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.
$10,520Sale Price|25% Off
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive mahogany longcase clock with gilt and sculpted decorative bronze elements such as fantastic animals, diamond-shaped patterns, scrollwork, and foliage. This floor clock is ...
Ormolu, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Add architectural presence and old-world elegance to an entry, hallway, living room, or study with this stately antique French Empire walnut grandfather clock. Crafted in France circ...
Brass
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass ...
Metal
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass ...
Metal
Rare Empire Clock Cabinet Sideboard, Antique Northern Swedish Country Gustavian
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique clock cabinet from Sweden made during the transitional time between the gustavian and empire period. The cabinet is from Northern Sw...
Pine
Antique French Empire Style Bronze And Marble Mounted Tall Case Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 90.5 inches high x 26 inches wide x 16 inches deep. Exceptionally elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble mounted tall case clock, a striking architectural...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Mahogany Grandfather Clock, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large Empire grandfather clock with a mahogany-veneered case in the shape of a lyre. The grandfather clock stands on a chest with three drawers and diamond-shaped fillings. Above it ...
Enamel
$9,889
H 18.5 in W 11.1 in D 5 in
French Empire Mantel Clock in Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Marble, Signed Picnot
By Picnot
Located in London, GB
French Empire clock of stunning quality constructed of rouge marble, original fire gilt ormolu and patinated bronze. Set upon four ormolu paw feet to the rouge marble base, rising to...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 10cm This fine gilt bronze man...
Ormolu, Bronze
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 87.75 in W 19 in D 111.25 in
Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920 Measures - 87 3/4" x 19" x 1...
Wood
19th Century French Boulle Longcase Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French boulle inlaid longcase clock, having wonderful scrolling gilded ormolu mounts, an ebonised case wit...
Brass
English Chippendale Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chippendale Mahogany tall case clock with broken pediment, brass finials with eagle, Corinthian columns, painted Royalty face, brass string inlay, and terminating on squared ...
$2,950
H 95.5 in W 25.5 in D 18 in
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Mahogany 9 Tube Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Mahogany 9 Tube Tall Case Grandfather Clock Dimensions : 95.5" Tall X 25.5" Wide X 18" Deep This stunning clock was ...
Brass
$4,967
H 87.01 in W 30.71 in D 8.67 in
19th Century Swedish Rococo tall case clock Mora clock Grandfather clock
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique beautiful Mora clock " Tall case clock " Grandfather clock from Boden,Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The Mora clock is original painted. It has a lovely b...
Pine
$2,832 / item
H 20.08 in W 9.85 in D 5.91 in
Antique Swedish Gustavian Rococo Giltwood Wall Clock, Stockholm Circa:1900s
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Swedish Gustavian Rococo Giltwood Wall Clock, Stockholm, Circa 1900 This exceptional antique Gustavian wall clock is a refined example of Swedish Rococo craftsmanship, dating to circa 1900 and retaining its original working mechanical movement. Hand-carved and richly gilded, this elegant wall clock embodies the restrained opulence and architectural balance that define Gustavian decorative arts, making it a timeless statement for curated interiors. The clock features a beautifully sculpted giltwood case, adorned with classical Rococo floral carvings, laurel swags, ribbon bows, and finely modelled ornamental details. The symmetrical composition is anchored by turned columns, a decorative shelf base, and a graceful ribbon crest, all finished in warm, luminous gold leaf that enhances both traditional and contemporary spaces. The circular dial, set within a beaded gilt surround, displays clear Arabic numerals and original hands, offering visual harmony and legibility. Below, the pendulum aperture and architectural elements add depth and sculptural presence, allowing the clock to function as both a decorative wall sculpture and a functional timepiece. Measuring approximately 54 cm in height, this piece is ideally scaled for use in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, libraries, dining rooms, stairwells, and refined interior settings. It works beautifully as a feature wall clock, a decorative focal point, or a collector’s object within classic, neoclassical, Scandinavian, Parisian, or eclectic interiors. Origin & Period Origin: Sweden, Stockholm Period: Circa 1900 Style: Gustavian / Rococo Revival This clock reflects Sweden’s late Gustavian tradition, where French Rococo influences were interpreted with Nordic restraint, symmetry, and elegance. Pieces of this quality were produced for refined domestic interiors and remain highly sought after by collectors of European decorative arts, antique clocks, and giltwood furnishings. Craftsmanship & Materials Hand-carved giltwood case Original mechanical movement (tested and working) Traditional gilding with rich patina Finely detailed floral, ribbon, and laurel motifs Each element demonstrates exceptional artisanal skill, with hand-carved details and proportional harmony typical of museum-quality Scandinavian decorative objects. Condition Very good antique condition The mechanism was tested and functioning well The surface displays authentic age-related patina consistent with the period. No functional guarantee is included, which is standard for antique clocks. Styling & Interior Appeal This antique Swedish wall clock...
Iron
$2,320Sale Price|39% Off
H 99.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in
Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stately late 18th century Belgian, Liege, tall case clock case having a period Black Forest clock workings with wooden enameled dial and hand-painted fruit decoration, the original...
Bronze, Enamel, Iron
19th Century French Comtoise or Grandfather Clock
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century Country French comtoise, or grandfather clock, with polychrome painted pine case and embossed brass pendulum. Seven day Morbier movement, professionally cleaned and in...
Metal
Thomas Yuill Tall Case Clock
Located in East Aurora, NY
A very attractive Scottish Tall case clock signed by Thomas Yuill East Kilbride. Beautifully fan and string inlay decorated Mahogany case w...
Mahogany
French Painted Tall Case Morbier Clock
Located in Woodbury, CT
Faux-painted, French Morbier tall case clock with brass and enamel face, hammered brass pendulum. Posies, lily-of-the-valley and strawbe...
Pine
Sold
H 102.5 in W 29.5 in D 14 in
19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Eight-Day Comtoise Longcase Clock
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 19th century French Empire period chateau longcase clock with eight-day comtoise movement handcrafted of solid walnut, circa 1815, all original. This tall, handsome chateau longcase clock, with a deep, rich patina that reveals the beauty of age, features a hood with a stepped cornice over a shaped front dial case door...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique French Grandfather Clock Floral Inlay 1930
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Antique French grandfather clock French shaped grandfather clock profusely inlaid with marquetry and king wood crossbanded edging emb...
Kingwood
White Swedish Empire Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Empire long case clock from the early 1800s. The clock is made between 1820 and 1840 in pine with old distressed paint. The model is rare with a cutout design on the door. Th...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Empire Mora Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish mora clock in Empire style from circa 1820. The clock is dry scraped to the original paint The clock comes with the original clockwork, two iron weights and pendulum. The ...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Mora Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Large and tall mora clock from the early 1800s, right at the time when the gustavian style transitioned over to the empire style. The woodwork below the head is typical Swedish gusta...
Sold
H 82 in W 19 in D 10 in
Scottish Mahogany Case Clock Retaining Original Works, Glasgow, circa 1810-1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
The two-piece construction of mahogany, the fluted body with pecky type mahogany has a side opening, the upper section or "drum" opening to house the original works with a gilded met...
Mahogany
19th Century French Figural Clock in the Manner of Paul Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
19th century French figural inlaid clock with bronze mounts, in the manner of Paul Sormani.
Bronze
19th Century, Swedish Empire Mora Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Empire mora clock with an unusually luxurious clock work that in addition to the time also displays seconds and the days of the week. Repainted The clock comes with the origina...
Pine
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive mahogany longcase clock with gilt and sculpted decorative bronze elements such as fantastic animals, diamond-shaped patterns, scrollwork, and foliage. This floor clock is ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Sold
H 92.5 in W 15 in D 11.5 in
French Empire Carved 'Savard' Comtoise or Morbier Longcase Clock from Yvetot
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Antique Country French comtoise longcase clock from the French Empire period. This charming longcase clock houses an enameled dial with Roman numerals and stamped brass hands in the ...