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
Amazing Set of Armchair and 2 Chair First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of armchair and 2 chair First Empire Napoleon III early 19th Century
France
measure armchair: 86cm x 64cm x 54cm
measures chairs: 82cm x 50cm x 45cm
wood
proveniente : Roman...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
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
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
Set of Four French Empire Fauteuil Armchairs in the Manner of Jacob Frères
Located in Long Island City, NY
These four early 19th-century Empire fauteuil armchairs, in the manner of the Jacob Frères cabinetmaking firm of the late 18th century, each feature a distinctive pediment-shaped cre...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Living Room Suite in the Antique Empire Style Beech Hand Carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on sculpturally carved legs ending in claws. Armrests volute-shaped bent in...
Category
20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA
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
Noble Venetian Armchair in Blue and Gold Fabrics with Pillow
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Complete a lavish living room set up with this sophisticated royal blue armchair. The carefully selected upholstery fabric adds a unique charm on the gold-painted solid wood of this sofa. The deep seated...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Armchairs
Materials
Gold Leaf
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 Fauteuils in Mahogany with Bronze Doré Ormolu, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite pair of Empire armchairs/ fauteuils in fine mahogany with bronze dore´ ormolu mounts decorating the upper crest and lower back splat, with rosettes and palmettes on legs...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Henry P. Urban Chairs With Carved Frames & Faux Paint
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Highly decorative Pair of Empire Style Faux Painted and Parcel-Gilt Armchairs
by Henry P. Urban.
Chairs painted with faux paint Both in good condition with very minor nicks and scu...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 19th Century Franch Empire armchair , in Carved Solid Mahogany
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th century Franch Empire chair with armrests in carved solid mahogany , wax polished
Measure cm: H 92/42 x W 56 x D 50.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair French Empire Chairs
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Wonderful pair French Empire chairs, ebony legs and recently upholstered in linen, very good overall condition,
32" high
29" wide
30" overall depth
20" seat depth
14" seat height
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Ebony
Pair of early 20th century Swedish carved birch armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of early 20th Swedish carved birch armchairs circa 1920.
Good quality pair of birch armchairs in the karl johan taste.
Shaped and carved back rest, flowing to the scrolling ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Set of 4 mid 19th century Danish mahogany armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautiful set of 4 Danish empire armchairs circa 1860.
Comprising of 2 armchairs and 2 open frame armchairs. Main feature being the scrolling arm and scrolling front leg. Carved b...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Empire Armchairs, Pierre-Benoît Marcion, France, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Set of eight armchairs by the French ébéniste Pierre-Benoît Marcion, with carved lion's heads and paw feet. The frame is made of polished mahogany. The backrests and seats are newly ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair French Empire Tub Chairs Arm Chair Fauteil Gilt Frame
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning pair of French Empire style gilt tub arm chairs
These really are every interior designers dream, elegant and cool
Hand carved gilt frame very intrivcate with acanthus leaf m...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of 19th Century Armchairs from the Empire Period
Located in NICE, FR
These splendid Empire period armchairs symbolize the opulence, refinement and luxury characteristic of the Napoleonic era. Beautifully carved and adorned with sophisticated details, ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Empire Style Chairs 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style chairs made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition.
PRICE PER PIECE.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th C Italian Biedermeier Mahogany Reclining Lounge Chair w/ Cast Iron Hardware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C Italian Biedermeier Mahogany Reclining Lounge Chair with Cast Iron Hardware. Item features a reclining back, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, distressed finish, nicely ...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Iron
French Empire Armchair with Red Floral Striped Damask Upholstery
Located in Queens, 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, Wood, Upholstery
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
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs One Stamped J Louis
By Jean Pierre Louis
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A classic pair of French Empire period open armchairs each with a square back topped by a bow shaped carved frieze featuring folliate rosettes and downscrolled arms. Where the arms ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
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
French 19th Century Empire Three-Piece Seating Group
Located in New York, NY
Three-piece group of empire seating
includes canape and two bergeres
canape - H 36 in; bergere - H 35-1/4.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Empire Style Armchair, 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style armchair made around 1850 in black wood and green-yellow velvet.
Has some nice sculptural details carved in the wood. Is easy to mo...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique Mahogany Child Armchair, France
Located in Munich, DE
This charming children’s armchair is made out of mahogany with fine carving. It is newly upholstered with a discretely patterned fine, lustrous fabric in green with golden spots.
Paris, circa 1810...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Set of 4 Danish Empire Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 lovely Danish chairs with light birch inlays in back and front frieze. Newly upholstered.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Armchairs
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
French Arm Chairs Gilt Seats Empire Hand Carved
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of French gilt arm chairs in the Empire manner
Very comfortable with wide arms and cushioned seats, backs and arms
Chairs have just been reupholstered hence odour and s...
Category
1920s Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
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 Late 19th Century Empire Style Armchairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of late 19th century lounge chairs are in the Empire style. The curved arms end with carved acanthus leaves. The seats and borderin...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Linen, Wood
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
A pair of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A massive pair of Biedermeier armchairs made in the mid-19th century. Upholstered in an elegant jacquard fabric. A beautiful, stable frame connects the armchairs together. Very good ...
Category
1870s Scandinavian Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
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 20th Century French Armchairs Neo Gotic Style
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of polished wrought iron armchairs dating from the 70s. French work. Neo-Gothic style. Beautiful work done by hand. Measures: 54 x 86 x 48 cm 3250 EURO.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Period Empire Giltwood Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
Empire Carved and Gilded Armchair
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
French Empire Blond Mahogany Swivel Leather Chair with Bronze Trim
Located in Queens, 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
Pair of French Empire Green Armchairs with Bronze Mounts
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th Cent) mahogany Armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat
Both chairs are in antique condition.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
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
French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and patinated Wood armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality set of four French 19th century Empire style Mahogany and patinated Wood armchairs. Each attractive arm chair is raised on four tapered Mahogany legs. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Empire Style White and Gold Pair of Armchairs, Sharkskin Style Trim, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire style white carved wood with gold highlights pair of armchairs.
Standing on two front tapered legs and two back saber legs. Straight apron and uprights, rectangular backseat ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Set of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Set of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions :
armchairs height 98 c...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Set Of 2 Antique Empire Style Armchairs Made In Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Danish Empire style hand-polished mahogany armchairs with striped fabric from around the 1920s.
Measurements in cm: H:84 W:52 D:47 SH:50
This product will be inspected ...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Baltic Set of 6 Empire-Armchairs, Mahogany, Design by Georg Friedrich Hetsch
Located in Göttingen, NI
A rare Baltic set of 6 Empire-armchairs - design by Georg Friedrich Hetsch
Mahogany richly carved and veneered
Side frame construction with inlaid upholstered seat on turned f...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Late 19th Century Carved and Painted Wood Classical Style Open Armchairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of chairs Swedish or Scandinavian in manufacture were made circa 1880-1900. Of large-scale and finely carved they are in the Empire or Regency taste. Decorative elements in...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century France Furnished Armchair Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid maple. Curved frame on curly legs. Strong curved supports in rolled volutes ending for slightly rising armrests. High-profile, contoured backrest frame with a wide finish. Seat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Maple
C19th pair of Swedish armchairs with decorative fretwork detailing
Located in London, GB
A pair of pretty but not overly fussy late C19th upholstered later painted Swedish open armchairs.
The backs have a decorative fretwork border detail and turned stretchers.
Reuphols...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Empire armchair, French manufacture
Located in Baranzate, IT
Empire armchair made of wood and Vienna straw seat. France 1810.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Straw, Wood
Pair of Early 19th Century Mahogany Bergères Armchairs
Located in London, by appointment only
A pair of Austrian Empire period large scale mahogany bergères, the square chamfered backs are enriched with bold pierced flutes and the arms terminate in column supports with brass ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style a Russian Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid mahogany. Straight frame on saber-shaped legs with laid sheet. Strongly curved supports for slightly rising armrests. High-profile, contoured backrest frame with a wide finish....
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
19th Century Unique Empire Armchair Around 1820, France, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Unique Empire armchair around 1820, France, Mahogany
Solid mahogany wood, France around 1820/30.
Finely carved swan's heads on each armrest. Extremely high quality a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
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.