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.
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950. Each with Berainesque gilt bronze tracery cast everted rim above a ves...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Located in Hudson, NY
French Empire Snake Candlesticks
Bronze
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
Monumental Marble and Bronze Dore’ Clock Adorned with Psyche and Amor Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing clock depicting the tale of Amor and Psyche which Is about the god of love in Greek mythology. Large bronze Dore figures adorn the pediment standing on a rectangular Marble b...
Bronze
$1,600 / set
A Set Of Gilt Iron Lion Heads Door Knockers
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Set of Gilt Iron Door Knockers. It depicts a pair of large and heavy lion heads with a ring in their mouths. The rings are decorated with some acanthus leaves in the bottom...
Iron
Vintage Danish Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would look fan...
Gold
19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...
Glass, Wood
$5,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Ormolu
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock decorate with lyres and gryphon heads on the side
Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, Bronze
A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box
Located in Roma, IT
A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box This wonderful rectangular box is decorated overall with sets of lace pattern friezes. In Morocc...
Leather, Wood
Empire Mantel Clock with Putto in Chariot, signed Thiery à Paris, Early 19th C.
Located in Greding, DE
Empire mantel clock made of fire-gilded bronze. The scene shows a putto in a richly decorated chariot pulled by a jumping poodle. The clockwork is elegantly integrated into the wheel...
Bronze
$1,685Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Ceramic Vases from the First Empire period 1810
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of ceramic vases from the First Empire period - 1810, French manufacture Ø 10 cm h 18.5 cm The two vases are in really good conditions, hand painted and sculpted in the detai...
Ceramic
Very Fine Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze period Empire mantle clock. France, circa 1805. Period Empire clock featuring an stylized Hercules with Lion's pelt. Origin...
Bronze
A Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Bronze, Gilt Bronze, and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century Each tazza with a shallow bronze inner bowl with leaf-and-dart rim projecting from a lobed gilt br...
Marble, Bronze
Wonderful French Ormolu Mounted Glass Bronze Baccarat Jar Casket Jewelry Box
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Mounted Glass And Bronze Baccarat Style Lidded Jar / Casket / Jewelry Box, Glass Has Damage To One Corner
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 b...
Bronze
French Empire period Inkwell, identical to the one of Elisa Bonaparte
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister...
Bronze
$3,600 / set
Pair of Empire Gilt Chinoiserie Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...
Porcelain
European Rectangular Silver Leaf Gilt Wood Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage impressive wooden frame in silver gilt, with great patina, that would be suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on board paintings. Wond...
Silver Leaf
Exquisite French Empire Ormolu and Cut-Crystal Clock, c. 1815
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exquisite French Empire ormolu and cut-crystal clock, c. 1815, attributed to Baccarat. Made from the finest quality mercury gilding ormolu, this c...
Crystal, Ormolu
$1,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Urns
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Empire style (19th Cent) gilt bronze urns with finial top and handles with claw feet on square base (matching clock: Inv. #032441) (PRICED AS PAIR)
Bronze
$6,555Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by Claude Galle, French Empire, Circa 1805
By Claude Galle
Located in Lisbon, PT
This rare early 19th-century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock was created by the renowned Claude Gallé for the 1807 Exhibition. Gallé is considered one of the finest bro...
Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, 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...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of 19th C. French Empire Bronze and Patinated Brass Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring stately elegance and classical refinement to a mantel, buffet, or console with this striking pair of French Empire candelabra, crafted in France circa 1880 from finely chased g...
Bronze, Brass
Antique French Chandelier, Brass & Crystal, Empire Style, Circa 1860
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French chandelier, pendant made of hand crafted polished brass, in good condition. The hand blown cut crystal prisms are attached, halted to the ceiling lamp brass f...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
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.
Bronze
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze “Pendule-Veilleuse” Mantel Clock, 19thC
Located in New York, NY
A finely cast 19th-century French Empire-style mantel clock in patinated and gilt bronze, notable for its sculptural presence and refined neoclassical detailing. The circular dial fe...
Bronze
Picture Frame Holder pocket Sterling Silver Enamel 3 Photographs
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
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...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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...
Bronze
19th Century Tribute Box to Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
A very beautiful rectangular box made of fine porcelain, decorated in the imperial style of the First Empire. The decoration, dominated by green and gold tones, illustrates the refin...
Porcelain
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Bronze
Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French empire style gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century. A pair of fine French Empire-style gilt bronze candleholders. A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet. These antique candleholders...
Bronze
Beautiful Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire Appliques from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful and rare pair of gilt bronze Empire Appliques. Made in France during the 1820s. Some wear on the gilding exists, but also carries a beutif...
Gold Plate, Bronze
Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg Purple Red enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Purple Red enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Purple Red...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere
Located in Münster, DE
Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-Franço...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair Golden Antique Paris Porcelain Vases with Paris Porcelain Centerpiece
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this elegant three-part group of Paris Porcelain in the Empire style crafted circa 1840. Dimensions of the basket: 13.75" long x 7.5" wide x 10.75" tall. The basket is 4.75" deep. Dimensions of the vases: 12.5" tall x 6" across the handles x 4" deep Condition: Very Good, to Excellent with some touches of gilt invisibly restored on the basket. Price for the set of three Paris Porcelain pieces: $2,300 The centerpiece is an oval-shaped pierced basket, lavishly gilded with delicate latticework. The golden Empire style lends an air of grandeur to the design, while the intricate latticework adds a sense of delicacy and allows light to play through. The white line across the top of the base further enhances the richness of the gold, creating a touch of intensity. The long rectangular base harmonizes beautifully with the oval shape, creating a visually balanced composition. With dimensions of 13.75" long x 7.5" wide x 10.75" tall and a depth of 4.75", this basket is perfect as a centerpiece for a formal dining room table...
Porcelain
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...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Three-Light Candelabra ca. 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE THREE-LIGHT CANDELABRA Paris, France ca. 1815-35 raised on antico verde marble plinths 25 1/2" H x 9" W x 4 1/2" D A very finely chiseled ...
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 55cm, width 43cm, depth 13cm This fine Empire period mantel clock is wro...
Bronze, Ormolu
Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century An exquisite late Empire miniature piece, crafted in central Paris around 1850. Made of fine mahogany (Swietenia maho...
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt, Patinated, and Burnished Bronze & Brass Candlesticks, circa 1920 Elegant pair of French Empire style candlesticks, crafted from a harmonious co...
Bronze, Brass
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.
Marble
French Empire Bronze Napoleon Bust
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style small bronze bust of Napoleon on bronze square shaped pedestal base (signed DUBRAND) (19th Cent.)
Bronze
Neoclassical Coffee Samovar Urn
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical Coffee Samovar Urn. Antique English dark patinated metal urn-form samovar for tea or coffee in the neoclassical taste featuring a classic urn form body with a sphinx kno...
Metal
Coppia di Vasi Impero Italiani Intagliati Dorati e Laccati in Color Avorio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Coppia di Vasi Impero, due vasi con manici stilizzati, vasi portapalme in legno intagliato a motivi fitomorfi di gusto Impero e decorati con una finitura in lacca avorio e oro fino. ...
Wood
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions. Item feature bulbous open planter form, paw feet,...
Stone
Empire Paris porcelain vases - early 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine antique pair of Paris porcelain vases, early 19th century high-end French production circa 1830 (Empire style, Restauration period). Fully decorated model : polychromatic hand...
Porcelain
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted. Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat, green uniform with medals, draped with a coat. On the...
Porcelain
Mid Century Cut Crystal & Metal Delphin Dolphin Centerpiece Compote Bowls 10"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of rare mid 20th century French Empire / Neoclassical compote bowls featuring cast metal pedestal bases in the shape of delphins / dolphins / fish, painted in off white, balanci...
Crystal, Metal
Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Bronze Vases, French or German
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A rare and decorative pair of early 19th century Empire gilt and patinated bronze vases of campana form on a stepped square marble base. The everted egg-and-dart rim above a finely chased frieze depicting putti playing music. This or a similar pair of vases belonged to the collection of the Queen Louise of Prussia...
Marble, Bronze
$11,195Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Early 19th century French Empire period gilt bronze figural clock. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
$1,424Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair, French Empire Gilt Bronze Crane Motif Candlesticks Circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, circa 1815. This exquisite pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, crafted circa 1815, embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Each candlestick feat...
Bronze
French Empire Bronze Sphinx Mantel Clock
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore mantel clock with claw feet and a sphinx on top. (Related item: 032442) (Not working)
Bronze
French Empire Bronze Marble Figural Clock, c. 1830
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Verde Antico Marble Figural Clock, circa 1830, the clock surmounted with seated figures of Apollo and Diana, each holding a torch, the clock w...
Marble, Bronze
$3,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Belgian Empire Gilt Metal Three-Piece Garniture Clock Candelabras Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Belle Epoque Belgian Empire style Gilt Metal Three-Piece candelabras and Clock Garniture set with Asian inspiration. They measures 11" in width,...
Brass
19th Century Gold French Empire Gilded Bronze Table Clock, Antique Pendulum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Metal, Bronze