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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Item Ships From: Benelux
Style: Empire
Baccarat, Set of Eleven Overlay Crystal Items, Bright Crimson, France 1920
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, set of 10 high-end liquor glasses and 1 Serving plate made by Baccarat. In the colors bright crimson and clear crystal. The glasses and the serving plate are in...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique 19th century warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box
Located in Casteren, NL
This exquisite antique writing box was meticulously handcrafted using traditional joinery techniques, with beautifully visible dovetail joints at the corners. Made in the Southern Ne...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Antique early 20th century small oval gold leaf and paint gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a beautiful small oval mirror that was crafted in France in the early 20th century, around 1910. The mirror features a frame made of lime wood and is adorned with plaster mol...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Mirror - Empire Style - Gilded
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique French mirror with an image of an eagle in the top, made of wood and gesso. Beautiful gilding, which contrasts beautifully with the black lacquer in the frame.
Th...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Rare Set of Twelve 19th Century Empire Chairs in Mahogany, Brass and Velvet
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Set of Twelve Early 19th Century Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany, Inlaid Brass and Velvet
This is a very large and rare set of twelve elegant dining chairs from the (late) ‘em...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Empire desk Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful upright secrétaire from the French Empire period. The desk is made of oak with burr walnut veneer, decorated with bronze ormolu elements. These are typical of the French Em...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Silver Plated Sauce Bowl Made by Christofle Model Malmaison
By Christofle
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful silver plated sauce bowl with fixed saucer by the French brand Christofle. This bowl is from the Malmaison series. The bowl looks like it has hardly been used, it is in top...
Category
1990s French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century Empire Mahogany Arm Chairs
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique Empire style armchairs. The armrest and legs are made of solid mahogany, the backrest is made of veneered mahogany. An elegant design with curved armrests and taper...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Fabric
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted.
Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat,
green uniform with medals, draped with a coat.
On the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 48cm
Ref.: 84654522
21
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
19th Century Belgian Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a very unusual oxidized original antique fireplace mantle in Green marble from the Empire period with lion claw (griffon)
The front has 2 diamond point details.
The Marble is Vert Maurin with provenance from Hameau de Maurin in the Alpes-De-Haute-Provence ( France ). This marble was also used for the Grave Monument of Napoléon Premiér, in the Invalides...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Darte Freres (?) - Cup and saucer, chinoiserie decoration, early 19th century
By Darte Frères
Located in DELFT, NL
Marvelous cup and saucer, elaborately decorated with geometrical forms in red, blue and gold. Beautifully worked gilding, little details of Chinese figures and Chinese characters.
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte.
If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Crystal Brass Basket Chandelier Ceiling Light With Tassels France, 1960s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Ceiling Light for 1 light point. Brass frame and crystal pendants.
Manufactured in France.
This beautiful chandelier has a classic style and is made of high quality materia...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Wall Sconces Louis XVI Style By Massive, Belgium Pair Of Bronze Light
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Paired wall sconces in beautiful bronze from the Massive, Belgian manufacturer.
Set of Wall Lighting lamps in Louis XVI Style with 2 horns on each.
Very noble and sensual! ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Period Officer's Trunk
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb officer's trunk in wood and iron from the Empire period 19 century
Very beautiful and rare trunk covered with a thin layer of iron and resting ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Porcelaine de Paris - Ajour Centerpiece Coupe
Located in DELFT, NL
Gilt Porcelaine de Paris Openwork Coupe Centerpiece to be placed centrally on the table, for fruit or flowers. Empire Style. French, 19th century center basket, rond form with reticu...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 43cm
Ref.: 84654535
40-41
Category
1960s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
Antique Carrara Marble Bathtub from the Early 19th Century
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Antique handcarved Carrara marble bath in Empire style. This beatiful sculpted white-grey marble bath with rings is made in the early 19th century....
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Empire Pedestal Table In Cuban Mahogany, Levanto Marble
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire Pedestal Table In Cuban Mahogany, Levanto Marble
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Coat Rack Bronze Clothes Hook, France, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
A great vintage wall hanging coat rack with red velvet and brass hooks from France, 1970s.
The set includes a coat rack and 5 hooks.
A coat rack in the hallway is a convenient and...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Corinthian Column Brass Floor Lamp with Fringed Lampshade, England, 1890
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Antique corinthian column brass telescopic floorlamp, Hinks pattern, with wonderful handmade fringed lampshade. Made in England, in the style of James Hinks & Son in 1890.
The lamp ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
French Napoleonic Empire table set "return from Egypt"
Made of sterling silver and cobalt blue liners
Collectible for it's beauty and hallmarks that were only used during
Napoleons E...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1920's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Charming French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1920s.
This lovely piece has an ornate bronze frame hung with prisms of crystal glass.
The crystal glass pr...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
19th Century Large Mahogany Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
Large mirror made of mahogany, the mirror itself consists of two panels in a large mahogany frame with two candleholders on each side.
Originates...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
20th Century French Empire 5 Light Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 19th century French Empire style chandelier with 5 lights. Beautiful decorative detail on the base and arms.
A classic fixture that is sure to impress!!
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Dutch Empire Burl Wood veneered desk or sofa table
By Chapuis
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Dutch Empire Burl Wood -veneered sofa table ,On Iron casters
On four shaped scroll feet joined by a baluster turned beech stretcher, the top ...
Category
1820s Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Burl
Antique 19th Century Dutch Empire Oak and Gold Leaf Trumeau or Sideboard
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant Empire sideboard was made in the Netherlands in the early 1800s and is also known as trumeau.
It was made in the finest quality watered oak an...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Original Empire Period Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is one of a kind fireplace surround in Carrara marble was made by special order for the Castle of Fontainebleau. The identical but in grey mantel was ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
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 Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Porcelaine de Paris - Empire Centerpiece Reticulated Coupe
Located in DELFT, NL
Gilt Porcelaine de Paris Openwork Coupe Centerpiece to be placed centrally on the table, for fruit or flowers. Empire Style. French, 19th century center basket, rond form with reticu...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Neoclassical Marble and Glass Swan Vases
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of neoclassical marble and glass swan vases.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique 19th century large oval gold and silver leaf gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a large antique oval mirror that was made in France in the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860. The mirror is decorated with beautiful ornaments with rich sy...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of silver plated tableware from the French brand SFAM (Société Française d'Alliage de Métaux). The cutlery is beautifully decorated in Empire style. SFAM ceased to exis...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Empire Pedestal Table with Its Saint-Anne Marble
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb empire pedestal table with its Saint-Anne marble
Pedestal table or center table with a pyramidal base ending with claw feet simulating dolphin heads
Very beautiful origina...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Empire 19th Century Wood Carved Chandelier France Solid Oak 6 Lights
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Simply amazing! This fully hand-carved Empire style chandelier in solid oak from France 19th century.
The chandelier has 3 male figures & 3 female figures on its arms all displayed...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Vintage Napoleonic Column Table Lamps French Rosewood Gold Gilded Bronze, a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Napoleonic gold gilded brass and faux rosewood column table lamps
With gold/bronze matching lampshades ( new condition )
Style: Empire, Regency, Neo classical, Napoleonic, Vintage, Antique
Design: In the manner of Caldwell, Chapman manufacturng company, Stiffel
Origin: France, 1980s
Description: Vintage Napoleonic style tabl lamps.
Made faux rosewood ( patinated metal) and brass Tuscan capitals.
The lampshades are handmade and in ew condition.
Condition: The lamps are in a good condition,one lamp have minor wear on the back ( see pics) socket E27, 230 volt and max 60w, black wired with switch.
The lamps are US compatible but a adapter for plug is required
Create the right ambience, good well positioned lighting can make a room!
All our lamps are fully working condition, however, we are shipping from Europe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Table Lamps Egyptian revival Bois Dore Bouilotte lamps Napoleonic pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Tall Figural Empire Table Lamps.
Depicting a Winged Sphinx made of giltwood on a marble base.
Between the wings arise a 4 armed gilt bronze candelabra with above 2 light bulbs. Matching lampshades with gold trim and interior.
Style, Vintage, Hollywood Regency, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Mid Century Modern,
Design: Traditional Gold Gilded Napoleonic table...
Category
20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
French Napoleonic Table Lamps Tartan Tripod Base Lion Paws Empire Lamps a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage French Empire Table Lamps with tartan lampshades
Style: Vintage Antique, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Baroque,
Design: Traditional Napoleonic Column lamps in th...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Empire Style Fireplace In Antique Green Marble And Gilded Bronze
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire style fireplace in antique green marble and gilded bronze
Hearth dimensions: 85 x 102 cm
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Sterling Silver tea caddy / box
Style Georgian, French Empire, Napoleonic, Dutch
A sterling silver very stylized tea box with good working lock
Decorated with embossed pearl...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Small and Lovely Napoleon / Empire Style Bronze Chandelier / Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare size chandelier from the 1920s.
If you look at the shape of the centre and the shape of the arms that grow out of this pendant then you capture the essence of it. It is stylish...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Napoleonic Empire Cushion French Silk Thread Cannetille Green Cream Throw Pillow
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Napoleonic Empire cushion silk, cannetille and metallic gold thread embroidered
Cushion with a rich and luxurious appaerance.
Made of genuine silk satin and 19th century embroidered ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Satin, Silk, Down
Mid 19th Century Empire Style Bronze Patinated Candleholders
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of fine French Empire style brown patinated bronze candlesticks from the Napoleon III period. A fluted column beautifully decorated with ivy, rises on a tripod with claw-shape...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst or flower mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
Good condition.
France - 19...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst or flower mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
The mirror is made from pat...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Barber Piece Empire Period Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant barber furniture in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer from the early 19th century Empire period
Very beautiful barbière composed of 5 drawers. interior of the drawers in oa...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style French Mirror with Porcelain Gold Frame, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Luxury mirror
Massive figured frame made of porcelain, covered with enamel and painted with gold.
Beautiful floral decor.
There is a possibility...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Mirror
Antique Wall Light Sconces in Gilt Bronze, Set 2, Empire Style, France, 1930s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Antique Paired wall sconces in beautiful gilt bronze from the French manufacturer, 1930s.
These two arm bronze candlestick wall sconces feature foliate designs.
The Empire style is...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Fine 19th Century European Original Antique Fireplace Mantle from Empire Period
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original vintage fireplace surround is a one of a kind chimney piece. A real eyecatcher. It is influenced of the wars by Napoleon to Egypt.
The mantel is in perfect condition a...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Vintage Pair Of Wall Lights, Circa 1960 in Chiseled and Gilded Bronze, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant Pair Of Louis XVI style Wall Lights Circa 1960 in finely chiseled and gilded bronze with two light arms.
Fake opaline candles.
Manufactured in France, 1960s.
They're op...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Belgian Gilt Metal and Glass 6-Light Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style glass chandelier features 6 lights and framework with a golden iron.
Made in Belgium. 1970s.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle transparent glass cut facets.
Surprisingly elegant and memorable ceiling lamp will attract the attention of lovers of the unique and unusual. The luminaire not only performs its task well as lighting interiors, but is also a real work of lighting art.
A fine line between fantasy and reality futuristic lamps...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Georgian Silver Mustard Pots Blue Glass Liners 1st Empire Tableware a pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Museal Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Mustard pots
Style: Empire, Georgian, Antique, Regency, Napoleonic
Material sterling Silver with cobalt blue...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble, Early 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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