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.
Antique Crystal Basket Chandelier Empire Style Brass 4 Lights circa 1920
Located in Berlin, DE
An elegant and compact crystal chandelier in a classic basket form. The chandelier features a clean, upward tapering structure with a stepped crystal base. Its calm and balanced des...
Crystal, Brass
Early 19th Century Empire Settee
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A well-proportioned Empire settee with a crest rail inlaid with a diamond and stringing pattern in contrasting wood. The swept arms and tapered saber legs give it the clean, confiden...
Fabric, Wood
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Enfilade with Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent 19th century French enfilade of classic Empire styling, made of richly figured mahogany adorned with gilt bronze accents. Its original marble top of black stone is spec...
Marble, Bronze
Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of Vases made of opal glass all with Bronze Mounts. These types of articles and jewelry boxes were mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They we...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810
By Faizan A Paris
Located in Greven, DE
The barrel roller - so-called "Pendule au Noir" Paris fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 27 x 11 cm Description: Fire-gilt bronze clock from the early...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Walnut Burl Marble Top Commode Chest Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Commode, Console or Chest of Drawers. Features a rectangular form made from walnut with lacquered and gilt columns and a marble top. The...
Marble, Brass
French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century An exquisite circular box in partially gilt brass, richly adorned with finely cast and chased ornamen...
Brass
Empire style chandelier. With swans heads
Located in New York, NY
Empire chandelier with swan’s heads and starts .
Bronze
Swedish Empire Painted Parcel Gilt Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A glamorous Swedish Empire style settee from the early 19th century (circa 1820) as a painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, three ba...
Gold
Mid-Century French Empire Style Chaise With Mahogany And Bronze Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome mid-century French Empire style mahogany chaise lounge. Th frame is mahogany with heavy ormolu adorning it. It is unmarked. A striking piece for a variety of setti...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Bookcase, Adjustable Shelving
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period bookcase is constructed of solid mahogany and features bronze detailing of laurels, and palmettes. The bookshelf is divided into th...
Bronze
Empire Bench in Mahogany Denmark 1810 - 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench crafted in mahogany with a beautiful grain pattern and harmonious proportions. Curved end panels with finely profiled spindle slats and gently arched legs...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Empire Tile Top Table with Dutch Tiles Denmark 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or perhaps Swedish empire tile top table with dutch tiles and 1 drawer. It's made in the 19th century period by a skilled carpenter of soli...
Ceramic, Wood
$3,290Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Empire Rectangular Mirror in Gold Leaf Giltwood and Beveled Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Rectangular Empire Style Beveled Mirror in Giltwood Late 19th century-1930s. Large size. This stunning rectangular wall mirror / console mirror was hand-crafted in carved wo...
Gold Leaf
French 19th Century Petite Walnut Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite walnut commode from circa 1840 France, it is a multipurpose storage piece scaled down to use practically anywhere around the home. Transitional in style, the silhouette alig...
Brass
Baccarat Malmaison Set of 12 Hand-Crafted Crystal Wine Glasses, 1910
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate Baccarat Malmaison set of twelve wine glasses 20th Century Named after the famed Chateau de Malmaison, Empress Josephine's favorite residence, this is one of Baccarat's ...
Crystal
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 of 19th Century Italian Empire Side Chairs, Two Pair Available
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th-century Italian Empire side chairs featuring carved foliage back with central ebonized medallion and elegantly curved legs. Two pairs available, sold in pairs.
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century French Empire Buffet in Walnut & Grey Marble, Provence
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Provence, France, this early 19th century French Empire buffet is crafted from solid walnut and retains its original grey marble top with natural white veining. The façade...
Marble, Brass
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
19th-Century Empire French Solid Silver Coffee Pot or Ewer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined French Empire period coffee pot, or ewer, dates from the early years of the 19th-century and is crafted in solid silver. The elegant silhouette, balanced proportions and...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Swedish Country Secretary Desk, Empire Period with Original Faux Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique country secretary desk from the empire period. Made in northern Sweden around 1840 with original untouched faux paint, an 19th century painter’s free interpretation o...
Pine
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Carved Wood Day Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible empire style carved wood daybed from France, late 19th century. Long oak wood frame with high sides showing beautiful carved rosette detail. Newly added blue linen cushion...
Linen, Oak
Baccarat Harcourt 48 Piece Set, Water, Red Wine, White Wine, Champagne Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Estate Baccarat Harcourt 48 piece set, 12 water, 12 red wine, 12 white wine, 12 champagne coupe glasses France, 20th Century Each piece has been examined and is in excellent conditio...
Crystal
Danish Empire Style Piano Chair / Stool with Velvet Seat, Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant piano chair, stool, or bench in the Empire style—is distinguished by its characteristic intersecting semicircular frame that forms both the base and armrests. The chai...
Textile, Velvet, 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...
Bronze
French Empire 19th Century Walnut Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive French Empire-style armoire from the early 1800s. The pronounced cornice makes a statement above the pair of paneled and carved doors all crafted of solid, book-matched...
Steel, Brass
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19th century French Empire daybed.
Bronze
French Empire 19th Century Mahogany Console Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century mahogany console in the Empire style with dark stone top. The dense, marbleized stone of charcoal-hue is more recent in age but its faux leather finish has impa...
Marble
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Iron & Inlaid Stone Round Center Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching handmade Breakfast, Centre or Foyer table by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. Features a rounded top with inlaid and tessellated stone in the shape of shells and tulips. ...
Stone, Iron
French Empire Nightstand with Drawer and Door 19th Century in Solid Walnut
Located in Milano, MI
Antique Bedside Table in Empire Walnut with an elegantly threaded brass drawer surmounting a door concealing two interior shelves. The cabinet is solid walnut and has been fully line...
Brass, Bronze
Robert Abbey Templeton Bronze Trophy Urn Table Lamp Empire Shade Light
By Robert Abbey
Located in Dayton, OH
Templeton 7102G urn table lamp, way buddha bronze with golden beige cast metal empire shade with matching soutache - Robert Abbey Measures: 10.5” x 24...
Bronze
$4,216Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, Russian Empire style inspired by Carl Fabergè eggs late 1800s, early 1900s. Measurem...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Mahogany
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space. Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience. Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size. Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Brass, Wire
Swedish 19th Century Empire Oval Center Table, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Swedish Empire oval center table, circa 1830, distinguished by its bold architectural form and richly carved pedestal base. Crafted during the first half of the 19th centu...
Wood
$1,128Sale Price|20% Off
Empire style. Huge glass table lamp by Waterford Crystal, Ireland, 1960s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Huge table lamp from Waterford Crystal, Ireland, 1960s. The glass body is 39 centimeters high made of one-piece molded glass with engraved and cutted details. The base and the struct...
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Chrome
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...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A refined sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment showcasing stylized fruit and foliage in a beautifully aged palette of soft sand beige warm wheat tan golden taupe muted olive ...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1830s French Empire Walnut Chest with Four Drawers and Gilded Edges, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
1830s French Empire walnut chest with four drawers and gilded edges Beautiful wooden root.
Bronze
French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome 19th century French Empire secrétaire à abattant made of richly figured, bookmatched walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a hidden drawer, free of hardware and opening by a shallow groove on the bottom of the drawer front. Below is a fold-front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by Empire style columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers...
Marble, Brass
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th C. Kirk & Son "Repoussé" 117-Piece Sterling Silver Flat Service, 111.8 Oz
By Kirk & Son
Located in Germantown, MD
A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...
Sterling Silver
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...
Brass, Bronze
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian Column Six Light Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian column six light chandelier Priced each Additional information: Materials: Lights Color: Black Pe...
Metal
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Brass
Vintage Oak Sofa / Couch, Antique Empire Danish Craftmanship 1880-1910s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Absolutely stunning, this early 19th-century sofa hails from the Empire period, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. Built to withstand the test of time, this Dan...
Fabric, Oak
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, ...
Fur
Antique Brass Trivet with Bird Sculptures, English, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th Century brass English trivet. Certainly an elegant nod to days gone by and would be a great decorative accent in a kitchen or next to ...
Brass
Large Italian Late Empire Carved Wood and Gilt Chandelier, circa 1830–1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare and impressively large Italian Late Empire chandelier (diameter approx. 160 cm), finely carved in wood and preserved with its original gilding. The gilded surface displays a b...
Crystal
French Empire-Style Fauteuil Handcrafted by Trouvailles, Inc
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome and sturdy French Empire-style throne-like fauteuil (armchair) with silver and gold gilt decoration inspired by Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign 1798-1801, square back with ca...
Damask, Wood, Giltwood
Baker Furniture Stately Homes Collection Burl Wood and Ebonized Regency Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Empire, Regency, or Biedermeier style round pedestal breakfast table, game table, or center table From the exclusive "Stately Homes" Collection by Baker Furniture USA, C...
Ebony, Burl
Antique French Empire Mahogany Double Bookcase With Mounted Ormolu, Circa 1890s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique French Empire bookcase or display cabinet In the manner of Herter Brothers USA, Circa 1890s Carved mahogany, with glass front doors, and mounted gilt bronze or...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Tric Trac Backgammon Games Table
Located in Essex, MA
Period French First Empire Tric Trac or Backgammon Table. Reversible top with leather on one side and felt on the other. Opening to a backgammon playing well with inlay in ebony an...
Mahogany, Ebony
$952Sale Price|29% Off
Louis XVI-Style Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase by Boin-Taburet, c. 1900
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A classic and opulent crystal and gilt bronze Louis XVI-style vase, its goblet-shaped heavy crystal bowl diamond cut and fluted to refract the light...
Crystal, Bronze
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 36 Piece Set Champagne, Wine, Water, Liqueur Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...
Crystal
$633Sale Price|35% Off
English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...
Silver Plate