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
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
French Empire style pair of gilt bronze sconces with 5 lights. A classic pair in the colors of gold and black. Very nice!.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$4,180 / set
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
$3,180 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair French Two-Arm Empire-Style Bronze Sconces with Urn and Swag Detail
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful pair of Empire-style bronze sconces from France, circa 1910. Features an urn with swag motif with a beautiful patina and excellent detailed casting. Newly wired in the US ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Two Light Wall Sconces
Located in Montreal, QC
This attractive pair in the Empire style, with palmette decorated backplates and stylised sconces are centered on black circular panels with gilt raised ornament.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Italy 1970 Pair Post-Modern Brass Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of 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 ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
$3,464 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Niermann Weeks Empire Style Large Crystals and Metal Wall Sconce or Lantern
Located in Plainview, NY
An elegant iron and crystal wall sconce or lantern by Niermann Weeks. The sconce is made of solid metal and crystals in a timeless Empire style fashion. The sconce features a plume c...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Iron
$2,560 Sale Price
32% Off
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
$4,400 / set
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
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
$24,500 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Pair of Fine Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Four-Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of fine antique French Empire gilt and patinated bronze four-light neoclassical wall sconces embellished with figural masks.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
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
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
1930's French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1930 French Empire style sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$2,800 / set
1930s French Empire Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s French empire gilt metal 3 lights sconces with swans head, original gilding and patina
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$4,200 / set
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
$6,800 / set
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
$3,460 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$2,864 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Wall Sconces, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire gold bronze wall sconces, circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell Empire style sconces with arrow design
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1930's French Empire Sconces with Lion's Head
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with lion's head and crystal hangings
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s French Empire Sconces with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large French empire style sconces with 3 lights
Category
1920s French Vintage 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
1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass Porcelain Wall Lights with Lampshades
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamourous 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
$2,020 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$4,800 / set
Wonderful Pair of French Large Bronze Empire Regency Lady Figural Tassel Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French doré bronze Regency neoclassical lady figural three-light Empire large tassel wall sconces these sconces have completely...
Category
1910s European Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930's French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with Ram's heads.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
Two French Empire, Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces, circa 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
Two, exceptional pairs of 19th century 3-arm gas sconces featuring Horn-shaped arms ornamented with anthemions and terminating in urn form candle cups with swags. Sconce body depicts...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920's French Empire Black Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1920's empire style sconces with Blackmoore putti.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
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
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
$13,205 / set
Cast Bronze Empire Style Wall Sconces with Opal White Glass Globes, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AEX0397
A pair of large antique empire style cast bronze column form exterior wall sconces with fluting, reeding, and foliate details. Each fixture is finished with a large opal whit...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze, Brass
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
$1,732 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$471 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Two Empire wall sconces. Bronze, Glass, France, circa 1900
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of appliques. Bronze, glass. Empire style, France, circa 1900.
Both are practically the same, each wall light has three points of light and a decoration and lines that respond...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze, Other
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 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 Empire-style apliques in burnished and gilded bronze
Located in Milano, IT
Two gold-leafed and darkened Empire apliques, from whose circular base the three arms emerge. They are not signed but considering the quality they are certainly by a good foundry cra...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency style
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
Pair of Second Empire Heavy 2 Light Bronze Sconces Wall Lights Late 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of second Empire heavy 2 light solid polished bronze dore sconces, light fixture, wall lamps from the late 19th century.
Depict face motif in the middle a...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$4,830 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Large Pair, Empire Style Sconces, 18-Karat Gold Plate, 3 Lights, Black Shaft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Larger pair of Empire Looking style sconces They are of hi-quality lost wax Bronze castings with fine detailing . With polished 18-karat gold plated finish in Antique. Center sha...
Category
1990s American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Pair of French Empire Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th century) bronze wall sconces with 5 arms, swan tops and a double ball design (Priced as pair).
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair Of French Empire Revival Bronze Two Light Wall Sconce
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Empire Revival wall sconce with a torch like design having two scroll form arms and flame finial top (PRICED AS PAIR )
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
French Empire Bronze Doré Wall Sconce
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style 19th century bronze doré wall sconce with lion head on back plate and 3 griffin arms.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Neoclassical Empire Bronze Figural 5-Arm Regency Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French neoclassical / empire bronze figural masks, 5-arm regency wall sconces.
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Sconces with Exceptional Casting
Located in Charleston, SC
A large pair of exceptionally well cast 19th century French Empire bronze doré sconces, circa 1810, featuring quiver base with three candle arms, finely detailed eagle heads, foliate...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Painted and Gilt Metal Sconce
Located in London, GB
Empire style painted and gilt metal sconce
French, 20th century
measures: Height 34cm, width 26cm, depth 17cm
This elegant sconce is crafted in the Empire style. The sconce feat...
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Pair of E. F. Caldwell Empire Style Silvered Bronze Three-Light Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This quality pair of neoclassical style sconces are finely detailed, and feature lion heads, rosettes and acanthus leaves.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style bronze 5-arm wall sconces with swan top and double ball design (19th century).
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$9,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Gilt Wood and Lacquer Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th Century) giltwood and black lacquer wall sconces with four arms and figural winged ladies (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Empire Style Ebonized and Gilt Four-Arm Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style ebonized and gilt four-arm wall sconces with flame top (20th century).
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Giltwood
Wall Sconces Pair Empire Style
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A PAIR OF VINTAGE, EMPIRE STYLE, GILDED & BLACK METAL WALL SCONCES, WITH TWO ARMS
- Striking, simple form accentuated by the contrast betwe...
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
$2,780 / set
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 Gilt Bronze Sconces Empire Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of gilt bronze sconces Empire style.
Swans and fantastic animals design.
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$2,887 / set
Pair of Italian Empire Style Brass Scones or Wall Lights 1970
Located in Rome, IT
with Three stylized, full horn-formed, finely chiselled light arms centered by a lion mask.
Perfect condition , three E14 light bulbs.
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
$2,598 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Empire Style Wall Lights
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very nice pair of chiseled bronze wall lights with very beautiful Empire style gilding from the beginning of the 20th century
Circular hook with lion mask holding in its mouth a f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
$1,443 / set
Pair of Bronze Splendor Wall Appliqués / Sconces, Paris, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of bronze splendor wall appliqués / sconces, Paris, 19th century
Fire gilded bronze. Five-flame frame for candles with rocaille and rosettes in relief. Colorless glass prism ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, 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.