French Empire Settee
Antique 19th Century French Empire Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s European Empire Revival Settees
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Settees
Brass
Vintage 1920s French Empire Revival Settees
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Empire Revival Canapes
Beech
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Ormolu
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Settees
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Antique 1810s French Empire Settees
Cherry
Antique 1790s French Empire Settees
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Empire Benches
Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Empire Sofas
Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Sofas
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 1800s French Empire Sofas
Bronze
Antique 1870s French Empire Living Room Sets
Silk, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Empire Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Antique 1810s French Empire Settees
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Second Empire Settees
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Burlap, Muslin, Wood
Vintage 1930s French Settees
Walnut
Antique Early 1800s French Directoire Settees
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Living Room Sets
Stucco, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Settees
Vintage 1940s American Settees
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Empire Settees
Brass, Ormolu
Antique 1820s French Empire Settees
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Settees
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Settees
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Canapes
Velvet
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s Argentine Settees
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Settees
20th Century French Settees
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Wood, Velvet, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Empire Settees
Mahogany, Leather
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Settees
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Empire Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century French Empire Settees
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Settees
Gold Plate, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century Federal Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Revival Settees
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Provincial Settees
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Biedermeier Settees
Metal
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Settees
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Canapes
Bronze
Antique 1880s French Empire Revival Sofas
Ormolu
- 1
French Empire Settee For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Empire Settee?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
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