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
$25,689Sale 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
$4,233Sale 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
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
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
Maison Baguès, "Palmettes" Chandelier, France, circa 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant eight-light Empire-style chandelier in patinated and gilded bronze, composed of a broad patinated bronze band bordered along the upper edge with an egg-and-dart frieze and al...
Bronze
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
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
French Vintage Empire Style Arrow Chandelier, Circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
Chandelier from France featuring a bronze structure and six candelabra arms. The chandelier is adorned with an arrow motif and decorated with a green paint consistent with the style....
Bronze, Gold Leaf
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
$8,990Sale 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
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
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
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
$12,033Sale 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
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
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
$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
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
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
Antique French Crystal Chandelier, Brass Structure, Cut Crystal, 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 and secured in place with crystal flowers. Large crys...
Crystal, 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
Pair of Gilded 19th Century Italian Empire Lamps in Carved Wood
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Antique 19th-Century Italian Empire Gilded Lamps in Carved Wood, centerpiece, made with early-1800s finials, vases on hexagonal plinth with vegetable pastille carving frames,...
Gold Leaf
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
Bohemian crystal and bronze chandelier in the style of Empire
By Preciosa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
An exquisite expression of Bohemian craftsmanship, this magnificent Preciosa crystal chandelier combines timeless elegance with exceptional artistry. Handcrafted from the finest Bohe...
Crystal, 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 finia...
Marble, Brass
$7,033Sale 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
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
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
Art Deco 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...
Crystal
$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
1940s French Empire Alabaster Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940’s French empire style alabaster chandelier with bronze interior arms, 12 lights + 6 interiors.
Alabaster, Bronze
1950 Empire Crystal Chandelier 18 Lights Two Tiers
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1950’s French Empire style 18 lights crystals and bronze chandelier. Two tiers. With faces on the bronze rings. Original gilding and patina.
Crystal, Bronze
Large Italian Empire Crystal Chandelier with 18 Lights 18th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Large Late 1700s 18-Light Empire Chandelier in Crystal and Gilt Brass, in perfect condition. A rare and antique Italian salon chandelier with a light balloon-like structure made of i...
Crystal, Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Empire Bronze & Mercury-Gilt Column Lamps
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
French, Empire / Charles X period, circa 1825 A handsome pair of table lamps, each modelled as a fluted column in dark patinated bronze rising to a finely cast Corinthian capital in...
Bronze
Antique French Billiard, Snooker or Kitchen Island Brass Chandelier, 1850s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge and impressive French Empire brass chandelier for billiard/snooker or kitchen island. Lamp socket: 2 x E27 or E26 ( US) for standard screw bulbs. France, circa 1840 - 1860s....
Brass
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
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
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Empire style black enamel and gilt brass chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
This unique fixture is made in a classic empire style It hangs from a crown in black with gilt enhancements The gilt chain is decorative and can be adjusted by Eliminating some lin...
Brass
1930 Swedish Empire Chandelier with Crystals and Etched Glass
Located in New York, NY
1930 Swedish Empire bronze chandelier with etched glass inset and crystals around
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Bouillotte Lamp with Gilt Brass Base and 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...
Bronze, Brass, Metal
Pair of English Copper & Brass Glass Lanterns Orig. Gas, William Edgar C. 1890
By William Edgar
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English Copper and Brass hinged glass lanterns signed William Edgar, Blenheim House, Hammersmith. Pair were originally gas and can be electrified or returned to gas if desire...
Copper, Brass
Gilded Bronze Empire Floor Lamp by Claude Galle, France, 1950s Design
By Claude Galle
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Gilded Bronze France Empire floor lamp ,Exceptional casting take a look at her beathiful bronze feet . Very nice quality lamp .
Bronze
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
$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
$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
Pair Fine Brass Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Antique Empire Sac-à-Perle Chandeliers – Lovingly and Professionally Restored This stunning pair of antique chandeliers has been carefully and expertly restored in Berlin. T...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
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...
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
Marjorie Skouras Samantha Empire Chandelier Turquoise + Quartz
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A spectacular Marjorie Skouras Design "Samantha" Empire Chandelier featuring Catalina white turquoise and pink rose quartz. The piece is constructed in a classical French Empire-style basket silhouette out of luminous white polished turquoise bead strands...
Stone, Iron
1900's Swedish Empire 6 Lights Chandelier with Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights
Crystal, 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
A pair of antique French crystal and bronze chandeliers in the style of Empire
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A beautiful pair of gilt bronze French chandeliers in the style of Empire. Each with 6 lights around the chandelier and 6 lights inside. Decorated with clear crystal octagons and ici...
Crystal, Bronze
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
19th Century French Empire Tôle Chandelier with Six Lights
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...
Bronze, Metal
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
$6,661Sale 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