Empire Seating
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
Armchair, Northern Europe, around 1900. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique armchair from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The piece of furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation, the seat is covered with new fabri...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Empire Style Mahogany Armchair
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely empire style mahogany armchair from the end of the 19th century
Very good quality bronze and beautiful mahogany
Very beautiful armchair which can be used as a library chair or...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Baker Klismos Chairs with leather Strapping, set of four
Located in Wichita, KS
These beautiful and hard to find Baker Klismos chairs are in a class of their own. Vintage and in great condition with a curved back, leather stra...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique Italian empire bench early 19th century. The bench is made of solid walnut wood. Excellent antique good conditions of the wood. Characterized by a seat with folding panels.
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
MID 19th CENTURY SET OF EIGHT EMPIRE CHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant set of eight Empire style chairs, made of solid carved mahogany, with pure gold finishes. The front legs are shapely and straight, while the rear ones are flared, creating a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Gold
Pair of early 20th Swedish carved birch armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of early 20th Swedish carved birch armchairs circa 1920.
Good quality pair of birch armchairs in the karl johan taste.
Shaped and carved back rest, flowing to the scrolling ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Brass, Baltic States, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Two classicistic mahogany armchairs with brass decoration and openwork backs. The chairs stand on square pointed legs with H-shaped bracing, which merge into elegantly curved, high-s...
Category
Late 18th Century Baltic Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass
Empire Eclectic Set, Unique Set of 4 Armchairs Each in Different Design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the set of 4 Empire armchairs.
Each armchair carries a typical motif of the empire style. Refers to the moment of re-discover of classical o...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt-Bronze and Mahogany Five-Piece Salon Suite
Located in London, GB
French Empire style gilt-bronze and mahogany five-piece salon suite
French, Late 19th Century
Sofa: Height 107cm, width 162cm, depth 65cm
Armchair: Height 101cm, width 68cm, depth 6...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
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 Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Mahogany
Empire Style Six French Chairs " Gondola" Model
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects.
Six sophisticated and beautiful French chairs " a gondola" model made of fine walnut wood and with seat upholstery in sturdy purple cotton; very refined are the rounded carvings made by hand where the backrest joins the front legs; the six chairs, due to their practical and comfortable shape, are optimal to be placed around a table as dining chairs; they are a typical and classic example of the empire style in the so-called " a gondola" shape. "Empire style gondola chairs...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Cotton, Walnut
Set of 4 mid 19th century Danish mahogany armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautiful set of 4 Danish empire armchairs circa 1860.
Comprising of 2 armchairs and 2 open frame armchairs. Main feature being the scrolling arm and scrolling front leg. Carved b...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Empire Style Bergere or Tub Chair
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire Style bergère or tub chair, gray-painted with barrel-back molded crest rail above upholstered back, arms, and seat with drop in cushion upholstered in a white linen weave...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Empire Salon Suite, France 1810, Manner of Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)
Located in Leimen, DE
Empire Salon Suite, France 1810
Step back in time to the opulent era of 19th-century France with the exquisite Elegant Empire Salon Suite, crafted i...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany Empire Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench made of mahogany with inlays of satin wood and ebony.
Features a backrest with vertical spindles adorned with an ebony border and three demilunes with lig...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Ebony, Mahogany
10 Antique French Empire Style Rosewood Dining Chairs, Side Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 34 1/4 in Width: 20 in Depth: 18 3/4 in
Seat Height: 18 3/4 in
This 19th century set of 10 French Empire dining room...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
19th Century Mahogany Pair of Library Armchairs
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very fine quality pair of 19th century mahogany
French Empire library armchairs having well figured
Top rails over enclosed swept arms with car...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Living Room and Gilded Bronze Caryatid Head
Located in Marseille, FR
19th Empire style mahogany and gilded bronze decorated living room with caryatid heads and claw feet. Bench, two armchairs, two chairs. Period 19th century. Tapestry to restore. Armc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
French Gueridon Side Round Table in Mahogany with Tripod Columns Brass Decors
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful French Empire style gueridon round table from 19th century in mahogany. A simple apron showcases the deep toned wood. Three columnar legs with decorative brass ormolu cap...
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This lovely pleated bench by Modenese Gastone Interiors will make a classy statement at the foot of a bed or as part of the decor in any living or night ...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
Pair Of French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Wood And Giltwood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated wood and Giltwood armchairs. The pair of throne chairs are raised on impressive front quiver like circular tapered legs wi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Empire Style Bergères Chairs with Gondola Shape Backrest
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Enhance your interior with this stunning pair of Empire-style Bergères chairs dating back to the early 20th century. These elegant armchairs feature gracefully curved gondola-shaped ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood, a timeless addition to any luxurious living space. These stunning armchairs embody the opulence and eleganc...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Gold
Empire Ottoman/Italian Zebra Upholstery
Located in Malibu, CA
Flame mahogany curvy 19thC English Empire period ottoman in Italian Zebra Upholstery on the original casters.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
French Empire Duchesse Brisée Armchair in Parcel Gilt
Located in London, GB
A fine early nineteenth-century French Empire period duchesse brisée armchair with accompanying footstool. This set is in the original paint with applied gilded highlights. The restr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Pine
Set of Six French Empire Style Diminutive Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of six 19th century walnut dining chairs made on a slightly diminutive scale. The chairs are crafted from walnut and feature amazing radiant flame veneered seat backs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut, Fabric
Empire Fauteuils 'd'Officier' with Lion Heads, Budapest, circa 1805/10
Located in Greding, DE
Beech, finely carved with lion heads, rosettes, acanthus friezes and foliage. Original gilding and setting in "verde antico", gilded brass applications.
The pair of armchairs follows...
Category
Early 1800s Hungarian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1980s Empire Style Sculptural Daybed Bench Ottoman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile piece you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the be...
Category
1980s English Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair 19th C French Mahogany Empire Upholstered Armchairs With Bronze Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of period French Empire mahogany bergeres with stylized carved dolphins decorating the arm and gilt bronze mounts. The central bronze mount depicting the helmeted god Mercury an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Seating
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Set of 5 French Empire Mahogany Living Room Set
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 French Empire-style (19th century) mahogany salon or living room set with bronze trim and red damask upholstery.
Measurements:
2 arms 27½" W 28" D 40½" H
2 sides 22½...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Lacquer, Mahogany
Set of 6 French Empire Marquetry Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an exceptional set of 6 French Empire Marquetry chairs.
Made in France circa 1815-20.
Set consists of 2 Captains/Carvers and 4 side c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Boxwood, Kingwood, Rosewood, Satinwood
An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with incurved back sloping to join a tight seat flanked by bowed arms ending in swan neck terminals; raised on cabriole legs; adorned overall with giltwood acanthus leaves, bell...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Ten Ormolu Mounted Classical French Empire Style Dining Chairs
Located in Rochester, NY
A matched set of ten French Empire style chairs with finely detailed brass metal ormolu mounts at backs, legs and feet - the wood frames with aged original old finish . There are tw...
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask Upholstery & Red Velour Piping.
Quality and luxurious designed chairs, elegant but robust with rich ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Empire Seating
Materials
Damask, Silk, Velvet
French Empire Figural Ebonized Giltwood Armchair with Dolphins by Century 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
A French Empire style chair by Century Furniture offers maple frame with upholstered seat and back, flanking giltwood carved dolphins beneath each ebonized arm, and raised on slightl...
Category
20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Empire Armchair, circa 1812
Located in Lučenec, SK
This armchair was obtained at an auction near Lyon, France. This armchaor was completely restored as it was in a very bad condition. It is fairly comfortable, suitable companion for ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Antique French Empire Napoleonic Ormolu Parcel Gilt Bureau Desk Armchair, 1815
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & stylish antique French Empire Napoleonic parcel gilt and ormolu mounted French Fauteuil de bureau (desk chair), circa 1815.
The chair back and armrest of hooped shaped form,...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Empire Style Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Upholstered Recamier
Located in Hanover, MA
Very dramatic and theatrical Empire/Regency style recamier chaise in ebonized mahogany with carved parcel-gilt and verde antique stained winged paw feet.
Original upholstery is salm...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Pair of Danish Empire Arm Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Danish early 19th century empire armchairs.
Crafted in mahogany with ebony and satinwood marquetry on backrest and apron.
Apron and upper part of backrest decorated...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair. Item features a coral floral needlepoint upholstery, torch and flame carved crust, gold painted finish, very...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Pair of French Empire Bergeres Armchairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A handsome pair of fabric Bergère armchairs in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer. Dating from the Empire period, these very striking chairs are in excellent condition, with exquisit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century French Empire mahogany and gilt armchair. Upholstered in a red velour fabric. Makes an elegant statement!!
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Of French Early 19th Century Empire Period Patinated Wood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of French early 19th century Empire Period patinated wood armchairs. The pair are raised on front circular tapered legs with gilt carved foliate bands at the top and bottom wh...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Two Modern Trellis Back Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany lattice back armchair, the rectangular back enclosing a lattice of interlacing C's above an upholstered drop-in seat, on square tapering legs. Inspired by an Empire origin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Two Modern Trellis Back Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany lattice back dining chair, the rectangular back enclosing a lattice of interlacing C's above an upholstered drop-in seat, on square tapering legs. Inspired by an Empire or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Consulate Arm Chairs
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of French Consolate mahogany (circa 1800) open arm chairs with beige leather seat and square back with an open X design (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Antique Bergere Barley Twist Library Armchair with Brown Leather Seat
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Bergere library armchair with barley twist form & brown leather upholstered seat, 1800s
One popular furniture technique is a type of wood turning that first appeared in England and France in the 1600s.
Furniture with spiral-turned legs or trim was known as "barley twist" or "barley sugar...
Category
19th Century British Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Cane, Beech
Rider Gold Velvet and Brass Dining Chair
Located in New York, NY
Parisian Flair. Our modern homage to an Empire style dining chair. Our rider dining chair is petite and glamorous, but ultra-comfy. Great as a dinin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Seating
Materials
Nickel
Empire Upholstered Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
This set of 10 Empire Upholstered Chairs features 2 arm chairs as well as 8 side chairs. All of the chairs in this set feature a fully upholstered back for maximum comfort. And the d...
Category
2010s Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
19th Century Empire Revival Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Period Empire side chair: This highly stylized chair has brass inlay and ormolu features to include reclining goddesses, feathers and detailed Roman feet all newly upholstered in a b...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Empire seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Century Furniture, and Drexel. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $151,397 while the average work can sell for $4,884.
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