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
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
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s French Empire Silver Swan one light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light silver plated sconces with swan head. Available in bronze
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Cut Crystal Spear Empire Chandelier
Located in San Francisco, CA
This chandelier is truly stunning, with its sparkling, leaded glass cut crystals. An Empire-style crystal chandelier in the form of a tent with a ring structure adorned with outward-...
Category
20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
French Ivory Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Ivory lantern, based on a French design, the delicate hand-painted decoration on the slatted glass adds texture. The motif on the coronet is reflec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
$5,300 / item
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
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Italian 1950s Empire Silvered Swooping Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Empire style Italian chandelier in the style of Buccellati. Rewired. 12 Light sources. Candelabra sockets. Rewired. 23” is the body. The chain can be adjusted to your nee...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Italian Large Empire Crystal & Gilded Iron Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
A grand 19th century Empire chandelier with cascading strands of hand-cut crystal and a richly gilded iron frame, showcasing classical symmetry and the opulence of Napoleonic design....
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Iron
Vintage French Empire Tall Metal Bronze Finish Column Form Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Tall Metal Bronze Finish Column Form Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 46" H (to finial) x 32" H (to light socket) x 8.5" W x 9.5" D. {3-Way (Ye...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown 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
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...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Meant Green Porcelain Brass Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous table lamp in light green porcelain and brass, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian fa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Impressive Italian Gilt Brass Frame Sixteen Light Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your space with the grandeur of this Impressive Early 20th Century Italian Gilt Brass Frame Sixteen-Light Cut Crystal Chandelier. This chandelier is a magnificent example of ...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
$5,520 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Empire Style 24-Light Gilt Bronze / Patinated Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with grandeur using this extraordinary 19th Century French Empire Style Chandelier. Crafted from two imposing circular charcoal-patinated balusters suspended by...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
$7,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Gilt Bronze & Cut Crystal Ten Arm Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This antique French Empire neoclassical chandelier is crafted from gilt bronze and cut crystal, featuring a circular frame adorne...
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920s Caldwell Bronze Medusa Head Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s sconces with medusa head and arrow design. Two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,800 / set
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
Empire Style Steel and Bronze Floor Lamp
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A handsome empire-style steel and bronze floor lamp with a custom navy blue enamel shade. Possibly by J.E. Caldwell. Newly rewired.
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Lighting
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Table Lamp Alabaster Onix Caramel and Brass Large Column Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
*If you're interested in this item and have any questions, please contact us. Many items are on clearance. We welcome serious offers.
Alabaster table lamp Onix and Brass large colum...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
$920 Sale Price
44% Off
Empire Style “Quiver” Table Lamp in Italian Marble and Bronze, 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An unusual and imposing Empire style table lamp in white Italian Carrara marable, with ornate gilt bronze decoration. Designed in the form of an arrow quiver...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Scarce French Empire Period Opaline Glass Brass Candlestick Table Lamp Pair
Located in Forney, TX
Elegant sophistication at its finest, we present this exceptionally rare pair of early 19th century fine quality French Empire Period candlestick lamps.
The original antique table lamps complete, with clear and frosted glass lotus hurricane shades, patinated gilt bronze leaf decorative accents, inner spring-loaded brass column candle tubes, within white opaline glass stems, resting on beautifully patinated brass and iron circular base. circa 1810; France
PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION
Property from the Collection of Pat and Michael York
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Heritage Auctions...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
French 19th Century Tole Sinumbra or Carcel Lamp from the Estate of Bunny Mellon
Located in Hudson, NY
This very nice carcel lamp now converted to electricity comes from the estate and Paul and Bunny Mellon and formed part of the decorations of their home Oa...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Tin
Pair of Austria Blown Glass & Bronze Hanging Bell Jar Hall Lanterns R. Wien 1850
By Wien
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare pair of Austria blown glass and bronze hanging bell jar hall lanterns, Signed R. Ditmar Wien, Austria. Mid 19th Century
Category
1850s Austrian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Bronze Chandelier with Ebonized Bowl
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire (19th Century) chandelier with a bronze ebonized patina bowl with gilt trim and 12 scroll uplight arms trimmed with a finial bottom and supported with 3 chains connecte...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Converted French Oil Opaline and Brass Table Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Converted French oil white opaline and brass table lamp.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$1,110 Sale Price
40% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl 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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Wire
Vintage French Empire Brass Metal "Smoky" Celluloid Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Vintage French Empire Style Brass Metal "Smoky" Celluloid Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 35" H (to finial) x 25" H (to light socket) x 5" W...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire-style Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Empire style gilt bronze light candelabras, which have been patinated. Gold-finish bronze, gilt bronze, also known as ormolu, is a term describing a decorative art object f...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn, Amphora Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large, heavy Empire style gilt and patinated bronze Amphora table lamp decorated with fine ornaments and garlands on a square base supported by four feet covered with leaves. Five-li...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Tole Columnar Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Each with new pleated shades. Great scale and nice old faded dark green color with gilt bronze details, square plinth base and newly wired. Bellevue Avenue, Newport estate.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Tin
$2,850 / set
1930's French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1930 French Empire style sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$2,800 / set
Pr. 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze "Lions Head" Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Very highly detailed and ultra high quality. French Estate.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,180 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (B) - Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Lacquered Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (B) - Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H (to finial) x 27" H (to light socket) x 6.5" W...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Gilt Bronze / Black Marble Seven-Light Candelabra Pair Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with the enchanting charm of our Late 20th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Seven-Light Candelabra Table Lamps. This exquisite pair of lamps seamles...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
$4,640 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Neoclassical Ormolu Candlestick Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair Charles X Ormolu candlestick lamps. Fine pair finely chased gilt metal candlesticks with grey painted candle sleeves above anthemion capitals with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
$5,000 / set
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
18th Century Italian Empire Style Repousse and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 18th century Italian Empire style Brass and crystal basket style chandelier. Featuring glistening crystals and a repousse' Greek key design around the base. Stunning!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Empire Style Wall Lights in Gilded and Patinated Bronze.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Empire style wall lights in gilded and patinated bronze, early 20th century.
Pair of Empire style wall lights from the early 20th century in gilded and patinated bronze.
H: ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Hollywood Regency French Cut-Crystal Beads, Gilt 19-Light Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning extra large impressive Empire cut crystal and gilt brass 19-light chandelier with crystal drops.
Measures:
Diameter 37.8 in/ 96 cm
Height 35.5 in / 90 cm
Weight 44 lb/20 Kg
...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, 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.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
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
French Tole Jardiniere Lamp
Located in New York, NY
French tole jardiniere lamp. Empire gilt painted brown tole jardiniere with paw feet on raised green faux marble platform, now converted to a l...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Tôle
1930’s Swedish Empire 6 lights Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s Swedish empire style crystal chandelier with 6 lights
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920s Silver Plated Empire Column Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s Silver plated empire style column table lamps
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate
$5,800 / set
1930's French Empire Style Scalloped Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French Empire style chandelier with unusual scalloped shaped and crystal hangings
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$6,800 / item
1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass Porcelain Wall Lights with Lampshades
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamourous two lights wall light in pink lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970' and then left in...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
1930's French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930,s French Empire style wall sconces with bend glass inset from Mr..Icahn's Penthouse in NYC
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,800 / set
Pair of French 19th Century Empire Cut Glass and Bronze Candelabras / Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large and impressive French 19th century Empire cut glass and two-tone bronze candelabras made to lamps.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
Pair of Second Empire Heavy 2 Light Bronze Sconces Wall Lights Late 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of second Empire heavy 2 light solid polished bronze dore sconces, light fixture, wall lamps from the late 19th century.
Depict face motif in the middle a...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique Gothic French Empire Renaissance Bronze Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic French Empire Bronze Candelabra Renaissance Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features 6 candle arms, fluted columns, flared pedestal base, single light sockets, and tall sta...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great quality 19th century gilt bronze lamp with finely chased neoclassical detailing. Tripod base supports a tapered shaft with decorative mounts, surmounted by a 'petal' form top...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Empire Style Cut Glass and Gilt Bronze Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very fine quality Empire style Cut Glass and Gilt Bronze Table Lamps. 16 inch height to top of sockets.
Category
Early 20th Century 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
20th Century French Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century French Crystal Chandelier. Empire style bronze and crystal chandelier with new wiring. 4 lights
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$6,650 / item
Pair of 19th C. French Faux Marble Tole Lamps
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely pair of lamps made from 19th Century French tole and gilt bronze oil lamps, with a faux marble paint finish. Shades not included,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
$2,880 Sale Price / set
38% Off
A French Empire Style Lamp Late XIXth Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A French Empire Style Lamp Late XIXth Century
A French gilt and parcel patinated bronze standard lamp
In the shape of a Ionic Greek column
The fluted stem with foliate capital on a ...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,468 Sale Price
30% Off
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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