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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.

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Style: Empire
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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

X-Small Egg style Faberge Sapphire Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Table Box “The Great Odalisque” Fired Enamel on Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
table box in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with edges with fire - enamelled stripes and upper frame with insertion of paillons in pure gold and beautRectangular iful fire-enam...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

X-Small Egg style Faberge Aquamarine Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Pair of French Empire Orb Bronze Three-Light Wall Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire Orb Bronze Three-Light Wall Sconces France, Early 19th Century This exquisite pair of French Empire wall sconces embodies the elegance and workmanship of the...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Royal Empire Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1805-1815, Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Royal Empire mantel clock / pendulum clock, fire-gilt, around 1805-1815, Paris Solid bronze, fire-gilded, Paris around 1805-1815, original French Empire from the first period. ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th Century Internal measurements cm 13 x 10 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Lacquer, Beech

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Neoclassical Marble and Glass Swan Vases
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of neoclassical marble and glass swan vases.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn, Amphora Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large, heavy Empire style gilt and patinated bronze Amphora table lamp decorated with fine ornaments and garlands on a square base supported by four feet covered with leaves. Five-li...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19th Century French Empire Period Gilt Bronze and Marble Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French Empire period gilt bronze campana form vases, each 13 3/4 by 6 7/8 inches, circa 1810, with flared neck with gadrooned bronze rim, decorated with Bacchic putti...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Located in Hudson, NY
French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Egg style Faberge Dark Brown Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Monumental 19th Century French Empire Sèvres Style Porcelain Urns, a Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent pair of French antique gilt bronze mounted pink Sèvres porcelain style vasiform urns. Born in France in the 19th century, hand-crafted in rich grandiose Empire taste, palatial awe-inspiring large scale, featuring ornate finely chiseled and sculpted dore' bronze hinged handle mounts, partial gilt pink ground baluster form amphora - pithos form body surmounted by patinated brass final topped cover affixed to the flaired narrowing neck rising from voluptuous bulbous tapering body, embellished with elaborate gilded gold enameled scroll flourish filigree decoration framing central oval medallion showcasing hand painted polychrome classical landscape and pastoral figural scenes, over doré bronze mount fillet adorned porcelain foot ending in substantial sturdy octagonal cast gilt metal plinth base. A superb example, high quality craftsmanship, construction, and materials, exceptionally executed design, this pair makes for a wonderful decorative object and most impressive statement piece! Exceedingly rare, boldly beautiful and absolutely stunning, this majestic pair is sure to become the focal point in any room. Placed in beside a fireplace, flanking an door, entry or hall, atop a massive sideboard...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique French Empire Straight Crystal Vases with Ormolu Detail
Located in Toronto, ON
This gorgeous pair of Empire period French antique straight crystal vases epitomizes classic elegance and timeless beauty. The crystal is expertly crafted, offering a clear, radiant ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Picture Frame internal border with enamelled leaves Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Behold the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship: a square table photo frame, meticulously crafted from 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver. This masterpiece features translucent fi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Richard Klemm Dresden Miniature Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Vase of Antoinette
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an excellent high quality porcelain vase. It is depicting a portrait of Antoinette in the center framed with gilt wreath of olives leaves against ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Clock, circa 1830, the white enamel dial and movement strik on bell surmounted by a standing classical figure resting on an amphora pouring water, d...
Category

1830s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

French Empire Patinated & Gilt Metal Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Patinated and Gilt Metal Figural Clock, circa 1840, surmounted by a seated female musician holding a tambourine, white enamel dial, strike on bell, on a gothic strapwor...
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Metal, Enamel

French Empire Gilt Metal Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Gilt Metal Figural Clock, circa 1840, in two parts, the upper section with a seated lute player aside the circular metal dial, the movement strike on bell, the lower se...
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

French Empire Bronze and Marble "Knight" Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Bronze and Siena Marble "Knight" Clock, circa 1830, the standing figure in armor above a circular gilded dial, the movement with strike on bell, on a graduated Sienna m...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Antique Empire Head of Hermes Carved Wood Messenger of Zeus God of Merchants
Located in Munich, DE
This beautiful head of Hermes wearing his winged helmet is carved out of boxwood and has preserved the original gilding. The head is mounted on a blacke...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Boxwood, Oak

French Empire Period Wastepaper Basket
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French Empire period wastepaper basket.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Ormolu Bronze and White Marble Portico Clock
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique (19th century) French portico form mantel clock in white marble with finely cast ormolu bronze mounts, distinguished by its large size and Cupid with bow among clou...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Style French Bronze Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Empire style French bronze inkwell. Dark patinated cast bronze encrier/ink-stand on paw feet with original pine cone lidded glass ink-wells and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal

Small Empire Inkwell in Gilded and Dark Patinated Bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A small and beautiful inkwell in gilded and dark patinated bronze with cups in porcelain. French Empire from the 1820s. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Bronze

Empire Torchères, Vienna, circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of large Empire torches or candelabra on a three-pass base tapering to the top and inlaid with brass inlays in the form of acanthus leaves and floral motifs. Rising above three ...
Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks
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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Important Pair of Darte Frere early 19th C. French Empire Porcelain Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Paris Darte Freres Porcelain Portrait Vases with Gold-Ground Acanthus Scroll Form Handles and etched gold back C. 1810 This set consists of two Baluster form vases with hand painted with portraits of peasant women protecting children from a lightning storm...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

19th Century Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Figural Three-Light Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of gilt bronze three-light candelabra with kneeling putto holding the candleholders raised on richly elaborate base, France, late 19th century. Measures: Height 12.50 in / 3...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of French Tole Urns
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of French Empire period toleware vases with black and gilt decoration the body with anthemion and patera decoration, standing on acanthus leave...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Tin

French Sevres Green Ground Porcelain Framed Charger Napoleon Courting Josephine
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Large and very fine French Sevres green ground porcelain framed charger depicting the consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and coronation of the...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Antique (early 19th century) French ormolu bronze mantel clock in the Empire style depicting neoclassical maiden with child.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Fine Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Glass Ormolu-Mounted Neoclassical Urns
Located in Roslyn, NY
Pair of lovely French empire style bronze and glass urns. Please note, they are blown glass and one is slightly higher than the other. The base measures 3" x 3".
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Figural Bronze Sphinx Green Marble Desk Top Double Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Figural Bronze Sphinx Green Marble Desk Top Double Inkwell. Item features decorative cast bronze sphinx like figures all mounted on an oval green marble base wh...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock Depicting the Lydian Queen Omphale
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 19 century French Empire gilt bronze clock depicting the mythological Lydian Queen Omphale sitting astride on a draped drum th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Bronze Hunting Dog Marble Base Desk Pen Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Bronze Hunting Dog Marble Base Desk Pen Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 3.5" H x 6.5" W x 3.25" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pair of Russian Empire Malachite, French Bronze Centrepiece/Tazzas by Thomier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of Russian Empire Period malachite, French doré bronze and cut crystal Tazzas, signed THOMIRE A PARIS. The square malachite bowls are...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Malachite, Bronze

19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Leather Jewelry Box on small brass balls with diamond pattern.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
French Empire style bronze mantel clock.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, 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

Empire Gilt Bronze Picture Frame
Located in London, GB
Empire gilt bronze picture frame French, 19th Century Measures: Height 11cm, width 8cm, depth 0.5cm The rectangular picture frame featur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large European Low Cut Crystal Glass Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Most likely an English bowl with floral decorations and unbeatable wear. Very versatile piece that is both form and function, standing alone on a coffee table or used as fruit bowl o...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

19th Century Gilt Brass Table Mantle Clock
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century gilt brass mantle clock with the glass hood. Decor of foliage, arrows, and bow. Crowned by an angel with lyre. The glas dome has protected it beautifully and it is...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Picture Frame Holder pocket Sterling Silver Enamel 3 Photographs
Located in Firenze, FI
Pocket photos holder in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guillochè, with hand-engraved edges. Empire style Napoleon III. Octagonal hing...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French Empire Mahogany and Cut Crystal Columned Portico Clock
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare example of a late French Empire portico clock combining the use of mahogany casing with gilt bronze mounts and cut crystal. The four pillars linking the top and bottom section...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Cachepots in porcelain circa 1870 signed H.B &Cie - Choisy le Roi pair.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of planters in porcelain circa 1870 signed in the base H.B & Cie - Choisy le Roi representing "Chimeras winged"
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Empire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, 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 decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Franco Salimbeni, and Alexandre Vossion. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $170 and tops out at $148,649 while the average work can sell for $4,772.

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