safety director, maintenance guru and overall ""facilities engineer,"" have done everything required in a small family business. Everything from spearheading a media campaign to repairing damaged windows from a spring storm. Karges' story is not unique in American history, but it is indeed remarkable. As long as this group of dedicated artisans, family and beloved friends is able to continue practicing their craft, doing what will surely be missed should we not be on the scene, so we shall. In 2011 Karges Furniture will achieve the extremely rare distinction of being a 125-year-old, still-family-owned, American furniture manufacturing company. Bravo!! Stenella says: Karges is one of the most expensive and high end furniture manufacturers in the new furniture market. The used Karges furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Empire Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of 19th century Empire Lyre back dining chairs Wonderful pair of walnut dining chairs with carved double eagle head and lyre carving. Mea...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Solid Mahogany Side Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and solid mahogany side chair. The chair is raised by handsome ormolu paw feet and square tapered legs. Each leg is accented with dec...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Of Early 19th C French Empire Armchairs In The Manner Of Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional pair of early 19th century French Empire mahogany armchairs with ormolu mounts attributed to Jacob-Desmalter (1770-1841) , upholstered in a striking deep red velvet, r...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of French Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mounted Side Chairs
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A pair of Empire Period gilt-bronze mounted side chairs. French, Circa 1820.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Swedish Empire Side Chairs by F. Pettersson, Mid 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Swedish Empire side chairs from the mid-19th century by furniture maker F. Pettersson. These antique chairs from Sweden have an elegantly curved backs, with straight wo...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Upholstery

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Chairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze chairs French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 93cm, width 51cm depth 48cm This pai...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Empire Style Window Seats
Located in Lymington, GB
A pair of Empire-style window seats of superb quality, and in excellent condition. Supported on stained-oak tapering square legs with gilt-brass mounts and hairy paw feet. Upholstered and buttoned in faded vellum-green hide...
Category

20th Century Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early Chiavari Chairs by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary light and strong, probably out of rosewood. Early version in untouched condition. Missing their rush seating-one chair retains remnants of early (if not original) rushing. These chairs were originally designed in 1807! in answer to a Challenge to design a 'modern' chair. These chairs were very popular amongst the nobility in the 19th century, and were the model for Gio Ponti's update Classic Super Leggera Chair.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Empire Style Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of elegant French Empire style side chairs. The chairs are burl with bronze mounts and feet. The black section to the front of the legs i...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Solid Mahogany Regency Side Chairs Figural Bronze Ormolu, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire solid mahogany Regency side chairs with figural bronze ormolu - a pair. Item features finely cast ornate bronze ormolu, slightly curved backrest, solid wood fra...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs Attributed to Jacob Desmalter
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Stamford, CT
A very fine pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs attributed to Jacob Desmalter, circa 1805. The shaped backs ending in beautifully...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Tub Armchair
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique Empire tub armchair, circa 1820, mahogany with finely carved details. Newly upholstered with beautiful crème colored fabric.
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Mahogany Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Cent) mahogany sleigh back side chair with bronze griffin legs and trim and red seat
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Green Damask Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 French Empire style (19th century) mahogany side chairs with bronze trim and green damask upholstery.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Damask, Upholstery, Mahogany

Jacob French 18th Century Mahogany and Green Silk Upholster High Back Armchairs
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent pair of French late 18th Century- early 19th Century armchairs could be attributable to Jacob-Desmalter, an outstanding chairmaker and cabinetmaker who worked in the Louis XVI style and Directoire styles of the earlier phase of Neoclassicism. These sturdy armchairs are made of solid mahogany and green silk upholster, they feature an extremely comfortable high and slightly arched back and quite large and extremely firm seats. The hand-made carvings and inlays are masterfully executed. The over graceful scrolled arms and the top rail sculpted in shallow relief with acanthus leaves, lotus leaves and rosette, all typical neoclassical patterns beloved during the Directory- Restauration and Empire period and always very chic. The bowed seat and its apron are raised by carved console legs in front and saber legs back. These armchairs with their beautiful curvy shape are very stylish, comfortable and sturdy. The back is covered with silk also behind that's make them a perfect free standing piece of furniture or a centre seating...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Silk, Wood, Mahogany

Antique Pair of French Empire Neoclassical Louis XVI Harp Lyre Back Side Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of antique harp back side chairs with brass or bronze mounts in the French Empire / Louis XVI taste. Item features solid wood construction, harp back...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Regency Style Period Parcel Gilt Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Regency style armchair featuring a Fruitwood frame with hand-carved matte ebonized plume body details and traditional 22-karat gilded parcel gilt detail on stylized heron heads at arm fronts and legs. Mint restored with new Moss Green mohair upholstery. Available at 200 Lexington...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Russian Empire Side Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Russian Empire Side Chairs - Original untouched finish newly reupholstered seat in Jim Thompson fabric.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six 19th Century Birdseye Maple Caned Side Chairs in the Empire Taste
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of six birdseye maple side chairs with caned seats in the Empire taste, with nicely shaped crests and splats dating to the 19th century. Very good overall condition, two c...
Category

19th Century English Antique Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Birdseye Maple

Empire side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire side chairs 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 side chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire side chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original side chairs, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, Hickory Chair Furniture Company, and Karges Furniture. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $695 and tops out at $36,000 while the average work can sell for $3,671.

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