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 Style Converted Oil Lamp with Tôle Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire-style 19th century gas lamp recently converted to electric, leaving the glorious period details intact to illuminate and inspire on a desk or side table. Below a sage...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Empire style chandelier. With swans heads
Located in New York, NY
Empire chandelier with swan’s heads and starts .
Bronze
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 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
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
Empire style. Huge glass table lamp by Waterford Crystal, Ireland, 1960s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Huge table lamp from Waterford Crystal, Ireland, 1960s. The glass body is 39 centimeters high made of one-piece molded glass with engraved and cutted details. The base and the struct...
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Chrome
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
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
$4,274Sale 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
$350Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
$25,937Sale 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
$9,078Sale 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
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
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
$6,800 / set
Pair 1930’s Empire Cut Crystal Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very nice cut crystal table lamps with bronze fittings, French Empire style. newly UL rewired
Crystal, Bronze
Putti Baroque Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Porcelain rose
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Restored Solid Brass Chandelier with Cherub & Hand-Painted Porcelain Roses – 9 Lights A true masterpiece of classic lighting design, this opulent chandelier is crafted e...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
$1,681Sale Price / set|47% Off
Vintage Napoleonic Column Table Lamps French Rosewood Gold Gilded Bronze, a Pair
By Chapman Manufacturing Company, Stiffel, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Frederick Cooper
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Napoleonic gold gilded brass and faux rosewood column table lamps With gold/bronze matching lampshades ( new condition ) Style: Empire, Regency, Neo classical, Napoleonic, Vintage, Antique Design: In the manner of Caldwell, Chapman manufacturng company, Stiffel Origin: France, 1980s Description: Vintage Napoleonic style tabl lamps. Made faux rosewood ( patinated metal) and brass Tuscan capitals. The lampshades are handmade and in ew condition. Condition: The lamps are in a good condition,one lamp have minor wear on the back ( see pics) socket E27, 230 volt and max 60w, black wired with switch. The lamps are US compatible but a adapter for plug is required Create the right ambience, good well positioned lighting can make a room! All our lamps are fully working condition, however, we are shipping from Europe...
Metal, Brass
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
$9,005Sale Price / item|25% Off
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Beaded Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Beautiful pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Table Lamps in Bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in the early 20th Century. Very period design. Newl...
Bronze
French Empire Style Six-Light Chandelier with Brass Accents
Located in Brentwood, TN
French Empire style six-light chandelier crafted in painted wood with antique brass accents. The fixture features a classic Empire form with a central column supporting six outward s...
Metal, 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
Set of Three Antique French Empire Wall Light Sconces 2 Lights torch, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A nice set of three sconces with 2 light sources, made of bronze in torch styles. Each fixture requires two European E14 candelabra bulbs, each up to 40 watts. The wall lights have a...
Bronze
$6,723Sale Price|20% Off
Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage French Empire Brass Tole Metal Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Tole Metal Twin Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp with White Painted Metal Adjustable Oval Shade. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H ...
Brass
Sage Green French Empire Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style table lamp in sage green. A round central column is topped with an acanthus pressed brass capital beneath a matching sage green lampshade. The column sits above...
Brass
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 finial) x...
Marble, 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
An Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass And Patinated Bronze Lantern
Located in London, GB
A large Empire style lantern in patinated bronze with gilt brass accents. Four curved glass panels, decorative scrolled inner branch arms. Gilt br...
Brass, Bronze
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
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from France made during the 1820s. The middle part in the form of a column. Richly decorated with leaf and period Empir...
Bronze
Large Antique French Empire Style Alabaster and Bronze Twelve-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large antique French Empire-style alabaster, frosted glass, and bronze pendant chandelier from circa 1890. An impressive and large twelve-light alabaster pendant chandelier from the ...
Alabaster, 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
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...
Bronze
Antique French Empire Brass Wall Sconces, Arrow Horn Motif, 1920s
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...
Brass
Late 20th Century Bouillotte Table Lamp – Neoclassical Style – Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant late 20th century table lamp in neoclassical bouillotte style, made of high-quality gilt bronze with refined detailing and a beautifully polished finish. The craftsmanship...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Empire-style Chandelier after Schinkel, probably Berlin, early 20th Century
By Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Located in Greding, DE
Impressive twelve-arm Empire-style chandelier featuring a scalloped ring adorned with finely detailed acanthus motifs and a rich arrangement of faceted glass prisms. The central shaf...
Brass
Pair of Bronze Table Lamps – Originally Empire Candlesticks, France c. 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Bronze Table Lamps – Originally Empire Candlesticks, France c. 1820 A beautiful and elegant pair of bronze table lamps, originally crafted as Empire candlesticks in France ...
Bronze
$2,208Sale Price / item|20% Off
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This an...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
Wonderful Neoclassical Empire Cut-Crystal Bowl Bronze Chandelier Ormolu Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Neoclassical / Regency / Empire Faceted Cut-Crystal Bowl With Dore Bronze Housing Chandelier This Fixture Has 5 Candelabra Lights Internally. Completely Rewired ...
Crystal, Bronze
Majestic Huge Schonbek "Camelot" 2643 Crystal Gem Cut 84 Light Chandelier
By Schonbek
Located in Tustin, CA
Very elegant, finest quality, estate Schonbek Swarovski Gemcut crystal chandelier features classic Napoleonic Empire style. This stately and magnificent chandelier has two tiers and approximately 84 incandescent lights. It measures 65" long and 41.5" in diameter. The hardware is finished in gold. This chandelier is lavishly draped in crystals. The retail price of a new, made to order chandelier of this size is over $22,000.00. Reference page 104 of the Schonbek Beyond Lighting catalogue shown in the photos. Schonbek Worldwide Lighting, a Swarovski company, has 149 years of experience crafting superior crystal...
Crystal, Metal
French Empire Revival Alabaster & Bronze Chandelier, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Monumental French Empire Revival Chandelier with Alabaster Bowl, Patinated and Gilt Bronze, Early 20th Century An impressive Empire style chandelier, dating from the early 20th cent...
Alabaster, Bronze, Copper
Sublime 19th Century French Empire Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Sublime French Empire chandelier.
Tôle
19th Century French Empire Style 4-Light Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
19th century gilt bronze chandelier in the French Empire style with circular form with reticulated designs of rose flowers surmounted with neoclassical torches, and four electrified ...
Bronze
$6,723Sale 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
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
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
Putti Face Empire Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Restored Crystal Chandelier – Handcrafted Elegance We are offering a unique, fully restored chandelier in excellent condition: Completely restored, including fully renewed wiring Ha...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$2,880Sale Price / set|38% Off
Pair of 19th C. French Faux Marble Tole Lamps
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely pair of lamps made from 19th Century French tole and gilt bronze oil lamps, with a faux marble paint finish. Shades not included,...
Metal, Ormolu
$22,500 / item
French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Empire style eight-light chandelier, with intricate brass casting that, contrasts with the black to create a striking effect. The fine detai...
Brass
Elegant French Empire Table Lamp in Patinated and Gilded Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Table Lamp in Patinated and Gilded Bronze, 1820s Elegant French Empire table lamp crafted in patinated and mercury-gilded bronze, dating from the 1820s. Originally pa...
Bronze
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
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
Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn, Amphora Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large, heavy Empire style gilt and patinated bronze Amphora table lamp decorated with fine ornaments and garlands on a square base supported by four feet covered with leaves. Five-li...
Bronze
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Patinated Bronze Candelabra Lamps.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Patinated Bronze Candelabra Lamps. Pair of elegant antique French Empire bronze four light candelabras converted to table lamps. The outstandi...
Bronze, Ormolu
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$7,102Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Crystal, Wire