Empire Candlesticks
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
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads.
Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15.
Measures: 23 x 8 cm.
In excellent ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Porcelain
$1,050 Sale Price / set
30% Off
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
An exquisite pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled gilt bronze, likely crafted in Paris during the 1820s...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze. Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze with dark patinated column. French Empire during the 1820s.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible pair of spirited early 19th century French Empire bronze candlesticks celebrating the arts with individually cast and applied painters' palettes with brushes, sculptors' hammers and compasses, writers' books, musicians' harps, drama masks...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color.
The hei...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Brass
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
A magnificent pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled and fire-gilded bronze, France, circa 1820. These e...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Swedish Empire Candlesticks Made by Hand in Solid Birch
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of Swedish empire candlesticks from around 1840 to 1850. The candlesticks are made by hand with a frame in solid birch with elements of birch root in the candleholders and foot....
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Birch
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. 1810s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. Made in France during the 1810s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Gold French Empire Pair of Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Sticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders with loose candle cuffs, made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candlesticks have downwardly tapering, fluted shafts, supported by a round footplate. The base is particularized with palmettes and leaves. The Parisian décor pieces represent the First French Empire time...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Corinthian Column Faux Marble Ormolu Candlesticks
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive pair of Corinthian column candlesticks featuring a beautiful and decorative capital with faux marble stems as well as a detailed square base. Fantastic pair featured on a ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Pair of French Patinated Bronze Sculptures Candelabra Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of heavy patinated bronze sculpture candelabra, France mid-19th century. Two female sculptures holding a candleholder raised on a br...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$2,210 Sale Price / set
36% Off
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A small and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Located in Hudson, NY
French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
A refined pair of Empire candlesticks crafted in silvered bronze, dating from France, circa 1820s. These elegant pieces d...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Mid-19th Century Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of Empire style gilt bronze candlesticks raised on three lions paws, France, mid-19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Elegant Gilded and Dark Patinated Empire Candlesticks, circa 1810
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of extremely elegant gilded and dark patinated bronze Empire Candlesticks. Probably made i Paris around 1810. Beautiful contrast between the gilded and dark patinated bronze.
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Two 19th Century French Bronze Partially Gilt Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Two 19th century French partially ormolu bronze candlesticks on cloven hoofed hocked faun legs and feet
Cast in bronze, adorned with floral and acanthus leaf motif.
The candle inse...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$2,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period decorations.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s.
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain.
1962.
Model 1/15.
Marked.
In perfect condition.
First factory quality.
Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Porcelain
$1,050 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Hoofed Faun Feet, circa 1890
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century.
A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet.
These antique c...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
19th c Second French Empire Pair of Silver Plated Brass Candlesticks
Located in Savannah, GA
This classic pair of antique French candlesticks are hand crafted of silver plate and brass Details include downward tapering on fluted shafts supported by a round heavily embossed f...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Beautiful decorated with flowers and a dark patinated column in the center of the cand...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design with flowers and leaves. Cool and unusual composition bet...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of large Empire Candlesticks, convertible into Candelabra. France 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of large and elegant Empire Candlesticks, convertible into Candelabra, made in France during the 1820s. Gilded and dark patinated bronze. Can be used as large candlesticks or ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Gilded French Empire Candlesticks with charming decor from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of Gilded French Empire Candlesticks with charming decor from the 1820s. Beautiful decorated with flowers and other period empire decorations.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated with leaves and other period ornaments as well as a dar...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Candlestick, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of candlesticks made of burnished and fire-gilt bronze. The spouts are surrounded by three satyr masks crowned by flames. The pyramidal shaft is decorated with torchbearers in r...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$3,311 / set
Gilt Bronze Ink Stand with Candlestick, French Empire
Located in Knivsta, SE
Rare and beautiful gilt bronze ink stand with candlestick. French empire, probably made in Paris around 1810. The gilt bronze with some patina.
Wear...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair Empire Style Bronze Candle Holders
Located in San Francisco, CA
each heavy candle holder surmounted by a shallow candlecup with flared lip raised on a gadrooned support above a ring of stylized leaves; all over a cylindrical base adorned with app...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$1,850 / set
Pair of Empire Period Silver Candlesticks England circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Empire period standard silver candlesticks from England circa 1820.
Each stick has a squared tapered shaft decorated with still-leafed border as well
as beaded bandi...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver
Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Slate Candlesticks, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This regal pair of bronze and slate candlesticks originated in 19th-century France and are beautifully detailed with molded and gilt embellishments. Crafted in the style of Empire furniture, each candlestick rests on a triform bronze base of claw feet and petal scrollwork, topped by a gilt acanthus leaf throne supporting a simple black slate stem. The sleek stone posts in turn support an urn-form bronze capital with floral and gilt elements. A gorgeous example of French opulence...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Slate, Bronze
Set of 2 Swedish Brass Chamber Candle Holders with Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on these candleholders from the early 1800's. We see these chamber candlesticks on a coffee table with antique books. Wonderful addition to any collection of these s...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Brass, Metal
Italy Late 18th Century Pair Empire Brass Candleholders
Located in Brescia, IT
Italian late 18th Century pair of Empire burnished brass candleholders
This pair of antique brass candleholders was handcrafted by Italian...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Late Empire Silver Candlesticks by Caspar Julius Worm (1788-1857)
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of late Empire silver candlesticks crafted by master silversmith Caspar Julius Worm.
Created in Copenhagen in 1837, these candlesticks are richly decorated with intricate acan...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver
Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Detailed Ovoid Form Candle Holders
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Ovoid Form Candle Holders/ Candlesticks. Highly detailed antiquity.
Category
1810s Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$940 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of 19th C French Gilt Bronze Ram’s Head Candlesticks w Musical Motifs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Ram’s Head and Musical Motif Decoration
A richly detailed pair of 19th century French gilt bronze candlesticks, exemplifying...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Trajan's Column Ormolu Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century Empire Trajan's column ormolu candlesticks in the manner of P.-P. Thomire (1751-1843):
Pair of large Empire ormolu candlesticks, the stem ressembling th...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Ormolu
$5,920 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks – Stunning
Located in IT
This elegant pair of early 19th-century French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks is in stunning condition, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship typical of the Empire period. The richly g...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Gilt Bronze Female Busts Candlesticks, circa 1820
A beautiful pair of Empire gilt-bronze ormolu c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire "Retour d' Egypt" Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Retour d' Egypt" candlesticks.
Patinated Bronze shafts toped with fire gilt bobeches
on top of figural Caryatids standing on a round base
encircled with floral decoration.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Porphyry candlesticks, early 19th c
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of SwedishEmpire candlesticks made of porphyry and gilt bronze. A rare model of great quality. Small and exquisite.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
$6,860 / set
Pair of gilt bronze Retour d'Egypte candlesticks, Empire period, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
The pair of candlesticks from the Empire period featuring caryatids are exquisite examples of neoclassical design, typical of the early 19th century, particularly during the reign of...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver
Pair of Empire-Style Bronze and Siena Marble Candlesticks – Circa 1830
Located in IT
This exquisite pair of Empire-style candlesticks from circa 1830 features intricate bronze detailing atop rich Siena marble bases. Resting on tripod bases with lion paw feet, these c...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Two-Tone Pair Fine Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical bronze two-tone pair of fine candelabras.
Category
20th Century French Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Austro-Hungarian Silver Candlesticks with Chased Flowers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of silver candlesticks are hallmarked by an unknown maker, and believed to have originated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and date to approximately 1850, and done in the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver
Large silver plated copper candlestick, France ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / candlestick / silver plated copper / Antique / Empire
A large French Empire style candlestick with very detailed graphic decorations. This silver plated copper candl...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
Candlesticks Empire France
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candlesticks made in France during the late Empire period. Made from gilt- bronze. Standing on a round foot with a baluster shaped stem. Loose cuffs. Cannelated frame.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Silver, Brass
Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of early 19th century, French ormolu bronze cassolettes. The censers having pierced tops and Candlestick receivers on the revers.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Empire candleholders in fire-gilded bronze. Manufactured in France around 1810/1820. The candleholders are decorated with beautiful acanthus leaves. A decorative meander ba...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$4,000 / set
Pair of Empire Candlesticks with Garland
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French Empire candlesticks with matching light collars, richly decorated in burnished gilded bronze. The central section is elegantly fluted, and they feature a garland wit...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$5,000 / set
Empire candlesticks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire candlesticks 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 candlesticks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire candlesticks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original candlesticks, popular names associated with this style include Alexandre Vossion, Fabergé, and WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. 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 candlesticks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $313 and tops out at $55,746 while the average work can sell for $2,494.
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