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Empire Lighting

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
Small Antique Swedish 3-light chandelier, early 19th c
Located in Stockholm, SE
A charming small Swedish chandelier made around 1820. The saucer-shaped bowl is handprinted in green with decorations in gold. The arms that d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Iron, Pewter

Pair French Empire Caryatids Gilded Bronze Cut Glass 4-Light Lantern Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful pair of antique large French Empire caryatids cast bronze lanterns. Fire gilded solid heavy bronze and cut glass shade with four-light. Dimensions : Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Bronze and Marble Table Lamp with Shade
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a desk or library with this elegant antique single light table lamp.Crafted in France circa 1860, this Empire-style masterpiece embodies timeless elegance with its classical...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Bohemian Cut Crystal Tiered Basket Chandelier Circa 1920
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly breathtaking and sumptuous antique basket chandelier, resplendent in hand cut, multi-faceted Bohemian lead crystal, with 8 lamp holders in bronze with embossed decorative flo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our beautifully restored old chandelier from Berlin! This exquisite piece has been professionally refurbished with love, making it suitable for use in the US with its rew...
Category

1960s European Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Wire

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 ...
Category

2010s German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Brass and Onyx Base Floor Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A striking example of early 20th-century neoclassical design, this elegant floor lamp showcases the perfect fusion of timeless style and exquisite craftsmanship. The lamp features a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Onyx, Brass

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
French Empire style gilt bronze and enamel chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi has got twelve lights. This chandelier is charact...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Large Chandelier (h153cm) Pearl Bag, Or Hot Air Balloon, Late 19th Early 20th Ce
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large chandelier called "bag of pearls" or hot air balloon, with chains of faceted pearls The crown of the top is decorated with bronze knots, as for the belt it is equipped with dou...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

20th Century French Empire 5 Light Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 19th century French Empire style chandelier with 5 lights. Beautiful decorative detail on the base and arms. A classic fixture that is sure to impress!!
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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. Newly rewired electricit...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. 6 lights. France, circa 1930. Dimensions: Height 40" Diameter 24" CW5535
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

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. Newly rewired electrici...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

1930 French Empire Bronze Sconces 1 Light 14”
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1930’s French empire style gilt bronze sconces with swan’s heads, one light
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair French Empire Brass, Ebonized & Giltwood Wood Table / Buffet Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of French Empire Brass, Ebonized and Giltwood Wood Table / Buffet Lamps Measures 6" in width, 6" in depth and 33" in height to the top of the finial and 26" to the top of the li...
Category

20th Century American Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Bronze

Pair French Empire Style Arrow Horn Wall Sconces
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...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vintage Crystal Brass Basket Chandelier Ceiling Light With Tassels France, 1960s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Ceiling Light for 1 light point. Brass frame and crystal pendants. Manufactured in France. This beautiful chandelier has a classic style and is made of high quality materia...
Category

1960s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Vintage French Empire Style Basket Chandeliers
Located in Dallas, TX
This Vintage French Empire Style Basket Crystal Chandelier is a stunning lighting fixture with a timeless design. The chandelier features a classic French Empire style, known for its...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This large scale 19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier is a stunning piece that perfectly combines elegance and sophistication. The intricate gilt bronze fra...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Large 19th century French empire bronze ormolu table lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Tall 19th century French empire bronze ormolu lamp, circa 1860. Here we have a lamp of the finest quality, previously would have been a gas lamp but converted to electricity in the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Monumental French Bronze and Alabaster Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Alabaster. Bronze. 53" h x 40" diameter. Condition Scratches. Oxidation. Crack in top globe. No shades. Some light fixtures broken. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category

1980s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, 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. Richly decorated with period Empire decorations. Newly rewired electricity. Wear c...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Large Scale Bronze Empire Style Chandelier with 16 Lights
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th Century large scale French Empire style chandelier is crafted from Bronze featuring a striking Black and gold color. It boasts an impressive design with 16 lights, making i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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 Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Regency Empire Crystal Swag Chandelier
Located in west palm beach, FL
This vintage Regency Empire chandelier dazzles with crystal swags and timeless elegance. Featuring cascading prisms and intricate detailing, it captures the grandeur of the Empire st...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Pair of French Empire Period Giltwood Eagle Sconces, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of giltwood sconces dates to circa 1815, at the end of the period of French history when Napoleon was the emperor, known as the Empire Style. As Napoleon envisioned himself...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Columnar Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome gilt and patinated columnar lamp base features Classical motifs including acanthus leaves and paw feet.
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Bohemian Crystal Bell Jar Lantern or Pendant Light
Located in Barcelona, ES
Empire Bohemian crystal and bronze bell jar pendant hanging light or chandelier. Czech Republic, 1920s-1930s This elegant hanging light or pendant has a bell in Classic form and featuring bronze leafed scrolled ending hooks. The crystal bell...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Empire Marble and Bronze Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality 19th Century bronze and green marble lamp base is of columnar form. It features Neoclassical motifs including floral swags and...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair Antique French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Tall three light electrified wall sconces with various decorative motifs top to bottom in a French inspired design. The eagle crest is perched atop clouds with an inscribed shield (t...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Empire-Style Chandelier From the Mid-20th Century With Milk Glass Shade
Located in Opole, PL
Empire-Style Chandelier From the Mid-20th Century With Milk Glass Shade An electric chandelier from the Mid of the 20th century, featuring a single bulb powered by 230 V. The piece ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Empire Lighting

Materials

Milk Glass

pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu candelabra lamps. Each three arm candelabra mounted into a lamp is raised on a square O...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Dorè Patinated And Bronze Candelabra Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century bronze and patinated candelabra mounted as a lamp. Lamp features a lovely patinated Diana the Huntress statue with wings and arc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Carved Wall Sconce Empire Gilded Metal & Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage single sconce in the Empire style from Italy, circa 1950s. Made of wood and gilded metal with decorative trim and mirror inserts. Decorated in a floral style. A cylindrical ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

A Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. The bottom section are concentric rings featuring crystal icycle prisms. 8 lights. France, circa 1910. Dimensions: Height 45" Di...
Category

1910s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

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...
Category

1940s European Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Early 20th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Brighten an entry or a powder room with this sophisticated six light antique chandelier. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1920 and built of bronze, The lighting fixture features an in...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Hand Blown Murano Glass Semi Flush Fixture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorgeous Large Hand-Blown Italian Glass Semi Flush Fixture. Ribbed salt glass bowl with elegant pale pink ruffle trim. Dramatic addition to any room. ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Early 19th Century Pair of Gold Wall Mirrors Candle Holders
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Pair of Empire Candle Sconce Wall Mirrors featuring carved harps as well as trompets. These wall mounted candle holders make a great addition to any living room, bedroom, ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood, Paint

French Bouillotte Bronze Three Lights Table Lamp, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Empire-style period bouillotte lamp, boasting three bronze lights and an adjustable screen, is complemented by a verdant tole shade in hues of green.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Copper, Bronze, Brass

Vintage Pair Of Wall Lights, Circa 1960 in Chiseled and Gilded Bronze, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant Pair Of Louis XVI style Wall Lights Circa 1960 in finely chiseled and gilded bronze with two light arms. Fake opaline candles. Manufactured in France, 1960s. They're op...
Category

1960s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique Gilt Metal and Tole Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique gilt metal and tole table lamp, made in England and dating from around the 1920’s. It is of superb quality, with fine and intricate details. The tole shade is or...
Category

1920s British Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair Of Italian Empire Lamps 1800 Lacquered Wood Vases in Pink and Gold
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Italian Empire Lamps 1800 Lacquered Wood Vases in Pink and Gold with oval lampshade, the bases are two antique palm holders lacquered in soft pink tones. The body of the pa...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood, Fabric

French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece especially where a very large chandelier is not suitable, it has a bright brass crown hung with chains of cut crystal beads, co...
Category

1930s Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Empire Style Bronze, Brass and Cut Crystal chandelier, France ca. 1950
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful Chandelier depicting what appears to be a glass waterfall coming out of a "jeweled" crown manufactured in bronze and cut crystal pearls and lancets. The wires have been re...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze and Marble Sconces, Circa 1830-1850.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Museum Quality Antique French Empire Gold Bronze and Marble Sconces, Circa 1830-1850.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Genovese Italian 1780 Empire Chandelier in Gilded Wood and Crystal Eight Lights
Located in Milano, MI
Genovesea Eight-Light Chandelier, Large Empire Chandelier in Carved and Gilded Wood Late 18th century, like the chandeliers in the Ducal Palace in Genoa. It consists of a central sha...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Wonderful French Empire Regency Louis XVI Ormolu Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire / Regency Louis XVI Style Ormolu & Black Patinated Bronze 5 Candelabra Light Chandelier
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of Italian Empire-Style Table Lamps In Bronze And Brass
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Exce...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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 Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Empire lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire lighting 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 lighting, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Alexandre Vossion, and Maison Baguès. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $194 and tops out at $220,000 while the average work can sell for $4,434.

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