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Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

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
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Wall Sconce
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A precious gilt bronze two-light wall sconce in the Empire style, France, 1920-1929. Finely elaborate with hand chiseled details. Typical design of French Empire period due to its rich ornamentation with faces and acanthus leaf motifs. The bottom is characterized by a man head supporting a pedestal with the lamp-arms. Two scroll light...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Arrow Wall Sconces Lamp Featuring Goddess Ceres
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces effortlessly blends classical grandeur with subtle Art Deco influences, making them a rare and elegant addition to any in...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Mid-20th Century Italian Pair of Cast Metal 2-Light Wall Sconces by Palladio
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century pair of cast metal 2-light wall sconces, Italian by Palladio. Never electrified. Empire style. Bird head scrolled arms to fluted candleholder, while arrows in a quiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabras Sconces
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of 19th-Century French Empire gilded bronze three arm light wall sconces, circa 1850-1870. These beautiful sconces have a lovely gilt patina with foliate and floral d...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Massive Patinated and Gilt Bronze 5-Light Sconces, Wall Appliques
Located in Germantown, MD
A Massive Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Five-Light Wall Appliques or Sconces, 20th Century, in the style of E.F. Caldwell. This pair is large and features a patinated putti form ...
Category

20th Century American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Bronze

1920’s French Empire Small Chandelier 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Unusual 3 lights. Green color
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, Late 19th Century Provenance: ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Italian Bronze and Cammeo Appliques from the 1800s
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of bronze appliques made in the 1800s, each of which has a pair of original hand-sculpted cameos with different scenes / views Both lights come with wiring and wiring, which ...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Brass Empire Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire brass sconce of classic French design. Perfect for a small space that needs some extra light and still looks sophisticated w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Ormolu Caduceus Wall Appliques, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Empire gilt bronze ormolu wall appliques of arms holding Caduceus staffs, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, metal, cord, ormolu Technique: cast,...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Ormolu

Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of circa 1900 French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces showcases the mythological figure Acantha, a nymph beloved by the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo transformed ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Fine Pair French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Superb pair of antique French Empire period gilt bronze figural three light sconces Circa 1830 Striking figural sconces originally created for use with oil, now electified. This beau...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

French Crystal Rare Oval Prisms Bronze Empire Sconces, circa 1850
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing two lights each, will be newly rewired with certified UL US socket for the USA and certified socket for other countries and ready to hang. Bronze with great detail and patina...
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of Wall Sconces Bronze Empire Style, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Solid brass or brass wall lamp Empire style with two arms. This wall sconces Empire style white rigid appearance, solid and basic geometric shapes. Decorated with acanthus leaves ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Stunning Russian Empire Period Ormolu Wall Sconces , ca. 1820s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A stunning pair of Russian empire period ormolu wall candelabras , ca. 1800s-1830s.       
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconces, Early 20th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
A pair of French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces. These beautiful wall lights are richly decorated with bronze details like flowers, leaves, swans, and griffin heads. Each sconce ha...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19thc French Empire Carved and Gilt Wood Wall Sconces - Unelectrified
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Empire Carved Wood Wall Sconces. Highly detailed, beautifully carved. French estate.
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wood

A Pair Of Very Large Gilt French Torchiere Hand Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
A pair of huge Giltwood carved torchiere wall lights with opaque glass flame shades. Converted for electric, finished very well with bronze mounted shade holders. The large torchiere...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Giltwood

Set of Four Empire Ormolu Three-Light Wall Sconces, Attributed to Ravrio
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each backplate topped with a mask of Athena surmounted by an owl and ending in a stylized bellflower and anthemion, issuing three leaf-wrapped scrolling arms. Electrified. André-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814) was a French sculptor in bronze and was made a master founder in 1777 setting up in business 1790. Although Ravrio enjoyed success during Louis XVI’s reign, he achieved far greater fame under Napoleon. He took part in the first Exposition de l’Industrie, Paris, 1803 and then won a silver medal there in 1806. The same year he supplied a number of bronze furnishings for the Empress Joséphine’s apartments in the Tuileries and in 1810 was appointed as the Emperor’s chief bronzier. In this capicity he supplied some of the finest Empire bronze pieces, girandoles, candelabras and lamps as well as ornate furniture...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze 2-Light Sconces / Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair antique (19th century) sconces in the French Empire style with gilt bronze arms decorated with masks and mahogany backplates decorated with various neoclassical motifs.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair Antique French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Tall three light electrified wall sconces with various decorative motifs top to bottom in a French inspired design. The eagle crest is perched atop clouds with an inscribed shield (t...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Double Arm Empire Brass Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite Empire brass sconce of classic French design, using two arms for candelabra-base bulbs. Perfect for a small space that needs some extra li...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, 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-chiseled details. The backplate of this sconce is a central round plate wit...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Empire Style Wall lights Laudarte Grifone
Located in London, GB
Magnificent set of four empire style wall Sconces 24 crt gilt finish Malachite inset Designed by Giovanni Maria Ma These wall lights are fully Restored and Rewired
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Other

Pair French Empire Style Arrow Horn Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Antique French Empire style brass horn and arrow motif wall sconces. Each with 2 candelabra size lights with black and gold clip on shades. Newly wired, added are 5" round ba...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs. Dimensions: Hei...
Category

1960s German Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1920s French Empire Silver Swan one light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light silver plated sconces with swan head. Available in bronze
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of 19th century Empire wall sconces made of bronze. This wall scones were originally gas lamps later transferred to electric lamps. Originates France, circa 1870.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
$2,144 Sale Price / set
28% Off
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa late 19th century French Empire sconces with eagle's heads and woman's faces. Original finish and patina, *8 available
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Pair of Gold Wall Mirrors Candle Holders
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Pair of Empire Candle Sconce Wall Mirrors featuring carved harps as well as trompets. These wall mounted candle holders make a great addition to any living room, bedroom, ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wood, Paint

Two French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two sconces have been crafted in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent...
Category

20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Wood Sconces with Eagles, Circa 1900
Located in Fayetteville, AR
At almost 18 inches in height, this pair of French Empire style gilt wood sconces from the turn of the twentieth century features opposing Napoleonic eagles holding laurels in their ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Giltwood

Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Five-Arm Gilt Bronze Wall Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (late 19th century) French empire style wall light sconces with five electrified candle arms and wiring.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French 1st Empire Dore Bronze Mtd. 5-Arm Mirrored Sconces, Att. Thomire
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Pair of French 1st Empire Period Dore bronze mounted five-arm sconces/mirrors, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire. Each mirrored sconce is of octagonal form with a b...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Figural Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A grand and finely cast pair of French Empire style ormolu and patinated bronze three-arm figural wall sconces. Each sconce centers on a striking classical maiden, beautifully render...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Cast Brass Dual Arm Wall Sconces, pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of French Empire Style casted brass wall sconces, each sconce features 2 arms each powered by 25w E12 chandelier bulb. These classic-styled scones work well in Victorian-styled ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Green Patinated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th Century French empire style double lights sconces, green patinated bronze.
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

1930's French Empire Lion and Swans Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire bronze sconces with swans and lions head backplate.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

1930s French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier w/ Drapery Swag Attrib Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Spectacular 1930's French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier. Bronze drapery swag detail. With Neoclassical elements. Attributed to Maison Bagues.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Bronze Wall Sconces Double Armed Lighting Lamp In Candelabra Style
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of empire style wall lights manufactured in the 20th century. Bronze construction. Original gilding. The sconces are decorated with ac...
Category

1970s Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Large 2nd Empire Bronze 4-Light Melusina Sconces, Pair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Second Empire Bronze sconces depicting The Melusina of European Folklore. The Mermaid with Angel Wings. A female spirit of fresh water. Detailed castings of the four winds, scaled ta...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

1930's French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930,s French Empire style wall sconces with bend glass inset from Mr..Icahn's Penthouse in NYC
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Caldwell French Empire Style Ormolu Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (late 19th Century) ormolu wall sconces with sixteen arms, and shield form back plates with crossed palm fronds surrounding a scrolling vine cast pierced ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ormolu

c1910 French Empire Gilt Metal Framed Cut Cascading Crystal Form Basket Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1910 Pair of French Empire style Gilt Metal Wall Sconces. In the cascading crystal to form tent bottom - that is this style. Bronzse framed Rair pair.
Category

1910s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal

Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Austrian Empire style 24K Gold Framed "Bag and Tent" form Wall sconces. Manufactured by Palwa. Labelled.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Glass

A pair of 1920s brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design
Located in London, GB
A pair of 1920s solid brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design, each with two fittings, rewired with new fittings and PAT tested
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Timothy Outlton, Empire Style, Wall Sconces, Steel, Crystal, 1990s
Located in Manhasset, NY
A pair of Niermann Weeks style three light crystal and metal wall lights by Timothy Oulton. Each in the Empire style with aged metal and crystal design. Part of a large collection of...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Pair French Empire Style Gilt Metal Sconces with Sunburst Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique gilt metal sconces in the French Empire style with sunburst motif, candelabra size sockets and white candle covers, modern wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of Empire Style Niermann Weeks Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of wall sconces in the Empire style with embossed gilt metal having a floral-like design, three electrified lights with beeswax candle covers...
Category

20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Victory Sconces
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very large and dramatic pair of French Empire style wall sconces in finely chased patinated and gilded bronze. A large winged Victory...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Splendid Bronze French Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Absolutely sublime top drawer bronze electried antique wall sconces having 2 lights each, and marvelous decoration including urn at the top, tassel at the bottom, acanthus leaves and...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Italy 1970 Post-Modern Brass Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Pair French Empire Neoclassical Regency Gilt Bronze Patinated Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Empire / Neoclassical / Regency Gilt Bronze Patinated Sconces
Category

20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Fine Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Four-Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of fine and elegant antique French Empire gilt and patinated bronze four-light sconces. Each sconce is composed of a vertical backplate surm...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Crystal Hoop Form Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (late 19th century) gilt bronze sconces in the French empire style, of hoop form with three inch crystal pendants and three candle holders. All pendants are brand ne...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Very Large French 19th Century Gilded Bronze Sconces
By Pierre Bureaux
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very large French 19th Century gilded bronze sconces. Last picture in situ. Empire style, three-branch wall-lights, after a model by Edme Jean Gallien (1720-1797) and Pierre ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Empire Style Wall Girdle/Wall Light after Antoine-André Ravrio
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial Empire wall girdle to Antoine-André Ravrio 1759-1814. Bronze, gilded or partly dark patinated. From acanthus of fullplastic herme / Amor adult with, holding a vase as a car...
Category

20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Impressive and Large Antique French Empire Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A large French Empire gilt and patina bronze chandelier of circular form, suspended from six elongated chains composed of alternating openwork and solid links. The corona is cast wit...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Empire wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Maison Baguès, and Niermann Weeks. 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 wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $227 and tops out at $87,500 while the average work can sell for $3,200.

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