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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Empire
Pair Of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany And Ormolu Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu armchairs. The armchairs are raised by four square and gently curved legs with Ormolu pawed ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
Marge Carson French Empire Regency Style Gold Upholstered Library Arm Chair
By Marge Carson
Located in Dayton, OH
French Empire style arm chair by Marge Carson. Features a mahogany finished and distressed frame with an intriguing brown / gold foliate upholstered seat and back. Crest rail is cont...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Empire Style French Armchairs with Foliage Carved Arms and Saber Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Empire style light walnut armchairs with foliage carved curving arms and saber legs. Step back in time with these exquisite French Empire style armchairs, beautifull...
Category
20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Armchairs ~ Bergere with Fauteuil with cut silk velvet recalls the glory days of Napoleon and Josephine creating wha...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Silk, Walnut, Paint
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany And Ormolu Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu armchair. The armchair is raised by four square and gently curved legs with Ormolu pawed feet on the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
Mid-Century Modern Empire Style Campaign Armchair with Red Wood Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome antique empire style campaign armchair, walnut, with green and white striped fabric cushions for seat and back. Brass lion paw feet....
Category
17th Century North American Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair 19th C French Mahogany Empire Upholstered Armchairs With Bronze Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of period French Empire mahogany bergeres with stylized carved dolphins decorating the arm and gilt bronze mounts. The central bronze mount depicting the helmeted god Mercury an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Wood And Giltwood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated wood and Giltwood armchairs. The pair of throne chairs are raised on impressive front quiver like circular tapered legs wi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
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
French Empire Figural Ebonized Giltwood Armchair with Dolphins by Century 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
A French Empire style chair by Century Furniture offers maple frame with upholstered seat and back, flanking giltwood carved dolphins beneath each ebonized arm, and raised on slightl...
Category
20th Century American Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood, a timeless addition to any luxurious living space. These stunning armchairs embody the opulence and eleganc...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Gold
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair. Item features a coral floral needlepoint upholstery, torch and flame carved crust, gold painted finish, very...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair Of French Early 19th Century Empire Period Patinated Wood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of French early 19th century Empire Period patinated wood armchairs. The pair are raised on front circular tapered legs with gilt carved foliate bands at the top and bottom wh...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century French Empire mahogany and gilt armchair. Upholstered in a red velour fabric. Makes an elegant statement!!
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Consulate Arm Chairs
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of French Consolate mahogany (circa 1800) open arm chairs with beige leather seat and square back with an open X design (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Pair of Empire Mahogany Armchairs Stamped "Jacob D R Medee"
Located in Stamford, CT
This pair of capacious, perfectly designed and executed chairs was created by the workshop of George Jacob and his son, Francois, during the Empire period at their Parisian workshop ...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Napoleonic Ormolu Parcel Gilt Bureau Desk Armchair, 1815
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & stylish antique French Empire Napoleonic parcel gilt and ormolu mounted French Fauteuil de bureau (desk chair), circa 1815.
The chair back and armrest of hooped shaped form,...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
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
Leather Armchairs Empire Style Midcentury
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of Mid Century ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Giltwood
Henbdrix And Allardyce Painted Empire Style Armchair
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Empire style painted armchair, circa late 20th century. With paint intentionally distressed to imitate age. Attributed to Hendrix and Allardyce, "Mai Mason". Seat dimensions, Width 2...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
French 19th Century Empire St. Flamed Mahogany Desk Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful French 19th century Empire st. flamed Mahogany desk armchair. The armchair is raised by stout elegantly scrolled legs with fine carved ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire-Style Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Bergeres
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of handsome empire style chairs from the late 20 th century.
These chairs have a curved and reeded backs, the gilded arm.
Fronts in the form of swans, the seat frames with gil...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
French Empire Armchair with Red Floral Striped Damask Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
French Restoration mahogany armchair having a rectangular headrest topped by a tapering gadrooned crest, upturned scroll arms with acanthus embellishments, upholstered back and seat ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Empire Armchair, France, circa 1800-1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This gorgeous French Empire armchair features a very pretty mahogany veneer. The highlight of this piece are the finely carved dolphin shaped armrests. This Classic Empire piece date...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Desk Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and unique French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu desk armchair. The armchair is raised by handsome lightly curved square legs with finely carved recessed d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
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
Set of Four French Empire Armchairs, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of four Empire armchairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant armchairs have a pretty cherry wood frame. The armrest and front ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
French Pair 19th C. Empire Style Fauteuils, Newly Upholstered in Belgian Linen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of Empire style armchairs, with their original painted finish, from the 19th century. These antique fauteuils from France each fea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Very Fine and Rare Pair of Early 19th C Italian Empire Carved and Gilt Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and rare pair of Empire period mahogany and parcel gilt armchairs. Fine French polished wood and finely detailed gilt carving . Covered in a dark blue leather
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Giltwood Winged Griffin Needlepoint Inlay Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire giltwood winged Griffin needlepoint and inlay parlor arm chair. Item features gold gilt wood winged griffin arm supports, bell flo...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
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
19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful Empire chair that we purchased in Naples, Italy. This is a classic style, with a fun pop of color with blue velvet that can be left as is or can be reupholstered ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gorgeous Pair of French Empire Carved Walnut Armchairs with Dolphin Armrests
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome pair of classic French Empire walnut square back carved armchairs with stunning dolphin armrests.
Measures: Seat height 17.5
Arm height ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Armchair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A dining armchair in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, curved arms, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and ge...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Cherry
Pair of Swedish Empire Armchairs in Black w/Gold Accents from the Mid-19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Empire armchairs from the mid-19th century by furniture maker F. Pettersson. These antique chairs from Sweden have an elegan...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Empire Satinwood Figural Gilt Bronze Mounted Fauteuil de Bureau, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious 19th century French Empire, Napoleon III period, 1852-1870, satinwood gilt bronze mounted desk chair. Fine hand chased figural bronze mounts depicting classical maidens at the arm rests, rosettes, laurel leaf garlands...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French mid 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu mounted armchairs. The pair are raised by front square tapered legs that have pawed ormolu feet with a roset...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
Pair Antique French Empire Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bergere Armchairs, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bergere armchairs with red & gold upholstery, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of Swedish Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Generous scale with slightly arched crest rail with scroll carving terminating with bird heads over an upholstered back and bowed seat, scrolled arms with bird terminals raised on cu...
Category
1830s European Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
2 Kreiss Luxury Modern Empire Style Mahogany & Wicker Back Arm Chairs Suede Seat
By Kreiss
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful pair of Kreiss Luxury Empire style arm chairs. Made from mahogany with a wicker inset backing and swooping arms with bulbous fluted...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wicker, Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Empire mahogany armchair makes an ideal style statement for the tailored, more formal decor. Handcrafted from exot...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Armchairs
Located in New Haven, CT
This gorgeous pair of Empire armchairs was made in France of solid Mahogany, ca 1860
Gilt bronze accents throughout including the paw feet.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Stately Antique French Empire Style Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of high quality gorgeous vintage French Empire style club chairs from Bloomingdale's with handsome carved dolphin armrests. Probably walnut, faux painted a greige color.
#4271
...
Category
1940s American Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Fauteuils, 19th Century, circa 1810
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of French Empire Mahogany fauteuils, 19th century, circa 1810. 3 pairs available.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Green Armchairs with Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Rare Set of Four Empire Rams Head Carved Mahogany Armchairs, Bergeres
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular suite of four Empire period carved mahogany armchairs custom upholstered in close nailed fine crimson leather with down filled seat cushions. Each stamped Jacob on the ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Style Carved Fruitwood Open Armchairs
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This pair of 19th century fruitwood armchairs feature carved acanthus leaves and reeded arms.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Russian neoclassical parcel-gilt mahogany armchairs
Each armchair made during the Empire period in Russia. The mahogany veneered frame with gilded details. With unusual tu...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Mahogany Empire Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Empire armchairs.
Solid mahogany with fine carved details throughout.
Category
1810s Russian Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Blond Mahogany Swivel Leather Chair with Bronze Trim
Located in New York, NY
French Empire blond mahogany swivel armchair upholstered in gilt embossed red leather with brass nail head trim and having bronze embellishments and medallions throughout with hoof s...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Armchairs Pair of Swedish Empire 19th Century Mahogany Gilded, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A pair of armchairs made during the Empire / Karl Johan period in Sweden 1810-1830. Veneered in a beautiful dark brown mahogany and decorated with two gilded dolphins. Sabre back leg...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs
French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome French mid-19th century Empire style mahogany and ormolu mounted pair of armchairs. The pair are raised by front square tapered legs that have pawed ormolu feet and e...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
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
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good pair of period 19th century fauteuil with new velvet upholstery, circa 1810-1820, mahogany with carved accents to the arms. They display all the classical elements of the last...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
French Empire Green Armchairs
Located in New York, 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
French Empire Style Mahogany and Pink Upholstered Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire style (20th century) mahogany armchairs with gilt feet and classic carved heads detail on arms and pink striped upholstery
Category
20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
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.
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