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.
Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. High quality work of applied arts in Neoclassical (Biedermeier) style. The fork of...
Wood, Mahogany
Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
By Towle Silversmiths, Gorham CO., Charles Nicolas Odiot, Hester Bateman, Barbour Silver Co.
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...
Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1890)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver tea caddy; an addition to our Victorian silverware. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victo...
Sterling Silver
Antique Regency Tea Caddy, Mahogany, Early 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
This stunning antique Regency tea caddy is a beautiful example of early 19th-century craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed, it features a rich mahogany veneer with a warm, deep lus...
Mahogany
19th Century English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
A handsome 19th century English tortoiseshell tea caddy, beautifully crafted with sterling silver trim and a matching sterling silver escutcheon. The lid is centered with an elegant ...
Silver
Exceptional Georgian Gothic Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
An exceptional and elegant Georgian mahogany tea caddy having a gently curved rectangular shape with concave ogee edge top with inlay, dentil molding, chamfered corners with fluting ...
Mahogany
19th c. English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th c. English Chinoiserie Tea Caddy is a decorative collectible box designed to store tea. This tea caddy reflects the popular aesthetic of the 19th century, featuring intricat...
Wood
$830
H 5.25 in W 3.75 in D 3 in
Antique Irish Georgian Hand Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Tea Caddy George III
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally rare Irish George III hand cut full lead crystal single tea caddy of rectangular outline with canted corners and outstanding quality, first quarter of the nineteenth century. The finely chased silver mounted rim and hinged cover, hand cut with three bands of lozenges on a plain ground, decorative star cut base underneath. Condition: Exceptional condition for such an early piece, with no losses or clouding inside, silver mounts are unmarked but test positive for silver. Wonderful age wear underneath on base. Lock is present but key does not turn. Back and front views are similar. Measures: Height: 5.25” (13.5cm). Width: 3.75” (9.5cm). Depth: 3” (7.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Stunning and rare Tea Caddy...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers. Brass handles with star motif to the sides. Canted corners strung with satinwood. Sta...
Mahogany
Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent
Located in Northampton, GB
Hallmarked Sterling by William Vincent of London Dated 1779 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of slight...
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Tortoise Shell
Antique English Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Georgian harewood tea caddy of elongated oval form, veneered in harewood with inlaid decoration and fitted interior. The exterior is finished in harewood, f...
Wood, Harewood
Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
With Tuscan Columns & Fan Inlay. From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal shape with a Harewood veneer...
Boxwood, Harewood
Antique mid 19th Century Rosewood tea caddy
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a 19th century handmade Rosewood tea caddy. This tea caddy has his original glass disposable in the center with two compartments on either side. The tea caddy stands on four ...
Wood