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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
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

Pair of Bouillotte Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of bouillotte lamps in toleware and bronze, in the French Empire manner.
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Belgian Gilt Metal and Glass 6-Light Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style glass chandelier features 6 lights and framework with a golden iron. Made in Belgium. 1970s. This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle transparent glass cut facets. Surprisingly elegant and memorable ceiling lamp will attract the attention of lovers of the unique and unusual. The luminaire not only performs its task well as lighting interiors, but is also a real work of lighting art. A fine line between fantasy and reality futuristic lamps...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Giltwood

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

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

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

Corinthian Column Marble Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style Corinthian column table lamp in marble. A decorative carved spiral, twists around the marble column, which is topped and tailed with a brass capital...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Large Gilt Bronze French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in London, GB
A large very well cast and gilt bronze chandelier or plafonnier from the late 19th to early 20th century. The large acanthus leafed ceiling rose suspending five rope twist bars, whic...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique 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

Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BUYERS
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Empire style bouillotte table lamp with decorative three-light cast brass candleholders and adjustable height red tôle shade. New candle covers. Wired and in working order. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Tôle

Pair French 19th Century Napoleon III Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Urn Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Empire style patinated-bronze and gilt-bronze mounted allegorical covered urn vases lamps in the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Fr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Neoclassical Brass Candlestick Student Oil Style Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Patinated Brass Candlestick Student "Oil Lamp Style" Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 24" H (to light socket) x 9.5" W x 6....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Lampadario Impero Italiano Dorato con Putti Seconda Metà XX Secolo
Located in Milano, MI
Lampadario Italiano in Stile Impero con Putti alati realizzato in bronzo dorato con fusioni ben cesellate e con una doratura di qualità. Il lampadarario è italiano ed è databile into...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Amethyst Murano Glass Empire Macaroni Swags Gold Gilt Chandelier c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 6 lights, sitting on gold gilt posts. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang at our expen...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

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 the early 20th Century. Newly rewire...
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

Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A mid to late 19th century Swedish empire chandelier with cobalt glass inset and crystal hanging
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Vintage Empire Style Crystal Basket Pendant Chandelier in Brass and Glass
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal basket pendant chandelier, 1970s – timeless elegance in a compact form. An elegant French vintage Empire-style crystal basket chandelier from the 1970s, ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

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...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Metal

Fine Ormolu and Cut Glass Empire Period Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The ormolu finely decorated corona hung with swags of icicle drops and strings cascading down to a corresponding main band supporting fifteen candle branch arranged on two tiers the ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

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, ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood, Paint

20th Century Empire Style Ceiling Light Italian Banci Firenze White Flush Mount
Located in Milano, MI
Italian 1980s ceiling light by Banci Firenze, an Empire style circular brass and ivory color painted ceiling fixture, decorated with six cast brass...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian Florentine Hall Glass Chandelier by Banci Gilt and Green Wrought Iron
Located in Milano, MI
Italian Banci Firenze wrought iron verdigris painted lantern with glass bowl 1980s. Elegant three-light vintage bell jar lantern with a verdigris scav...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Iron

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

19th Century Italian Gilt Tole and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th-century Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal basket chandelier exudes a touch of elegance and sophistication. The intricate design features a beautiful combination of...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Wire

A Fine Ormolu And Bronze Empire Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The patented bronze frame mounted with finely chased ormolu, issuing six eagle heads supporting candle nozzles and save-alls, suspended on three chains from a foliated corona.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

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 ...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

Majestic Huge Schonbek "Camelot" 2643 Crystal Gem Cut 84 Light Chandelier
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

Vintage Tole Columnar Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Single tole Empire style columnar lamp, having a round central column with marbelized finish, wrapped in foliate spiral decoration, raised on graduated p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American 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

Czech Crystal Beaded Empire Style Dome Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
This absolutely adorable Czech crystal beaded Empire-style dome chandelier pendant from circa the 1950s consists of strands of crystal cut balls sizing from small to big. Ballroom st...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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

Extraordinary French Empire 8 Arm Bronze Chandelier with Crown at Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Extraordinary Empire French bronze, gilt brass and patinated metal 8 arm chandelier having ornate crown and marvelous lotus flower and fleur di lis type details. Looks like it came ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering modern sophistication. Crafted with exquisite lead crystal, this chand...
Category

2010s German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Antique French Empire Bronze Swans Green Tole Metal Shade Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Swans Green Tole Metal Shade Bouillotte Table Desk Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 12" H (to light socket) x 13" W x 9....
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Neoclassical Empire Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Antique French Empire Egyptian Revival gilt bronze and patinated bronze multi light chandelier of exquisite craftsmanship embellished with four patinated bronze neoclas...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

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.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Six-Arm Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze and ormolu six arm chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a richly chased ormolu bottom finial amidst decorative foliate...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Table lamp, Koi fish, hand carved and painted wood, mid-1900s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare early 1900s hand carved and painted table lamp in the shape of koi fish. Sweden, empire-style. A beautiful, decorative interior gem. Shade not included. Re-wired. Smaller sign...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood

1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Set of Four Empire Ormolu Three-Light Wall Sconces, Attributed to Ravrio
By André-Antoine Ravrio
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each backplate topped with a mask of Athena surmounted by an owl and ending in a stylized bellflower and anthemion, issuing three leaf-wrapped scrolling arms. Electrified. André-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814) was a French sculptor in bronze and was made a master founder in 1777 setting up in business 1790. Although Ravrio enjoyed success during Louis XVI’s reign, he achieved far greater fame under Napoleon. He took part in the first Exposition de l’Industrie, Paris, 1803 and then won a silver medal there in 1806. The same year he supplied a number of bronze furnishings for the Empress Joséphine’s apartments in the Tuileries and in 1810 was appointed as the Emperor’s chief bronzier. In this capicity he supplied some of the finest Empire bronze pieces, girandoles, candelabras and lamps as well as ornate furniture...
Category

Early 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

Vintage French Empire Baroque Ornate Brass Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Baroque Ornate Brass Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 24" H (to light socket) x 7" W x 7" D. {3-Way...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Big leaf
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

French Empire Gilt Bronze and Griffon Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French Empire gilt bronze bouillotte lamp with three scrolled arms, interior griffon heads, telescopic tole shade with pineapple and feather finial, and resting on the original circu...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Tôle, Tin, Wire

Antique Gilt Bronze and Patinated Metal 19th Century French Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Antique gilt bronze and patinated metal 19th Century French chandelier French, late 19th Century Dimensions: Height 83cm, diameter 60cm Designed in the elegant French Empire sty...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

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 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 ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Giltwood

French Empire Gilded Bronze and Metal Chandelier with Palmettes, circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style gilt bronze and metal six-light chandelier from the late 19th century, with palmettes and profiled links. This exquisite French Empire style bronze and metal ch...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Monumental French Bronze and Alabaster Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental French bronze and alabaster Empire style chandelier is a breathtaking statement of grandeur, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Featuring a finely carved alabaster...
Category

1980s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE TUNDISH CHANDELIER IN IRON AND CRYSTALS
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful and elegant tundish chandelier with twelve lights. Made of wrought iron with lead bobèches and cast metal candle holders, this chandelier features bands painted in a delica...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Wrought Iron, Lead

1930's French Empire Lion and Swans Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire bronze sconces with swans and lions head backplate.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Sublime 19th Century French Empire Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Sublime French Empire chandelier.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Tôle

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

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

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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