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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
French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Three Candelabras Bouillotte Lamp Tole Shade
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical bronze three candelabras Bouillotte lamp with two Edison sockets and dark forest green tole shade.
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Bronze Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large bronze French Empire style lantern.
Category

20th Century Spanish Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

1950s European Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

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
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Other

Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (A) - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Lacquered Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (A) - 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

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Italian Pair of Cast Metal 2-Light Wall Sconces by Palladio
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century pair of cast metal 2-light wall sconces, Italian by Palladio. Never electrified. Empire style. Bird head scrolled arms to fluted candleholder, while arrows in a quiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

19th Century Ormolu and Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century directoire bouillotte table lamp. Lamp features original elements and original black tole lampshade with gilt brass leaf applied detailing. Newly rewired with side ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Tôle, Brass

NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Style 8 Arm Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Empire style eight-arm chandelier with crest fleur-de-lis design. Cleaned and rewired. This chandelier and it's sisters hung in the corridors of the NYC Waldorf Astoria ...
Category

20th Century American Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Italian Large Empire Crystal & Gilded Iron Antique Chadelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This grand 19th Century Italian Empire chandelier features a dramatic gilt iron frame adorned with tiers of cascading, faceted crystals, combining neoclassical opulence with timeless...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Iron

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...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

20th Century Italian Silver Standard Floor Lamps Baroque Revival.
Located in VALENZA, IT
Finely hand-chiselled and embossed by hand. The cast shade-supports bear delicately chiselled decorative elements. The main support is refined, chiselled and embossed with swirls and...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Silver

Pair of Elegant Empire Table Lamps in Bronze. Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Elegant Empire Table Lamps in bronze, early 19th Century France, originally candlesticks. Includes new black lacquer lampshade with gold details, giving the lamp a warm and ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Fine French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Red Glass Crystal Baltic Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine French Empire / neoclassical style gilt bronze and red glass centerpiece with crystal drop Baltic chandelier having four swan arms rewired...
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Bronze Glass Dish Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light chandelier featuring a diamond textured cast glass dish. Main pendant body has been done in black and features bronze f...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Pair of Large Vieux Paris Porcelain Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Old vieux Paris porcelain from the Napoleonic period decorated with farm animals and barn. With swan handles. Beautifully painted and fire gilded. Now mounted as lamps.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

1940s French Empire / Neo-Classical Style Tole Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are beautiful! These hand painted tole lamps are French. They are in very good condition and are signed. The base and body display many elements of the French Empire period. T...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

1972 Chapman Brass and Black Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in San Carlos, CA
A stunning 1972 Chapman bouillotte-style table lamp, featuring elegant brass construction with classic black enamel accents. The lamp showcases twin adjustable candle-form columns, e...
Category

1970s American Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Large French Empire Style Balloon Chandelier A Fine Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Empire Style Balloon Chandelier A Fine Piece, with an age darkened Brass metal frame and set with crystal pendants, it has 6 bulbs giving a very attractive atmospheric ...
Category

1920s Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair Of Bronze French Empire Style Candelabra Lamps/ Restoration
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 ...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Bouillotte Lamps or Table Lamps, 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Empire gilded bronze finely chiseled Bouillotte lamps with dark green painted tole adjustable shade. Two E 14 light bulbs. We can deliver wired for US standard.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

1920 European Antique Empire style Cut/ Beaded Cascading Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1920's Euro Antique Cut and Beaded Cascading Flow of Crystal Chandelier/ Pendant. This piece is lovely!
Category

1920s Czech Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

19th Century Bronze and Bronze Dore Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Empire style patinated and gilded bronze chandelier, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
Heavy 19th century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Two Candelabra Lamp with Black Tole Shade. Shade is decorated with gilt wreaths that add contrast nicely with the black shade. Gilt f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, 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

Exceptional French Empire Brass Table Lamp, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Exceptional French Empire Brass Table Lamp, 1820s An outstanding French Empire brass table lamp, circa 1820–30, originally designed as an oil...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique French Empire Style 12-Light Gilt and Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Large antique gilt and patinated bronze chandelier in the French Empire style measuring 36 inches across and 31 inches tall, featuring 12 electrified swan-form candle arms with cande...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of English Adam Silver Plated Empire Column Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Please note lamp shades NOT included. Pair of Antique silver plated table lamps. Originally oil lamps converted to electric/plug in.
Category

Early 20th Century English Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

1950 Empire Crystal Chandelier 18 Lights Two Tiers
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1950’s French Empire style 18 lights crystals and bronze chandelier. Two tiers. With faces on the bronze rings. Original gilding and patina.
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Empire Chandelier with Opaline Glass 16 Lights
Located in New York, NY
1930’s French Empire chandelier with swans, cherubs and lions. Opaline glass inset. 16 lights
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

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 ...
Category

2010s German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Pendant
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Empire gilded bronze and iron pendant with six candle arms. ca 1810 - 1820, Stockholm, Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Iron

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 French Antique Lamp
Located in Austin, TX
Lamp, French, “Bouillote”, made of finely cast bronze. The piece mimics a traditional oil lamp and is topped with a gold leaf painted adjustable lamp shade. It has been newly wired t...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

20th Century Magnificent, Classical Swedish Ceiling Crown, Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent, classical Swedish ceiling crown, chandelier Polished brass. Curved, star shaped body with teardrop-shaped, faceted glass hangings, starti...
Category

20th Century Swedish Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

19th Century Empire Chandelier
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful large Empire chandelier with original candleholders, restored and cleaned.
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Chandelier
19th Century Empire Chandelier
$6,580 Sale Price
27% Off
Lamp - Cassolette - Oil lamp - Empire style - Bronze - 19th France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Magnificent late 19th century mantelpiece set, mounted as a lamp. This beautiful Athenian-style cassolette is made of chased and gilded bronze and brass with a brown patina. The cent...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Vintage French Tole Empire Style 6 Light Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
Gorgeous Vintage French Tole Painted 6-light Empire Style Chandelier with bright Gilt details. A style popular for almost 200 years, this Empire Chandelier is simply gorgeous. Our ow...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early 20th Century French Empire Style Beaded Crystal Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
This French Empire-style chandelier from circa 1930 is crafted from brass and crystal. Featuring the traditional ‘tent and basket’ design, it has a domed lower body adorned with casc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Wall Sconce
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A precious gilt bronze two-light wall sconce in the Empire style, France, 1920-1929. Finely elaborate with hand chiseled details. Typical design of French Empire period due to its rich ornamentation with faces and acanthus leaf motifs. The bottom is characterized by a man head supporting a pedestal with the lamp-arms. Two scroll light...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Brass Empire Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire brass sconce of classic French design. Perfect for a small space that needs some extra light and still looks sophisticated when its off. Professionally cleaned...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

1940s Italian Completely Beaded Basket Lavender Purple Chandelier, circa 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 4 lights in beaded cups. Completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning rare lavender purple crystal prisms throughout and huge smooth lavend...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Italian Empire White Murano Opaline Beads Drops Beaded Tole Chandelier, c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
One of a kind! Housing 6 lights, sitting in crystal bobéches, dripping with white opaline beads and vintage crystal prisms. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Antique Corinthian Column Brass Floor Lamp with Fringed Lampshade, England, 1890
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Antique corinthian column brass telescopic floorlamp, Hinks pattern, with wonderful handmade fringed lampshade. Made in England, in the style of James Hinks & Son in 1890. The lamp ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

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

Elegant Empire Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ornate and elegant Empire style table lamp having patinated bronze figural goddess form with marblized base.
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sage Green French Empire Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style table lamp in sage green. A round central column is topped with an acanthus pressed brass capital beneath a matching sage green lampshade. The column sits above...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Empire Antique Chandelier Gilt Bronze and Oxidized 9 light early 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine chandelier with flame decoration at center top of amphora shape body. Weapons technology oxidation finish combined with dore bronze of finest quality – just gorgeous creature of...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze

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

Empire Style Table Lamp (No Shade). Bronze, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Empire style lamp (without shade). Patinated bronze. marble base Table lamp elevated on a marble base, it is shaped like a vase with handles in the shape of simplified swan heads, fo...
Category

20th Century European Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Italian Empire Style Gilt Metal and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning 19th century Italian Empire style gilt metal and crystal chandelier with 6 lights. Beautiful basket shape with gorgeous crystals. Creates an elegant image!
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Empire Style Nine Light Chandelier
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire style chandeliers tend to be quite hefty and large, This bronze example is unusually delicate. The dished circular pan is hung from three flat pierced suspension chains, and s...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A late 19th century Louis XV-style Bouillotte table lamp, with original, green, gilt- decorated tole lampshade, above a base of three upturned decorative brass candle arms supported ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

1930s White Opaline Huge Murano Flowers Drops Green Beads Empire Chandelier
Located in Firenze, Toscana
ONE OF A KIND!! Housing 4 lights, will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the Unites States and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Wire

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks. With intricate raised decoration in the form of geometric and foliate patterns. The middle of each candlestick is fluted and ...
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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