Skip to main content

Empire Decorative Objects

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.

2
895
21
1
to
88
460
377
917
904
915
22,471
14,606
7,956
4,346
3,611
2,636
2,044
1,603
1,182
1,124
1,076
925
862
774
636
624
562
20
764
111
22
34
28
19
7
4
1
4
7
4
5
5
Height
to
Width
to
756
566
214
139
124
844
676
63
28
27
12
11
8
6
4
Style: Empire
Pair of 19th Century Bronze-Mounted Decanters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French or possibly Russian. Finely chased bronze details. Handcut crystal. Rare.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Large Estate Signed Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique 18th century Large French Empire Ceramic Glazed Vase
Located in Doha, QA
This is an absolutely magnificent one of a kind French Empire hand crafted Vase with dragons and angles. It’s a perfect example of the Parisian craftsmanship of the French empire per...
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon I Empire Encrier, Gilt Bronze and Verde Antico, Signed Basil, 1830
Located in New York, NY
Impressive gilt bronze and Verde Antico marble inkstand centered by a bust of Napoleon I, the sculpture signed on back Basil and dated 1830, with two inkwells flanking. Beautifully...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a period French Empire mantle clock in finely chased and gilded bronze made in France in the first quarter of the 19thC. One of the Greek muses with a star atop h...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Decorative Jewelry Box
Located in Firenze, IT
This French Empire 19th century rectangular porcelain dresser box or jewlery decorative casket has a wonderfully patinated powder blue/cerulean light blue background color and featur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th France bronze circa 1850 "Two hares"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible france bronze circa 1850 representing "Two hares" perfect patina.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Original large pair of "Chevaux de Marly" france bronzes circa 1850
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large pair of "Chevaux de Marly" in bronze with spectacular work on the bases. Circa 1850 in perfect conditions.
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Mantel Clock, Pendule, Firegilt Bronze, Claude Galle, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Empire Pendule, Mantel clock cupid and Psyche Paris Fire-gilt bronze Around 1820 Dimensions: 36 x 27 x15 cm Description: Depiction designed ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Versailles Manufacture French Portico Clock Black Stone Gilt Bronze 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
We are pleased to introduce you French Versailles Manufacture portico clock in black marble of ancient temple form decorated with d’ore bronze (gilt, ormolu) overlays. The well craft...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble, Gold Plate, Bronze

Baccarat Empire Cut Crystal Glass Vases w Gilt Bronze Griffon Heads 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rare Baccarat type crystal glass framed with finest ormolu bronze mountings of foliage at base and stylized griffons as handles. Note an unusual asymmetric design to central vase. Th...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Standing Napoleon Bonaparte Sculpture - Figure. circa 1900 France
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Standing Napoleon Bonaparte Sculpture - Figure. circa 1900 France. Very nice Napoleon Sculpture, perfect size to decorate a desk. Silvered metal over a dark green marble base. Very n...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Metal

Ivan Ivanovich Futikin 1871 Russia Moscow Vesta Striker Case 875 Silver & Niello
By Ivan Ivanovich Futikin
Located in Miami, FL
Vesta case with wick cord designed by Futikin Ivan Ivanovich. Exceptional and very beautiful vesta striker case from the late 19rh century, created in Moscow during the Imperial Rus...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Auguste Cain Silvered Bronze Lion & Ostrich Sculpture 19th Century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Auguste Cain Silvered Bronze Lion & Ostrich (1822-1894). This fine bronze shows a male lion standing proud, his front right foot is perched on a rock and his left stands firmly on hi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair French Early 19th Century Hand Carved Giltwood Empire Style Head Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair of handcarved giltwood head ornaments. France circa 1805-1820 Measurements individual and include the wooden base.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Candelabras
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Candelabras. Gorgeous.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

an Empire ormolu and patinated bronze mangel clock after a drawing by DeVerberie
Located in NONANCOURT, FR
Rare pendulum called "au negre" represents a sailor with glass eyes, leaning against a bale of cotton and smoking his pipe, a rope in his hand. We find around him the attributes of m...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Distinctive pair of 19th century Empire Style gilt metal candelabras
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous 19th century; European Gilt bronze and metal Approximate size: 17.75 (h) x 9.75 (w) x 3.5 (d) inches The present pair of distinctive antique gilt metal candlesticks are i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of French gilt and patinated bronze wall lights French, 20th Century Height 103cm, width 50cm, depth 44cm Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated Empire style, these wall li...
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Early 19th Century Tall French Empire Ormolu & Bronze Candelabras
Located in Middleburg, VA
Pair of Early 19th Century Tall French Empire Ormolu & Bronze Candelabras. Depicting angels in patinated bronze, these candelabras are stunning. France, circa 1820s. Measure: 20.5" H...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

First Empire Grand Tour Gilt Bronze Mounted Box with Apollo in His Chariot
Located in Nashville, TN
The box a trinket or bon-bon box , adorned with bronze lid and Apollo in his sunburst adorned chariot , the sides with griffins , floral urns . Most likely and expensive gift or sou...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite French Marble and Bronze Figural Mantel Clock. A true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, this clock...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th - 20th Century Gold-Red French Empire Pair of Porcelain, Gilded Cassoulette
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-red, antique French pair of small Cassoulettes made hand crafted porcelain, in good condition. Each of the Parisian Athenians are composed with four gilded bronze maidens, par...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair Empire Vases or Cassolettes, Firegilded Bronze, France, c. 1810
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of Empire vases France fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x D: 23 x 12 cm Description: Pair of delicate French Empire vases or cassolettes. The square bases s...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Brass Wall Utensil Holder, Empire, Early 19th C, with Roman Goddess with Putti
Located in Knivsta, SE
Brass Wall Utensil Holder, Empire, Early 19th C, with Roman Goddess with Putti This highly ornate utensil holder is made in repoussé brass. It features a scene of a Roman Goddess in...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
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...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Pair of Italian Empire Bronze Vases with Swan Handles
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Bronze Empire Vases with Swan Handles made in Italy, early 1800s, pair of elegant center vases of Empire taste, circular in shape, on a squared base, body embellished with de...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Petite French Restoration Brule-Parfums / Cassolettes
Located in Dallas, TX
a small scale / petite pair of elegant 19th century French Restoration (1814-1830) patinated and gilt bronze brule-parfums / cassolettes / censer (incense burner), triangular tripod ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Russian Brass Samovar Set by T. L. Batashev, Tula Russia, circa 1900
Located in St. Catharines, ON
By Tula samovar masters, V.L. Batashev. Of typical form in the Russian imperial style, a classic samovar set tooled in brass comprising a brass samovar, dr...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

French 19th century Guilloché Silver Snuff-box
Located in St. Catharines, ON
An elegant French silver tabatière or snuff box, overall decorated with guilloché or engine-turned panels, in a regular wavy pattern creating the illusion of movement. In fine condit...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

20th century Russian Miniature Brass Samovar Set
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Of typical form in the Russian imperial style, a classic samovar set tooled in brass comprising a miniature brass samovar, drip bowl and tray. The samovar ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Pendule Portefaix, Firegilt Bronze, Empire, Circa 1810
Located in Greven, DE
Pendule Portefaix France (Toulouse) bronze, enamel Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 36 x 28 x 11 cm Description: Beautiful fire-gilded and patinated bronze pendulum from ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Photo Frame Large Imperial Style White and Green enamel on Sterling Silver Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
Large shaped frame for photographs in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent two-tone fired enamels on guillochè and rich friezes in the French Empire Louis XVI style ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Importante Torchere (108cm) - Bronze And Marble - Pp Thomire (attb.) - Empire -
Located in CANNES, FR
"Importante Torchere (108cm) - Bronze And Marble - Pp Thomire (attb.) - Empire - France - XIX Th" Important Empire torchiere with six lights in gilt b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Picture Frame large size Red Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large shaped photograph frame in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with borders and laurel frieze in Louis XVI French Empire style. Exte...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Photograph Frame Large Imperial Style White Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver shaped photograph frame with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and rich friezes in Louis XVI French Empire style. External measurements...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Egg on Tripod with folding frame for 6 photos Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod with folding photo frame for 6 photos, inside, in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guillochè. ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cut Crystal Amethyst glass Vase w Gilt bronze Griffins and Lion paws Empire
Located in Sweden, SE
Such items were always made in small batches and only by hand. Mercury gilt bronze (ormolu, gilded) rim, hand chasing, lion's paws and heads of eagles-griffins, repeat the motifs of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Gold Plate

Handmade Antique Empire Candle Holders in Pewter, Stamped, Denmark, 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of elegant pewter candle holders made in Denmark in the 19th century. Stamped underneath by maker. The candle holders are typical for the Empire style that was dominant in the...
Category

Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

Small Danish Empire Veneered and Brass Trinket Box, Circa 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Period Empire Trinket Box in Veneered Mahogany and Brass Panels on the Edges, Denmark Circa 1825.
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century Bronze Scuplture "Venus Bather" by H.S. München
By H.S. Munchen
Located in Firenze, FI
Lost wax cast Italian bronze sculpture, the subject reproduces 'Venus bather'. The base is made of Bardiglio red marble. Italian manufacture, early 19th century. Made by H.S. München...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, each with a female figure Holding two coronets on base, treangular with elaborate filagree mounts. Frances. Circa 1830
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large Sewing Box Lacquer Work with Pastoral Scenes, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and intricately decorated Empire lacquer work sewing box. Early 19th century Europe. The box is decorated with pastoral scenes and an intricate pattern on the edges. The ins...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Beech, Lacquer

Razor Case in Mahogany with Razor Strap in Leather, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Razor Case made of Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) with Razor Strap in Leather, European, Early 19th Century. A decorative and functional razor case with an intricately detailed hil...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabra Italian Gilt Bronze Three-Arm Flambeaux
Located in Milan, IT
Coppia di Candelabri a Tre Fiamme Impero in Bronzo Dorato della prima metà del XIX secolo, di origine italiana, si presentano in buono stato di conservazione con segni di usura nell...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Figural Bisque Porcelain w Gilt Bronze Clock Napoleonic Officer 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Made of bisque porcelain in the middle of 19th century, presumably by Royal French Porcelain Manufacture de Sevres, the clock in the form of a scene where an elegant officer was depi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce Set by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire period amphorae
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of Empire period amphorae in gilded porcelain painted in polychrome neoclassical scenes, France. Signed, Gauchin, f.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Small Danish Empire Veneered Keepsake Box, Circa 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Period Empire Trinket Box in Veneered Mahogany and Brass Panels on the Edges , Denmark Circa 1825. This box is unusual because it has a ringed hardware on the top of the box.
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a lacquered round ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Steinway Retour d'Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925
Located in New York, NY
Steinway & Sons "Empire" or "Retour d'Egypte" style Rosewood Art Case piano,Model L/O baby grand, serial number 233699, 1925, with warrant decal to sou...
Category

20th Century Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Important Pendulum in Gilded Bronze and Onyx, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important pendulum in gilded bronze and onyx from the nineteenth century. The enamel dial. Made for the russian market. Large: 60 x 55 x 18 cm.. With pendulum and key 6550 euros.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Girandoles, Candle sticks, Candelabras, bronze, ~ 1810 Empire, France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning pair of so called Girandoles, made in France around 1810, in the famous Empire period. The stepped pedestals are beautifully designed with masks and garland décor. On each...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of cast iron vases with lids and wooden columns
Located in Alba, IT
Beautiful Pair of cast iron vases with lids, supported by two wooden columns. In the body of the vases and the lid, the design mimics a weave that we usually find in objects of a dif...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Set by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a lacquered round ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Empire decor for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire decor 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 decor created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decor, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire decor 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 decor, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Giorgio Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni, 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 decor differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at £111 and tops out at £121,205 while the average work can sell for £3,819.

Recently Viewed

View All