Skip to main content

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.

to
116
532
367
877
57
9
Height
to
Width
to
653
350
47
58
37
47
34
41
30
33
28
31
57,217
19,004
8,834
7,953
3,843
2,707
1,996
1,598
1,593
840
794
649
596
538
409
197
129
9
401
467
66
183
132
55
30
8
43
41
19
18
17
13
10
5
845
554
270
199
191
775
551
86
40
38
943
920
936
18
8
3
3
2
Style: Empire
19th Century French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century bronze and gilded ormolu French Empire influenced chandelier. Having a classical ceiling rose with three foliate linked chains...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Cut Glass Dish Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light with a cast glass dish and bronze decorative frame. These elegant lights graced many of the main corridors of the Waldorf Astoria. This requires three stan...
Category

20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Six-Light Bowl Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This beautiful bowl chandelier is designed in the Empire style, which flourished in France in the period 1804-14, when Napoleon Bonaparte was Emperor. The style is defined as a phase...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Doré Bronze Patina Figural Lion Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French empire neoclassical doré bronze and patina lady figure chandelier adorned with four lion masks supporting each light.
Category

1910s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Bronze and Ebonized Caryatid Figural Wall Sconce
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th century) ebonized bronze and gilt trim caryatid wall sconce with a central winged figure holding two candleholders.  
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, 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

French 1870 Pair of Empire Candle Holders Lamps Ormolu with Gray Dotted Granite
Located in Miami, FL
French empire pair of candle holders lamps. Exceptional pair of antique candleholders, created in Paris France during the imperial period of Napoleon III, circa 1870. They was designed with French empire neoclassical patterns, masterfully crafted with parts made up in gilt bronze ormolu and patinated bronze. Mounted in fluted columns pedestals carved from gray dotted Granite, with polished finish. Embellished with garlands and putties mounted in a four square and stepped bases. Weight: Combined of 12 Pounds (5.45 Kilos). Measurements: 15 Height by 4.50 Length by 5.15 Width Inches, (38 x 11.43 x 13.08 Cm). French Empire Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (1808-1873) was Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870 under the name of Napoleon III. In a way, the artistic codes of the Napoleon III style, also called Second Empire style, were presented at the Exhibition of 1844, during the reign of Louis-Philippe d'Orléans. The second Empire style, also known as the Napoleon III style, is a highly eclectic style of architecture and decorative arts, which uses elements of many different historical styles, and also made innovative use of modern materials, such as iron frameworks and glass skylights. It flourished during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France (1852–1870) and had an important influence on architecture and decoration in the rest of Europe and North America. Major examples of the style include the Opéra Garnier (1862–1871) in Paris by Charles Garnier, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Church of Saint Augustine (1860–1871), and the Philadelphia City Hall (1871–1901). The architectural style was closely connected with Haussmann's renovation of Paris carried out during the Second Empire; the new buildings, such as the Opéra, were intended as the focal points of the new boulevards. Comfort was the first priority of Second Empire furniture...
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Granite, Bronze, Ormolu

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

Pair of French Empire Brass Candelabra Lamps, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of very fine quality 19th century brass candelabras, now converted to table lamps. Professionally re-wired. These have their ori...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Wood

Antique Chandelier. Imposing giltwood and alabaster chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Magnificent giltwood and alabaster Russian chandelier in the Empire style
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Empire Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

French Empire Tole Painted Metal Shade Brass Bugle Table Lamp, circa 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary This is a beautiful French 1950s table lamp...
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vintage Sconces Two Wall Lights Gold Bronze Crystal Drops Beads, France, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage sconces bronze with gilding, crystal from France, mid-20th century, each with two lamps, very beautiful and festive! The crystal droplets are stunning, different shapes and...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

1920s French Empire Silver Swan one light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light silver plated sconces with swan head. Available in bronze
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

Early 19th Century Empire Candelabras
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning pair of gilded and patinated bronze candelabras, featuring a winged cupid. He is standing on a sphere and holding a torch, which is surrounded by three curving candle branch...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Early 19th Century French Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of early 19th Century French tole sconces. Converted from oil lamps with classical gilt figures and Directoire imagery. Circa 1820s.
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

antique empire chandelier
Located in Kiel, SH
high decorative antique bronze candelier from the empire. I guess the chandelier was electrified later .
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal, Bronze

1930’s French Empire Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930 French empire style three lights sconces with swan heads
Category

1930s European Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Large Empire Chandelier with Ten Candleholders in great condition. Ca 1820.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unusually large chandelier with a beautiful design. The chains that holds the chandelier are of an interesting shape with grooved pipes and rings. The pressure-turned saucer-like c...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Hollywood Regency French Cut-Crystal Beads, Gilt 19-Light Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning extra large impressive Empire cut crystal and gilt brass 19-light chandelier with crystal drops. Measures: Diameter 37.8 in/ 96 cm Height 35.5 in / 90 cm Weight 44 lb/20 Kg ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Brass Desk Adjustable Lamp in Empire Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century electrified brass desk lamp in Empire style. The part with the bulbs is adjustable. France, circa 1860.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Metal Opaline Noire Glass Electrical Converted Oil Lamp
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Empire style tall large oil lamp that was converted to an electrical one. It consists of a cylindrical long chimney lamp clear shade attached to a brass burner holder; this in turn is connected to a semilunar shaped milk glass font joined to a faceted opaline noire glass conical shaped body. A gold metal band are between both glass parts. There are two long gilt metal scroll formed handles adorned with a relief of acanthus leaves at the upper and bottom part in each side of the conical body. Also, there are a relief of flowers and branches of leaves in the center of it. This conical body is supported by a patinated heavy metal pedestal embellished by acanthus leaves, gilt metal ornaments...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass

1920 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of 1920's Caldwell Empire style bronze double light sconces
Category

1920s American Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Beaded Glass & Iron Six Light Chandelier
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Elegant and glamorous French Empire style chandelier with glass crystal beaded 'bag', bobeches and canopy and double strands of smaller beads outlining the frame of th...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Lighting

Materials

Iron

1900 French Empire Sconces With Swams
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Bronze Swan Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style 20th century bronze doré 2 swan arm round base bouillotte table lamp with oval green tole shade.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This precious Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features many finely hand chiseled details. This model is typical of French Empire period due to ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Empire Dore Lantern Chandelier, Frosted Etched Glass, 19th Century, Solid Bronze
Located in Manhasset, NY
Empire Dore Lantern Chandelier, Frosted Etched Glass, 19th Century, Solid Bronze Pendant A finely cast dore bronze lantern pendant having etched frosted g...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Tole Sinumbra Lamp from the Estate of Paul and Bunny Mellon
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine classical carcel lamp would originally have had a burner and glass shade but now is fitted for electricity and will require a tole or cloth shade...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Russian 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and most impressive Russian 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze and ormolu eighteen light chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a fine inverted bottom finial w...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Vintage Pair Of Wall Lights, Circa 1960 in Chiseled and Gilded Bronze, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant Pair Of Louis XVI style Wall Lights Circa 1960 in finely chiseled and gilded bronze with two light arms. Fake opaline candles. Manufactured in France, 1960s. They're op...
Category

1960s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Bronze and Crystal Bowl Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (late 19th Century) gilt bronze chandelier with a cut crystal bowl supporting a ring of 8 scroll arms suspended by 3 chains to a canopy with a flame final bottom.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Pair of Caldwell French Empire Style Ormolu Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (late 19th Century) ormolu wall sconces with sixteen arms, and shield form back plates with crossed palm fronds surrounding a scrolling vine cast pierced ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Figural Gilt & Patina Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of unusual Antique French Empire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze multi light figural neoclassical chandeliers. Each circular patinated bronze chandelier is embellished with eight gilt bronze neoclassical winged figures of ladies holding flames which represents light and further adorned with neoclassical gilt bronze motifs in relief depicting owls. Finally each chandelier is connected to the top crown...
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Bronze Table Lamps – Originally Empire Candlesticks, France c. 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Bronze Table Lamps – Originally Empire Candlesticks, France c. 1820 A beautiful and elegant pair of bronze table lamps, originally crafted as Empire candlesticks in France ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Ivory Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Ivory lantern, based on a French design, the delicate hand-painted decoration on the slatted glass adds texture. The motif on the coronet is reflec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair French Empire Style Gilt Metal Sconces with Sunburst Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique gilt metal sconces in the French Empire style with sunburst motif, candelabra size sockets and white candle covers, modern wi...
Category

Late 19th Century 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

Vintage Bronze French Empire Three-Arm Eagle Chandelier Light Fixture
Located in Toledo, OH
Gorgeous French Empire bronze chandelier with Eagle. Eagle with outspread wings sits atop three vines. Bronze shades holders have raised flowers. Each arm holds a flower form shade...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Impressive and Large Antique French Empire Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular and large antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze and patinated bronze multi-light chandelier. This fine chandelier is embellished with gilt bronze swan arms and...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Steel

French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Figural Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality lamp base features a gilt classical frieze, and a patinated bronze figure of a classical maiden.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Couple of Candlesticks Style Empire
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Couple of Candlesticks Style Empire Empire style Marble and golden bronze Origin France circa 1900 Very good condition. Natural wear.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large French Empire Style Tent Chandelier
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Empire Style Tent chandelier This is a lovely piece, quite a large chandelier, it has an aged brass frame hung with large crystals, com...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

1930s Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

French Empire Style Bronze Dore Caryatid Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze and dore trim 8 scroll arm chandelier with 4 caryatid females.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair Signed E F. Caldwell Neo-Classical Style Bronze Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of signed Caldwell bronze sconces are in the neo-classical style. They feature Antique motifs including anthemion, and leopard heads.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Large French Empire Style Glass and Gilt Bronze 18-Light Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This 19th century French chandelier is designed in the Empire style and wrought from gilt bronze and strings of cut glass. The chandelier features a lower dome-shaped body below an o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Russian Crystal, Cobalt Glass and Gilt Bronze Chandelier Attributed to Zekh
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare and important Russian late 18th Century twelve candle crystal chandelier attributed to the renowned firm of Johann Zekh. Crafted in Sa...
Category

Late 18th Century Russian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Large Basket Chandelier, 1st Third 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Large ceiling chandelier with six brass candle holders. The hanging of glass prisms, drops and beads is guided over two hoops and ends in a basket with hanging drops.
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

20th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp
Located in IT
20th Century, French Gilt Bronze Buillotte Lamp This elegant table lamp model buillotte was made in France towards the beginning of the twentieth century, of classic taste with deco...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Charming Large Vintage Chandelier in Gilt Bronze Deknudt Belgium
Located in Bastogne, BE
Very Beautiful Vintage Ceiling Chandelier in Bronze by Deknudt, Belgium. Circa 1970s. A very nicely chased vintage six light chandelier in bronze with...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Empire Table Lamps Egyptian revival Bois Dore Bouilotte lamps Napoleonic pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Tall Figural Empire Table Lamps. Depicting a Winged Sphinx made of giltwood on a marble base. Between the wings arise a 4 armed gilt bronze candelabra with above 2 light bulbs. Matching lampshades with gold trim and interior. Style, Vintage, Hollywood Regency, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Mid Century Modern, Design: Traditional Gold Gilded Napoleonic table...
Category

20th Century Spanish Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Set 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-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a lacquered round ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Splendid Bronze French Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Absolutely sublime top drawer bronze electried antique wall sconces having 2 lights each, and marvelous decoration including urn at the top, tassel at the bottom, acanthus leaves and...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Green Marble Barbedienne Table Lamps
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th Century) green marble column candlestick lamps with bronze dore trimmed capital and square base (signed F. BARBEDIENNE) (PRICED AS Pair).
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All