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.
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
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
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
$1,130Sale 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
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
$8,897Sale 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
$4,189Sale 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
Empire style chandelier. With swans heads
Located in New York, NY
Empire chandelier with swan’s heads and starts .
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
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
$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
$25,424Sale 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
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
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
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
$1,647Sale Price / set|47% Off
Vintage Napoleonic Column Table Lamps French Rosewood Gold Gilded Bronze, a Pair
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Frederick Cooper, Chapman Manufacturing Company, Stiffel
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
$6,590Sale 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
$8,827Sale 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
$2,164Sale 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
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
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
$8,842Sale Price / item|25% Off
Angel 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 99 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 83 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 18-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
$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
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
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
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...
Crystal, Brass
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
$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 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
$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
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
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
Empire style bronze dore chandelier with crystal
Located in Houston, TX
Fine gilt bronze frame which has fifteen lights Makes this piece exceptional. This chandelier Has five lights in the bowl and ten lights around The perimeter. The wiring is new and...
Crystal, Bronze
Classic Pair of Bouillotte Vintage Finely Cast Brass Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of stunning bouillotte style brass table lamps having 3 arms finely cast from the 1940s with painted green and gold tole shades. Base 9” round Adjustable shade
Metal, Brass
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
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 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
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 reflects a ...
Metal, 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
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
Putti Empire Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier with Charming Putti – Lovingly Restored in Berlin This stunning chandelier is a true masterpiece, combining timeless elegance with delightful details. Fea...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
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
$11,905Sale 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
Pair French Empire Style Brass 2-Arm Sconces, early 20th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having fluted backplates with acanthus leaf details and flames at tops, the backplates issuing two arms with female masks
Brass
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
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
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
$6,590Sale 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 Empire Style Brass 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 Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire (circa 1810) gilt bronze and cut glass chandelier with cut crystal strands emanating from a gilt bronze center ring with 8 arms.
Crystal, Bronze
$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
Small and Lovely Napoleon / Empire Style Bronze Chandelier / Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare size chandelier from the 1920s. If you look at the shape of the centre and the shape of the arms that grow out of this pendant then you capture the essence of it. It is stylish...
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
Empire Table Lamps Egyptian revival Bois Dore Bouilotte lamps Napoleonic pair
By Versace Home Collection, Henredon, Maison Baguès, Maison Jansen
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Tall Figural Empire Table Lamps. Depicting a Winged Sphinx made of giltwood on a marble base. Between the wings arise a 4 armed gilt bronze candelabra with above 2 light bulbs. Matching lampshades with gold trim and interior. Style, Vintage, Hollywood Regency, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Mid Century Modern, Design: Traditional Gold Gilded Napoleonic table...
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
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
Antique French Chandelier, Cut Crystal & Brass, Empire Style, 1920
Located in Austin, TX
Antique chandelier from France made with cut crystal elements of cabochons and pendants. They are displayed on a brass structure. It has been newly wired to fit US standards and is i...
Crystal, Brass
Sublime 19th Century French Empire Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Sublime French Empire chandelier.
Tôle
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