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
Pair of Gilded, Mirrored, Period Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of period, hand carved, gessoed, and 22-karat gold gilded, Second Empire, French sconces. Each with gilt bronze arms, and inset with original, mercury glass mirrors. Each with...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$6,850 / set
Antique Chandelier. Empire style chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite and rare Empire style chandelier with elaborate gilt bronze frame and crystal pyramids and pendalogues. France, circa 1900.
Dimensions: Height 58" Diameter 34"
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Gilt and Patinated Bronze Empire-Style Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
Gilt and patinated bronze Empire-style wall lights
French, Early 20th century
Height 35cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm
This pair of wall lights or sconces are modeled in the opulent...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Monumental Empire Style Candle Wall Sconces Candlestick, Italy, 1970s
By Palladio
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of giltwood candlestick wall sconces 1970s in empire style. Each fixture requires two candles. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Wonderful Bronze Dolphin & Swan Green Tole Large Bouillotte Empire Regency Lamp
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Bronze Dolphin & Swan 4 Candelabra Light Painted Green Tole Metal Shade Large Bouillotte Empire / Regency Style Lamp
Category
20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
French Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp with Gold Lion Horse Design, Small
By Luc Lanel
Located in New York, NY
A small French porcelain table lamp with brass base, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century, France. This small French porcelain lamp, ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Gold, Brass
French Napoleonic Table Lamps Tartan Tripod Base Lion Paws Empire Lamps a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage French Empire Table Lamps with tartan lampshades
Style: Vintage Antique, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Baroque,
Design: Traditional Napoleonic Column lamps in th...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Corinthian Column Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Corinthian Column Candlestick Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 47" H (to finial) x 34" H (to light socket) x 8.5" W x 8.5" D...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Empire Gilt Bronze 9 Light Empire Style Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Restored French Empire 9 light chandelier. Gilt bronze finish. Requires nine E-12 bulbs. Cleaned and restored. Please note, this item is located in our NYC location.
Category
20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Set of Eight French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Figural Neoclassical Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A set of eight superb French Empire style gilt bronze figural double light wall sconces of great quality embellished with fine figural masks of neoclassical men.
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Fabulous French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze 9-Light Glass Torch Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Spectacular large neoclassical French Empire chococate brown patinated and gilt bronze 9-light chandelier with faux candle sockets
Measures:
Diameter 27.6 in/ 70 cm
Height 35.5 in/ ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Ormolu Chandelier With Trumpet Light Fittings, c.1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French Empire style ormolu bronze chandelier fitted with an allegory of trumpets. The item has been converted to accommodate modern day lightbulbs.
CONDITION...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Pair of Silvered-Bronze and Cut-Glass Urn Lamp Bases, French Empire Style
Located in London, GB
A pair of silvered-bronze and cut-glass urn lamp bases in the French Empire style
American, 20th century
Measures: Height 55cm, width 22cm, depth 18cm
These fine lamp-bases, sha...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of French Second Empire Three-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Montreal, QC
These good quality sconces in mat black and gilt bronze are pierced with scrolls and flower heads and with drip pans and arms cast with stylized acanthus. The two-tone gilding and ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Urn and Rams Head White & Gold Porcelain Table Lamp Empire Style, German, Large
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous large white and gold porcelain table lamp in urn form with detailed ram's head design, in the Empire style, attributed to Furstenberg Porcelain, Germany, circa 20th centur...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Lighting
Materials
Gold
Antique Gilt Bronze and Patinated Metal 19th Century French Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Antique gilt bronze and patinated metal 19th Century French chandelier
French, late 19th Century
Dimensions: Height 83cm, diameter 60cm
Designed in the elegant French Empire sty...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce Set by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details.
The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Fine Pair French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Superb pair of antique French Empire period gilt bronze figural three light sconces
Circa 1830
Striking figural sconces originally created for use with oil, now electified. This beau...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Empire style large chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant style makes this fixture highly desirable.
It has a crown at the crest and has brilliant crystals
That cascade downward in an arc shape that attach
To a large bowl forming a...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
$13,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Baltic 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality Baltic 19th century Empire st. ormolu, patinated bronze and crystal chandelier. The two tiered eight arm twenty four light chandelier is centere...
Category
19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Empire Style Brown Painted Metal and Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire style brown painted metal and gilt bronze chandelier.
French, late 19th century
Dimensions: Height 60cm, diameter 67cm
This unusual chandelier is crafted f...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Tole Bouillotte Candlestick Lamp from France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1860s French Bouillotte lamp featuring three candlesticks with brackets and a golden taupe tole shade accented by a decorative teal floral border. Bouillotte is a gambling card ...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of Antique Second Empire Style Five-Arm Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
A large pair of Charles X bronze and marble five-light candelabra now fitted as table lamps. This striking pair combine honey-colored Siena marble and dark crisp scrolling bronze in ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Francois Empire Six Light Chandelier
Located in Westwood, NJ
Francois Empire six-light chandelier, the ornate decoration on the arms, and the arrangement of the chains demonstrate exceptional casting in brass. With beautifully cast floral deta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$16,330 / item
Vintage French Empire Green Tole Metal Gold Swan Painted Urn Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Green Tole Metal Gold Swan Painted Urn Form Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 32" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light socket) x 7.5" W ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Stunning 16-Light Murano Crystal Chandelier, circa 1920s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A wonderful very large sixteen light Murano glass and cut crystal silvered chandelier, Italy, circa 1920s.
This beautiful handcrafted fixture is made of silvered brass elements, Mur...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Period French Empire Crystal and Gilt Bronze Chandelier
By Claude Galle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 19th century period French Empire chandelier in crystal and gilded bronze. The typical basket form surrounds a central shaft, the top of which is decorated with gilded palmettes and terminates in four curved supports to the central corona. The gilded corona...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
19thc Antique French Empire style Bronze & Cut Crystal Cascading Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Empire style Bronze and Crystal Chandelier. Cascading crystal form. Bronze frame. Purchased in France.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Table Lamps by Stiffel, a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of French Empire style table lamps made by Stiffel. Brass columns are turned with large ceramic fonts in white trimmed in gold. Bases are decorated with dentils on a square ba...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Antique Italian Empire Style Brass Rocaille Dragons on 6-Arm Crystal Chandelier
Located in Encinitas, CA
Elegant Empire style chandelier, opulent yet compact, featuring 6 crystal cups supported by delightful winged dragons on brass rocaille arms. Delicate, faceted glass beads, baubles a...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$2,900 Sale Price
34% Off
Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th
US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BUYERS
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$432 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French 19th Century Empire St. Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely French 19th century Empire st. verdigris patinated bronze and ormolu chandelier. The patinated bronze base is decorated with an ormolu inverted finial and acanthus leaves an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Neoclassical Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamp a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 20.5" H (to light socke...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Empire Style Sconces Wall Lights, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming pair of sconces. Perfect to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway as a charming welcom...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Marbro *Original* Italian Porcelain Table Lamp! Only 1. Cobalt Blue 1960s Empire
Located in Peoria, AZ
***MARBRO ORIGINAL**
GILDED EMPIRE STYLE
PORCELAIN LAMP!
The Only One in The World!
CIRCA 1960
Incredible Midnight Color!
A Cobalt Blue so Deep its almost Black!
DI...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Gold
$5,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Fine Quality Brass and Iron Lyre Form French Empire Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Quality Turrn of the Century French Empire Style Chandelier.
Mixed metals.
Dimensions: 36" h x 19 3/4" diameter.
Category
1880s European Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, 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...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Wall Sconces, Circa 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire gold bronze wall sconces, Circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Antique French Empire Bronze D'ore Wall-Lights, circa 1830-1850
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique bronze D'ore French Empire wall-lights, circa 1830-1850.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Empire-Style Cast Metal Sconces
Located in Sheffield, MA
The defining feature of this pair of antique Napoleon Empire-style lighting fixtures are the vertical arrows "shot through" the backs of the gilt cast metal sconces. Each piece has a...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass Sac a Pearl Lustre Ceiling Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing two exquisite basket chandeliers, available as a pair! Both have been lovingly and professionally restored in Berlin, with electrical wiring compatible with the US. They ...
Category
1840s European Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Antique French Empire Converted Cobalt Blue Glass Brass Oil Lamp Urn 29"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Empire Sevres style oil lamp converted to electric - deep cobalt blue glass vase / trophy / mantel urn shaped with brass base, pierced top, and handles decorated with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$560 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Century antique Empire style Chandelier with 8 Silver Swans brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Galvanized bronze and partly red patinated. Bowl-shaped body with pine finish. Starting from this, eight candlestick arms designed as swans with cylindrical spouts over a round eaves...
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Lantern Form Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb Louis WVI style lantern. Two toned patinated bronze, with curved glass panels. 3-light,
France, circa 1900.
Apparently unmarked. Measures: Height 42", diameter 19".
Pair ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$18,750 / item
21st Century Baroque Brass Empire Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Baroque Empire brass chandelier, an exquisite piece with fascinating embellishments reminiscent of the classic style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduct...
Category
2010s German Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Large Swedish Ceiling Chandelier in Classicist Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid brass with an antique finish. Hangings from finely ground crystal.
Measures: Diameter 76 cm, height 114 cm.
Category
20th Century German Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Stunning Empire 19th Century Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian brass and cut-glass crystal chandelier from the end of the 19th century. It is wired and in excellent condition. Chain not included but if requested we will add chain ...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
18th Century Large Scale Italian Empire Gilt Tole and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exquisite 18th century large scale Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal chandelier with 8 lights. An impressive fixture that is a classic beauty. Gorgeous!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1930 5 Arm Crystal Glass Chandelier
Located in Surrey, BC
A nice simple chandelier with impressive 5 arm configuration and swooping glass crystal details .
This piece was acquired from a private collection...
Category
1930s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Swedish Empire Style Cut-Crystal Tent and Basket Chandelier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Swedish Empire style gilt-bronze and cut-crystal tent and basket chandelier.
Swedish, Circa 1825.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire-Style Bronze Column Table Lamp with Gilt Detailing, Circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire-style table lamp began its life circa 1840 as a finely cast bronze column, likely part of a decorative candlestick, architectural mount, or garniture element. Now ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Seven Lights Italian Solid Silver Candelabra Empire revival
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Magnificent Empire style candelabra in solid 800 silver
The base is square with lion paw-shaped feet.
Two frames with the typical palmettes of the Empire style frame a second smaller square decorated with 4 central flowers. The stem of the candelabra is a statue of a woman (goddess) with her hair gathered and holding a cornucopia in one hand ending with the main candle holder.
The candelabra has 7 lights.
The arms of the candelabra, made with the casting technique, have candle holders and wax collectors also made with the casting technique and finely chiseled.
The central candle holder stands out for its height which surpasses all the other candle holders, making the candelabra slim and balanced in shape and proportions.
A classic example of high quality Italian silverware suitable to be placed in elegant and prestigious homes.
Made in Milan - Italy by Fassi silverware
Silver 800°°/°°° Candelabra Empire...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver
Alabaster Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine silver over bronze hand carved alabaster pendant, France, circa 1930.
Dimensions: Height 39 1/2", diameter 22"
CW3329.
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
$7,450
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...
Category
2010s German Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
$21,624 Sale Price / item
25% Off
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...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Pair French Two-Arm Empire-Style Bronze Sconces with Urn and Swag Detail
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful pair of Empire-style bronze sconces from France, circa 1910. Features an urn with swag motif with a beautiful patina and excellent detailed casting. Newly wired in the US ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of 19th century Empire wall sconces made of bronze.
This wall scones were originally gas lamps later transferred to electric lamps.
Originates France, circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$2,162 Sale Price / set
28% Off
Antique French Empire Nickel Silver Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Nickel Silver Etched Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 29" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light socket) x 5.5" W ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Fine Pair of Empire Patinated & Gilt Bronze Candelabre, Mounted as Lamps
Located in Sheffield, MA
A fine pair of empire patinated & gilt bronze
Candelabre, mounted as lamps
1st quarter of the 19th century
Each reeded stem above drum base relief-cast with four putti on leaf-b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique 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.