Empire Building and Garden Elements
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
Returnable Items Only
Pair of square Pillars, original Marble-Imitation painted Wood. Early 19th C.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of pillars made of wood and painted in marble imitation (original). Made around year 1800. These pillars are great in any interior to put sculpt...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
T. Boone Pickens 19th Century French Empire Period Fire Fender
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and important period French Empire dore bronze mounted iron fire fender, with rich provenance, adding character and historic depth, it's from the home of iconic American busin...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Iron, Ormolu
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Empire Style Marble-Top Giltwood Pedestal
Located in Dallas, TX
Empire style marble-top giltwood plant stand, having square top over four carved foliate columns, rising on marble base, ending in paw feet.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair of French Bronze and Iron Firedogs, Early 20th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
A pair of antique firedogs made of bronze and iron, France, early 20th Century. These marvelous firedogs or andirons feature bronze construction in baluster form, raised on paw feet,...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Late 18th Century Golden Painted Eagle Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 18th century gold painted papier mache eagle with wings spread and on a rectangular wooden base. Originally from Birr Castle, Ireland.An impressive late 18th century gold pain...
Category
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Paper
Antique Green & Sienna Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This surround was reclaimed from a property in Ascot, UK. It features carved Sienna marble end blocks and fluted Sienna frieze and jambs.
Opening Height 90 cm (35.43 in)
Opening Wi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Siena Marble, Marble
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu and Marble Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu mounted on Alabastro Sardonico and black Belgian marble pedestal. The pedestal is raised by a protruding square ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Black Empire Era Pedestal Made in Austria, 1800s, Original Condition, Pearwood
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Unique Art Deco pedestal.
Source: Czechia
Period: 1920-1929
Original well preserved condition.
Category
19th Century Czech Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood, Pearwood, Lacquer
Empire-Style Antique Noir de Mazy with Marble Verde Circulation Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Empire-style black marble fireplace.
This extraordinary fireplace is made of Noir de Mazy marble, complemented by the luxurious green marble type Verde. Despite the clean lines, thi...
Category
Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu and Iron Andiron
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and iron andiron. The andiron is raised by a straight base with a fine mottled design. Each of the two supports d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Ormolu
Pair of Bronze Garden Urns, French Architectural Empire Vases, 20th Century
Located in Southall, GB
A stunning pair of French Empire style garden urns in bronze, 20th century. Amazing architectural pair, can you imagine these in your garden overflowing with flowers. Stand in at nea...
Category
20th Century European Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Early French 19th Century Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Firescreen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early French 19th century Empire mahogany and gilt bronze firescreen
Screen has a period embroidered flower decorated insert.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Empire Marble Fireplace Mantelpiece, Carved Columns and Lion Heads
Located in Southall, GB
19th century unique Empire style brown Bois-Jourdan marble fireplace mantelpiece, with a white statuary Carrara hand carved Roman Rosette on the cent...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Beautiful Early 19th century heavy bronze imperial armorial armoirie coat of arms with scrolls and sand balls bezant and topped with a crown as an emblem of indisputable sovereignty ...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Two Neoclassical Empire Style Bronze and Marble Pedestals
Located in London, GB
Two neoclassical Empire style bronze and marble pedestals
French, 20th century
Dimensions: Height 100cm, width 48cm, depth 48cm
This pa...
Category
20th Century French Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Antique Brass Empire Style Andirons
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Classic pair of Empire style antique brass andirons with aged patina. Wonderfully handsome, will add style and character to any fireplace. OAL...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Giltwood Carved Eagle on Verde Antico Fluted Marble Column
Located in London, by appointment only
A superb and richly carved giltwood eagle perched on rocks with open wings, the eagle's head looking to its left and fitted with a separate giltwood wreath...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Empire Style Noir de Mazy Black Marble Antique Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Statity and radiance meet in this wonderful fireplace in Empire style. Made from luxurious Noir de Mazy marble, this piece brings warmth and elegance to any interior. The chimney ori...
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
French Empire Bronze Drape & Tassel Cannonball Chenet Small Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire bronze drape & tassel cannonball chenet small andirons, a pair. Item features unique cast iron supports, cast bronze construction ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Antique French Fireplace Mantel in Verdi Antico and Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An antique Empire style fireplace in Verdi Antico marble with Statuary white marble semi detached columns to Jambs. The capitals in the Corinthian manner again carved in Statuary Mar...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Pair of Antique Brass Empire Style Andirons
Located in Sheffield, MA
Classic pair of Empire style antique brass andirons with aged patina. Wonderfully handsome, will add style and character to any fireplace.
OAL ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Pair of Amethyst Empire Style Columns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amethyst columns. Gilt bronze capitols.
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Amethyst, Bronze
Antique French Empire Paw Foot Brass Pierce Decorated Fireplace Mantle Piece
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire style paw foot brass pierce decorated fireplace mantel (fireplace) piece, circa late 19th century. Measurements: 7" H x 48" W x 15.5" D.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Pair of Empire Style Pedestals, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Empire style pedestals with gilt bronze and flame mahogany wood, France, 19th century.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Brass Jardiniere
Located in New York, NY
A jardiniere made in brass with beautiful details and lions heads with twisted ring handles standing on lions feet. Made during the 20th century.
Category
20th Century Swedish Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
French Painted Zinc Bathtub from 1800
Located in Vienna, Austria
This French zinc bathtub is in original condition: without a drainage hole, with a wood subframe, two handles and beautiful blue painting and decoration on both sides. Seems to be wa...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Zinc
Rare Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Fire Screen
Located in New York, NY
A superb and large antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze and patinated bronze firescreen of unique shape and exquisite craftsmanship embellished with neoclassical gilt bronz...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Set of Two 18th Century Brass and Iron Fireplace Tools
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of two 18th century brass and iron fireplace tools.
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Empire Charles X Enfilade Boiserie Buffet Lavabo Alcove Fountain Cabinet Sink LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Empire Charles X Enfilade Boiserie buffet lavabo alcove fountain cabinet sink LA . Very important and large Enfilade De Boiserie buffet lavabo circa 1810 Empire Transition Charles X a great patron of the arts. Light colored woods, yellow or bleached were dominant. This piece is made of the Bois Clairs in warm blond tone typical of the period 1810-1830.
Wall paneling cabinets and a trumeau mirror at the center of the curve, in front of it a nicely carved stone Urn with sphere finial top creating a back splash of a Sink. A very elegant architectural element “La Haute Société ". Focal point of a grand room. These pieces make for a truly special interior to any residence. Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA Melrose Ave La Cienega Blvd . Two very large wall mount cabinets with very large doors and original hardware hinges, keys and locks, interior of each cabinet with 3 dividers that makes 4 compartments, a great space to store your dinner service, your porcelain, wine, your glassware etc. Painted a beautiful light green on the interior.
A very large marble hand carved Urn, on a pedestal and the Swan Fountain...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Classicist Empire Terracotta Pedestal, circa 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
Classicist Empire terracotta pedestal, circa 1820
Antique pedestal with multi-part composite elements, heavily weathered with profiled and slightly protruding cover plate. In the ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of French Empire Black Lacquer Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire black lacquer column pedestals with bronze dore festoon trim.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Period Bronze Andirons with Lions, French, circa 1850
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
These andirons are made of bronze with lions lying face to face. This is a French Empire period pair of fireplace andirons, circa 1850.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Period Bronze Andirons, French, circa 1850
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons are made of bronze. These are French, from Empire period, circa 1850.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Egyptian Motif Boot Scraper, Archibald Kenrick & Sons, England, 1815-1820?
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This rare early 19th century boot-scraper was created by the firm of Archibald Kenrick & Sons in England during the height of Napoleons reign in France. They are made of cast-iron an...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of French Empire Sheraton Style Brass Bronze Urn Fireplace Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of antique French Empire Sheraton style brass bronze urn acorn fireplace andirons, circa late 19th century. Measurements: 16.5" H x 8.5" W x 17.5" D.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Large Pair of Bronze French Empire Paw Foot Column Fireplace Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large pair of 19th century antique 32" tall bronze French Empire paw foot column fireplace andirons. Item features large impressive size, column shafts, paw feet, removable bronze ch...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Limestone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A French Empire style limestone fireplace. The frieze with interlocking diamond pattern with tapering, full round columns. A copy of an 18th century original.
Shelf width: ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
Italian Neoclassical Garden Fountain in White Marble
Located in Sacile, PN
White marble fountain, neoclassical , dated beginning of 19th Century
This fountain comes from Palazzo Tadini, an old art gallery which owner loved to collect Canova's works. Palazz...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Green Granite Fireplace, circa 1850
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire style gilt bronze-mounted green granite fireplace.
French, circa 1850.
The fireplace has a rectangular mantel shelf above a frieze cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Granite, Bronze
French Empire Iron and Bronze Railing
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) iron and bronze trimmed railing with scroll design and eagle center (by repute from Napoleon III library) (Related items: 031616, 042367).
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Stunning Antique Empire Style, Coromandel and Gilt Bronze Sculpture Stand Column
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and all hand-crafted column pedestal from the early 1900s.
Column pedestals in the Empire or Napoleon style are a rare find. It is therefore that we could not be more surpr...
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Trumeau Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
Neoclassical carved Trumeau mirror with beautiful figures and decoration throughout.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Large Brass Cannonball Andirons French Empire Style Putty Cherub Angel Baby Face
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressive pair of antique brass large cannonball figural andirons in the French Empire style. Item features heavy brass forms, large round cannonballs, figural cherub faces, cast ir...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Limestone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Empire limestone fireplace, the panelled frieze with carved centre motif of Napoleonic bee and flowers, the panelled jambs with hexagonal motif to centre...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
19th Century Empire Fireplace Bronze or Brass
Located in Weiningen, CH
19th century Empire fireplace bronze
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Fireplace Mantel in Breche Marble
Located in London, GB
An antique French fireplace in quality breche marble with ormolu mounts and original cast iron chamber. In typical Empire Style, and well-proportioned having fine tapering columns supported on square foot blocks and ormolu mounts, again caped with ormolu egg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Breccia Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Style Mantel in Statuary and Brass
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Empire style French mantel of outstanding quality. In flawless Italian statuary marble with very fine ormolu decoration the mantel displays...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Marble Mantle
Located in New York, NY
An imposing 19th century French marble chimneypiece in the Empire style with lion’s paw feet above the plinth blocks supporting paneled jamb...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
French Empire Sarancolin and Statuary Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
An impressive French Empire fireplace in richly colored Sarancolin marble. The finely carved Egyptian Caryatids in statuary white marble with Sarancolin square tapering pilasters. The panelled frieze with white marble moulding, and gently shaped stretcher below with marble keystone...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
19th Century Empire Style Mantel Carved in Incarnat Turquin Marble
Located in New York, NY
Petite French Empire with disengaged columns and rosette corner blocks. Carved in Incarnat Turquin Marble.
Opening dimensions: 33 1/2" W x 34 1/8" H.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Rare French Napoleonic Empire Sienna Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A very important 19th century (circa 1820) French Empire Sienna marble fireplace with elaborate ormolu enrichments to frieze and jambs. The flu...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Siena Marble
A 19th century French Empire marble fireplace / mantel piece, circa 1820
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A 19th century French Empire marble fireplace/mantel piece with scrolled legs, circa 1820.
Antique marble fireplace in Empire style. This beau...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair of French Empire Bronze Panther Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (Mid-19th Century) bronze andirons with a panther standing next to a gilt urn with a classical Egyptian head (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Cast Iron Jardinières
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Empire style cast iron jardinières with swan handles and swagged garland decor, painted white with gilt trim on decorations and resting on stepped round base.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Empire Style Bronze and Iron Fireplace Four-Piece Tool Set on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Crafted circa 1980, the "Serviteur" sits on an intricate iron bottom base decorated with a bronze gallery around th...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Iron
French Napoleon III Period 'Cupid' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French Empire fireback with a cupid. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. It is in a good condit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Empire Brèche de Médous Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A striking French Empire fireplace in an unusually bold Brèche de Médous marble. The plain shelf and endblocks are supported by dramatic, scrolling console jambs over lion paw feet.
...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Empire building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, and A. Kenrick & Sons. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $235 and tops out at $220,000 while the average work can sell for $2,445.
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