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.
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
$4,137Sale 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
French Vintage Empire Style Gilt Bronze & Tole Flush-mount
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, 20th century Empire-style ceiling fixture of green tôle using eight candelabra lights to illuminate the stunning gilt bronze accents. The round painted metal bowl...
Bronze, Metal
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
$25,108Sale 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
Oval Empire Style Crystal Chandelier Brass Neoclassical Light Restored Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant oval crystal chandelier has been fully restored in our Berlin workshop with great care and attention to detail. The entire electrical system has been renewed to meet mo...
Crystal, Brass
Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Empire 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Originally an Empire Candelabra from the 1820s converted into a table lamp in the early 20th Century. The lampshade in black ...
Bronze
Italian Empire-Style Chandelier in Gilt Brass and Bohemian Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant 1950s Empire-style chandelier crafted in gilt brass and richly adorned with hand-cut Bohemian crystal beads. The piece features a classic basket form with a tapered upper sec...
Crystal, Brass
Antique Empire Crystal Chandelier Crystal Beads Tiered Crystal Prisms French
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Empire Chandelier with Crystal Beads and Crystal Prisms – Expertly Restored This impressive chandelier in the classic Empire style, inspired by French design from the la...
Crystal, Brass
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
Large Ormolu and Crystal Empire Style Chandelier by Edward F. Caldwell
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fabulous gilt bronze fixture is by the renowned firm of Edward F.Caldwell. It features Empire motifs including acanthus leave, foliate wreaths and pine cone finials.
Ormolu
$441Sale Price|30% Off
French Empire Style Brass Double Bouillotte Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stiffel sryle brass double bouillotte table lamp featuring a dark green shade Style: Regency/French Empire, featuring a candlestick column design on a tripartite base. Features: In...
Brass
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
$11,757Sale Price / item|30% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a captivating blend of Art Deco charm and Empire sophistication, our lead crystal chandelier is a testament to opulence and craftsmanship. Crafted in-house, we offer the flexibility of both smaller and larger sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for your space. Our team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring a seamless experience for you. Key Features: - Measures: Diameter 100 cm, Height 150 cm - Accommodates 34 x E14 bulbs This chandelier is an embodiment of refined style, fusing the allure of Art Deco aesthetics with the grandeur of Empire design. Crafted from premium lead crystal, it radiates luxury and timeless beauty. Its measurements, with a diameter of 100 cm and a height of 150 cm, ensure a commanding presence that captures attention and admiration. With 34 E14 bulb sockets, it bathes your surroundings in a luminous glow, creating an ambiance that's both inviting and sophisticated. Whether for an intimate setting or a grand hall, this chandelier offers a touch of regal elegance that complements various spaces. Its exquisite construction and lead crystal elements evoke a sense of luxury and refinement. With a commitment to exceptional quality, we offer various sizing options to suit your needs. Our experienced team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring the chandelier becomes an integral part of your space seamlessly. Experience the allure of the Art Deco era with this crystal chandelier that exudes timeless beauty and sophistication. Its Empire sac...
Crystal, Wire
Large Italian Late Empire Carved Wood and Gilt Chandelier, circa 1830–1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare and impressively large Italian Late Empire chandelier (diameter approx. 160 cm), finely carved in wood and preserved with its original gilding. The gilded surface displays a b...
Crystal
Fine Bronze and Crystal Period Empire Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite Empire chandelier, having a frame of finely chased gilt bronze, basket shape, draped in beaded crystals; floral swags connect the four external candlearms, four additional ...
Bronze
French Empire-Style Bouillotte Table Lamp with Dark Green Tôle Shade
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Exquisite 20th-century French Empire bouillotte lamp featuring gilt brass/bronze mounts, dark green metal (tôle) shade with gold trim, an...
Metal, Bronze, Brass
Elegant Crystal Empire Style Chandelier, French, Antique, 1920s
Located in Austin, TX
Antique chandelier from France made with cut crystal elements of cabochons and pendants. They are displayed on a brass structure with a stylized Art deco details and brass crown. It ...
Crystal, Brass
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Marvelous MARBRO Mid Century Polished Brass Table Lamp! Huge Showpiece Lighting
Located in Peoria, AZ
SENSATIONAL! MID CENTURY MONUMENTAL BRASS MARBRO LAMP! MID CENTURY DECORATION ICON! DUAL PULL STRING SOCKETS! POLISHED BRASS ORIGINAL SHADE & BRASS FINIAL DIMENSIONS: 40" x 21" In the forties and fifties, decorators would choose the most impressive lamp they could obtain and place it in a home's "picture window" so that all passerby and visitors could glimpse just how well the occupants lived! Picture windows started disappearing in the late sixties, but demand for monumental lighting...
Metal, Gold
Empire Style 10 Arm Chandelier in Solid Brass by Chapman Manufacturing Co C 1998
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A monumental ten-light chandelier in the Empire manner by Chapman Manufacturing Company, the preeminent American maker of traditional brass lighting. Cast and finished in solid brass...
Brass
French Empire Style Alabaster and Gilt Bronze Domed Plafonnier, 20th/21st C.
By Classic
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th C./Early 21st C., a large and imposing French Empire style plafonnier from Spain featuring a rich cream alabaster bowl suspended by three gilt-bronze supports with classica...
Stone, Alabaster, Metal, Bronze
Vintage French Empire Brass & Italian Black Marble Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Italian Black Marble & Polished Brass Column Table Lamps With Black Textured Shades - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 27.5" H (to finia...
Marble, Brass
Elegant Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s A refined pair of table lamps crafted from original early 19th-century French Empire candlesticks in bronze, now elegantly converted ...
Bronze
French Empire Brass Three-Light Bouillotte Lamp with Gilt Laurel Tôle Shade
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Elegant French Empire-style bouillotte lamp with polished brass base, three candle lights, and teal crackle-finish metal tôle shade with gilt laurel decoration. This striking bouill...
Metal, Brass
Pendant in brass with two light sockets and four candle holders, Empire style
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pendant in brass with decor leafs and mascarones. Two light sockets and four candle holders, Empire style Sweden mid1900s. Rewired EU/Swedish standard.
Brass
$590Sale Price / set|50% Off
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...
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Alabaster and Bronze Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Empire chandelier featuring a sculptural alabaster bowl and six-point illumination. A refined French Empire–style chandelier distinguished by its balanced proportions...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Montgolfièr Empire Chandelier Crystal Classic traditional Brass Glass NEW
Located in Berlin, DE
A Piece of History Recreated – Timeless Beauty, Faithfully Reborn Every now and then, you come across a piece that leaves a lasting impression. For me, it was this chandelier a stu...
Crystal, Brass
$6,675Sale Price|25% Off
Large Schoenbeck crystal chandelier empire style
Located in Houston, TX
The brilliance of the crystal makes this piece especially Beautiful with forty one interior lights that reflect a Colorful glow. It cascades from a crown at the upper Structure and ...
Crystal
Beautiful tablelamp originally a Empire Candlestick i bronze. From 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Table Lamp, originally a Empire Candlestick i Bronze from France during the 1820s. Newly rewired electricity New lampshades in black lacquer with gilding on the inside t...
Bronze
French Empire Style Table or Desk Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Unusual petite size neoclassical style table or desk lamp, dark green reservoir encircled by bronze band raised on cloven hoof tripod feet over circular marble base. Later converted ...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze "Bouillotte" Table Lamp with Swans Motifs, France 20th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A refined French Empire-style bouillotte lamp crafted in gilt bronze, distinguished by its elegant swan-form candle arms and richly engraved decorative details. Inspired by the neocl...
Bronze
$1,500 / set
Pair Of Empire Style Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Lampshade diameter 17 inches. Relatively modern nice quality in the French empire style.
Bronze
French Empire Quality Brass and Tole Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, 19th century Empire style ceiling fixture of black tôle using six candelabra lights to illuminate the stunning gold-tone accents. The round, painted metal bowl...
Metal, Bronze
$477Sale Price|30% Off
French Empire Style Triple Bouillotte Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stiffel sryle brass triple bouillotte table lamp featuring a dark green shade Style: Regency/French Empire, featuring a candlestick column design on a tripartite base. Features: In...
Brass
French Vintage Empire Style Crystal Basket Pendant Chandelier in Brass and Glass
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal basket pendant chandelier, 1970s – timeless elegance in a compact form. An elegant French vintage Empire-style crystal basket chandelier from the 1970s, ...
Metal, Brass
Pair Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Classical Empire gilt and patinated bronze lamps depicting beautiful maidens in flowing Grecian garb, balancing fine gilt bronze candle holders on their heads and standing on dark gr...
Slate, Bronze
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, 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 ...
Brass
Lamp - Cassolette - Oil lamp - Empire style - Bronze - 19th France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Magnificent late 19th century mantelpiece set, mounted as a lamp. This beautiful Athenian-style cassolette is made of chased and gilded bronze and brass with a brown patina. The cent...
Bronze, Brass
Fine 19th c. French Empire Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century French Empire bronze and crystal chandelier is a luxurious and elegant lighting fixture. The intricate combination of bronze and crystal elements exudes a sense of ...
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Griffon Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French Empire gilt bronze bouillotte lamp with three scrolled arms, interior griffon heads, telescopic tole shade with pineapple and feather finial, and resting on the original circu...
Bronze, Tôle, Tin, Wire
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Three-Tired Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal glass and brass three-tired chandelier, the 1930s. Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1930s. This lovely...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
$6,509Sale 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
19th Century French Bouillotte Lamp with Green Tole Shade
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century French Empire etched brass bouillotte lamp, originally and oil lamp that has been electrified. With three arms below a green painted adjustable tole shade, the body an...
Brass, Zinc
$25,108Sale 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, Iron, Wire
Antique Sevres Style Porcelain Hand-Painted & Gilt Mounted Urn Table Lamp
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The colorful antique hand-painted porcelain twin handled urn vase, circa 1850-1880, was later converted into a lamp and mounted onto custom round bronze and enamel metal base with ro...
Gold, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Bronze
French Empire style fifteen light bronze dore chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional quality is amazing in this classical style chandelier. It has fifteen Brilliant lights and the wiring is very good. The crown at the top is lovely And makes the top spec...
Crystal, Bronze
Baroque Brass Empire Chandelier Rock Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Swan
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new repr...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Crystal Prisms Balls Empire Sconces, circa 1930 Sparklers
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing two lights each, will be rewired with certified UL US socket for the USA and certified socket for other countries and ready to hang. Bronze top, middle and bottom with great ...
Crystal, Bronze
$16,738Sale Price|40% 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, Iron, Wire
A Pair Of Gilt Brass French Bouliotte Style Candle Lamps
Located in London, GB
A pair of Mid 20th century Gilt Brass Bouliotte style table lamps with new grey fabric shades. The circular plinth base with reeded stem supporting two tall candle style arms. Circul...
Brass
19th c. French Empire Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century French Empire bronze and crystal basket chandelier exudes elegance and sophistication. With its gorgeous bronze details and glistening crystals it is sure to add a ...
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Brass Bouillotte Table Lamp with Green Shade, Three Arms
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (20th Century) brass 3 arm bouillotte table lamp with horn motif and green shade. Arrow finial is missing
Brass
French Empire Style Brass and Crystal Glass Basket Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style brass and crystal glass basket chandelier. Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. This lovely piece has an or...
Metal, Brass
French Early 20th Century Empire Brass and Bronze Table Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An early 20th-century French Empire-style brazier, which was used as a portable heater burning hot coals or other fuel for interior warmth. This example was converted to a table lamp...
Marble, Brass, Bronze