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.
Early 19th Century Oval French Brass Cooler For Champagne Glasses or Jardiniere
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fabulous brass wine or champagne glass cooler from France. This bowl has great, charming and unbeatable patina and wear. Impressive piece with both form and function standing alone o...
Metal, Brass
Silver-Plated Empire Style Champagne Stand, 20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Silver-Plated Empire Style Champagne Stand, 20th Century An elegant silver-plated champagne stand in the Empire style, crafted during the 20th century. Raised on a circular engine-t...
Silver Plate
$2,049 / set
H 9.85 in W 21.26 in D 2.37 in
Vintage Silver Plated Caviar & Champagne Cooler 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous Vintage silver plated caviar and champagne / vodka cooler set. It comprises four glass caviar dishes and silver plated covers, a champagne/wine cooler in the centr...
Silver Plate
20th Century Champagne Bucket
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
20th century French champagne / wine bucket with ring handles. Internal reference: C Code: 8731 Dimensions: H: 8" (20.3 cm) Di: 10" (25.4 cm)
Aluminum
An English Silverplate Champagne Cooler, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An English Silverplate Champagne Cooler, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The stepped circular base to cylindrical body with rising curved...
Silver Plate
19th Century Mahogany And Brass Wine Cooler
Located in Copenhagen, K
19th Century Wine Cooler In Mahogany And Brass Very nice mahogany wine cooler with brass insert.
Brass
Vintage Nickel-Plated Champagne Cooler Ice Bucket 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous vintage nickelplated champagne cooler dating from the late 20th century. It is engraved Cuvee De Prestige Champagne Du Louvois boldly on to the side. The cooler...
Nickel
$1,850
H 10.25 in W 13.5 in D 10 in
Late 19th c Lightly Hammered Copper and Cast Brass Wine Cooler or Jardinière
Located in valatie, NY
Late 19th c Lightly Hammered Copper and Cast Brass Wine Cooler or Jardinière. The top banded with brass molding with studded brass rivets. the sides with 2 cast brass pendant handles...
Brass, Copper
$6,948Sale Price / item|48% Off
H 11.62 in W 16.54 in D 9.06 in
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Champagne Bucket
By Mario Vallè
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large champagne bucket in 800 solid silver. Completely handmade, it was made by hammering a silver plate and giving it the shape of a 2-seater champagne bucket, The upper barrel was ...
Silver
19th Century Silver Plated Medicis Champagne Bucket or Wine Cooler
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant champagne bucket, dating from the Napoleon III period (circa 1870), is crafted in the refined Médicis form, a timeless silhouette inspired by classical antiquity and hig...
Silver Plate, Silver Leaf
Wine Cooler English 19th Century England
Located in New York, NY
Wine Cooler English 19th Century England. An English early 19th century wine cooler made in mahogany with a brass insert. Gilt bronze handles and...
Champagne Cooler with Brass Fittings, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Champagne cooler with brass gallery rail and wooden case with fluted pilasters and round profiled base. The cylindrical insert is in polished brass.
Brass
$2,200
H 8.75 in W 13.5 in D 8.5 in
Early 20th Century French Moët & Chandon Pewter Two-Bottle Champagne Cooler
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French champagne cooler, crafted in pewter with a soft silvered finish circa 1920, was designed for both function and presentation, perfectly sized to chill two bottles....
Pewter
Pair of Vintage Italian Brass Wine or Champagne Coolers
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Vintage Italian Brass Wine Or Champagne Coolers. This pair of Italian brass wine or champagne coolers, ice buckets or urns with hammered brass handles in the manner of Egidio...
Brass
20th Century Silver Plate Regency Champagne Bucket, French Design
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th century collector’s champagne bucket was sourced from France and is worked in silver plate, its surface finished in a bright silver tone. The collector’s champagne bucket i...
Silver Plate
$1,190
H 11.42 in Dm 8.67 in
Napoleon III Silver-Plated Medici Champagne & Wine Cooler, France 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French silver-plated metal wine or champagne cooler of classical Medici form, dating from the Napoleon III period in the second half of the 19th century. Beautifully prop...
Metal, Silver Plate
19th Century English Mahogany Champagne Cooler with Copper Liner
Located in Kastrup, DK
English champagne cooler in mahogany in the Queen Anne style, dating from the Victorian period. The cooler stands on four elegant cabriole legs and has a shaped apron, emphasizing i...
Brass, Copper
19th Century French Second Empire Pair Wine Coolers
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century French Second Empire Pair Wine Coolers Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear see detailed photos or message us wit...
Ceramic
Mid 20th Century Rounded Silver Plated Champagne Wine Bowl Cooler
Located in IT
Large silver-plated champagne or wine cooler with lion heads and rings as handles. The cooler is large so that multiple bottles can be cooled at the same time. Probably from France...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 9.26 in W 11.62 in D 7.09 in
Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice decanter is made of silver plated bronze and brass with claw feet. It needs a few Restorations. French, circa 1900.
Bronze
Painted Tinplate Wine Cooler, 19th Century
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A painted tinplate wine cooler/planter, 19th century.
Metal
French Tole Grape Basket with Vinyard Crest
Located in Essex, MA
Red painted with the Rully family crest.
Empire Occasional Commode
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Empire occasional commode now converted with wine rack inside, first half of the 19th century. The alteration to accommodate the wine rack is mid to late 20th century.
Brass
Antique French Empire Wine Rack
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Empire Cabinet converted into a wine rack Circa 1880s
Mahogany