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.
French Empire Style "Cupid" Bronze Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style "Cupid" Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabrum Mounted as a Table Lamp, late 19th century, the figure of Cupid holding a feather and upholding a twin branch light,...
Bronze
Empire Style Bronze Chandelier, Nine Lights, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire style chandeliers tend to be quite hefty and large, This bronze example is unusually delicate. The dished circular pan is hung from three flat pierced suspension chains, and s...
Bronze
Pair of Signed, 19th Century, Converted Milkglass Lamps Hand Painted with Ivy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of columnar table lamps, in Empire style, of milkglass. Each a round, faceted column, handpainted with scrolling vines of ivy. Lamped on round, pierced metal bases. Signed, "Pee...
Milk Glass
Empire Gilt Bronze Table Lamp, Converted Candlestick, Paris, Early 19th C.
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Table Lamp, Converted Candlestick, Paris, Early 19th C. An elegant French Empire table lamp, originally conceived as a finely cast and fire-gilt bronze candlesti...
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.
Bronze
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...
Marble, Brass
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
$139,170Sale Price|33% Off
Empire Bronze Crystal Chandelier, with Fire-Gilded Swans, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely decorative, heavy and high quality Empire chandelier, 19th century. No replica. Staffed with five magnificent, fire-gilded bronze swans. This chandelier impresses with its uniqueness. The swan is the symbol animal of the Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais...
Crystal, Bronze
$3,400 / set
1900 French Empire Sconces With Swams
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Bronze
Antique Empire 19th Century Wood Carved Chandelier France Solid Oak 6 Lights
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Simply amazing! This fully hand-carved Empire style chandelier in solid oak from France 19th century. The chandelier has 3 male figures & 3 female figures on its arms all displayed...
Oak
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.
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This Important French Empire chandelier, dating to the 19th century, features a gilt bronze frame adorned with neoclassical motifs. The ormolu structure includes finely cast wreaths ...
Crystal, Bronze
Palatial French Empire Doré Bronze and Patinated Neoclassical Chandelier Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Palatial elegant French empire patinated green tone and doré bronze fifteen-light neoclassical chandelier. Measures: 32" H x 32" W.
Bronze
$12,773 / set
Two French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two sconces have been crafted in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent...
Ormolu, Bronze
20th Century French Black Enamel Tole and Gilt Bronze Table Lamp with Silk Shade
Located in Firenze, IT
A beautiful pair of French Empire style early 20th century black lacquered metal and parcel gilt bronze table lamps with pagoda silk shades. These high quality chic and stylish neoc...
Ormolu, Metal, Bronze
Pair of French 1920s Empire Style Bronze and Opaline Glass Table Lamps, Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Empire style bronze and opaline glass candelabra table lamps from the early 20th century, with scrolling arms and volutes. Created in France during the first quarter of the 20th century, each of this pair of table lamps attracts our attention with its bronze scrolling arms resting upon a white opaline glass pedestal. Raised on a tripartite base accented with delicate volutes, the candelabras have been rewired for the US. With their Empire silhouette...
Bronze
Antique Chandelier with Musical Motif Empire Historicism Style Brass Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Chandelier with Musical Motif – Empire / Historicism Style An exceptional brass and crystal chandelier featuring decorative gallery elements inspired by musical notes. The u...
Crystal, Brass
French Empire Silver Plate Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (20th Century) silver plate 3 arm bouillotte table lamp with horn motif and green tole shade.
Silver Plate, Tôle
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
Set of Four Empire Ormolu Three-Light Wall Sconces, Attributed to 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...
Bronze
French 19th Century Tole Sinumbra or Carcel Lamp from the Estate of Bunny Mellon
Located in Hudson, NY
This very nice carcel lamp now converted to electricity comes from the estate and Paul and Bunny Mellon and formed part of the decorations of their home Oa...
Bronze, Tin
Fine French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Red Glass Crystal Baltic Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine French Empire / neoclassical style gilt bronze and red glass centerpiece with crystal drop Baltic chandelier having four swan arms rewired...
Bronze
$2,650
Empire Style Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very elegant and restrained gilt bronze & painted bronze empire style pendant. France, circa 1920. 4 Lights. Measures: height 38", diameter 25"...
Bronze
French Empire Style GIlt Bronze and Red Painted tole Swan Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A unique and spectacular French Empire-style gilt bronze and red-painted tole chandelier featuring a circular form suspended by three elongated gilt bronze chains. The central body i...
Bronze, Tôle
Elegant French Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Three-Light Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Very fine, beautifully detailed French doré bronze and crystal three-arm chandelier with flame top urn centre in the neoclassical style.
Crystal, Bronze
$11,150
Empire Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Impressive Gilt Bronze & Patinated Bronze Chandelier in the Empire Taste featuring four eagles. France, circa 1900. Dimensions: Height 40" Diameter 27" CW5660
Bronze
19th century Empire Style Bronze Bouillotte Lamp, 1890s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Elegant 19th century Empire style bouillotte lamp made of gilt bronze and green lacquered metal. This beautiful antique lamp is distinguished by its refined and timeless silhouette ...
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Magnificent, Classical Swedish Ceiling Crown, Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent, classical Swedish ceiling crown, chandelier Polished brass. Curved, star shaped body with teardrop-shaped, faceted glass hangings, starti...
Crystal, Brass
$5,500 / set
Pair of Candelabra Lamps in the Empire style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Magnificent Pair of Empire style Candelabra, now turned into lamp. Gilt & Patinated Bronze on Marble Bases. 4 lights each Great Quality. France, circa 1880. Dimensions: Height ...
Marble, Bronze
Charming Large Vintage Chandelier in Gilt Bronze Deknudt Belgium
By Deknudt
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...
Bronze
$7,012 / set
Pair of Bouillotte Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of bouillotte lamps in toleware and bronze, in the French Empire manner.
Bronze
48" c1860 French Empire Cut Cascading Crystal Waterfall Chandelier by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
48" Grand Scale c1860's Cut and Cascading Heavy Crystal Waterfall Chandelier by Baccarat. 12 interior lights, 10 lower and 2 center lights. This is a stunning Ballroom type Palatial ...
Crystal
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Figural Gilt & Patina Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Multi-Light Figural Chandeliers. Each circular chandelier features an ebonized bronze body surmounted by candle-form lights held aloft by gilt bronze winged female figures modeled in the neoclassical manner. The figures kneel gracefully with outstretched arms. Between them, scrolling mounts extend from the circular frame, their terminals finished with acanthus and foliate motifs. The gilt bronze elements are finely cast and chased, showing the characteristic Empire emphasis on mythological and classical ornamentation. Each chandelier is suspended from a circular crown...
Bronze
Empire Style Table Lamp (No Shade). Bronze, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Empire style lamp (without shade). Patinated bronze. marble base Table lamp elevated on a marble base, it is shaped like a vase with handles in the shape of simplified swan heads, fo...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Bouillotte Lamps or Table Lamps, 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Empire gilded bronze finely chiseled Bouillotte lamps with dark green painted tole adjustable shade. Two E 14 light bulbs. We can deliver wired for US standard.
Bronze
Interesting Late 19th-Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Long Island City, NY
An interesting late 19th-early 20th century gilt bronze empire style sixteen light chandelier Four long chains connect the top with the body, eight gilt sphinx encircle and light ...
Bronze
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Alabaster, Bronze
$3,842Sale Price|50% Off
Italian 1950s Empire Silvered Swooping Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Empire style Italian chandelier in the style of Buccellati. Rewired. 12 Light sources. Candelabra sockets. Rewired. 23” is the body. The chain can be adjusted to your nee...
Silver, Bronze, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Finest Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
Crystal, Ormolu
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Brass Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in ...
Brass
Small Bronze & Beaded Crystal French Light Fixture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage French Empire style crystal basket chandelier with acanthus finial. Constructed with a bronze frame adorned with faceted crystal beads. Originated in the late 19th century.
Crystal, Bronze
French Oil Opaline and Brass Table Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Converted French oil white opaline and brass table lamp.
Brass
Large French Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Sconce Attributed to Thomire
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A highly unusual large scale single French Empire wall sconce, the bronze having the finest chasing and gilding ever produced. A winged cupi...
Bronze
Swedish Empire Style Cut-Crystal Tent and Basket Chandelier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Swedish Empire style gilt-bronze and cut-crystal tent and basket chandelier. Swedish, Circa 1825.
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This large scale 19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier is a stunning piece that perfectly combines elegance and sophistication. The intricate gilt bronze fra...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Black Stone and Ormolu Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Each candleholder of columnar form surmounted with ormolu stiff-leaf capitals and with acanthus-wrapped base, on pedestal bases with outswept scrolling feet. Fitted with two brass bulb sockets. Adjustable. Later mounded as a lamps. With duck blue...
Stone, Brass, Ormolu
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier Measures 37 In H x 27.25 In w x 27.24 D
Metal, Brass
French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Steel Figural Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze and steel figural chandelier of refined execution. The chandelier features a circular steel dish-shaped body richly mounted with gilt bronze ...
Bronze, Steel
French 19th century Empire st. Ormolu chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and finely detailed French 19th century Empire st. Ormolu chandelier. This exceptional four arm eight light circular chandelier is centered by an Ormolu acorn bottom f...
Ormolu
19th Century Chandelier Sweden or Baltic States Cut Glas Gilded
Located in Epfach, DE
The chandelier is probably made circa 1810 in Sweden or the Baltic States. It is made out of cut glass and flashed glass the three double arms and the mascarons are gilded.
Brass
Wonderful Pair French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze Marble Neoclassical Regency Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze & Marble Corinthian Column Form Ormolu Neoclassical Regency Lamps, Each Having A Medusa Plaque Mounting On A Triangular Base.
Marble, Bronze
$3,904Sale Price|60% Off
Swedish Black & Gilt Bronze Eagle Empire Chandelier, Early 1800's
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Empire-style, black and gold chandelier made in Sweden circa 1830. In a bowl-form with 5 candle-style lights with finely cast, eagle head...
Bronze
Beautiful pair of 1940's French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
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
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Ebonized Lamps
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mounted Ebonized Urn Form Lamps, each with two handles and mounted on a stepped base. 21.5" H x 6" W x 4" D. Provenance: From a Park Avenue...
Bronze
Swedish Empire Ceiling Chandelier in antique Classicist Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Swedish Empire ceiling crown in the style of classicism Polished brass and facetted prismatic trimmings. Starting from narrow, ornamented brass hoops, eight curved candlesticks for cylindrical spouts above a round gutter bowl. Baluster-shaped body made of hand-wired pearl strings...
Brass
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...
Bronze
Pair of Laudarte Grifone Empire Style Wall Lights, Ancient Gold 24k
By Laudarte Srl
Located in GB
Grifone is an Italian Classic wall sconce made with two lights, designed by Giovanni Maria Ma in the empire style, bronze with ancient gold 24k finish, marble and malachite inserts. ...
Malachite, Marble, Gold Plate, Bronze
$22,337 / set
Pair of Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in London, GB
Designed to mimic the appearance of a star-studded celestial globe, theses Empire style chandeliers are simultaneously charming and outstandingly beautiful. Each chandelier is design...
Ormolu, Metal, Bronze