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.
Antique French Empire Style Tole Chandelier, Circa 1890's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Empire Style Tole Chandelier, Circa 1890's. We have 2 of these chandeliers available, and they are sold individually.
Metal
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Wrought Iron Three-Branch Wall Sconces
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Wrought Iron Three-Branch Wall Sconces, each with pierced scroll form back plate and drop crystal prisms. 15" H x 11" W x 5.25" D. Provenance: Fr...
Crystal, Wrought Iron
Vintage French Table Lamps, Handcrafted Marble & Gilded Bronze, 1920s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, vintage French pair of large table lamps made of hand crafted marble with a new round shade, in good condition. They are composed with its original switch, particularized by...
Marble, Bronze
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 is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
19th Century French Empire Style 4-Light Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
19th century gilt bronze chandelier in the French Empire style with circular form with reticulated designs of rose flowers surmounted with neoclassical torches, and four electrified ...
Bronze
$6,959Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Crystal, Wire
$5,800 / set
1930's Empire Opaline Glass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1930's French Opaline glass table lamps with gilt bronze fittings
Bronze
Art Deco 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...
Crystal
Antique French Billiard, Snooker or Kitchen Island Brass Chandelier, 1850s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge and impressive French Empire brass chandelier for billiard/snooker or kitchen island. Lamp socket: 2 x E27 or E26 ( US) for standard screw bulbs. France, circa 1840 - 1860s....
Brass
Russian Empire Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Twelve-Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An Empire Cut-Glass Mounted Ormolu Twelve-Light Chandelier Russian Early 19th century Consisting of a palmette and anthemeon-cast corona top suspending four chains and a circular ...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Wood Sconces with Eagles, Circa 1900
Located in Fayetteville, AR
At almost 18 inches in height, this pair of French Empire style gilt wood sconces from the turn of the twentieth century features opposing Napoleonic eagles holding laurels in their ...
Giltwood
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce 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-chiseled details. The backplate of this sconce is a central round plate wit...
Bronze
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 ...
Onyx, Brass
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...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Vintage French Empire Style Bronze Lantern, Spain, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large bronze French Empire style lantern.
Bronze
$704Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc French Empire Carved and Gilt Wood Wall Sconces - Unelectrified
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Empire Carved Wood Wall Sconces. Highly detailed, beautifully carved. French estate.
Wood
1930 Swedish Empire Chandelier with Crystals and Etched Glass
Located in New York, NY
1930 Swedish Empire bronze chandelier with etched glass inset and crystals around
Crystal, 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!
Crystal, Metal
Marjorie Skouras Samantha Empire Chandelier Turquoise + Quartz
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A spectacular Marjorie Skouras Design "Samantha" Empire Chandelier featuring Catalina white turquoise and pink rose quartz. The piece is constructed in a classical French Empire-style basket silhouette out of luminous white polished turquoise bead strands...
Stone, Iron
Impressive and Large Antique French Empire Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A large French Empire gilt and patina bronze chandelier of circular form, suspended from six elongated chains composed of alternating openwork and solid links. The corona is cast wit...
Bronze
An Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass And Patinated Bronze Lantern
Located in London, GB
A large Empire style lantern in patinated bronze with gilt brass accents. Four curved glass panels, decorative scrolled inner branch arms. Gilt br...
Brass, Bronze
Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of circa 1900 French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces showcases the mythological figure Acantha, a nymph beloved by the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo transformed ...
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...
Brass
Antique French Empire Black & Gold Tole Metal Urn Bouillotte Table Lamp w Shade
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Black & Gold Hand Painted Tole Metal Urn Form Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp with Shade. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 23" H (to finial) x 11" H (t...
Metal
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...
Bronze
$6,800 / set
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
Crystal, Bronze
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 is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Empire Style Chandelier, Bronze Swan Arms, Green Body, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful French Empire-style chandelier features six bronze swan arms. Dark green painted body with decorative bronze mounts and richly ornate pine finial, on top centered with...
Bronze, Brass
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Bronze
$130,386 / set
German Empire Period Seven-Piece Silver Candelabra Set
Located in London, GB
German empire period seven-piece silver candelabra set German, circa 1810 Meaures: Largest: Height 66.5cm, diameter 30cm Smallest: Height 51cm, width ...
Silver
$8,824Sale Price / item|25% Off
Angel 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 99 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 83 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 18-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...
Brass, Wire
Set of Three Antique French Empire Wall Light Sconces 2 Lights torch, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A nice set of three sconces with 2 light sources, made of bronze in torch styles. Each fixture requires two European E14 candelabra bulbs, each up to 40 watts. The wall lights have a...
Bronze
19th Century French Bouillotte Lamp with Green Tole Shade
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century French Empire etched brass bouillotte lamp, originally and oil lamp that has been electrified. With three arms below a green painted adjustable tole shade, the body an...
Brass, Zinc
Early 19th Century French Empire Bouillotte Green Tole Three Light Table Lamp.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Early 19th Century French Empire Bouillotte Green Tole Three Light Table Lamp. Beautiful French Empire brass Bouillotte lamp with three swan decorated scrolled arms. A finely chise...
Metal, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Bronze
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!
Crystal, Bronze
19th c Rare Crystal Beaded Empire Chandelier French Hand Tied Oval Prisms, c1850
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 4 lights, sitting on metal posts that slide into a small pocket on chandelier. This chandelier was made for candles, but we will rewire with certified UL US sockets for the ...
Crystal
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Bronze
French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece
Located in Godshill, 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...
Crystal
Vintage Italian Bouillotte Lamp by Chapman, Turned Wood & Brass, 1960s
Located in Winter Park, FL
A vintage Italian bouillotte style lamp made in Italy by The Champman Manufacturing Company. Turned wood base with brass four arm candelabra and original green tôle shade with eglomi...
Brass, Tôle
Italian Empire Style Chandelier with Bohemian Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This refined 1950s Italian Empire-style chandelier features a beautifully tapered basket design crafted in gilded brass and adorned with high-quality Bohemian crystal. The upper sect...
Crystal, Brass
Empire Style Brass and Crystal Glass Three-Light Basket Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Adorable French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. This lovely piece has a brass and metal frame hung with chains of crystal glass beads forming a basket...
Metal, Brass
Exceptional late 19th-century Murano chandelier
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
An exceptional late 19th-century Murano chandelier, handcrafted on the island of Murano, Venice, and distinguished by the extraordinary refinement of its decorative craftsmanship. Th...
Murano Glass
Pair of Antique Empire Style Black & Gold Torchere Floor Lamps
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Empire Style Black & Gold Torchere Floor Lamps
Wood
Venetian Glass Lantern Hand Blown
By Balboa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking 1970s Italian Murano glass pendant featuring a richly textured amber glass shade enclosed in a sculptural brass frame. The organic, handblown form displays a mesmerizing p...
Metal
French Empire, Thirteen Light Basket Chandelier, Bronze, Crystal, France, 19th C
Located in Stamford, CT
French Empire, Bronze, Crystal, Thirteen Light Chandelier, France, 19th Century An exquisite 19th century dore bronze chandelier featuring a classic basket ballroom design with intr...
Crystal, Bronze
$4,800 / set
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
Bronze
1920’s French Empire Chandelier with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s French Empire three lights chandelier with swans and beaded crystals
Crystal, Bronze
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
Big Crystal Beaded Empire Dome Chandelier circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
I have two similar, if interested. Housing one light, will be rewired and ready to hang. We use certified UL US sockets and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Strands and ...
Crystal
French Empire Style Brass Triple Bouillotte Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stiffel sryle brass triple bouillotte table lamp featuring a dark green shade Style: Regency/French Empire, featuring a candlestick column design on a tripartite base. Features: In...
Brass
$16,000 / item
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
Bronze
$18,828Sale Price / item|20% Off
Low Huge Flush Mount Crystal Chandelier Empire Big Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier: Tailored Empire Elegance Introducing our new Montgolfière style chandelier, a magnificent embodiment of Empire splendor adorned with exquisite lead cr...
Crystal
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...
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Pair French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Lamps
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of columnar form neoclassical lamps feature gilt bronze wreaths and Corinthian capitals.
Bronze
Fine French Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Metal Six Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Classical French Empire gilt bronze, patinated metal and gilt wood six light chandelier. 19th Century Well proportioned central gilt and patinated bronze Empire tazza with a large gi...
Metal, Bronze
Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp. This Frederick Cooper lamp is handpainted in the Empire style with tones of dark cobalt blue, gold and green. Th...
Porcelain
Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style
Located in Benington, Herts
Fine Pair of Italian Gilt Bronze Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style Italian - Circa 1880 These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched arrows with lion mask pl...
Bronze, Ormolu
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 ...
Crystal
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candlestick Table Lamps, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candlestick Table Lamps, France, 1820s An exceptional pair of early 19th-century French Empire bronze candlesticks, masterfully converted into elegant t...
Bronze