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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Style: Empire
Period: 20th Century
19th-C. French Hand Painted Oil on Canvas Floral / Urns Panels in Giltwood Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely pair of 19th century hand painted panels in giltwood frames. They are beautifully done with cascading blue and white elements surrounding neo-classical revival urns....
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Upholstery, Giltwood
French Lamps Empire Bouillotte Empire Wall Sconces Regency Gold and Blue A pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
A pair French gold gilded bronze Bouilotte Wall Sconces, Empire Revival.
With matching cyan blue lampshades with a gold interior.
Style: French, Empire, English Mansion, Regency, Hol...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
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
French Bronze Chandelier With Crystal Beaded Cup Early 1900s
Located in Milano, MI
Early 1900s French Bronze And Crystal Entrance Chandelier with the reflective body composed of an inverted dome of English pearls with a sloping diameter. The frame of this Empire-st...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Baker Neoclassical French Empire Flame Mahogany Flip Top Server Dry Bar Buffet
Located in Dayton, OH
Exceptional Baker Furniture Company flip-top server, circa 1980s. Inspired by English Regency, Neoclassical and French Empire styling. A rectangular form with made from mahogany with...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pristine Large Baccarat Crystal Harcourt Serving Piece
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful, large, luxurious Baccarat Harcourt serving piece makes a perfect gift and an elegant addition to any dining table. It is an ideal vessel for caviar at an intimate din...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Swedish Vintage Empire Crystal Chandelier
Located in Turku, FI
Elegant crystal chandelier from Sweden 1950s. Impressive and high-quality crystal chandelier.
- Total Height 77cm / 30.5in
- Diameter 36cm / 14in.
- Five E14 Bulb bases / sockets.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
French Empire Napoleon III Style Mahogany & Bronze Figural Pier Console Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite French Empire / Napoleon III style mirrored Pier Table, circa 1980s. Made from mahogany and bronze ormolu with a green marble top. The table showcases two figural swan...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Atmos Jaeger le Coultre Mantle Clock 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant Vintage Atmos perpetual mantle clock by Jaeger-Le Coultre, with a jewelled movement bearing their ref No. 88942 and dating from Circa 1950.
The clock is disp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A French Empire style painted and upholstered full size sleigh bed.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Creating the perfect princess room for your daughter or queen like boudoir for yourself? This bed gives all the Pink Pony Club vibes as well! Upholstered in a pink silk like fabric...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Wilhelm II 1901 Zwei Mark Coin – Historical German Collectible - 2Y104
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This remarkable piece of numismatic history is a Wilhelm II Zwei Mark coin from the German Empire, minted in 1901. In excellent condition, this coin is an exquisite addition to any c...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
2 Harden French Empire Egyptian Revival Cherry Marble Nightstands Commodes Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
Impressive pair of French Empire Egyptian Revival chest by Harden Furniture Company, circa 1980s. Made from solid cherry with three dovetailed drawers, caryatid and ormolu mounts, a...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Bronze and Green Sheet Metal Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice Empire style chandelier is made of green sheet metal and gilded bronze, decorated with chiseled ornaments and palm leaves. This is a French work. Circa 1920
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Impressive Empire Style Malachite and Ormolu Center Table After Desmalter
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in New York, NY
An impressive empire style malachite and ormolu center table after the imperial model by Francois Honore Georges Jacob-Desmalter, 1770-1841.
"AUX CARIATIDES", Empire style round m...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
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
Large Estate Signed Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Impressive signed Baccarat Empire style bronze and crystal vase.
Beautifully complements the Classic 1841 Harcourt and Empire patterns, similar to the ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Egg style Faberge Aquamarine Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod engraved in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Small French Ebonised Three Drawer Empire Chest with Marble Top
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this empire style three drawer chest dates from the 1960s. Classically styled, the chest features an ebonised finish with brass hardware, brass-capped front feet and...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Vintage Renault 300 Kgs Toy Car by C.I.J - Made in France - 2Y21
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover this charming vintage toy car, a Renault 300 Kgs model by C.I.J, proudly made in France. This collectible piece reflects classic toy craftsmanship and is sold "as is" with i...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Empire Style Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY SECRETARY DESK
Composed of 19th century elements
ref. 501GWU22P
45 7/8" H x 32 1/8" W x 15 5/8" D; writing area is 15" D x 26 1/8" W
Thi...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Baker Furniture Company Empire Mahogany & Gilt-Wood Mirror, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire mahogany & gilt-wood mirror by Baker Furniture Company
Additional information:
Materials: mahogany, mirror
Please note that this item contains materials that are legally...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Art Nouveau Coffee Pot – Brass & Copper with Ornate Swing Arm - 2Y44
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover the charm of Art Nouveau with this antique coffee pot featuring an intricate brass and copper design. This elegant piece showcases a distin...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Set of Two Midcentury White Opaline Cenedese Glass Box with Bronze Mounts Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two beautiful jewelry boxes with glass lids made of opal glass. This type of jewelry box was mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They were made from the early 19th century to the mid 20th century. However, the heyday of opal boxes...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Thomasville Georgian Burled Walnut Marble Top Four-Drawer Dresser
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful French Empire or Louis Philippe style four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Thomasville
USA, Late 20th Century
Gorgeous burl wood, with thick beveled marble top, ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Vintage Miniature Anti-Tank Cannon - The Crescent Toys Militaria - 2Y34
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of historical charm to your collection with this vintage miniature anti-tank cannon by The Crescent Toys. Part of their militaria range, this collectible features detaile...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Fabergé Limoges Porcelain Hand Painted Egg Decorative Table Tray Ashtray
By Fabergé
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Fabergé Limoges French porcelain hand painted parcel gilt tray.
Created exclusively by House of Fabergé and Limoges porcelain as ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
X-Small Egg style Faberge Ruby Red Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1997 Hotwheels Mattel Ferrari F512m Toy - 2Y192
Located in Bordeaux, FR
A collectible piece for car enthusiasts, this vintage Hotwheels model of the Ferrari F512m, produced by Mattel in 1997, is a must-have for fans of iconic sports cars and die-cast mod...
Category
1990s French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique French Empire Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Early 20th-century French console table in the Empire style, sourced from Provence. Structurally restored and refinished, it features a narrow 4'5" frame hand-crafted from solid maho...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Green Wood and Brass Pendulum Clock FHS 151-080 Germany 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Pendulum clock in hand-painted green wood and brass, Model FHS 151-080 Germany, made in the 1950s
Ø 18 cm Ø 13 cm h 44 cm
FHS Germany is a brand known for producing pendulum clocks...
Category
1950s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Dark Green Four-Arm Chandelier Made of Leather and Brass, France 1960s
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely French chandelier was found in a villa built in the late 1950s. The beautiful, high-quality craftsmanship is impressive. The lampshades are made of metal and then covered...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Empire Center Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th century Empire lacquered walnut dolphin center table.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Elegant vintage classical Empire inspired marble top table by Maitland Smith
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an elegant empire inspired marble topped side table by Maitland Smith. This Empire inspired table has a hand forged wrought iron base with three decorative brass wings. This ...
Category
1990s Philippine Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Grand French Empire Style Bronze Mahogany Bibliotheque Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent French mahogany bibliotheque style bookcase cabinet crafted in the Napoleonic French empire taste. Constructed on a grand scale the cabinet features three pairs of storage do...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Italian Empire Style Wooden Guéridon with Bronze and Marble Top
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
20th Century Italian Empire Style Wooden Guéridon with Bronze and Marble Top. We present this splendid gueridon table, made in Italy in the second half of the 20th century. Made of s...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine Empire Style ormolu Mounted Box
Lovely Quality and very fine Ormolu mounted
This Box Stands at 40cm in Height and is truly Magnificent
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite
Vintage French Empire Baroque Ornate Brass Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Baroque Ornate Brass Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 24" H (to light socket) x 7" W x 7" D. {3-Way...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Christofle Coffee & Tea Set with Rosewood Handles & Large Tray
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Christofle silverplated coffee and tea set of five, made in France in the 1980's. The set includes a large oval tray with handles on each end, a coffee pot, tea pot, lidded sugar bow...
Category
1980s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Neo Classical Style Burl Walnut Mirrored Back Console Table / Credenzas
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Enhance your living space with this Mid-20th Century Neo-Classical Style Burled Walnut Mirrored Credenza/Console Table, a versatile and beautifully designed piece of furniture that r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Pair Fine Brass Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Antique Empire Sac-à-Perle Chandeliers – Lovingly and Professionally Restored
This stunning pair of antique chandeliers has been carefully and expertly restored in Berlin. T...
Category
1950s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Early 20th Century French Vitrine or Dry Bar with Ebonized Finish and Brass Trim
Located in Troy, MI
French vitrine cabinet or dry bar with new black finish and original brass trim, circa 1920s. Top has sliding glass doors. Bottom has brass figural ornaments, locking door and single...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Massive French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Mounted Malachite Urn Jardinière 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
An opulent French Empire Style bronze ormolu mounted malachite urn or jardiniere. Features a rim cast with shells, foliage and bellflowers, the body centered on each side by a medall...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Maitland-Smith Empire-Style Pedestal Jardinière Planter, circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome vintage jardinière in the Empire style manufactured by Maitland Smith in the 1980s with cylindrical polished-chrome planter trimmed with brass over a cast and fabrica...
Category
1980s Asian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Empire style bench featuring Neoclassical style carved swan frame newly padded and upholstered in a Chanel style chuncky tweed.
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Trenton, NJ
nfuse your home with timeless sophistication with this Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa. Its ebonized wood frame features exquisite carvings that highlight the skill and craftsmanship...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Empire Style Ormolu & Cut Crystal Compote/ Tazza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza
Made in Austria, circa 1920s
An elegant Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza made in Austria during the 1920s, present...
Category
20th Century Austrian Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
French Empire Bookcases Set of 2
Located in Pomona, CA
A pair of French Empire bookcases / China cabinets. Ebonized side pillars with brass capitals. Gilt appliques to top and bottom front. Beveled g...
Category
1950s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Glass
1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid Century Empire Leather Upholstered and Nailhead Studded Mahogany Arm Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Empire Style full grain Leather Upholstered and Nailhead Studded Mahogany Arm Chair. Measures 22" in width, 24" in depth and 34" in height. Seat height is 19" and arm h...
Category
1960s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Belgian Empire Gilt Metal Three-Piece Garniture Clock Candelabras Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Belle Epoque Belgian Empire style Gilt Metal Three-Piece candelabras and Clock Garniture set with Asian inspiration.
They measures 11" in width,...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Newly Upholstered & Painted Iron Empire Daybed from Paris
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic French Louis XVI Neoclassical French Empire daybed newly reupholstered with modern plush bolster pillows. Bed frame is solid painted iron turn of the century from France and ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Big leaf
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past
Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Set of 11 Heinrich H&Co Selb Bavaria Gold Encrusted Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional set of 11 Heinrich Selb porcelain and gold encrusted dinner plates in white body in good antique condition.Listed price is ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
Vintage Oxblood Leather Tufted Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning vintage tufted oxblood leather Chesterfield sofa, exuding timeless elegance. The rich, smoky burgundy hue adds depth and sophistication, truly coming to life when illumina...
Category
1970s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather
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.