Empire Textiles
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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Empire
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 13" X 11"
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 19'' X 19''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French Aubusson tapestry pillow. 19'' x 19'' x 6''.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' X 21''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French Aubusson tapestry pillow. 21'' x 21''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1920 Antique Suzani Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Suzani Pillow
Category
1920s Uzbek Vintage Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
Mid-17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1850 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Category
1850s Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow. Classical and Victorian, it's done by French Tapestry maker back in 1900s.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1920s Vintage Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1920
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca. 18th Century
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 10", Floral Design, Authentic
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 18" X 7"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 18" X 7", Authentic Woolen Tapestry Pillow
Category
Mid-17th Century German Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
1880 Antique Aubusson Pillow - 20'' X 17''
Located in Los Angeles, US
20'' X 17'' antique pillow. 19th-century fabric.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1880 Antique French Needlepoint Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1880 Antique French Needlepoint Pillow
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 20'' X 14'', Needlework and Handmade, Brussels.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 11", Woolen Piece
Category
17th Century German Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Pillow
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 19" X 13", it also has it's pair as well for whom that is interested, … more
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow 18th Century
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1650 Antique Brussels Baroque Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1650 Antique Brussels Baroque Pillow
Category
1650s Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8", Animal Print Style , Authentic
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique French Silk Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
The history of Aubusson textiles dates back to the 14th century. The town of Aubusson is located in the La Marche area of France, which is located at the base of the Creuse River. It...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th Century Antique Italian Needlepoint Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Italian Needlepoint Pillow 18th Century
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 15" X 9", Authentic
Category
16th Century Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Antique 19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 24'' X 15''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French tapestry pillow. Tribal and traditional.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
The history of Aubusson textiles dates back to the 14th century. The town of Aubusson is located in the La Marche area of France, which is located at the base of the Creuse River. It...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 13" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 13" X 11", Floral Style
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow 29'' X 11'', Silk, Turkish Traditional.
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Silk, Wool
Circa 1850 Antique French Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Pillow
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13" - Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1920 Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Aubusson Pillow 20'' X 14'', handmade french piece in great condition
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 24'' X 26''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French tapestry pillow. 19th century. 24'' X 26''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry Pillow 17'' X 17'', handmade, authentic 17th Century Piece, Traditional Empire Style
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
C A. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1860s Portuguese Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow With Garlands of Flowers
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca.1860
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17th Century
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow 19'' x 18''
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Ca.1700 Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1700 Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 21'' X 19'', Handmade and Needlework, Extremely Fine and Unique
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Antique Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Turkish Pillow
Category
17th Century Turkish Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
The history of Aubusson textiles dates back to the 14th century. The town of Aubusson is located in the La Marche area of France, which is located at the base of the Creuse River. It...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1780s French Beauvias Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 17''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Extremely fine antique French beauvias tapestry pillow with a bouquet of flawers in the center, surrounded by a circle of flowers on rose grounded CA. 1870s. 17'' x 17'' inches. Hand...
Category
1780s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
1660s Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 25'' X 22''
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool
Circa 1880 Antique Ziegler Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Circa 1880 Antique Ziegler Pillow
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Empire Textiles
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Empire textiles for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire textiles 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 textiles created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire textiles made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Unknown pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original textiles, popular names associated with this style include Schumacher, Emily Barbara, and Josephine de Beauharnais. 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 textiles differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $220 and tops out at $26,342 while the average work can sell for $2,500.
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