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
Mid 20th Century Italian Tole Lamp
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid 20th century Italian tole lamp with original shade.
Fine Italian tole column form table lamp in a warm ochre hue. It is intricately painted with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Tôle
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$10,811 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Louis XVI Regency Empire Crystal and Bronze Twelve-Light Wedding Cake Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning large French Empire cut crystal and bronze twelve-light chandelier with crystal drops and swags
Measures:
Diameter 26 in/ 66 cm
Height 40 in / 100 cm
Weight 34 lb/16 Kg
Twel...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Revival Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Pendant Chandelier, circa 1910
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Revival gilt-bronze and cut-glass pendant chandelier.
French, circa 1910.
Of globular form this fine chandelier has a central gilt-bronze band cast with vases issuin...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Beaded Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$9,009 Sale Price / item
25% Off
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
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Wood
$2,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Maitland Smith French Empire Figural Phoenix Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental late 20th century Maitland Smith Empire style Bouillote / Budoir lamp. Made from brass with a pierced and paw footed base over an acanthus wrapped column leading to a figural winged Phoenix / Griffon candlestick...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
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 ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Silver
$132,321 / set
Chapman Neoclassical French Empire Style Brass Torch Shaped Table Lamp Paw Foot
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1997 Chapman Brass table lamp in the shape of a neoclassical torch with black accents on a square base with paw feet. A stunning lamp ...
Category
1990s Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$440 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Crystal Brass Basket Chandelier Ceiling Light With Tassels France, 1960s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Ceiling Light for 1 light point. Brass frame and crystal pendants.
Manufactured in France.
This beautiful chandelier has a classic style and is made of high quality materia...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
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
$16,000 / item
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
Pair French Gilt Lamps Empire Table Lights
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair elegant French Empire style gilt table lamps
Good size at over three feet tall - 1010 CM
Such a quality to the casting of the lamps
Bought from a dealer on Marche Biron at Paris...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
$3,133 / set
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps in silver-plated bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Baroque Brass Empire Chandelier Rock Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Swan
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new repr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light. Price per pair
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Late 19th century French Empire Bronze Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
pair of late 19th century French empire candlesticks with three lights converted into table lamps
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Arrow Wall Sconces Lamp Featuring Goddess Ceres
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces effortlessly blends classical grandeur with subtle Art Deco influences, making them a rare and elegant addition to any in...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$767 Sale Price / set
35% Off
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
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Ormolu Caduceus Wall Appliques, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Empire gilt bronze ormolu wall appliques of arms holding Caduceus staffs, France
By: unknown
Material: bronze, copper, metal, cord, ormolu
Technique: cast,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Ormolu
French 19th Century Brass Empire Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire sconce of classic French design. Perfect for that small space that needs a little extra light. Cleaned and US wired using UL listed parts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair Of Antique Gilt Bronze Empire Style Wall Sconces With Swan Support
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Exceptional pair of French Bronze Swan form wall sconces Large tall and heavy bronze sconces. The backs in the form of arrows at the bottom with bow wrapped shafts above and palmette...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French Three Light Interior Lantern Empire Style
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
French Three Light Interior Lantern Empire Style
This lovely brass and painted lantern is suspended from the ceiling rose by an acanthus decorated ceiling rose and adjustable chain....
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Onyx, Brass
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 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire chandelier
Located in New York, NY
late 19th Century French Empire chandelier with swam head's. Original finish and patina.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
German 12 light Empire chandelier by Werner & Mieth
By Werner & Mieth
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large 12-light Empire chandelier with astonishing decorations of horse heads etc. The design is very architectural where the "ring" from below looks like a six-pointed star. Each ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$25,680 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair French Empire Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Fluted Column Lamps, Signed, 1830s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair French Empire Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Fluted Column Lamps, Signed, Dombrowski Fabricant Rue St. Honoré 343 a Paris, Circa 1830s
A magnificent pair of French Empire Ormolu and...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
$2,920 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Mid. Century vintage elegant neoclassical style lamps/pair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a pair of mid-century vintage Neo classical style table lamps. These lamps have a copper undertone with a beautiful patinated distressed green patina. These lamps have a hand...
Category
1960s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Copper
Antique French Empire Cut Crystal Globe Gilded Bronze
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a rare find. Its a 1920s French Empire cut crystal and gilded bronze chandelier. The has one large center globe surrounded by 6 smaller matching glo...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
French Empire Style Seven-Light Bronze, Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1920s
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...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
19th Century French Bronze Ormolu Mounted / Patinated Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with timeless elegance using this exquisite 19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier, designed in the form of a Greek oil lamp. This chandelier is a r...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Grand Empire-Style 24K Gold-Plated Chandelier
Located in Warsaw, PL
Exquisite Empire-Style Chandelier in Gilt Brass
This exceptional Empire-style chandelier, meticulously crafted in finely chiseled brass and lavishly plated in 24-karat gold..The cha...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Classical Empire gilt and patinated bronze lamps depicting beautiful maidens in flowing Grecian garb, balancing fine gilt bronze candle holders on their heads and standing on dark gr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Slate, Bronze
Carved Italian Giltwood Three-Arm Sconce by Randy Esada Designs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Carved Italian giltwood three-arm sconce by Randy Esada Designs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Empire Lighting
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Empire Candelabra of Ormolu and Patinated Bronze and Marble
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of late 19th century Empire bronze and ormolu candelabra.
- Caryatid herm female figures on marble block plinths.
- Three ormolu candle arms/cups
- Well modeled.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Double Arm Empire Brass Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire sconce of classic French design. Perfect for that small space that needs a little extra light. Cleaned and US wired using UL listed parts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Majestic Huge Schonbek "Camelot" 2643 Crystal Gem Cut 84 Light Chandelier
By Schonbek
Located in Tustin, CA
Very elegant, finest quality, estate Schonbek Swarovski Gemcut crystal chandelier features classic Napoleonic Empire style. This stately and magnificent chandelier has two tiers and approximately 84 incandescent lights. It measures 65" long and 41.5" in diameter. The hardware is finished in gold. This chandelier is lavishly draped in crystals.
The retail price of a new, made to order chandelier of this size is over $22,000.00. Reference page 104 of the Schonbek Beyond Lighting catalogue shown in the photos.
Schonbek Worldwide Lighting, a Swarovski company, has 149 years of experience crafting superior crystal...
Category
Early 2000s Austrian Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Antique French Gilt Bronze Table Lamp, Signed Moreau, Late 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant French gilt bronze table lamp signed Moreau depicts Erato, the Greek goddess of music, dance and song. She is represented holding a lyre while her left arm is leaning upon an open book that rests upon a fluted column. Trailing ivy extends down the upper portion of the column. She carries the lyre in her right hand which hangs down to her right hip. There is a serene and pensive expression on her face as she looks down and to her left. She stands on an indented and canted, lacquered black base with a gilt metal wreath...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930 French Empire Bronze Sconces 1 Light 14”
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1930’s French empire style gilt bronze sconces with swan’s heads, one light
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,800 / set
French Empire Green Painted Table Bouillotte Candlestick Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Green Painted Library Table Lamp, France
Charming French desk lamp with narrow brass center support in between two bases best used for candles, or just left alone for ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
1920 French Empire Small Chandelier with Swam Heads 6 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Original unique chains. 6 lights. Green body color
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful tablelamp originally a Empire Candlestick i bronze. From 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Table Lamp, originally a Empire Candlestick i Bronze from France during the 1820s.
Newly rewired electricity
New lampshades in black lacquer with gilding on the inside t...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Bronze Ram's Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and bronze, nice and heavy. Has great patina. In good working condition. Original ceiling cap ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. 6 lights.
France, circa 1930.
Dimensions: Height 40" Diameter 24"
CW5535
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Palatial Bronze and Steel French Empire Style Torchieres Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of palatial vintage torchiere floor lamps in the French empire style, finely crafted from gilt and patinated bronze and steel. Each with a circular shallow dish-form basin fitt...
Category
Late 20th Century European Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps with Adjustable Height Finials - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5"- 27.5" H (to finial) x...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Large 19th Century French Empire Period Floor Candelabrum
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinary period Empire gilded gold dore bronze rolling floor candelabrum.
Born in France, the stunning Neo-classical style architectural antique...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Bronze Table Lamp by Danish Sculptor TH Stein Denmark 1850’s
Located in Valby, 84
Artist made Bronze lamp attributed Danish Sculptor TH Stein and is made in the 1850’s.
The lamp has clear references to both Pompeii and Herculanum.
The lamp is made in solid bronze ...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19thc French Empire Cascading Cut Crystal Chandelier attributed to Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Absolutely Beautiful 19thc French Empire Cascading Cyt Crystal Bag and Tent Form Chandelier attributed to Baccarat France. This is an exceptional piece, the detailed crystal elements...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Fine Ormolu and Green Marble Eight-Light Torcheres/Centerpieces
Located in New York, NY
An unusual and rare pair of ormolu and green marble eight-light torcheres/floor centerpieces attributed to E. F. Caldwell and Co New York. In the Empire style, the circular pierced f...
Category
1890s American Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Lamps feature flame finials, 6 candle arms, black patinated metal female figures with water j...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Table Bouillotte Lamp with Metal Shade
Located in Malibu, CA
Bouillotte lamp with two arms of light, Empire style, in patinate.
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
$626 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.