Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
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
Pair of Antique French Empire Gold and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
These patinated sconces are handsome, with their floral and eagle decorations. They make a strong statement while being modestly sized.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze, Gold
Pair Antique French Empire Bronze D'ore Wall-Lights, circa 1830-1850
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique bronze D'ore French Empire wall-lights, circa 1830-1850.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of French turn of the century woos sconces ( Empire style )
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of French wood sconces, Empire style, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood
Pair French Empire Style Gilt Metal Sconces with Sunburst Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique gilt metal sconces in the French Empire style with sunburst motif, candelabra size sockets and white candle covers, modern wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of 1940's French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Empire Period Giltwood Eagle Sconces, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of giltwood sconces dates to circa 1815, at the end of the period of French history when Napoleon was the emperor, known as the Empire Style. As Napoleon envisioned himself...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Empire Swan Bronze Sconces 1930 Lighting France
Located in Bastogne, BE
An exquisite pair of two-light Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces from the 1930s.
Drawing inspiration from the eighteenth century, these beautiful light fixtures demonstrate supe...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
19th century French Empire Period Bronze Wall Light
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice wall lamp dating from the Empire period in gilded bronze with three palmette lights, the frame is leafy. Good condition.
Electrification up to standards.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
19th century French Pair of Empire Period Gilded Bronze Sconces
Located in LEGNY, FR
18th century French very beautiful pair of gilded bronze sconces from the Empire period in good condition.
Caryatid heads. Very elegant model. Electrification up to standards.
Nice q...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Fine Set of Four of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire
Located in Benington, Herts
Fine Set of Four of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style.
Italian - Circa 1880
These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched arrows with lion ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ormolu
Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style
Located in Benington, Herts
Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style, two pairs are available.
Italian - Circa 1880
These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ormolu
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass and Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured in Italy during the 1970’ and left in the warehouse of the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
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 Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920s Italian Empire Style Brass & Crystal Wall Sconces - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of enchanting sconces, circa the 1920s. These Empire-style sconces exude an aura of class and elegance, transporting any room to a time of timele...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
An Outstanding 1950's Italian Cross Sword and Gilt Rope Tassel Wall Light
Located in Hastings, GB
An extremely rare and incredibly ornate Italian wall light, dating to the 1950's, in the empire style and modeled as a pair of crossed swords, in gilt and silver gilt, decorated with...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Pair Signed Antique E.F. Caldwell Empire Gilt Bronze High Detail Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning and Rare Pair Antique c1890's Fire Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Signed by E.F. Caldwell. Please look closely at pictures as these sconces are beautiful beyond words. Originally ...
Category
1890s North American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
By Palwa
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Austrian Empire style 24K Gold Framed "Bag and Tent" form Wall sconces. Manufactured by Palwa. Labelled.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Glass
Pair of Wall Sconces attributed to Caldwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Bronze & Crystal Wall Sconces, each having a pierced anthemion backplates, demi lume corona with three lights above a band of square and kite shaped prisms & steel liner. US...
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of American Gilt-Bronze Three Light Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gorgeous twisted cornucopia sconces by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Three scrolling cornucopia supports joined by a scroll form rose with tudor rose style on and off switch, hard...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Gold Leaf
c1920's Empire style/ Regency Cascading Cut Crystal & Bronze Bag & Tent Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
What makes this pair of cascading crystal different? These are authentic 1920's. Pair of 1920's Cut Crystal Bag and Tent / Empire style Wall Sconces. Bronze framed. All intact and or...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
Early 1900's French Antique Empire style Crystal Bag & Tent form Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1920's French Antique Empire style Cut Cascading Crystal Wall Lamp/ Sconce. This is a beautiful antique piece.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milan, IT
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pr. 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze "Lions Head" Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Very highly detailed and ultra high quality. French Estate.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Fairfax, VA
Elegant pair of 19th century candle burning bronze wall sconces that professionally have been wired and ready for installation.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
c1910 French Empire Gilt Metal Framed Cut Cascading Crystal Form Basket Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1910 Pair of French Empire style Gilt Metal Wall Sconces. In the cascading crystal to form tent bottom - that is this style. Bronzse framed Rair pair.
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs.
Dimensions:
Hei...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Set of 4 1940's French Empire style Bronze / Glass Bag/ Tent Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Set of 4 French Empire Bronze/ Glass Wall Sconces. Bag and tent form.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930s French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier w/ Drapery Swag Attrib Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Spectacular 1930's French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier. Bronze drapery swag detail. With Neoclassical elements. Attributed to Maison Bagues.
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful brass wall lights with crystal glass beads. Manufactured in the 1960s in Europe, Spain.
The lights are in the shape of a peacock. With crystal beads between the b...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair 1920 French Empire style Bronze Framed/ Cut Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair of 1920's French Empire style Bronze with Cut Crystal Wall Sconces. Bag and tent form. Sconce basket terminating with a faceted crystal ball.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Brass wall Sconces
Located in LYON, FR
An exceptional pair of brass Empire two-light sconces from early 20th century, France. This pair is designed with a swan motif. The two brass arms are fashioned out of swans with the...
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Empire Style Brass or Bronze 3 Light Sconces
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-cast and stylish pair of French brass or bronze 3 light wall sconces in the Empire style, each with a central female figure garbed in classical clothing and holding 2 candle b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920's Caldwell Empire style bronze double light sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Empire Style Niermann Weeks Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of wall sconces in the Empire style with embossed gilt metal having a floral-like design, three electrified lights with beeswax candle covers. The sconces with drapes of fac...
Category
20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair Of French Empire Revival Bronze Two Light Wall Sconce
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of French Empire Revival wall sconce with a torch like design having two scroll form arms and flame finial top (PRICED AS PAIR )
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
French 19th Century Period First Empire Patinated Bronze and Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
Magnificent pair of French 19th century Period First Empire round patinated bronze and bronze three light sconces with bronze candle cups of acanthus leaves, adorned with feathers, b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa late 19th century French Empire sconces with eagle's heads and woman's faces. Original finish and patina, *8 available
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930’s French Empire Style Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French empire style sconces with swan atop and on arms
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt and burnished bronze victory wall Sconce is an elegant example of figural wall light that shows a winged Victory, mounted ...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 1900's French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930s French Empire Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s French empire gilt metal 3 lights sconces with swans head, original gilding and patina
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920s French Empire Silver Swan one light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light silver plated sconces with swan head. Available in bronze
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Set of Four Empire Style Three-Light Wall Sconces, Gilt and Patinated
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of four French Empire style cast bronze three-arm wall sconces. The
oval cast gilt bronze back plate, with stylized acanthus leaf design, supporting a gilt banded dark patinated...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire Sconces with Lion's Head
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with lion's head and crystal hangings
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire Lion and Swans Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire bronze sconces with swans and lions head backplate.
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell Empire style sconces with arrow design
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930’s French Empire Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930 French empire style three lights sconces with swan heads
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Gilt Bronze Triangle Shape Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with triangle shape
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920's French Empire Black Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1920's empire style sconces with Blackmoore putti.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with Ram's heads.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Arrow Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Empire style sconces with two Roman warriors on black backplate.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Empire wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Maison Baguès, and Niermann Weeks. 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 wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $227 and tops out at $87,500 while the average work can sell for $3,200.
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