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Empire Furniture

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
Fine Pair French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Superb pair of antique French Empire period gilt bronze figural three light sconces Circa 1830 Striking figural sconces originally created for use with oil, now electified. This beau...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Pair of French Late Empire Gilt-bronze Candelabra Attributed to Pier
Located in Benington, Herts
A pair of exceptionally elegant and important late Empire five-light figural candelabra ‘A la Victoire’ in gilt-bronze, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, after a design by Charles Percier. Imposing size at 81cm in height. French Paris c.1820 Superbly cast, in the Neo-Classical style, the five scrolling foliate candle branches enclosing central sconces issuing from a circular wreath supported by the winged figure of Victory (Nike), wearing diaphanous robes gathered by a sash above a long underskirt splaying out from above her ankles, with beautifully feathered wings flowing behind her as she looks straight ahead. Each figure standing on one foot, the other bent, resting on a plain sphere over a reeded palmette-cast baluster pedestal raised on square plinth. Wonderful colour and patina, pierced for electricity, old inventory label to the underside. We are delighted to have been able to acquire these important candelabra as rarely does one get the opportunity to purchase items by P P Thomire...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Danish Antique Brass Fireplace Neptune Toasting-fork
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Neptune shared brass fireplace toasting-fork tool.
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Bouillotte Lamp In Gilt Bronze
Located in BARSAC, FR
Empire style bouillotte lamp in gilded bronze, with a green lacquered sheet metal shade. Illuminated by 3 lights. French work of quality from the 20th century (circa 1950) Perfect ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Large Antique Leather Traveling Luggage with Brass Accents
Located in Wichita, KS
This beautiful 19th Century large scale Antique leather traveling bag or luggage is truly a special piece. The bag opens and all of the bra...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

IMPERO chimney spark plugs made of cherry wood. Early 19th century
Located in Torino, IT
Fireplace spark arrestors EMPIRE in cherry wood with ebonized details. PERIOD Early 19th century MATERIALS Solid cherry wood with ebonized details. Canvas screen DIMENSIONS Height...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

19th Century French Empire Period Bleached Walnut Commode with Marble Top
Located in Birmingham, AL
A fine 19th century French Empire period four-drawer commode handcrafted of walnut, circa 1810. Having a bleached finish, this handsome antique French chest of drawers features a boo...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

French early 19th Century twelve light gilded chandelier attributed to Thomire
Located in Southall, GB
An impressive gilt and patinated bronze French Empire chandelier with twelve lights, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843). Winged Victory figures wearing classical robes stand...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Pair of English Mahogany Cellarettes circa Mid-1800s with Lion Paw Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique pair of Cellarettes or Liquor Cabinets imported from England, that were generally custom made wooden chests intended to transport or store a small number of alcoholic beverages. Made of finer woods, like mahogany or rosewood and in numerous shapes and sizes. You would often see Cellarettes placed in dining rooms. Men of considerable financial means had as many as three Cellarettes as a status symbol. The pair of Liquor Cabinets or Cellarettes were handcrafted from the finest mahogany and refinished in a traditional French polish. We believe that this pair of antique English Cellarettes...
Category

1860s English Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Empire Swan Chaise Longue/Sofa Lounge
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Empire Swan Chaise Longue/Sofa Lounge Empire swan chaise longue in the style of Classizism. Maple roots on solid beechwood, partial...
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Beech, Maple

Pair of large Empire Candlesticks, convertible into Candelabra. France 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of large and elegant Empire Candlesticks, convertible into Candelabra, made in France during the 1820s. Gilded and dark patinated bronze. Can be used as large candlesticks or ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps in silver-plated bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Italian Neoclassical French Empire Green & Gold Painted Wooden Column Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Neoclassical / French Empire Style Green & Gold Painted Carved Wood Column Pedestal. Circa 1900, (painted finish appears to...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Neo classical Empire style Chandelier in gilt bronze and green crystal
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing Neo-classical chandelier in pure Empire style, with castpalmettes motifs and mythological figures in fine gilded bronze In the center, a green cut crystal cup support a m...
Category

Early 19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Jacob Desmalter et Cie mahogany two door commode with marble top
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
French Empire oak lined two door mahogany commode with brass mounts and marble top by Jacob Desmalter et Cie Interior reveals 3 linen slides “Tiroir à l’anglaise” Stamped to the t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Empire Style Ebonized & Gilt Console Table 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service & Fully Insured*** A French Empire style console table offers ebonized wood construction with gilt foliate, rosette an...
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Napoleon III Period 'Cupid' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French Empire fireback with a cupid. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. It is in a good condit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Empire 68" Tall Bronze & Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire 68" Tall Bronze & Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps - a Pair. Item featured is a tall impressive size, 7 electrified candelabras, stunning cast bronze ormolu with rouge marble supports, square black painted wooden bases, remarkable quality and overall presence. Approx 60 lbs each. Stunning and rare pair of floor candelabras...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Beautiful Antique Old Paris Porcelain Coffee service - France 1850-1880
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Beautiful antique Old Paris porcelain (Porcelaine de Paris) coffee tea service from ca 1850-1880! Very delicately hand decorated with gold...
Category

1860s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Of Antique Empire Silver Candle Holders, Johann Kaba Vienna, Dated 1803
Located in Vienna, AT
Two elegant, simple silver candlesticks on a round base, the smooth shaft raised in the centre with a constriction formed by a beaded band in relief, the shaft widening conically tow...
Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique chair, Northern Europe, circa 1890. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from the end of the 19th century, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new f...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, Circa 1875
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, France Charming French Tole Lamp on a frosted lucite base. Wonderful patina on this vintage piece. Certainly a statement piece in any home libr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Brighten a entry or a powder room with this sophisticated antique Empire chandelier. Crafted of solid bronze in Paris France, circa 1920, the wall hanging fixture is circular in shap...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire Period Porcelain de Paris Water Pitcher with Gilt Decoration
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A superb early 19th century Empire period water pitcher in Porcelain de Paris and finely embellished with gilt in a striking, hand-painted design of flowers, leaves and other decorat...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table. Item features mother of pearl and wood floral wreath inlay, carved reeded column-form legs, very nice vin...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Empire Style Carved Giltwood Tub Chairs with Green Velvet Upholstery.
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Important Pair of Empire Style Carved Giltwood Tub Chairs with Green Velvet Upholstery. The Lion Monopedia side supports feature finely carved detail and a realistic pose. These...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

Fireplace Empire Lombardy First Quarter 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Lombard fireplace set in walnut, with ebonized and gilded parts. In the lower part, a broken plinth base with ebonized reserves bounded by successional leaf-carved and gilded battens...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Nutwood

Early 19th Century French Empire Marble Top Carved Mahogany Console Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique console was crafted in France, circa 1810. Standing on turned front columns ending in round feet, and pilaster legs in the rear over a stretcher platform bottom ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Dresser, Chest of Drawers, Mirror, stamped Jean-Joseph Chapuis, Brussels c. 1810
Located in Greven, DE
Antique dressing table - stamped Chapuis Brussels Mahogany Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 178 x 91 x 56 cm, height without mirror: 82 cm Description: Elaborately crafted early 19th century dressing table...
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Empire Mahogany Gilt Brass Pier Mirror
Located in New York, NY
This timeless piece features a swing open cabinet and pull out drawer. The drawer and lower cabinet door are keyed for secure locking, complemented by one barreled skeleton key. This...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Empire Style Black lacquer Mirror Table with original mirror
Located in Wichita, KS
This beautiful Antique Empire style table is one of a kind and a stunner. Antique mirror and Black lacquer wood trim. it would make a gorgeous entry table or dining table and so much more. the patina of the mirror is original and truly amazing. To view all of our listings at Tiffany Farha Design, scroll down and click on VIEW ALL FROM SELLER. Also follow us to be notified when new items are posted. We also have a brick and mortar...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique 19th C Empire Mahogany Gilt-Wood Marble Top Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Empire Mahogany Gilt-Wood Marble Top Table
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Dutch 19th Century Oak Empire Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A classic Dutch Empire chest made of oak during the 1800’s. The top drawer protrudes forward over three drawers flaked with ebonized columns featuring brass capitals at the top and b...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Vintage Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

French 19th Century Massive Empire Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A massive French white marble top Empire Gueridon made of mahogany. The solid pedestal base has a painted and gilt collar above three splayed feet, the whole raised on working caster...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Swedish Late Empire Black-polished Birch Bookcase
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish late empire bookcase / display cabinet in black-polished birch. In 2 parts, upper case having mullioned glass front with cathedral arch cornice. Lower part with a pair of pa...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Beautiful Rare Antique Copeland Spode Creamware Tableware Parts ca 1800s
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Beautiful rare extensive antique Copeland Spode creamware tableware parts ca 1800s The border outside and inside are Handpainted decorated with...
Category

1790s English Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Vintage French Iron and Brass Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in New Orleans, LA
Stunning patinated wrought iron torchiere floor lamp with solid brass details stands on three legs and features three lights with red, black and gold shades. Time earned patina and b...
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Fine Empire Four Drawer Chest In Flame Mahogany With Gris Marble Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine diminutive Empire Chest dating to the 1st half of the 19th Century in original condition. The Chest with book matched flame mahogany drawer fronts with great color, refined ro...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass

Italian Empire Style Beech Wood Round Pedestal Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality Italian empire style round pedestal table in beech wood. The top is supported by three pairs of refined columns. In the lower part the columns end with a deligh...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Beech

Empire Style Mahogany Campaign Side Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire style brass mounted campaign cabinets or side tables with single drawers and storage compartments. 20.5” H x 25.5” W x 19.5” D.
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Three Beautiful Rare Antique Copeland Spode Creamware Baskets with Underplate
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Three Beautiful Rare Antique Copeland Spode Creamware Baskets with Underplate ca 1800 Set of 3 antique Copeland Spode Creamware oval baskets w...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

French 1st Empire Armchair with Carved Dolphins' Heads
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine Empire armchair with four elegant saber legs, upholstered in vertical cream and crimson stripes, and featuring ornately carved dolphins' heads at the base of each shaped arm r...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Antique Old Paris Porcelain Table Lamps Oil Lamps Franc 1880s
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Beautiful Antique Old Paris Porcelain Oil Lamps ca 1880s Beautiful antique Old Paris porcelain Lamps These lamps, originally oil lamps, we...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th century French empire mahogany and ormolu cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality french empire revival mahogany cabinet circa 1890. Generous proportions and as with all furniture of this scale and period it was built to come apart. Central glazed d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Early 20th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Eight-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Brighten an entry or a powder room with this sophisticated antique chandelier. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1920 and built of bronze, the wall hanging fixture is circular in shape...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Bronze Figural Swan Chandelier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Very Fine Empire Style Neoclassical Six-Arm Bronze Swan Chandelier, France, 1930s Gorgeous six lights bronze chandelier with foliage and figural motifs. Rare French Empire style bron...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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 Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Marble-Top Gueridon Table or Guéridon in the Empire Style
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French round gueridon table or gue´ridon (17" diameter), in the Empire style featuring a circular top of figured black marble set upon a tripod column support of mahogany ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

French Empire Wood Mirror Front Gold Lion Storage Bar Black Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
This piece was acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. French Empire mirrored front wood bar with black marble top. It features two drawers and storage shelves on ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century Ringed Double Sided Stone French Empire Tub
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century RINGED DOUBLE SIDED STONE FRENCH EMPIRE TUB Empire tub in double-sided stone with rings HEIGHT 52cm WIDTH 86cms LENGTH 150cm INTERNAL DEPTH OF THE BASIN 45 cm WEIGHT 55...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Empire Style Bronze and Iron Fireplace Four-Piece Tool Set on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Crafted circa 1980, the "Serviteur" sits on an intricate iron bottom base decorated with a bronze gallery around th...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Italian Empire Game Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century excellent quality Italian Empire rent or games table of mahogany having a beautifully grained top with beveled edge. The table’s frieze holds four working drawers separa...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood

Antique French Empire Mahogany Draw Leaf Dining Table with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire Mahogany Draw Leaf Dining Table with Bronze Mounts exudes elegance, and is extraordinarily versatile with two leaves that are always there when you need them, t...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair Montgolfièr Empire Chandelier Crystal Classic traditional Brass Glass four
Located in Berlin, DE
**Set of 6 Available - Vintage Chandeliers from a Baltic Sea Castle** Here's a unique opportunity to acquire a set of 6 exquisite vintage chandeliers, each originating from a castle...
Category

Early 18th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Mid 19th Century French Empire Walnut Chest
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A handsome French Empire commode. Beautiful color and patina
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Old Paris Porcelain - Porcelaine de Paris Tea Service with Monogram
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Stunning beautiful antique Old Paris porcelain (Porcelaine de Paris) tea service from the Louis Philip period 1830-1850. The sleek shape and style of the tableware is characteristic...
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $955,603 while the average work can sell for $4,296.

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