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.
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Desk, Refinished
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome French Empire desk made of mahogany that has been recently refinished to preserve the beautiful color and grain of the wood. The top surface is a gold-tooled leather in a ...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Wall Sconces, circa 1810–1820
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Wall Sconces, circa 1810–1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: each circa: 20 x 10 x 14 cm This exceptional pair of French Empire wall sconces was created circa ...
Ormolu
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s. One retains its original foil Maitland S...
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Empire Swan Neck Mahogany Daybed, Paris
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant early 19th-century French Empire daybed sourced from Paris, France. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features the iconic swan-neck ends with finely carved heads, floral ros...
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Bookcase, Adjustable Shelving
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period bookcase is constructed of solid mahogany and features bronze detailing of laurels, and palmettes. The bookshelf is divided into th...
Bronze
19th C French Yellow Toleware Tiered Tray Table Stand Chinoiserie Pastoral Scene
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique 19th-century French Empire toleware tier table, also classified as a table à ouvrage, chiffonière or gueridon, is a stunning example of late Louis XVI or Directoire revi...
Metal
Table Clock with Glass Dome, 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Shaped case in gilded bronze topped with a musician putto and a tiger, white enamel dial with Roman numerals and black hour markers, long pendulum extending from the top and key-woun...
Bronze, Enamel
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Antique Serving Dish, French, Cut Glass, Ormolu, Bowl, Empire Taste, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique serving dish. A French, cut glass and ormolu presentation centrepiece or fruit bowl in the Empire manner, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Wonderf...
Ormolu
Dutch 19th Century Octagonal Ebonized & Burl Maple Center Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Dutch, 19th century Empire-style octagonal center table that features ebonized detail around burled maple surface. The expansive table top is near-seamlessly matched for continuity w...
Brass
$13,915Sale Price|20% Off
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 19th Century Empire Bleached Chestnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
French 19th-century Empire commode crafted in bleached chestnut, featuring three spacious drawers, elegant columnar sides, brass pulls, and decorative escutcheons. Its warm, naturall...
Bronze
$7,649
Cabinet originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
A period provincial 19th Century Swedish Empire Cabinet. Painted decorative doors opening to useful storage,below two further doors opening to more storage. The cabinet is original p...
Pine
Petite Walnut Commode, Empire Style, Brass Hardware, France, 1840
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite walnut commode from circa 1840 France, it is a multipurpose storage piece scaled down to use practically anywhere around the home. Transitional in style, the silhouette alig...
Brass
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...
Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Chandelier, Bronze with Gilt Finish, Swan Heads, France, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century French Empire style chandelier with swan’s heads and starts on globe.
Bronze
French Chandelier Ceiling Pendant Lustre Bronze & Glass Empire Style circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Bronze chandelier with granita glass. Made in France circa 1890, beautifully ornemented in the style of the Napoleon the 1st Empire. One central light recovered of a glass and six l...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Wonderful Pair Vaughan Empire Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Empire Style Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces / Wall Lamps With Pleated Shades.
Nickel, Bronze
19th Century French Hand-Carved Marble Column Pedestal, Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous late 19th century carved marble display pedestal from France, to elevate precious artwork, décor, or greenery in your interior. Geometric elements distinguish the capital ...
Marble
Spanish Empire Rectangular Mirror in Gold Leaf Giltwood and Beveled Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Rectangular Empire Style Beveled Mirror in Giltwood Late 19th century-1930s. Large size. This stunning rectangular wall mirror / console mirror was hand-crafted in carved wo...
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Round Table in Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present an elegant antique Italian round table dating back to the early 19th century. The table features the typical characteristics of the Empire period, when large, smooth woode...
Walnut
Antique Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Turned Legs and Brown Upholstery, 1830s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Empire sofa from the 1830s, crafted in mahogany with turned legs and brown upholstery. The sofa has a classic period appearance and measures 193 cm in width. — Period: 1830s...
Mahogany
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...
Marble, Bronze
Swedish 19th Century Empire Oval Center Table, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Swedish Empire oval center table, circa 1830, distinguished by its bold architectural form and richly carved pedestal base. Crafted during the first half of the 19th centu...
Wood
A Pair of Empire Style Sterling Silver Three Arm Candelabras
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of Empire-style removable arms, weighted sterling silver three-arm candelabras by Gorham. Nice patina to the silver, dating to the 1930's.
Sterling Silver
Pair of 19th Century Italian Empire Side Chairs, Two Pair Available
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th-century Italian Empire side chairs featuring carved foliage back with central ebonized medallion and elegantly curved legs. Two pairs available, sold in pairs.
Upholstery, Wood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Mahogany
Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of six French Empire-style side dining chairs, each featuring a remarkable carved swan neck decorative motif. The chairs are constructed from radiant mahogany with arc...
Fabric, Damask, Mahogany
American Empire Tiger Maple & Birdseye Maple Chest of Drawers
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
An exceptional American Empire chest of drawers showcasing richly figured tiger maple beautifully contrasted with striking birdseye maple veneers. Dating to the 19th century, this ti...
Birdseye Maple
$4,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Antique Empire Tile Top Table with Dutch Tiles Denmark 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or perhaps Swedish empire tile top table with dutch tiles and 1 drawer. It's made in the 19th century period by a skilled carpenter of soli...
Ceramic, Wood
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
$2,824Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer this elegant antique chest of drawers from the early 19th century. Its features are typical of the Empire period: imposing and linear, free of excessive ornamentation, yet w...
Walnut
19th Century French Empire Chest of Drawers with Special Key, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Small Empire chest of drawers with special key France Walnut first half of 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 92 x 98 x 51 cm Description: French Empire chest of drawers with rou...
Walnut
$25,385Sale Price / item|20% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Big Large Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Robert Abbey Templeton Bronze Trophy Urn Table Lamp Empire Shade Light
By Robert Abbey
Located in Dayton, OH
Templeton 7102G urn table lamp, way buddha bronze with golden beige cast metal empire shade with matching soutache - Robert Abbey Measures: 10.5” x 24...
Bronze
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Brass
French Empire Armoire, Walnut & Steel, Hand-Carved, Circa 1820, France
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive French Empire-style armoire from the early 1800s. The pronounced cornice makes a statement above the pair of paneled and carved doors all crafted of solid, book-matched...
Steel, Brass
19th-Century Empire French Solid Silver Coffee Pot or Ewer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined French Empire period coffee pot, or ewer, dates from the early years of the 19th-century and is crafted in solid silver. The elegant silhouette, balanced proportions and...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian Column Six Light Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian column six light chandelier Priced each Additional information: Materials: Lights Color: Black Pe...
Metal
$7,992Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century Empire Dutch Bombe Solid Oak Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
An elegant Dutch cabinet or cupboard that was made in The Netherlands, circa 1820s. It was completely made in the best quality fine European oak. It has a bombe base ending on claw and ball feet. The base houses 4 drawers each with the original brass key plates and drawer pulls. All drawers are equipped with working locks with a key. The upper cabinet has two elegant doors with beautiful recessed panels. Behind the doors, there are three drawers situated at the bottom, above a shelf with two cutlery drawers underneath. The doors can be opened 180 degrees due to the ingenious hinges. The cabinet has a concave and convex molded cornice with a central hand carved pediment The pediment shows scrolls and acanthus and would have showcased the largest piece of the “Kaststel”. The corniche has three flat areas that were meant to support a set of Chinese porcelain or delft earth ware...
Brass
Early 20th Century Chandelier, Gilded Bronze and Green Lacquered Metal 20 Bulbs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are pleased to offer you this elegant and rich chandelier dating back to the early decades of the 20th century, featuring 20 light bulbs. This chandelier features a design inspir...
Metal, Bronze
19th C. Kirk & Son "Repoussé" 117-Piece Sterling Silver Flat Service, 111.8 Oz
By Kirk & Son
Located in Germantown, MD
A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Ebonized Italian Empire Style Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonized Italian Empire style side chair featuring brass ormolu, claw feet, and a lattice-work back. This piece has a newly upholstered feather down seat cushion. 20" Seat height inc...
Brass, Ormolu
Large French Empire bed with brass mounts
Located in London, GB
An elegant large Empire bed with bronze mounts. Shown with bed base and mattress but sold as the frame alone. In good original condition with minor damage.
Fruitwood
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
French Blue Painted Bedside Nightstand End Table with Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This classically styled side table features three drawers with original brass hardware. The table has been hand painted in a Gustavian shade of blue and has been constructed from sol...
Brass
Pedal Harp with Figural Decoration, circa 1780
Located in Greding, DE
Pedal harp with a gilt capital-form head and column, resting on a base with a ribbed frieze and lion-paw feet. The soundboard of the otherwise black lacquered body is decorated with...
Other
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Iron & Inlaid Stone Round Center Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching handmade Breakfast, Centre or Foyer table by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. Features a rounded top with inlaid and tessellated stone in the shape of shells and tulips. ...
Stone, Iron
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1830s French Empire Walnut Chest with Four Drawers and Gilded Edges, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
1830s French Empire walnut chest with four drawers and gilded edges Beautiful wooden root.
Bronze
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space. Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience. Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size. Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Brass, Wire
Antique French Empire style Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in Aachen, NRW
A striking and highly decorative French Empire–style chandelier featuring 12 elegantly sculpted bronze swan arms. The central body is finished in deep black, beautifully contrasted b...
Bronze
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 36 Piece Set Champagne, Wine, Water, Liqueur Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...
Crystal
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, ...
Fur
$952Sale Price|29% Off
Louis XVI-Style Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase by Boin-Taburet, c. 1900
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A classic and opulent crystal and gilt bronze Louis XVI-style vase, its goblet-shaped heavy crystal bowl diamond cut and fluted to refract the light...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Circa 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of French Empire candlesticks in gilt and patinated bronze. Slender, gently tapering fluted stems with gilt bronze mounts to the top and bottom, decorated with acanthus leave...
Bronze
Pair French Empire Mahogany Gilt Consoles Jean-Jacques Werner Palais Eynard 1820
Located in Epfach, DE
A rare and exceptionally well-documented pair of French Empire console tables, attributed to the celebrated Paris ébéniste Jean-Jacques Werner (Geneva 1791–1853 Paris), originating from the celebrated Palais Eynard in Geneva. Executed in flame mahogany veneered over an oak carcass, each console is fitted with a black marble top above a frieze centered by a finely chased and fire-gilt bronze mount of palmettes, a rosette, and scrolling acanthus foliage. The scrolled legs, headed by gilt-bronze acanthus capitals, terminate in bold lion's-paw feet, while the back is fitted with star-studded gilt-bronze-framed mirror plates — a hallmark of the finest Empire console design. The pair survives in exceptional original, untouched condition. Provenance: Palais Eynard, Geneva Commissioned for the Palais Eynard, built 1817–1821 for the financier and philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard (Lyon 1775–1863 Geneva), one of the most celebrated private residences of early 19th-century Geneva. Eynard, who made his fortune as financial advisor to the Queen of Etruria and to Grand Duchess Elisa Bacciocchi (sister of Napoleon), returned to Geneva in 1810 and later attended the Congress of Vienna alongside Charles Pictet-Rochemont. An admirer of Italian palazzo architecture...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Period Fire-Gilt Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional pair of French Empire period candlesticks executed in finely chased fire-gilt ormolu and contrasting dark patinated bronze, dating to the early 19th century. Each cand...
Bronze, Ormolu
true pair of French 19th century patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Eagles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and stately true pair of French 19th century patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Black Belgian marble statues of eagles. This wonderful pair are raised by a square patinated B...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th century large oval gold and silver leaf gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a large antique oval mirror that was made in France in the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860. The mirror is decorated with beautiful ornaments with rich sy...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf