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.
$3,800 / set
1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920's Caldwell Empire style bronze double light sconces
Bronze
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn Form Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This detailed bronze urn form lamp features gilt bronze highlights including lepard head handles, and acanthus leaves.
Bronze
Pr of French Old Paris or Vieux Paris Urns Now Converted into Table Lamps, C1810
By Old Paris
Located in valatie, NY
Pr of French Old Paris or Vieux Paris urns now converted into table lamps c1810. Old Paris porcelain or Vieux Paris is very broadly defined as porcelain made by artisans in and aroun...
Porcelain
Schonbek 6 Light 5692 Crystal Milano Chandelier 31 X 27
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Schonbek 6 Light 5692 Crystal Milano Chandelier 31 X 27 Dimensions : 31" Tall X 27" Wide X 27" Deep This chandelier was made by Schonbek and is their 5692-87F Milano chandelier. Th...
Crystal, Metal
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs. Dimensions: Hei...
Crystal, Brass
Pair Chandelier Crystal Montgolfièr Empire Sac a Pearl Lustre Lighting Set
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
Pair French Empire Style Gilt and Cut Glass Candlestick Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair French Empire Style Giltand and cut glass candlestick lamps A pair of Empire style gilt brass mounted candlestick lamps, 20th century, with cut glass columns. size shade/b...
Brass
$1,250 / set
Vintage French Gilt Swan Lamps - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent pair of French Empire-style table lamps offers a masterclass in Neoclassical elegance and mid-century luxury. Crafted from fine porcelain, each lamp is adorned with ...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Empire Style Chandelier In Bronze And Crystal Pendants, Early 20th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant Empire-style bronze chandelier, adorned with rich openwork motifs and garlands of crystal tassels. The upper part features a cylindrical drop composed of rows of crystal bea...
Crystal, Bronze
$1,825Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Tall Bronze Sconces with Quiver, Arrow and Eagleheads. Circa 1920
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of tall wall sconces is made of bronze. The wall lights are decorated with a quiver, an arrow and eagleheads. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1920
Bronze
Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps -
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S shipping quote. Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps - a Pair...
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Giltwood Candlesticks or Prickets
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of giltwood French Empire period prickets or candlesticks was originally used on the altar of a church. They were hand-carved and exquisitely gilded on only one side as a m...
Giltwood
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Bronze
1920 French Empire Style Bronze Sconces with Lion Heads
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920 French Empire style 3 lights sconces, with Lions heads and warriors helmets as cups
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century French Empire sconces with cherubs body, two lights. originally for candles, newly rewired for US
Bronze
Classicist Basket Chandelier in antique Empire Style silver brass hand carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely chased and silvered bronze. Basket-shaped body made of hand-wired pearl strings in the course with leaf rosette and a final pince-nez pin. Connect...
Brass
Floor Lamp / Standard Lamp with Mahogany Table in Late Empire Style
Located in Lejre, DK
Floor lamp with integrated lamp table made in mahogany in the style of late Empire from the 1880s. The lamp features a turned shaft, round base and integrated table top characteristi...
Mahogany
$3,460Sale Price|20% Off
1930s French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier w/ Drapery Swag Attrib Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Spectacular 1930's French Empire Dore Bronze Chandelier. Bronze drapery swag detail. With Neoclassical elements. Attributed to Maison Bagues.
Bronze
$7,200
Empire Style Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th century French Empire-style chandelier with gilt and painted finish. Measurements: Diameter: 18" Height: 26.5".
Bronze
$6,800 / set
1920 Empire Bronze Swam Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze French Empire sconces with swam head holding a ring with 3 lights
Bronze
$2,800 / set
1930's French Empire Sconces with Lion's Head
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with lion's head and crystal hangings
Bronze
$702 / set
Pair of Empire style lamps
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of Empire-style lamps Good condition Thank you
Brass
$3,800 / set
1930's French Gilt Bronze Triangle Shape Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with triangle shape
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Bronze
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...
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Brass & Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp" Table Lamps, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass & Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp Style" Table Lamps by Wilmar - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light so...
Brass
19th Century French Marble and Gilt Bronze Fine Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French gilt bronze and marble floor lamp . Fine quality gilt bronze detail.
Marble
20th Century Gilded Brass and Glass Flowers Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare and beautiful 20th century gilted brass and glass flowers chandelier from the 1970s. At the center of the chandelier you will find a brass ball that have a light at the extre...
Brass, Metal
Bronze Empire Style Ram's Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and cast bronze and heavy. Has great patina. In working condition.
Brass, Bronze
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, ...
Wood, Paint
French Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, Circa 1875
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, France Charming French Tole Lamp on a frosted lucite base. Wonderful patina on this vintage piece. Certainly a statement piece in any home libr...
Metal
Empire style brass eagle table lamp by Lusterie Deknudt, 1970s
By Deknudt
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Empire style sculptural table lamp feauturing a sitting eagle with its wings on show, candelabra mounted on a black lacquered and brass wooden tbase. Comes with its original large l...
Brass
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...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Brass and Bronze Three-Light Wall Sconces, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Empire-style brass and bronze sconces with three-light configuration, circa 1920, featuring circular form and classical symmetry. A refined pair of French Empire-styl...
Brass, Bronze
Charming brass and glass centerpiece, classic style , 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Stunning centerpiece made of cobalt blue glass with fine embossed decoration and gold details along the edge. The wide and scenic bowl is supported by a richly worked base made of gi...
Crystal, Bronze
$4,200 / set
1930s French Empire Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s French empire gilt metal 3 lights sconces with swans head, original gilding and patina
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1930’s French Empire Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930 French empire style three lights sconces with swan heads
Bronze
$4,400 / set
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Bronze
Pair of Late Empire Ormolu and Patented Bronze Figural Candelabra Lamps, C. 1815
By Louis Isidore Choiselat 1
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of period Empire figural candelabrum. Each modeled as a winged figure of Victory, of patented bronze, with both arms supporting a floral wreath, and three horns-of-plenty, of or...
Bronze, Ormolu
20th Century French Black Enamel Tole and Gilt Bronze Table Lamp with Silk Shade
Located in Firenze, IT
A beautiful pair of French Empire style early 20th century black lacquered metal and parcel gilt bronze table lamps with pagoda silk shades. These high quality chic and stylish neoc...
Ormolu, Metal, Bronze
$912Sale Price|73% Off
Pair Of French Faceted Flower Decorated and Signed Opaline Table Lamps
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of antique French faceted flower decorated and signed opaline table lamps These are 19th century oil lamps converted it electrified table lamps.
Opaline Glass
$3,460Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of Four Empire Style Wall lights Laudarte Grifone
Located in London, GB
Magnificent set of four empire style wall Sconces 24 crt gilt finish Malachite inset Designed by Giovanni Maria Ma These wall lights are fully Restored and Rewired
Other
$5,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Trajan's Column Ormolu Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century Empire Trajan's column ormolu candlesticks in the manner of P.-P. Thomire (1751-1843): Pair of large Empire ormolu candlesticks, the stem ressembling th...
Ormolu
1930’s French Empire Style Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French empire style sconces with swan atop and on arms
Bronze
$643Sale Price|50% Off
Empire Table Lamp Cut Crystal Diamond Pattern Gilded Bronze
Located in Poperinge, BE
Large and rare Empire style table lamp, made of cut crystal and gilded bronze and brass, dating from around the beginning of the 20th century, France. This very high quality table l...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
1930's French Empire Silver Plated Chandelier with 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French silver plated finish empire style chandelier with 6 lights
Bronze
$3,276Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Pair Of French Empire Style Bag Chandeliers
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing pair of French Empire Bag Chandeliers , each one with six internal lights , aprox 98 cm height , PAT tested. All our chandeliers come with ...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of 1960s French "Bastille Day" Painted Tin Wall Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of 1960s French "Bastille Day" sconces in painted tole tinwork, in the style of Maison Baguès. The bundle of rods at the center reference the ancient Roman symbol of the...
Tin
Pair Signed E F. Caldwell Neo-Classical Style Bronze Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of signed Caldwell bronze sconces are in the neo-classical style. They feature Antique motifs including anthemion, and leopard heads.
Bronze
$5,800 / set
1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Bronze
A pair of 1920s brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design
Located in London, GB
A pair of 1920s solid brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design, each with two fittings, rewired with new fittings and PAT tested
Brass
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...
Metal
Gilt Bronze and Colored Glass Chandelier in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
A French eight light gilt bronze and colored glass chandelier in the Empire style.
Bronze
Pair Of Bronze French Empire Style Candelabra Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of cast bronze French Empire column form candelabras with 6 lights, now mounted as double socket lamps. The lamps with gilded columns and foliate and anthemion capitals, fluted ...
Metal, Bronze
Vintage French Empire Patinated Bronze Brass Column Table Lamps by Wildwood Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Patinated Bronze/Brass Heavy Column Table Lamps by Wildwood - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 41" H (to finial) x 25" H (to light socket) x...
Bronze
Waldorf Astoria Brass & Crystal Empire Wall Sconce Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
Large scale 20th Century brass and crystal Empire style wall sconces. These were retrieved from the Vanderbilt Room which was located off the right side of the main lobby entrance on...
Crystal, Brass
French Empire Cut Crystal Glass Urn & Brushed Brass Table Lamps by Wildwood Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
High Quality Contemporary French Empire Style Cut Crystal Glass Urn & Brushed Brass Table Lamps by Wildwood - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 24" H...
Brass
Frederick Cooper French Empire Brass Patina Trumpet Candelabra Table Lamp Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Frederick Cooper French Empire Style Lacquered Patinated Brass Trumpet Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 28" H (to l...
Brass
Pair of Empire Period 5 light Figural Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
A pair of early 19th century French gilt bronze and patinated bronze figural empire period five lights candelabra. Each candelabrum is formed as a ormolu cornucopia of scrolled branc...
Bronze
Vintage Bronze French Empire Three-Arm Eagle Chandelier Light Fixture
Located in Toledo, OH
Gorgeous French Empire bronze chandelier with Eagle. Eagle with outspread wings sits atop three vines. Bronze shades holders have raised flowers. Each arm holds a flower form shade...
Bronze