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Empire Benches

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
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs. The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields. The seat has be...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Bronze

Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I

Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I

19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany
Located in Valby, 84
A refined and elegant Empire-style bench, crafted from rich mahogany and featuring a beautifully curved and detailed backrest. The symmetrical design is highlighted by an interwoven ...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany
19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany

19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany

Elegant Pair of Empire Benches, Copenhagen, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Empire benches crafted in mahogany. The high, architecturally designed sides feature string inlay in satinwood, topped with an ebonized panel and mounted with gilt bronze orn...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Brass

Elegant Pair of Empire Benches, Copenhagen, Denmark
Elegant Pair of Empire Benches, Copenhagen, Denmark

Elegant Pair of Empire Benches, Copenhagen, Denmark

20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Empire style bench featuring Neoclassical style carved swan frame newly padded and upholstered in a Chanel style chuncky tweed.
Category

20th Century Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench
20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench

20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench

19th Century Black French Antique Empire Ebonized Mahogany Sofa Bench, Recamier
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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany

19th Century Black French Antique Empire Ebonized Mahogany Sofa Bench, Recamier
19th Century Black French Antique Empire Ebonized Mahogany Sofa Bench, Recamier

19th Century Black French Antique Empire Ebonized Mahogany Sofa Bench, Recamier

Vintage French Empire Bench
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category

1980s Vintage Empire Benches

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Vintage French Empire Bench
Vintage French Empire Bench

Vintage French Empire Bench

Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical hall bench. Large and handsomely proportioned cassapanca / walnut bench in two parts with upper dental carved trim around arms and paneled back. All fitted into ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench
Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench

Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench

19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is stand...
Category

Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé
19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé

19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé

Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century Empire Style Heraldic coat of arms Intricately Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench with loose seat cushion. Measures 36.5" in width, 25" in depth and stands 37.5...
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench
Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench

Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench

Empire Bench in Mahogany with Walnut and Maple Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful Empire bench crafted from mahogany with gracefully curved legs. The end panels feature central inlays of walnut and light maple detailing. The seat has been newly upholst...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Maple

Empire Bench in Mahogany with Walnut and Maple Inlays
Empire Bench in Mahogany with Walnut and Maple Inlays

Empire Bench in Mahogany with Walnut and Maple Inlays

Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small, elegant Danish Empire bench crafted from mahogany, featuring delicate string inlays in satinwood on the ends. The seat has been newly upholstered in light gray linen, accented...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood

Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays
Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays

Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays

Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s French Empire style wooden stool has an antique white painted frame with gilded details and new gray mohair velvet upholstery. Two stools available at the time of posting...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Benches

Materials

Gesso, Upholstery, Wood

Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery
Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery

Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery

French 1860s Empire Style Walnut Bench with Out-Scrolled Sides and Swan Figures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style walnut bench from the mid-19th century, with carved swan heads and new upholstery. This French walnut backless bench features an exquisite silhouette, flanked w...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

French 1860s Empire Style Walnut Bench with Out-Scrolled Sides and Swan Figures
French 1860s Empire Style Walnut Bench with Out-Scrolled Sides and Swan Figures

French 1860s Empire Style Walnut Bench with Out-Scrolled Sides and Swan Figures

Empire Style Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Hall Bench
Located in Stamford, CT
Empire style parcel-gilt mahogany hall bench, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Style Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Hall Bench
Empire Style Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Hall Bench

Empire Style Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Hall Bench

Mint Condition Empire Sofa Sette Loveseat Couch Fine Carved Details Lions Feet
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Note: Full price include new upholstery service, buyer to provide fabric. Mint condition empire sofa sette loveseat couch fine carved details lions feet. The frame is stunning vint...
Category

20th Century American Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mint Condition Empire Sofa Sette Loveseat Couch Fine Carved Details Lions Feet
Mint Condition Empire Sofa Sette Loveseat Couch Fine Carved Details Lions Feet

Mint Condition Empire Sofa Sette Loveseat Couch Fine Carved Details Lions Feet

Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights
Located in San Francisco, CA
the rectangular upholstered seat above an ebonized wooden frame raised on splayed swords with gilt handles; newer upholstery
Category

1960s American Vintage Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights
Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights

Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights

Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique Italian empire bench early 19th century. The bench is made of solid walnut wood. Excellent antique good conditions of the wood. Characterized by a seat with folding panels.
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench
Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench

Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench

Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany 3 Seater Empire Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench made of mahogany with inlays of satin wood and ebony. Features a backrest with vertical spindles adorned with an ebony border and three Demi lunes with li...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Ebony, Mahogany

Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany 3 Seater Empire Bench
Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany 3 Seater Empire Bench

Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany 3 Seater Empire Bench

Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian midcentury Empire style painted bench with carved ram heads and new upholstery. This exquisite Italian painted bench features a nicely curved seat that has been recovered ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads
Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads

Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads

Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and rare French 19th century mahogany recamier bench having pronounced curved sides and lovely carved cabriole legs that terminate in gilded hairy paw feet. There are other g...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts
Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts

Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts

Antique American Empire Cornucopia Carved Mahogany Slipper Bench - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Cornucopia Carved Mahogany Slipper Benches - a Pair. Pair features serpentine carved rails with stunning cornucopia details, shapely frames with beautiful cro...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Empire Cornucopia Carved Mahogany Slipper Bench - a Pair
Antique American Empire Cornucopia Carved Mahogany Slipper Bench - a Pair

Antique American Empire Cornucopia Carved Mahogany Slipper Bench - a Pair

Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine late 19th century to early 20th century Empire mahogany and parcel gilt pair of benches. Tufted upholstery.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches
Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches

Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches

Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Settee has a mahogany frame with tapered hand front legs with hand-carved decorative flowers on each leg and the seat back. The cushion is upholstered in a modern striped fabric.
Category

1790s French Antique Empire Benches

Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780
Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780

Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780

19th Century Painted Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A 19th Century Swedish bench from the Empire period, the back panel decorated with a classical scene of a pair of griffon. New seat cushion in plain linen.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Painted Swedish Bench
19th Century Painted Swedish Bench

19th Century Painted Swedish Bench

19th Century French Empire Style Canapé
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An elegant carved wood upholstered canapé.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century French Empire Style Canapé
19th Century French Empire Style Canapé

19th Century French Empire Style Canapé

French Empire Gilt Gold Leaf Bench Oversized 48"
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category

1990s Empire Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Empire Gilt Gold Leaf Bench Oversized 48"
French Empire Gilt Gold Leaf Bench Oversized 48"

French Empire Gilt Gold Leaf Bench Oversized 48"

21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This lovely pleated bench by Modenese Gastone Interiors will make a classy statement at the foot of a bed or as part of the decor in any living or night ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors
21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors

21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors

Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and elegant Late Empire bench with upholstered seat. Frame crafted in beech with original white color and delicate gilt woodcarved details. Resting on elegant turned taper...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings
Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings

Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings

Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and giltwood stools. Each circular stool is raised by three square tapered legs with the front leg displaying a handsome pa...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood

Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools
Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools

Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools

Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs. The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields. The seat has be...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Bronze

Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay

Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay

Antique French Empire Solid Mahogany Ball Foot Curule Bench Seat Low Stool
Located in West Chester, PA
Wonderful antique bench with curved seat and solid mahogany curule frame on ball feet.
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Antique French Empire Solid Mahogany Ball Foot Curule Bench Seat Low Stool
Antique French Empire Solid Mahogany Ball Foot Curule Bench Seat Low Stool

Antique French Empire Solid Mahogany Ball Foot Curule Bench Seat Low Stool

French Empire Style Gold Bench or Settee
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage French Empire Style Gold Bench or Settee This vintage bench is a perfect addition to any home looking for a touch of classic style. The unique design and functional features...
Category

1960s Vintage Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric

French Empire Style Gold Bench or Settee
French Empire Style Gold Bench or Settee

French Empire Style Gold Bench or Settee

Empire Style Wooden Bench, Gold Leaf Finishing, Handcarved and Made in Italy
By Marco Belloni
Located in Barlassina, IT
Empire style bench. It was designed and made for the first time in 1992 and showed at Salone del Mobile . This bench named "Opera" has become during these years an iconic classic ite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Benches

Materials

Wood

Empire Style Wooden Bench, Gold Leaf Finishing, Handcarved and Made in Italy
Empire Style Wooden Bench, Gold Leaf Finishing, Handcarved and Made in Italy

Empire Style Wooden Bench, Gold Leaf Finishing, Handcarved and Made in Italy

Empire Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt X-form Bench, France, circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Empire mahogany and parcel-gilt bench, with X-shaped frame in the neoclassical taste. Dating from the first quarter of the 1800s, and most likely French in origin. Similar stools ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Empire Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt X-form Bench, France, circa 1820
Empire Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt X-form Bench, France, circa 1820

Empire Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt X-form Bench, France, circa 1820

Early 19th Century French Empire Style Bench
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century Empire Sitting Bench. Age appropriate wear. Reupholstered with Velvet fabric. See detailed photos & any questions, please message us.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

Early 19th Century French Empire Style Bench
Early 19th Century French Empire Style Bench

Early 19th Century French Empire Style Bench

pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches. Each bench is raised by curved square legs and supported on paw feet connected by two turne...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches
pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches

pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches

Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France
Located in New York, NY
A rare sofa made in France during the Empire period, circa 1790-1810. Mahogany frame with gilded brass decor shaped as palm leaves. Tapered legs en...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Benches

Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France
Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France

Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France

Bench Stool Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen century Sweden. A stool made during the 19th century in Sweden. Painted in our Laserow Black and upholstered in a beige linen.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Benches

Bench Stool Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen Century Sweden
Bench Stool Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen Century Sweden

Bench Stool Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen Century Sweden

Empire benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Marco Belloni , and Modenese Gastone. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $975 and tops out at $50,062 while the average work can sell for $5,200.

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