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
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
French Empire Bergère Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
The beautiful design of this pair of French upholstered bergère chairs exemplifies the artistry and elegance of the Empire period. Exhibiting perfect proportions, the chairs are enha...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Pair of French Empire-Style Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Bergeres
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of handsome empire style chairs from the late 20 th century.
These chairs have a curved and reeded backs, the gilded arm.
Fronts in the form of swans, the seat frames with gil...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Giltwood
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Desk Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and unique French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu desk armchair. The armchair is raised by handsome lightly curved square legs with finely carved recessed d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Antique 19th C Empire Star & Shield Coat of Arms Dining Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Empire star & shield coat of arms dining chairs
Priced each.
Additional information:
Materials: Mahogany
Color: Olive
Period: 19th Century
Styles: Empire
Numb...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Armchairs with Fretwork Detailing to Their Back S
Located in London, GB
A pair of charming late 19th century upholstered painted Swedish open armchairs with a decorative fretwork border detail and turned stretchers to their backs.
Recently reupholstered in a light vintage French linen...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical hall bench. Large and handsomely proportioned cassapanca / walnut bench in two parts with upper dental carved trim around arms and paneled back. All fitted into ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Empire Side Chairs, France, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of two Empire Side Chairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant chairs stand out for their plain design and the beautifully designed front legs. The side chairs have a cher...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large French Empire style mahogany armchairs reupholstered in Ralph Lauren silk/linen fabric.
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
French Pair 19th C. Empire Style Fauteuils, Newly Upholstered in Belgian Linen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of Empire style armchairs, with their original painted finish, from the 19th century. These antique fauteuils from France each fea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Four French Empire Armchairs, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of four Empire armchairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant armchairs have a pretty cherry wood frame. The armrest and front ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cherry
Empire Style Padded Chair
Located in Premariacco, IT
Single chair from the 1950s in wood with backrest and seat in the original fabric of the time.
Shows normal signs of wear, note how little it has been used. The seat is still prot...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Empire Style Chairs 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style chairs made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition.
PRICE PER PIECE.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Pair of maximalist empire revival style armchairs featuring Versace inspired motifs. The chairs have a classic gondola shaped frame with faux leather naugahyde upholstery. The faux l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Empire Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Beech Bergeres, New Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The pair of bergeres from the Empire / Biedermeier period was made of solid beech wood. The bergeres are completely reupholstered and covered with new fabric. The seat cushion is loo...
Category
19th Century German Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Beech
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 Seating
Materials
Beech
Very Fine and Rare Pair of Early 19th C Italian Empire Carved and Gilt Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and rare pair of Empire period mahogany and parcel gilt armchairs. Fine French polished wood and finely detailed gilt carving . Covered in a dark blue leather
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Two French Empire Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Fine quality French Empire cherrywood armchairs.
Carved arms in shallow relief with acanthus leaves, elegant saber legs, beautiful patina color.
To coat however you like.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cherry
Set Four Klismos Chairs COM
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage blond Klismos chairs with newly upholstered seats. Send your fabric and we can upholster at no extra charge and quick turnaround.
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
French Empire Gueridon Side Table with Tripod Columns Brass and Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful French Empire style gueridon table from 19th century. Beautiful black fossil marble over a mahogany body. A simple apron showcases the deep toned wood. Three columnar leg...
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Painted Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A 19th Century Swedish bench from the Empire period, the back panel decorated with a classical scene of a pair of griffon.
New seat cushion in plain linen.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Empire Style Mahogany & Leather Saber Legs Dining Chair, A Set of 8
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning French Empire Style set of 8 dinning chairs. The chairs are made of quality Mahogany wood. The frame is exquisitely hand carved and shows a...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century Pompeian Style Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional 19th century Danish masters work in Pompeian style. Ca 1850 Denmark.
The armchair is carved in walnut wood with marquetry inlaid.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique French Empire Mahogany Bench Settee with Bronze Ormolu and Even Arms
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire mahogany bench settee with bronze ormolu and even arms. Item features finely cast bronze ormolu, brass rolling casters, tap...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of French Empire Revival upholstered back mahogany armchair fauteuils, circa 1880 in date.
The mahogany is beautiful in colour with superb patina. Th...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Fauteuil
Located in Sharon, CT
Impressive black armchair of typical French Empire form, beautifully upholstered. Subtly incised palmettes where the arm rails meet the seat. Original b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Empire Style Armchair, 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style armchair made around 1850 in black wood and green-yellow velvet.
Has some nice sculptural details carved in the wood. Is easy to mo...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful Empire chair that we purchased in Naples, Italy. This is a classic style, with a fun pop of color with blue velvet that can be left as is or can be reupholstered ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Around 1800 Baltic States 4 Dining Chairs Mohagony Brasswire Decor
Located in Epfach, DE
4 chairs for a dining room, around 1800, provenance probably from a noble household in the Baltic States
Mahogany, backrests and seat frames decorated with brass wire, designed in s...
Category
1810s Baltic Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Fauteuils Bergères Aux Dauphins, circa 1830
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1830s pair of Empire mahogany French bergères Aux Dauphins Empire armchairs in the manner of Pierre Bellange (1760-1844). The mahogany frame with sabre front legs continuing as arm...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Empire Armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A pair of EMpire style armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Very good condition, after professional renovation and changing the upholstery.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions height 101 cm...
Category
1870s Scandinavian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Impressive 12 Chairs First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Cent Sold at Sotheby's
Located in Madrid, ES
Impressive 12 chairs first Empire Napoleon III early 19th century.
Sold at Sotheby's for €25,000
golden wood and silk
80cm x 48cm
provenance: Roman family.
perfect condition for...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Empire Armchairs / Chairs, Maple Wood, Paris, 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Seat group made of maple wood with rosewood intarsia, France, presumably G. Alphonse Jacob, the last of the famous Eben family, probably second quarter of the 19th century. Semi-circ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Maple
Pair of French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A striking pair of late French Empire mahogany armchairs, highly decorated with gilded bronze mounts on the upper back rail and all round the bottom of the seat as well. The curved open front arms terminate in carved dolphins. The chairs have been re-upholsterd in a cream and dark green striped antique silk fabric...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Set of Ten French Empire Mahogany Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of ten mahogany dining chairs made in the neoclassical French empire taste. The chairs feature decorative bronze mounts ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Amazing Set of Armchair and 2 Chair First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of armchair and 2 chair First Empire Napoleon III early 19th Century
France
measure armchair: 86cm x 64cm x 54cm
measures chairs: 82cm x 50cm x 45cm
wood
proveniente : Roman...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze
Elegant French Empire Five Piece Mahogany Salon Set with Bronze Swan Decoration
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning parlor set of antique French Empire mahogany and bronze upholstered sofa or loveseat, two armchairs and two side chairs. Fre...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine late 19th century to early 20th century Empire mahogany and parcel gilt pair of benches. Tufted upholstery.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s French Empire style wooden stool has an antique white painted frame with gilded details and new gray mohair velvet upholstery. Two stools available at the time of posting...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Gesso, Upholstery, Wood
French Empire Salon Set After Jean Francois Bellange
By Bellanger
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This three piece early 19 Century salon set features finely carved gold leaf gilded frames accented by rosettes palmettes and acanthus characterizing most French Empire furnitur...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs Attributed to Jacob Desmalter
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Stamford, CT
A very fine pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs attributed to Jacob Desmalter, circa 1805. The shaped backs ending in beautifully...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Style Bergère Kidney Shaped Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French Empire style Bergère kidney shaped stool.
This is a charming French empire style walnut stool, the stool has a charming golden colour an...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Late 19th-C. French Empire Gilt Bronze Mahogany Side Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 19th century French Empire mahogany side chairs with gilt bronze mounts. Note the griffins on the legs! The fabric appears to be silk. It is vintage and in ver...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Gorgeous Pair of French Empire Carved Walnut Armchairs with Dolphin Armrests
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome pair of classic French Empire walnut square back carved armchairs with stunning dolphin armrests.
Measures: Seat height 17.5
Arm height ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and rare French 19th century mahogany recamier bench having pronounced curved sides and lovely carved cabriole legs that terminate in gilded hairy paw feet. There are other g...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Swedish 1830s Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Stool with Spindle Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Empire style painted wooden Curule stool from the mid-19th century, with spindle arms, X-form base and new upholstery. Created in Sweden during the first half of the 19th c...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Armchair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A dining armchair in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, curved arms, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and ge...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cherry
Set of 6 Empire Barrel Chairs, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique and original set of 6 early 19th century Empire barrel chairs stands out for its elegant design. The chairs feature a beautiful walnut...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830.
solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with
lace up padding.
very com...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique French Empire Giltwood Winged Griffin Needlepoint Inlay Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire giltwood winged Griffin needlepoint and inlay parlor arm chair. Item features gold gilt wood winged griffin arm supports, bell flo...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
French, Early 19th Century
Height 68cm, width 77cm, depth 39cm
This beautiful antique stool is a class...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Set of Four Empire Barrel Chairs
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of 4 Empire Barrel chairs dates back to around 1810-20. They come from France. The chairs have a very pretty walnut veneer. They have a v...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cherry
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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