Empire Sofas
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
19th Century Empire Sofa Schumacher Sabi Tiger Velvet
Located in Houston, TX
Early 19th Century Empire sofa. This handsome burl veneer sofa features ebonized and gilt columns, urn finials, with two hidden drawers, all newly upholstered in Schumacher abstract ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood, Burl
Fine Antique Empire / Regency Carved Ebonised Double Ended Couch
By Druce & Co.
Located in Sittingbourne, GB
Step into the captivating and opulent world of the Regency/Empire period with this exquisite double end sofa, a harmonious blend of exquisite craftsm...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Ebony
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40.5" H x 67" W x 27" D x 19" Seat height x 33" Arm height.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
1800's Antique Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige Sofa
Located in Austin, TX
1800's Antique Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige Sofa
Beautiful with New Upholstery, Antique Sofa, Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige, 19th Century, 1800's!
This antique sofa from the Empire Period features a stunning medallion back design and has been newly upholstered in a beautiful red and beige fabric. With its dark wood tones and traditional style, this sofa is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living room, lounge, or guestroom. Measuring 26" in length and 84" in width, this sofa comfortably seats up to three people. No additional parts are required for assembly, and the sofa is ready to use right away. The brand is Empire, and the country/region of manufacture is unknown. Overall, this antique sofa is a one-of-a-kind piece that is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of history and charm to their home.
Period empire medallion...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Empire Style Mahogany Tufted Parlor Sofa Newly Upholstered in Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Empire Style Carved Mahogany Tufted Back Parlor Sofa on Casters Newly Upholstered in Full Grain Espresso Italian Leather
This antique Empire styl...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Empire Settee, France 1810, Manner of Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)
Located in Leimen, DE
Empire Settee, France 1810
Step back in time to the opulent era of 19th-century France with the exquisite Elegant Empire Settee, crafted in 1810. This resplendent sofa is a testament...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Bronze
Antique Empire Style Mahogany Swan Grecian Sofa Newly Upholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Empire Style Mahogany Swan Grecian Sofa Newly Upholstered In a Green Velvet
Antique Classic Empire style carved mahogany tufted Grecian sofa n...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Sofa, Restored, Original Upholstery, France, 1860s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Empire Mahogany Sofa
Origin: France
1860s
This item features classic Empire elements. This style, originating in 19th century France, was made to...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Lacquer, Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Bench With Cornucopia
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This unique empire mahogany bench originates from the nineteenth century. It has a tight straight hood with even arms. The curved armrests are ea...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Mahogany
Romantic Canape French, 19th Century in Oilwood
Located in Madrid, ES
romantic canape
French, 19th century in Oilwood.
Upholstered seat and back, decorated with floral motifs.
Usage signs.
Dimensions: 104 x 235 x 64 cm
good conditions
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood
French Empire Mahogany Settee, Early 19th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Settee
An Empire finely carved dark figured mahogany three seat settee, the back is surmounted by facing scrolls with strigilated flutes be...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Original Antique French Empire Sofa Mahogany Veneer with Columns
Located in Berlin, DE
Original French Empire sofa, circa 1800.
Mahogany,
right and left, each with columns and fire-gilt bronze fittings.
Some bronze are missing.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa with Leopard Fabric
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Category
1950s American Vintage Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Revival Lacquered Swan Neck Settee, 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant French Empire style settee offers a truly spectacular silhouette that is sure to impress. Wonderfully detailed featuring a reeded top rail, down swept arms are intricately ha...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique Sofa, 20th Century
Located in Kerepes, HU
Dimensions:
Height: 40 (seat), 70 ( six backrests ) cm Width: 80 cm Length : 175 Seat ( 210 whole ) cm.
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood
Bellanger French Empire Mahogany Pink and Red Stripe Upholstered Settee
By Bellanger
Located in New York, NY
French Empire-style mahogany settee with a carved frame and striped blush pink and red upholstered seat, arms and back. (BELLANGER).
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany, Wood
French Empire Sofa, 1810-15
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique Empire settee dates back to around 1810-15 and comes from France. The elegant settee has a cherry wood frame with hand carved details on armrests and front legs. The sett...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is stand...
Category
Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
Empire Period Mahogany Sofa-Bed, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa-bed of the Empire period in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer with rich decoration of finely chased and gilded bronzes. This sofa is decorated in front of a lyre in the center,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Sofa 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style sofa made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition. with some nice details in the middle of the bench.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Empire Marquetry Sofa in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely and well-proportioned marquetry sofa with arched back, scroll arms and short Grecian curved legs in mahogany embellished with inlays of festoo...
Category
1810s Dutch Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Satinwood, Upholstery, Mahogany, Tulipwood
Empire Mahogany Wood and Veneer Sofa from the Late 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Empire Mahogany wood and veneer sofa from the late 19th century
We present you this antique Empire sofa circa 1860 of a beautiful form. It has ri...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Framed Upholstered Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Very beautiful North American Empire style mahogany wood framed upholstered sofa with matching bolster pillows and mahogany frame scroll...
Category
1820s American Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Settee / Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered settee / sofa. The settee features four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which are set on...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Bronze
Directoire Empire Transition Canape
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very elegant, ebonised, early 19th Century French canape with fabulous Mermaid tail feet, back and front, and carved lotus flower motif to back.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Empire Charles X Inlaid Walnut & Brass Sofa, 1910s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Important sofa in transition style between empire and Charles X. Walnut wood veneer, brass inlays and small parts.
Category
1880s Italian Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Brass
Elegant classic Chaise Longue in antique Empire Style beech hand crafted
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, finely carved and set. Long rectangular seat over curly, carved volutes. Elevated left-sided head end.
Fluted frame. Low foot end. Curved, slightly sloping backrests...
Category
20th Century French Empire Sofas
Materials
Beech
Original antique Empire Sofa / canapé circa 1860-1870 Empire Room mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire sofa circa 1860-1870 from an Empire room.
Massive mahogany cast with Empire caryadites bronze.
Top condition.
Measurments:
width:140cm
Height: 100cm
Depht: 80cm.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century French antique Empire style set with Two Armchairs and sofa beech
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, carved, colored and gilded.
Cambered frame on curly legs. Braced supports for slightly rising armrests ending in rolled-up volutes.
High-rimmed, slightly curved bac...
Category
20th Century French Empire Sofas
Materials
Beech
20th Century antique Empire Style Lion canapé Sofa beech bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial stylish lion Kanapee in Empire style. Finely detailed carving work on solid ebonized beechwood. Gilded. Winged, protruding lions heads in bronze.
Category
20th Century French Empire Sofas
Materials
Beech
Empire Sofa
Located in New Haven, CT
Second Empire period mahogany sofa with original ormolu mounts including the paw feet.
Note: The fabric is in decent condition, but should be reupholstered.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Couch
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze couch
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 107cm, width 192cm, depth 72cm
This beautiful canapé style couch...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Ormolu
Czech Empire Sofa, Made in 1810 and Restored, Yellow and Black
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Biedermeier sofa
Completely restored, new upholstery included. Black lacquer. High gloss.
Category
1810s Czech Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Antique Classizim Style Empire Swan Chaise Lounge Birdseye Maple
Located in Berlin, DE
Maple roots on solid beechwood, partially ebonized and gilded.
Finely carved swans, feet carved with paws.
Very high quality fabric.
Category
20th Century German Empire Sofas
Materials
Birdseye Maple
19th Century Original French Empire Sofa and Armchair Set Made from Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive mahogany partly carved. Cambered frame on curly legs. Supports bracing supports for slightly rising armrests in rolled-up volute. High-awned, slightly curved backrest frame w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Empire Pear-Wood Sofa, Restored, Made in Austria
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Austrian Empire inlaid sofa
Made of pear-wood. (Inlaid)
Completely restored.
Surface was done by shellac polish.
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Pearwood, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Restored Empire Mahogany Living Room French Seating Set, 3pcs
Located in Horomerice, CZ
French Empire three-piece suite.
Made of mahogany wood.
Completely restored, new upholstery included.
Surface was done by shellac polish.
Sofa dimensions:
Height: 92cm
Seat h...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Imperial Stylish Lion Salon Couch in Antique Empire Style beech hand carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine detailed carving work on solid beechwood. Gilded.
Armrests ended in protruding, winged, forward leaning lions heads in Bronze.
Measures:
Width:146cm
height:117 cm
Depth: 7...
Category
20th Century French Empire Sofas
Materials
Beech
20th Century Empire Style Lion Kanapee Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial stylish lion Kanapee in Empire style.
Finely detailed carving work on solid ebonized beechwood. Gilded. Winged, protruding lions heads in bronze.
(B-Sam-60).
Category
20th Century Empire Sofas
Materials
Wood, Beech
Antique Empire Custom Painted Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Custom painted Empire sofa. Sofa has a down filled seat cushion. Legs and frame has carvings.
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century antique French Empire Salon Ameublement with Two Armchairs carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, carved, colored and gilded.
Cambered frame on curly legs. Braced supports for slightly rising armrests ending in rolled-up volutes.
High-rimmed, slightly curved ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Sofas
Materials
Beech
Original Empire Set of a Sofa 2 Armchairs and 1 Table Mahogany with Bronze Figur
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire sofa circa 1860-1870 from an Empire room.
Massive mahogany cast with Empire caryadites bronze.
The armchairs are made of a different fabric than the sofa and should b...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Elegant Swedish Empire Bench Birch with Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Swedish Empire bench in birch with inlays, Sweden, circa 1810.
The backs with inlays in the form of Greek female figures.
Beautifully executed. The set is reupholstered in ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Sublime French Empire Walnut Curvy Sofa with Gilded Swans and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A super elegant romantic French Empire walnut sofa having sexy curves, ebonized base and details with two gilded swans handles on each end. The upholstery is a fabulous striped velvet in pistachio green and included two glamorous cylindrical pillows...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Walnut, Giltwood
Empire Style Tall Back Loveseat with Carved Mahogany Base
Located in New York, NY
Empire style tall back loveseat with carved mahogany base and claw feet. Newly upholstered in off-white fabric.
Category
1920s Vintage Empire Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sofa, Historismus, 1880s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia
- Made of wood, fabric
- Original upholstery
- Wooden parts has some signs use
- Good, original condition.
Category
1880s Czech Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Duncan Phyfe Style Love Seat Settee with Scrolling Arms
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Duncan Phyfe style loveseat settee with scrolling arms, floral print upholstery and matching side pillows.
Category
1950s American Vintage Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
Offers mahogany frame with inlays in satinwood of flowers and foliage along back crest, "S" scroll arms and slipper feet. Features upholstered seat, back and inside and outside arms....
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany, Kingwood, Satinwood, Upholstery, Twill, Cotton
Scandinavian Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Ormolu and Upholstery, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant Empire Swedish Karl Johan sofa with graceful lines in mahogany with satinwood line inlay, ormolu and ebonized details. Offers scrolled arms and saber feet with upholstered...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Ormolu
Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France
Located in New York, NY
A rare sofa made in France during the Empire period, circa 1790-1810. Mahogany frame with gilded brass decor shaped as palm leaves. Tapered legs en...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Empire Banquette or Window Seat in Birch with Marquetry Inlays, circa 1800
Located in Miami, FL
A Swedish Empire banquette/sofa in birch with marquetry embellishments which include foliage and urns and line-inlaid figures of the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. Lower cabinets open to reveal drawers, while top cabinets offer shelving.
Note: Needs upholstery...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Birch
Mid-19th Century Empire Venetian Sofa Attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious mid-19th century Venetian sofa attributable to Valentino Panciera Besarel in hand-carved walnut, restored and finished to wax. Coated with precious original Venetian brocade...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
French Empire Sofa Bench Settee
Located in New York, NY
French Empire settee late 19th century 1870- 1890. Ebonized mahogany frame, French polished (Black) with captivating carved female heads under armrest, legs terminating into animal...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Unique sofa, France, circa 1860. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Unique sofa, France, circa 1860.
Condition: before renovation and upholstery replacement.
Wood: walnut
dimensions: height 104 cm / seat height. 46 cm / ...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Walnut
French Empire Walnut Egyptian Revival Daybed with Demilune Canopy, circa 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
French Empire Egyptian Revival Daybed with Demilune Canopy, circa 1815
A rare Empire daybed à 'l'Égyptienne" with a demilune canopy from circa...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Sofas
Materials
Linen, Walnut, Wood
Empire sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include Achille Collas, Bellanger, Clarence House, and Europa Antiques. 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,026 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $5,449.
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