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.
Pair of French 1st Empire Dore Bronze Mtd. 5-Arm Mirrored Sconces, Att. Thomire
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Pair of French 1st Empire Period Dore bronze mounted five-arm sconces/mirrors, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire. Each mirrored sconce is of octagonal form with a b...
Bronze
$9,279Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold 2
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac-a-Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with mesmerizing crystals, evoking the classic style of the Empire era. This is a new re...
Crystal, Brass
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Dragon Form Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Dragon Form Wall Sconces with Medusa Masks The sconces are cast in gilt bronze and formed with tapering shield shaped backplates suppor...
Ormolu
$11,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Victory Sconces
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very large and dramatic pair of French Empire style wall sconces in finely chased patinated and gilded bronze. A large winged Victory...
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Montreal, QC
French Empire style gilded bronze Bouillotte lamp with 3 arms with dark green tole shade.
Bronze
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Table Lamp with Winged Victoria
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Empire table lamp in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, circa 1810. Originally made as a candelabrum and later converted into an electric table lamp, circa 1950. The cylindrica...
Bronze
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
French Empire Bouillotte Lamp, Silvered Bronze, Circa 1905
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a French Empire bouillotte lamp made of silvered bronze. The circular base supports four decorative candle arms with nozzles; ...
Bronze
Large Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Seven-Light Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of French Empire style gilt bronze wall lights. Surmounted by a classical female figure standing atop an orb and holding butterflies in each hand, above two tier structur...
Bronze
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
Antique Chandelier. Imposing giltwood and alabaster chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Magnificent giltwood and alabaster Russian chandelier in the Empire style
Alabaster
Large Brass Table Lamp Classic French Empire Style
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful and impressive brass table lamp in the classic Empire style, France, dating from around the mid-20th century. This high-quality, very heavy, urn-shaped table lamp featur...
Brass
19th Century Empire Style Eight-Arm Crystal and Bronze Chandelier
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French empire style crystal and gilt bronze chandelier, the top gilt band of palmettes supporting strings of cut crystals terminating at the central gilt rosette mounted ring, pain...
Crystal, Bronze
$3,187Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Swan Chandelier, Gilt Bronze, French Empire Style, Circa 1880
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Classic model for this French Empire chandelier, perfect in any particular: gilt bronze, classic swan, green nail, 6 lights. It's perfect ! over Your table or sleeping room...
Bronze
Large Bohemian crystal chandelier in the style of Empire
By Preciosa
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Elevate your interior with an authentic masterpiece of light made of premium cut crystal and solid polished brass. Handcrafted by the legendary Preciosa Lighting, this monumental 160...
Crystal, Brass
Extremely Fine Pair of Large 19th C French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine pair of 19th century French Empire gilt bronze large two light sconces. Fine Egyptian heads below the candles with a finely cast Eagle at the to...
Bronze
Vintage Boho Empire Bronze Wall Light Sconce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage Empire-style wall sconce is a masterful display of Neoclassical grandeur. Cast in heavy bronze with a rich, weathered finish, the fixture is adorned with tradi...
Bronze
Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze figural candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi resumes the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by gilt satin br...
Bronze
Gilded Bronze Floor Lamp by Edward F. Caldwell & Co
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous antique floor lamp by Edward F. Caldwell has a sleek design with a strong gilded cast bronze base with foliage motif and wreath lip. A fluted pole extends from the base...
Bronze
Pair of French Bronze and Gilt Mirror Pagoda Form Half Lentern Wall Sconces
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of French Bronze and Gilt Mirror back Pagoda Form Half Lentern one light Wall Sconces. Measures 6.75" in width and 3.25" in length and 29" in height.
Brass, Bronze
French Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp with Gold Lion Horse Design, Small
By Luc Lanel
Located in New York, NY
A small French porcelain table lamp with brass base, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century, France. This small French porcelain lamp, ...
Gold, Brass
Antique Bohemia Blue Crystal Fish Table Lamps, Empire Style, c.2000
Located in Worcester, GB
Pair of Bohemia Blue Crystal Fish Table Lamps Shade 35 cm Height 48 cm
Composite
Pair of Empire Wall Sconces Gilt & Ebonized Wood, 2 Metal Arms, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant pair of Empire-period wall sconces crafted from finely carved gilt and ebonized wood, retaining all original elements and displaying a richly aged patina acquired over mor...
Metal
Pair of Large and Important Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large and important antique French Empire gilt bronze chandeliers, each of circular form with a white enamel central dish and multiple ormolu-mounted branches. The dishes a...
Bronze
$16,367Sale Price|25% Off
Monumental 20th Century Classic Cascade Chandelier
Located in Bagshot, GB
Monumental 20th century classic cascade chandelier with gold metal banding and glass beads. Have included an image of the chandelier in its original Location, Belgravia, London from...
Metal
Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal "Basket" Chandelier by Baccarat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal "Basket" Chandelier. The main and top circles with Anthemia and rosettes. Graduated chains of crystal octagon beads a...
Crystal, Bronze
Russian Cut-Glass, Ormolu, and Blue Porcelain Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Russian cut-glass, ormolu, and blue porcelain chandelier Russian, 19th Century Height 120cm, diameter 90cm This stunning Russian chandelier brings together vibrant turquoise porcela...
Ormolu
Empire Style, Large French Bouillotte Lamp, Vintage Circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
Bouillotte lamp from France in the French Empire style. This piece is made of finely cast bronze and features four branches with candelabra style lighting. There is a striking arrow ...
Brass
French Empire Chandelier, Gilded Bronze & Crystal, Circa 1920
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An empire style chandelier in gilded bronze and cut crystal. The large central ring is embellished with palmettes and wreaths and supports beaded chains and long crystal French drops...
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
French Empire style gilt bronze and enamel chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi has got twelve lights. This chandelier is charact...
Bronze, Enamel
$12,957 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style gilt bronze sconces French, 20th Century Measures: Height 88cm, width 38cm, depth 35cm This elegant pair of sconces is wrought from gilt bronze in th...
Ormolu, 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
French Painted Toleware and Brass Desk Lamp A lovely piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Painted Toleware and Brass Desk Lamp A lovely piece, adapted from an original oil lamp, the lamp has a single brass sconce and opposite we can see the secretary bird both set...
Brass
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Pair Antique French Empire Bronze D'ore Wall-Lights, circa 1830-1850
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique bronze D'ore French Empire wall-lights, circa 1830-1850.
Bronze
French Ormolu Bronze Empire Style Chandelier, ca.1960s
Located in Warsaw, PL
A beautifully detailed Empire-style chandelier made of gilt bronze. The chandelier features six gracefully scrolling arms adorned with classical motifs such as acanthus leaves, palm...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Period Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
This Hommage a Egypte pair were made at the time of Napoleon's unsuccessful foray into Egypt. The shaped bases, winged feet and triangular columns are surely inspired by the campaig...
Bronze
French Empire Brass Art Deco Nickel Plated Brass Shell Shade Desk Table Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
1920s Empire French brass table desk lamp Nickel Art Deco shell shade with heavy brass base Brass base. Black cotton wire and plug. Also, available with US/UK plug Weight: 1.00 kg...
Brass, Nickel
Empire Eighteen-Light Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in Montreal, QC
Spectacular French early 19th century bronze and ormolu chandelier, the 12 scrolling arms molded with leaves and interspersed with six ad...
Bronze
Gilt bronze chandelier. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze chandelier. France, late 19th century.
Bronze
$976Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Empire Green Art Glass Lantern Intricately Patterned
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Empire Intricately Patterned Green Art Glass Lantern with Bronze Element. Lovely antique lantern which will arrive newly electrified and with 15 inches of chain and ceil...
Art Glass
Pair of Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Five-Light Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine 19th Century Pair of Large Patinated & Gilt Bronze Five Light Candelabra in the Empire Taste, now turned into lamps. France, circa 1860. Sold with two associated contempo...
Bronze
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Crystal
$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
True Pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most unique true pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces. Each single arm sconce is showcased on a wonderful backplate designed ...
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Style Bronze and Ormolu Seven-Light Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze and ormolu seven light chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a fine ormolu acorn inverted finial below a richly chased base with most decorative foliate patterns in a striking satin and burnished finish. Each of the six scrolled ormolu arms display fine foliate chasing and candle cups, with rich foliate reserves at the rim. Three ormolu supports...
Bronze, Ormolu
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.
Giltwood
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...
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Pair of French Empire Period Candelabra, Attributed to Claude Galle
By Claude Galle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent large pair of five-light doré bronze and patinated bronze Empire period candelabra, attributed to Claude Galle made in the early 1800s. This pair of candelabra are set ...
Marble, Bronze
$1,800 / set
Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire Sconces
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Pair of gilt bronze three-arm Empire sconces with leaf detail.
Bronze
20th Century Empire Style Wall Girdle/Wall Light after Antoine-André Ravrio
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial Empire wall girdle to Antoine-André Ravrio 1759-1814. Bronze, gilded or partly dark patinated. From acanthus of fullplastic herme / Amor adult with, holding a vase as a car...
Bronze
Burgundy and Grey Marble Pillar Form Table Lamp Wood Base
Located in Toledo, OH
A beautiful marble table lamp. It features a lovely burgundy and grey marble in a pillar form with bronze scroll details and a wood base. Very good condition. The dimensions are 30.2...
Marble
Pair Antique French Empire Bronze D' Ore and Crystal Wall Sconces, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire bronze d' ore and crystal wall sconces, circa 1890.
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Period Egyptian Style Porcelain Candelabra
Located in London, GB
French Empire period Egyptian style porcelain candelabra French, c. 1815 Height 81cm, width 27cm, depth 27cm These extremely fine candelabra date from the early 19th Century, during the period of Napoleonic dominance in Europe. It was during this period that interest in the ancient civilisation of Egypt started to become fashionable, in large part due to Napoleon's conquest of the region at the turn of the 19th Century. Each candelabrum is modelled as a standing cross...
Ormolu
A very fine Gilt & Enameled Bronze Empire style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine Empire style chandelier. Gilt and enameled bronze. France, circa 1910. 4-light Dimensions: Height 34", diameter 18". CW3...
Bronze
Empire Design of Lady Face Sconces Gold Dore' Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast in bronze with real 18K gold Dore' finish. Contemporary hi-quality castings in fine details. From the original French pair. Look fantastic on the wall a...
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Brass & Italian Black Marble Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Italian Black Marble & Polished Brass Column Table Lamps With Black Textured Shades - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 27.5" H (to finia...
Marble, Brass
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
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two Light Candle Scone With Swan Decoration
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century French Empire revival mirror sconce with beveled glass. Walnut frame decorated with gilt bronze ormolu mounts with a pair of swans drinking from a fountain below, the cr...
Bronze
French Empire Style Red and White Glass and Bronze Chandelier, circa 1925
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire Style Chandelier with Signed Red and White Glass Bowl and Bronze Swans, circa 1925. Striking French Empire-style chandelier featuring a richly colored red and white gl...
Brass, Bronze