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
Carved Italian Giltwood Three-Arm Sconce by Randy Esada Designs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Carved Italian giltwood three-arm sconce by Randy Esada Designs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of French Empire Period Giltwood Eagle Sconces, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of giltwood sconces dates to circa 1815, at the end of the period of French history when Napoleon was the emperor, known as the Empire Style. As Napoleon envisioned himself...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Wall Light Sconces in Gilt Bronze, Set 2, Empire Style, France, 1930s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Antique Paired wall sconces in beautiful gilt bronze from the French manufacturer, 1930s.
These two arm bronze candlestick wall sconces feature foliate designs.
The Empire style is...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th century French Pair of Brass and Glass Coach Lanterns
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful and large pair of 19th century coachman's lanterns in brass and sheet metal.
Hexagonal shape in glass and brass. Topped with an eagle with outstretched wings in Empire styl...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency sytyle
By OTHR
Located in Zemst, BE
2 wall sconces in brass and glass
Peacock form
Wonderful condition.
Original wiring, that's still ok: ready for use.
Place of origin: Spain
No manufacturer known
Period: mid 1970...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Vintage Sconces Two Wall Lights Gold Bronze Crystal Drops Beads, France, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage sconces bronze with gilding, crystal from France, mid-20th century, each with two lamps, very beautiful and festive!
The crystal droplets are stunning, different shapes and...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920 Empire Bronze Swam Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze French Empire sconces with swam head holding a ring with 3 lights
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of 1920's Empire Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Fairfax, VA
Pair of 1920's swan arms empire style double arm bronze with black lacquer wall sconces.
Professionally rewired and ready for installation.
Bac plate measurement: height 10.25" width...
Category
1920s 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 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
Vintage Wall Sconces Louis XVI Style By Massive, Belgium Pair Of Bronze Light
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Paired wall sconces in beautiful bronze from the Massive, Belgian manufacturer.
Set of Wall Lighting lamps in Louis XVI Style with 2 horns on each.
Very noble and sensual! ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Antique Gilt Bronze Empire Style Wall Sconces With Swan Support
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Exceptional pair of French Bronze Swan form wall sconces Large tall and heavy bronze sconces. The backs in the form of arrows at the bottom with bow wrapped shafts above and palmette...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Vintage French Maison Jansen Brass and Crystal Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light.
This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen of Paris, a renowned interior design firm...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Vintage French Maison Jansen of Paris Brass and Crystal Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light.
This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen, a renowned Parisian interior design firm...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Large French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Wall Sconce, 1920-1929
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A precious Empire Style solid Gilt Bronze two-light wall sconce, 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
A Pair of French Empire-Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French empire style gilt bronze wall sconces with neoclassical details having antique etched glass hurricane shades. Circa 1980
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Wall Sconces Paired Crystal & Brass French Empire Lighting, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Magnificent vintage crystal lamps in the Empire style, a charming classic from France, 1970s.
Hand crafted heavy crystal pendants with gilt bras...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Beautiful pair of 1940's French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Fench 1920's Bronze Empire Wall Sconces, 3 Available
Located in Fairfax, VA
Three arm bronze and black lacquer on bronze wall sconces.
Professionally rewired and ready for installation.
Price per item 3 available.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century French Empire sconces with cherubs body, two lights. originally for candles, newly rewired for US
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
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
Elegant pair of French turn of the century woos sconces ( Empire style )
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of French wood sconces, Empire style, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood
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
Elegant pair of French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of 1940's French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
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
Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style
Located in Benington, Herts
Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style, two pairs are available.
Italian - Circa 1880
These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ormolu
Fine Set of Four of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire
Located in Benington, Herts
Fine Set of Four of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style.
Italian - Circa 1880
These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched arrows with lion ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ormolu
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
1920s Italian Empire Style Brass & Crystal Wall Sconces - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of enchanting sconces, circa the 1920s. These Empire-style sconces exude an aura of class and elegance, transporting any room to a time of timele...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair Signed Antique E.F. Caldwell Empire Gilt Bronze High Detail Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning and Rare Pair Antique c1890's Fire Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Signed by E.F. Caldwell. Please look closely at pictures as these sconces are beautiful beyond words. Originally ...
Category
1890s North American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
An Outstanding 1950's Italian Cross Sword and Gilt Rope Tassel Wall Light
Located in Hastings, GB
An extremely rare and incredibly ornate Italian wall light, dating to the 1950's, in the empire style and modeled as a pair of crossed swords, in gilt and silver gilt, decorated with...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
By Palwa
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 American Gilt-Bronze Three Light Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gorgeous twisted cornucopia sconces by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Three scrolling cornucopia supports joined by a scroll form rose with tudor rose style on and off switch, hard...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Wall Sconces attributed to Caldwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Bronze & Crystal Wall Sconces, each having a pierced anthemion backplates, demi lume corona with three lights above a band of square and kite shaped prisms & steel liner. US...
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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 Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful brass wall lights with crystal glass beads. Manufactured in the 1960s in Europe, Spain.
The lights are in the shape of a peacock. With crystal beads between the b...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Early 1900's French Antique Empire style Crystal Bag & Tent form Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1920's French Antique Empire style Cut Cascading Crystal Wall Lamp/ Sconce. This is a beautiful antique piece.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
c1920's Empire style/ Regency Cascading Cut Crystal & Bronze Bag & Tent Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
What makes this pair of cascading crystal different? These are authentic 1920's. Pair of 1920's Cut Crystal Bag and Tent / Empire style Wall Sconces. Bronze framed. All intact and or...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
Pr. 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze "Lions Head" Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Very highly detailed and ultra high quality. French Estate.
Category
1890s French Antique 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
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
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
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 Brass or Bronze 3 Light Sconces
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-cast and stylish pair of French brass or bronze 3 light wall sconces in the Empire style, each with a central female figure garbed in classical clothing and holding 2 candle b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Gold Leaf
1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920's Caldwell Empire style bronze double light sconces
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Period First Empire Patinated Bronze and Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
Magnificent pair of French 19th century Period First Empire round patinated bronze and bronze three light sconces with bronze candle cups of acanthus leaves, adorned with feathers, b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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 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
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900 French Empire Sconces With Swams
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Brass Empire Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire sconce of classic French design. Perfect for that small space that needs a little extra light. Cleaned and US wired using UL listed parts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930’s French Empire Style Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French empire style sconces with swan atop and on arms
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light
Category
Late 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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