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Empire Mirrors

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
French 19th Century Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large 19th century French Empire trumeau mirror that is bold yet refined, using Neoclassical decorative elements to project a respect for history and luxury. Across the frieze alon...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gold

French 19th Century Gold Empire Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Empire mirror (c. 1800) is symmetrical to hang in either direction, exhibiting low-relief floral decorations that leave ample space for the gilt molding to reveal its red...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gold

Empire Style Gilded Tole Toleware Mirror Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Empire style toleware mirror. The gilded resin or plastic frame surrounds a glass mirror. Made in Italy, circa 1950s. Beautiful mirror for any room or your hall entry. Nice ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Resin

Late 19th Century Table Mirror / Picture Frame - Empire Style - Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Charming French gilt bronze mirror, late 19th century, in Empire style. The rectangular frame is richly decorated with acanthus leaves and classical motifs, crowned with a laurel wre...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique early 20th century small oval gold leaf and paint gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a beautiful small oval mirror that was crafted in France in the early 20th century, around 1910. The mirror features a frame made of lime wood and is adorned with plaster mol...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gold Leaf

19th Century empire revival mahogany pier mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century empire revival mahogany pier mirror circa 1870. Excellent quality pier mirror using the finest mahogany.  Architectural cornice top with cresent shape which showcases t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Ormolu

Early 19th Century Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
An early 19th century painted and parcel-gilt Empire trumeau mirror with horse and chariot scene.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mahogany Standing Tilting Floor Mirror from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Stately mahogany adjustable/tilting floor mirror standing over 5.5' tall. Note the elegant finials and central flourish that crown the mirror, resting on elaborately carved lion's fe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Category

20th Century Spanish Empire Mirrors

Materials

Bronze

Empire Neoclassical Gilt Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Empire Neoclassical gilt mirror. Antique Italian gilt Neoclassical mirror frame with interior leaf and dart holding with large ogee band and o...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Giltwood

19th Antique Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
About This is a beautiful antique Spanish flame mahogany and marquetry wall mirror, circa 1840. The mahogany frame is beautifully inlaid with a continuous marquetry border. The qua...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Heavy gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The golden mirror is in a good condition. 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter: 55cm/ 21.6" Diameter glass: 1...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Resin

A large French Empire wood and gesso mirror, C 1840.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The two-tone painted, rectangular frame with ornate gilt highlights throughout. Perfect in an entryway, to elongate a hall way or above a mantel horizontally. The neutral mirror may...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Wood

Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neoclassical giltwood mirror. Antique gilt carved mirror with scrolled acanthus surround, leaf-tipped outer edge with cor...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Elegant Antique French Empire Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fine period French antique, good sized Gilt Empire mirror with applied decorative motif gilt work on a rectangular frame. From near Paris, France! #8435
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

19th Century Carved Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An impressive late 19th Century Empire carved giltwood Mahogany wall Mirror, Circa 1890s. Measures 49.5" in width, 4" in depth and stands 33" in height.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood

19th Century American Empire Mahogany Gentleman's Shaving or Dressing Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century American Empire gentleman's tilt-top shaving mirror of mahogany. The original mirror glass is in a beveled frame with a dome top and is supported by beautifully crafter ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Empire Gold Gilt Overmantel Mirror
Located in London, GB
A good sized Gilt Empire antique mirror with applied decorative motif gilt work on a rectangular frame, lambs tongue design inner slip. Mirror in good condition. Original boarded bac...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

French 19th Century Empire Gold Gilt Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire gold gilt mantel mirror from the 1800’s. The carved frame has its original gold gilt finish revealing the reddish bole beneath with decorat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving Early 19th century Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Wood

19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror circa 1890. Fine architectural pier mirror made in birch. Rich golden empire revival birch, with architectural cornice.  ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Birch

Empire Mirror, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Large wall mirror in the Neoclassical Empire style, circa 1810. The rectangular frame is gilded and adorned with applied stucco ornaments, including stylized acanthus leaves and leaf...
Category

1810s Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Glass

Pair of Wall Mirrors, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of pillar mirrors in gold-patinated and stuccoed frame with profiled molding. The mirror panes are divided in the upper third. Patination is rubbe...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Large Mahogany Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
Large mirror made of mahogany, the mirror itself consists of two panels in a large mahogany frame with two candleholders on each side. Originates...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Empire Pier Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
A handsome and stately French Empire mirror with gilded hand carved detail.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Giltwood

Small Rectangular 19th Century Wooden Mirror and Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Danish or Swedish 19th Century Empire Mirror. This classic rectangular mirror features the original mirror. Wonderful mirror that can be displayed on a vanity or hung verticall...
Category

Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Wood, Mirror

A French Empire gold mirror, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fine and Large Antique hand carved giltwood frame with beautiful floral, scroll and rosette decorations. A statement piece for your entryway...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood, Wood

Baker Furniture Company Empire Mahogany & Gilt-Wood Mirror, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire mahogany & gilt-wood mirror by Baker Furniture Company Additional information: Materials: mahogany, mirror Please note that this item contains materials that are legally...
Category

20th Century Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mahogany

19th French Empire Period Gilt Wood Oval Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
19th French Empire period gilt wood oval mirror
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Marble

19th Century Russian Pair of Antique Beechwood, Brass Wall Mirrors and Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian pair of wall mirrors and console tables, nightstands made of hand crafted Karelian Beechwood in good condition. The floor mirrors are supported by two arched legs ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th French Empire Period Gilt Wood Oval Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
19th French Empire period gilt wood oval mirror
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Antique 19th century large oval gold and silver leaf gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a large antique oval mirror that was made in France in the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860. The mirror is decorated with beautiful ornaments with rich sy...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf

19th Century Pair of Mahogany Mirrors, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of mahogany mirrors from Denmark, circa 1840-1860, with a carved and scrolled pediment and turned side columns. This pair is solid and ready to hang securely. There is expecte...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Large French Empire Parcel-Gilt and Beige Rectangular Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Empire period large rectangular mirror with neoclassical relief ornamentation with gilded details and a very nice patina in beige color with red accents, France, circa 1810...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gold Leaf

Italian Empire Period Carved Giltwood & Gilt-Gesso Mirror, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
of rectangular shape and having a coved form with a rabbet of carved gesso, now fitted with a modern mirrorplate
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Large early 19th century empire style over mantle
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very decorative early 19th century empire style overmantle miror French circa 1840’ s with original backboards and mirror plate Height 157 cms or 62 inches Width 115.5 cms or ...
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Early 19th Century Biedermeier or Empire Demi Lune Console with Mirror
Located in Greven, DE
Antique demi-lune console with pillar mirror North Germany Mahogany Biedermeier/Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 234 x 88 x 51 cm single height console: 78 cm, sing...
Category

1810s German Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian mirror dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined mirror. Made of fine walnut wood and characterized by an el...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Walnut

Beautiful Empire French Period Trumeau
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful Empire French period Trumeau.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mercury Glass, Gesso, Wood

Large French Carved Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large 19th Century French Carved Painted and Giltwood Mirror. This Impressive mirror features a rectangular frame adorned with finely carved trailing floral and foliage garlands, a h...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Very Tall 8' Antique Empire Style Mirror, Italian, Walnut, Marble, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an extraordinary 8' tall antique Empire Style console mirror. An Italian extended pier mirror in walnut with a marble plinth, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Of impressive stature and exceptional craftsmanship, this piece is ideally suited to grand reception rooms or palatial entrance halls. Striking proportion at 99.5'' (253cm) in height, creating an unmissable focal point Beautifully figured walnut stocks, displaying deep caramel hues and rich grain interest Topped with a delightful crown pediment, finished with gilt relief moulding for an elegant flourish Original mercury glass mirror plate, with charming foxing and light, age-related character Fascia adorned with gilt artistry, elevating the warm walnut tones beneath Cool grey marble tabletop sits at 85cm, perfect for display or utility in a hallway setting Serpentine pilaster supports, a classical touch, terminating with darling gilt hoof foot mounts Stands upon a plinth base with deep apron, grounding the mirror with architectural poise Presented in two parts for ease of placement, and secures to the wall with brass fittings Maximum mounting width of 99cm (39'') across the rear edge of the plinth This antique Italian pier mirror...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Marble

19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Original Painted Table Mirror Dated, 1870
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique rustic vanity mirror / table mirror dated 1870. The Mirror has nice carved details on the top This orginal painted mirror...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Pine

Round Empire Style Gold Mirror by Randy Esada Designs, 2010s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round Empire style gold mirror by Randy Esada Designs. Beautiful gold gilding and beveled mirror. Additional information: Materials: Giltwood, Gold, Mirror Color: Gold Brand: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

1950s Tole Dressing Mirror
Located in Charlottesville, VA
We love tole and dressing mirrors. This is an Empire period dressing mirror. It has one drawer.
Category

1950s Vintage Empire Mirrors

Materials

Metal

Italian Carved Giltwood & Whitewashed French Empire Style Balloon Wall Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
It is an Italian carved giltwood and whitewashed balloon form mirror with French Empire styling. It has tassel appointments. It is in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Poplar

Empire Cheval Mirror
Located in Woodbury, CT
In walnut with ebonized trim, this stately mirror has exquisite lines and exemplifies the design motifs of the period. Burl walnut surrounds the glass that has survived more or less ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Walnut

Gold Giltwood Wall Mirror Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
A gold giltwood wall mirror in the Neoclassical-Empire design, circa 19th century, Europe. The Empire period was another or second phase to Neoclassism. Mirror has beautiful, detaile...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Giltwood

Gilded Empire Wall Mirror, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Profiled wall mirror in the Empire style with a rectangular frame and applied acanthus leaf decorations. The surface is fully gilded with an elegant patina. The mirror glass has been...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

19th Century Gold Green Painted Giltwood Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
An old French Directory period, hand-carved trumeau mirror in gilded wood and painted in green, and its base in off-white. The mirror glass is origina...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Empire Style Rectangular Mirror in Beige and Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Empire Style mirror, France, 1930s. Beautiful Empire style rectangular mirror in beige patina with neoclassical relief foliage and floral ornament...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Mirrors

Materials

Gold Leaf

Early Mid-Century Empire Style Black and Gild Greek Key Mirror
Located in Wichita, KS
Large and impressive mirror from mid-century with black paint and gilded Greek key. The mirror has a large and deep frame molding. To view all of our listings at Tiffany Farha De...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

French Empire Style Beige Painted Trumeau Mirror with Carved Gilt Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style beige painted trumeau mirror from the 20th century with gilded décor. This exquisite French Empire style trumeau mirror from the 20th century is a testament to ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Mirrors

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

1800s Antique Continental, Gilt Bronze, Ormolu, Empire Console and Pier Mirror!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous 1800s Antique Continental, Gilt Bronze, Ormolu, Empire Console and Pier Mirror! Antique Empire console, pier mirror, continental, gilt bronze, ormolu, 1800s, 19th century!...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Italian Walnut Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Italian walnut mirror. Antique provincial bleached walnut mirror with later antiqued plate with clean modern classic lines. Italy, circa 1820. ...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Large Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns and Carved Capitals, c. 1810
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An exquisite Empire mirror in Cuban mahogany with carved anthemions as antefix decorating the crown molding and columns with carved acanthus capitals flanking the mirror and frieze, ...
Category

1810s Danish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Large Antique French Giltwood Mirror, Empire Style Inspiration, circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Large antique French mirror, Empire style inspiration, circa 1950. Large antique frame in carved natural wood, grooves and crosses decorati...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Giltwood

19th Century Silver Backed Crackle Foxed Giltwood Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
Sometimes mirrors are all about the frames, this stunning French mirror is all about the almost other Worldly foxed mirror plate, it is truly spectacular, over more than 150 years the silver backed...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Gorgeous Pair of Empire Style Black & Gold Wall Mirrors
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful pair of Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirrors which are elegant statement pieces. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina, and t...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

Antique Geometrical Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Mirror with Carved Crest
Located in Miami, FL
About This is a beautiful antique Spanish flame mahogany and marquetry wall mirror, circa 1840, 19th century. The mahogany frame is beautifully inlaid with a continuous marquetry...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

P.-B. Marcion, Empire Period Dressing Table, France, circa 1810
By P. Marcion
Located in PARIS, FR
Empire period dressing table, decorated with rich chiseled and mercury gilded bronze ornamentation. Surmounted by an oval-shaped psyche mirror, decorated with a frieze of ivy and sma...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Mirrors

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire mirrors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire mirrors 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 mirrors created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include mirrors, tables, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire mirrors 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 mirrors, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, C. Werné, Chelini Firenze, and Design Institute America. 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 mirrors differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $321 and tops out at $161,044 while the average work can sell for $3,200.

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