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Empire Armchairs

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
Vintage French Empire Style Birch Upholstered Library Accent Arm Chair Green
Vintage French Empire Style Birch Upholstered Library Accent Arm Chair Green

Vintage French Empire Style Birch Upholstered Library Accent Arm Chair Green

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th Century French Empire Style Upholstered Arm Chair. Made from birch with a high back featuring a scalloped crest rail, green velvet upholstery and downswept scrolled acant...

Category

Late 20th Century Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century
Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century

Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is an elegant antique pair of French Empire Revival upholstered back mahogany armchair fauteuils, circa 1880 in date. The mahogany is beautiful in colour with superb patina. Th...

Category

1880s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of French Empire Style Armchairs
Pair of French Empire Style Armchairs

Pair of French Empire Style Armchairs

Located in Vienna, AT

Walnut frame with a tapestry manufactures about 1870 in France, carved with acanthus leaves and palmettes and painted with gold, the armrests supported by gilt griffins partialy pai...

Category

1870s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Tapestry, Walnut

Antique French Empire Bergere
Antique French Empire Bergere

Antique French Empire Bergere

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A lovely period French Directoire bergere, restored and upholstered in silk velvet. Lovely armchair with beautiful turned legs and columnar supports at the arms.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Empire mahogany armchairs by Jacob Frères, France, 19th century
Empire mahogany armchairs by Jacob Frères, France, 19th century

Empire mahogany armchairs by Jacob Frères, France, 19th century

By Jacob Frères, Madeleine Castaing

Located in GRENOBLE, FR

A fine pair of mahogany Empire gondola armchairs, very confortable gondola chair model. The armrest are swan-shaped and front legs are lion-legs-shaped. The seats are covered with a ...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs

Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Italian Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with White Velvet Upholstery, Genoa
Pair of Italian Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with White Velvet Upholstery, Genoa

Pair of Italian Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with White Velvet Upholstery, Genoa

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant pair of 19th-century Italian Empire armchairs from Genoa, crafted in solid mahogany with refined neoclassical detailing. Each chair features arched legs terminating in styliz...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair
French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair

French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair

Located in Queens, NY

"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery Antique condition. Show...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs
Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs

Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, Walnut, France 1800 Introducing an Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the Em...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair
Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair

Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine quality mid 19th century French mahogany and leather reclining chair circa 1860. We are pleased to be able to offer this stunning french flame mahogany reclining chair for sale...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French 1st Empire Armchair with Carved Dolphins' Heads
French 1st Empire Armchair with Carved Dolphins' Heads

French 1st Empire Armchair with Carved Dolphins' Heads

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This exquisite French Empire armchair brings timeless elegance to any home. Resting on gracefully curved saber legs, it’s adorned with vibrant cream and crimson stripes that exude cl...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

A Pair of Art Nouveau Armchairs in Mahogany, Thorvald Bindesbøll, Early 1900s
A Pair of Art Nouveau Armchairs in Mahogany, Thorvald Bindesbøll, Early 1900s

A Pair of Art Nouveau Armchairs in Mahogany, Thorvald Bindesbøll, Early 1900s

By Thorvald Bindesbøll

Located in Odense, DK

A refined pair of Art Nouveau Danish armchairs crafted in solid mahogany in the early 20th century. The design reflects the restrained elegance and fine craftsmanship characteristic ...

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Mahogany

19th Century Pair of Mahogany Armchairs in the Directoire style
19th Century Pair of Mahogany Armchairs in the Directoire style

19th Century Pair of Mahogany Armchairs in the Directoire style

Located in NICE, FR

Elegant pair of Empire period armchairs, 19th century, crafted in solid wood and representative of refined French taste. These seats stand out with their finely chiseled bronze orn...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Lovely Pair Of Black Lacquered And Gilt Upholstered Open Armchairs
Lovely Pair Of Black Lacquered And Gilt Upholstered Open Armchairs

Lovely Pair Of Black Lacquered And Gilt Upholstered Open Armchairs

Located in Crawley, GB

delight to offer for sale this stunning pair of black lacquered and gilt antique style upholstered open armchair with carved swans and raised upon sabre front legs with carved scroll...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Armchairs Pair of Swedish Mahogany Brown Gilded Details Green and White Seat
Armchairs Pair of Swedish Mahogany Brown Gilded Details Green and White Seat

Armchairs Pair of Swedish Mahogany Brown Gilded Details Green and White Seat

Located in New York, NY

A pair of armchairs made in Sweden during the Karl Johan period 1810-1840. Frame made in mahogany with gilded details. Upholstered in a durable outdoor Rogers and Goffigon stripe.  

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays Original Cane Seat
Pair of Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays Original Cane Seat

Pair of Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays Original Cane Seat

Located in Kastrup, DK

A stunning pair of Empire armchairs from Copenhagen, circa 1810, made from solid mahogany with intricate satinwood inlays on the backrest, apron, and front legs. The chairs feature t...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Fruitwood, Mahogany

Pair of Antique French Empire Mahogany Carved Armchairs
Pair of Antique French Empire Mahogany Carved Armchairs

Pair of Antique French Empire Mahogany Carved Armchairs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 35 1/4 in W: 23 1/2 in D: 21 1/2 in SH: 17 1/4 in A distinguished pair of antique French Empire mahogany carved armchairs, dating to the late 18th or early 19th cen...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany

Set of Three Empire‑Style Armchairs in Wood and Red Velvet, Belgium ca. 1950
Set of Three Empire‑Style Armchairs in Wood and Red Velvet, Belgium ca. 1950

Set of Three Empire‑Style Armchairs in Wood and Red Velvet, Belgium ca. 1950

Located in Meulebeke, BE

A refined tribute to the grandeur of early 19th‑century French design, this set of three Belgian armchairs. Crafted in the 1950s, these chairs beautifully reinterprets the Empire aes...

Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Danish Late Empire Birch Armchairs With Inlay, 1810-1820
Pair of Danish Late Empire Birch Armchairs With Inlay, 1810-1820

Pair of Danish Late Empire Birch Armchairs With Inlay, 1810-1820

Located in Kastrup, DK

A pair of elegant late empire armchairs. Crafted in birch wood with marquetry inlaid on backrest in the form of vases. Fine line inlays on backrest and apron. The tops of the bac...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Birch

French Federal EmpireStyle Victorian Cherry Wood Armchairs, Set of Four
French Federal EmpireStyle Victorian Cherry Wood Armchairs, Set of Four

French Federal EmpireStyle Victorian Cherry Wood Armchairs, Set of Four

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Amazing set of 4 Empire Style Armchairs, ornately decorated with bronze appliqué, leaf foot caps and stunning bronze griffin arm details. The commanding chairs are made of solid Cher...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs
An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs

Located in San Francisco, CA

each with incurved back sloping to join a tight seat flanked by bowed arms ending in swan neck terminals; raised on cabriole legs; adorned overall with giltwood acanthus leaves, bell...

Category

1810s Italian Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration

Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Pair of maximalist empire revival style armchairs featuring Versace inspired motifs. The chairs have a classic gondola shaped frame with faux leather naugahyde upholstery. The faux l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Empire Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of French Mahogany Armchairs With Rams Heads Attributed to Jacob Desmalter
Pair of French Mahogany Armchairs With Rams Heads Attributed to Jacob Desmalter

Pair of French Mahogany Armchairs With Rams Heads Attributed to Jacob Desmalter

Located in Stamford, CT

Pair of French Empire mahogany ram's head armchairs attributed to celebrated French furniture maker Jacob Desmalter ( 1770 - 1841 ). Circa 1805. 30" h x 25.5" w x 25" d Se...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Dolphin Armchair
French Empire Dolphin Armchair

French Empire Dolphin Armchair

$556Sale Price|20% Off

French Empire Dolphin Armchair

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you, and give us your zip code, we can usually ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A French Empire Dolphin Armchair...

Category

1980s Vintage Empire Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Pair of Neoclassical Style Empire Armchairs with Gilt Details
Pair of Neoclassical Style Empire Armchairs with Gilt Details

Pair of Neoclassical Style Empire Armchairs with Gilt Details

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant pair of neoclassical-style armchairs in the French Empire tradition, crafted with refined mahogany frames and adorned with intricate gilt accents. These striking chairs featu...

Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Armchairs

Materials

Gold

Splendid pair of 19th-century Russian Empire armchairs
Splendid pair of 19th-century Russian Empire armchairs

Splendid pair of 19th-century Russian Empire armchairs

Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR

This splendid pair of 19th-century Russian Empire armchairs exemplifies the opulence and craftsmanship synonymous with the period. Carved from rich, dark wood, these chairs feature g...

Category

1820s European Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Italian Empire Style Black Lacquered Scroll Armchair
Italian Empire Style Black Lacquered Scroll Armchair

Italian Empire Style Black Lacquered Scroll Armchair

Located in Chicago, IL

Pretty Empire Style Black Lacquered Black Scroll Armchair most likely made in Italy. Has a pretty seat upholstery. The chair has wear and some previ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs
Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs

Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century Gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Fine quality pair of Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Slipper like shaped backs, the shaped arms supported by...

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair
Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair

Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair

Located in Nashville, TN

Of generous proportions and presence . The front mounted with well cast bronze mounts (of some size and weight ). The top with French interpretations of the Greek Caryatids (very att...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 early Empire solid mahogany wood and sheepskin armchairs, France 1820s
Set of 2 early Empire solid mahogany wood and sheepskin armchairs, France 1820s

Set of 2 early Empire solid mahogany wood and sheepskin armchairs, France 1820s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

France / 1820 / 2 armchairs / mahogany, sheep skin / Romantic / Antique / Empire Set of two early Empire armchairs constructed of solid mahogany wood and with sheepskin upholstery. ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Mahogany

Museum Court Empire Armchair circa 1830, Mahogany
Museum Court Empire Armchair circa 1830, Mahogany

Museum Court Empire Armchair circa 1830, Mahogany

Located in Berlin, DE

Museum court Empire armchair circa 1830, mahogany Solid mahogany body. Empire beginning of the 19th century. Armrests, curved volute-shaped, ending in carved dolphins. Rectangular b...

Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Brass

French Empire style  Black Wood and Velvet Armchair, 1850s
French Empire style  Black Wood and Velvet Armchair, 1850s

French Empire style Black Wood and Velvet Armchair, 1850s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

France / 1850 / armchair / wood, velvet / Empire / Antique French Empire style armchair made around 1850. This characterful chair features a blackened wooden frame with gracefully c...

Category

1850s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs
Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs

Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of large French Empire style mahogany armchairs reupholstered in Ralph Lauren silk/linen fabric.

Category

20th Century French Empire Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs
Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs

Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs

Located in Germantown, MD

A Pair of English Regency mahogany frame dining chairs, early 19th century. Features exquisite carved back-splats in conjunction with further foliate carvings to the top crest, strip...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery, Giltwood

Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair, 1860s, Black Lacquer with Gold, Castors, Empire
Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair, 1860s, Black Lacquer with Gold, Castors, Empire

Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair, 1860s, Black Lacquer with Gold, Castors, Empire

Located in Sakskøbing, DK

Danish cabinetmaker armchair, likely from the 1860s. The chair has a high, continuous curved backrest and a classic salon chair shape. This type of chair was made for formal interior...

Category

1860s Danish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Original antique Empire Armchair circa 1860-1880 Massive Mahogany bronze
Original antique Empire Armchair circa 1860-1880 Massive Mahogany bronze

Original antique Empire Armchair circa 1860-1880 Massive Mahogany bronze

Located in Berlin, DE

Original Empire armchair circa 1860-1880 massive mahogany 2 beautiful armchairs from an Empire room. Each 2 figures provided cast bronze. The chairs have a nice curve, in a top...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Plum Wood Swan Armchairs
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Plum Wood Swan Armchairs

Early 19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Plum Wood Swan Armchairs

Located in Darmstadt, DE

A pair of Empire / Biedermeier plum wood from circa 1815, newly upholstered with new fabric in classicist style. The armrests, backrest and seat are upholste...

Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair
19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair

19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair

Located in El Monte, CA

A stately 19th Century Empire Style armchair crafted from Mahogany with detailed gilt carvings and a neoclassical print green silk upholstery. Featuring a gilt sunburst and Eye of Go...

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

French mid 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Leather armchair
French mid 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Leather armchair

French mid 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Leather armchair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A handsome French mid 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Leather armchair. The wonderful solid Mahogany armchair is raised by four slightly curved legs with the two front l...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Revival, Bronze, Mahogany, Tapestry, Armchairs, France, 19th c.
French Empire Revival, Bronze, Mahogany, Tapestry, Armchairs, France, 19th c.

French Empire Revival, Bronze, Mahogany, Tapestry, Armchairs, France, 19th c.

Located in Manhasset, NY

French Empire Revival, Bronze, Mahogany, Tapestry, Armchairs, France, 19th c. A finely cast pair of Napoleon lll Arm Chairs. Each mahogany chair decorated with exceptional dore bron...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs
Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs

Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs

$6,000Sale Price / set|40% Off

Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs

Located in Kittery Point, ME

The rectangular arched padded back above a padded seat and tapering front legs topped with the head of a sphinx and ending in paw feet.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Mahogany

Pair Italian Neoclassical Eagle Armchairs
Pair Italian Neoclassical Eagle Armchairs

Pair Italian Neoclassical Eagle Armchairs

Located in New York, NY

Pair Italian neoclassical eagle armchairs in yellow silk taffeta. Italian Empire painted and parcel-gilt carved armchairs with finely carved eagle arm t...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

French Empire style walnut Armchair - blue green yellow - France 19th
French Empire style walnut Armchair - blue green yellow - France 19th

French Empire style walnut Armchair - blue green yellow - France 19th

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Very pretty Empire-style walnut armchair with carved palmettes and acanthus leaves. The armrests are fluted. The legs are saber-shaped. The armchair is upholstered with floral tapest...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs
Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs

Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs

Located in Kastrup, DK

A pair of elegant Danish early 19th century empire armchairs. Crafted in mahogany and satinwood marquetry on backrest and apron. Apron and upper part of backrest decorated with diamo...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood, Mahogany, Satinwood

A pair of French Mahogany, Giltwood, Leather and Ormolu Club/armchairs
A pair of French Mahogany, Giltwood, Leather and Ormolu Club/armchairs

A pair of French Mahogany, Giltwood, Leather and Ormolu Club/armchairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A unique and most stately pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Giltwood, Leather and Ormolu club/armchairs. This wonderful pair are raised by front square tapered legs wi...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair

Located in Tarry Town, NY

19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Antique Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuil with Black Damask Upholstery
Antique Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuil with Black Damask Upholstery

Antique Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuil with Black Damask Upholstery

Located in Trenton, NJ

This imposing mahogany fauteuil in the French Empire manner exemplifies the bold neoclassical aesthetic that swept European and American decorative arts in the early 19th century — a...

Category

20th Century Empire Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Empire Black Leather Swivel Chair
French Empire Black Leather Swivel Chair

French Empire Black Leather Swivel Chair

Located in Queens, NY

French Empire style (19th Century) ormolu mounted mahogany open swivel base arm chair with black leather seat and back. Antique condition.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Elegant Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Pair of Elegant Empire Mahogany Armchairs

Pair of Elegant Empire Mahogany Armchairs

Located in Kastrup, DK

A pair of elegant Empire armchairs crafted from Cuban mahogany, featuring classic details from the period. The backrests have an oval recess, adorned with line inlays in satinwood an...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood

Pair Of Antique French Empire Style Upholstered Armchair Frames
Pair Of Antique French Empire Style Upholstered Armchair Frames

Pair Of Antique French Empire Style Upholstered Armchair Frames

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Pair of burl walnut Empire style armchairs with upholstered seats and backs featuring fine craftsmanship with a square top rail and stylized carved accent on front of each arm suppor...

Category

19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Fine Pair Of French Empire Style Upholstered Armchairs
Fine Pair Of French Empire Style Upholstered Armchairs

Fine Pair Of French Empire Style Upholstered Armchairs

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Pair of burl walnut Empire style armchairs with upholstered seats and backs featuring fine craftsmanship with a square top rail and stylized carved accent on front of each arm suppor...

Category

19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Burl

Pair of 19th Century French Empire Wing-Back Armchairs
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Wing-Back Armchairs

Pair of 19th Century French Empire Wing-Back Armchairs

Located in Troy, NY

Exceptional Pair of late Empire Period Chairs, of Comfortable Size and Flowing Movement of Form. The accentuated wings beautifully complementing th...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchair
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchair

Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchair

By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A period French Empire mahogany armchair with carved lion heads to the arms and lion's paw feet to the legs, upholstered in French Emp...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Armchairs, Cherrywood, Carved Acanthus, 19th Century
French Empire Armchairs, Cherrywood, Carved Acanthus, 19th Century

French Empire Armchairs, Cherrywood, Carved Acanthus, 19th Century

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Fine quality French Empire cherrywood armchairs. Carved arms in shallow relief with acanthus leaves, elegant saber legs, beautiful patina color. To coat however you like.

Category

1820s French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Cherry

Jean-Joseph Chapuis Rare Pair of Empire parcel-gilt japanned Fauteuils
Jean-Joseph Chapuis Rare Pair of Empire parcel-gilt japanned Fauteuils

Jean-Joseph Chapuis Rare Pair of Empire parcel-gilt japanned Fauteuils

By Jean Joseph Chapuis

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

Despite his long life, very little is known about the general production of menuisier (chairmaker) Jean-Joseph Chapuis and even less about his use of bent laminates, which must be viewed as the most advanced of its kind until the appearance of Michael Thonet’s work of the 1830s. The profound reverence for the classical world in enlightened circles in early nine-teenth-century Europe and the United States often resulted in the archaeological resurrection of the art, architecture, and design of ancient Greece and Rome. No chair employing the innovative technique of bending wood more boldly expresses this allegiance to the past than this armchair painted in le style antique and based on the ancient Roman sella curulis (folding stool); With a curved toprail decorated with putti supporting a medaillion and flanked by scrolling acanthus, the arms with ball finials, above a caned seat, on curved supports terminating in foliate gilt-metal sabots. This merger of technological innovation with fashionable aesthetics parallels the work of the American Samuel Gragg...

Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

French Empire Green Armchairs
French Empire Green Armchairs

French Empire Green Armchairs

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French Empire style (19th century) mahogany armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA
Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA

Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA

By Century Furniture

Located in Morristown, NJ

Late 20th c., high quality American made pair of custom upholstered Fruitwood frame armchairs, labeled under seat. This pair of armchairs from Century Furniture Industries in Hickor...

Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Empire armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, Jacob Freres Rue Meslée, Modenese Gastone, and Jean Joseph Chapuis. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $151,397 while the average work can sell for $5,637.