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.
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century Elegant bergère armchair crafted from solid mahogany, representing fine European cabinetmaking of the early 1...
Mahogany
Antique Bergère Caned Victorian French Armchair
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Antique Bergère Doouble Caned Victorian French armchair French double cane 19th century. Mahogany & bronze accents with original patina. New cane, wood fin...
Bronze
French Empire Mahogany 'Egyptian' Bergère Attributed to Desmalter, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and important circa 1805 'Egyptian-style' bergère believed to be an early work of famed French Empire furniture-maker François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter of 'tub-chair' fo...
Upholstery, Mahogany
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! It is a regency style ebonized arm chair with neo-classical giltwood swan arms and paws. The tiger velvet is new. The chair is unmarked and is possibly by Pat...
Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood
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...
Walnut, Velvet
$1,573Sale Price|44% Off
First Empire Bergère Armchair, Mahogany, Upholstered, Circa 1810
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very fine 'Bergère' armchair in solid mahogany, dating from the First Empire period (early 19th century) and generously upholstered throughout in alternating stripes of deep pink a...
Walnut
$1,540Sale Price|44% Off
First Empire Bergère Armchair, Fruitwood, Upholstered, France, c. 1810
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An impressive 'Bergère' armchair in solid wood, dating from the First Empire period (early 19th century) and generously upholstered throughout in alternating stripes of deep pink and...
Fruitwood
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.
Ormolu
$7,521Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Wood
Pair of French Empire Bergère Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover an exquisite pair of Empire-style armchairs from the 19th century, crafted from luxurious mahogany. These elegant chairs embody timeless sophistication, featuring high backs...
Mahogany
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.
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
French Empire Style 19th Century Painted Wood Marquise with Carved Palmettes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style painted wood marquise chair from the 19th century, with carved palmettes. Born in France during the politically dynamic 19th century, this French Empire style m...
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Mahogany
Empire Style Walnut Tub Chair in the Manner of Jacob Desmalter
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire Style Walnut Bergere Chair in the manner of Jacob Desmelter with nicely carved rams head resting on articulated hoof feet.
Walnut
Pair of Mahogany Bergère Armchairs, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Pair of Mahogany Bergère Armchairs, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century A refined pair of bergère armchairs crafted from solid mahogany, representing fine European cabinetm...
Mahogany
Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830. solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with lace up padding. very com...
Gold Leaf
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke Dimensions : 36.5" Tall X 25" Wide X 21" Deep SH - 17.5" AH...
Bronze
Pair of large Empire style Giltwood Upholstered Armchairs Fauteuils
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage (20th century) hand-carved giltwood armchairs in the French Empire style with lovely red upholstered seats, seatbacks and armrests with petit point embroidered flora...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,350Sale Price / set|37% Off
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.
Cherry
Empire-style Bergère, 1900s
Located in Brussels, BE
Empire-style Bergère, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
French Empire Period Mahogany Armchair with Swans' Heads
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Empire period mahogany fauteuil or armchair with saber legs and swans' heads on the arms. The chair is upholstered neoclassical-patterned cut mohair fabric.
Mohair, Mahogany
$8,226Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Beech Bergeres, New Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
An elegant pair of Empire/Biedermeier bergères crafted from solid beech wood in the early 19th century. Both chairs have been fully restored, hand-polished, and newly upholstered wit...
Beech
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Empire Carved Mahogany & Cut Velvet Upholstered Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking armchair is a fine example of 19th-century Empire furniture, marrying neoclassical authority with updated decorative luxury. The frame, likely crafted from mahogany or ...
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Mahogany and Parcel Gilt
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Empire and parcel gilt bergère. Gilt swan arms and pawed feet.
Mahogany
$4,113 / set
H 36.23 in W 24.41 in D 22.05 in
Pair of Mahogany Bergère Armchairs, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Pair of Mahogany Bergère Armchairs, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century A refined pair of bergère armchairs crafted from solid mahogany, representing fine European cabinetm...
Mahogany
19th Century French Louis XV Bergère Armchair
Located in Munich, DE
19th century French Louis XV Bergère armchairs in their original patina still very comfortable, perfect for deco or your next project...
Wood
$4,200
H 36 in W 37 in D 21 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century French Louis XVI style bergère marquise upholstered armchair in painted wood frame with neoclassical architecture embellished hand-carved...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Pair of French Bergères, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely proportioned pair of French bergères dating to circa 1830, reflecting the continued refinement of late Empire to early Restoration seating. Each chair features a generously ...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French bergère exudes classic elegance and comfort, making it a timeless statement piece. The carved wood frame, finished in a distressed pale tone, showcases the g...
Wrought Iron
$1,420Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 18.31 in D 17.72 in
Antique French Louis XVI Style Parcel Gilt and Painted Side Chair
Located in Miami, FL
French Louis XVI style dining side chair from Paris decorated with timeless classical styling and hand carved excellence on the entire framework, emphasizing typical neoclassical gil...
Walnut, Giltwood
$4,950
H 37.2 in W 33.7 in D 30 in
French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Bleached Walnut Marquise Bergère Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style bleached walnut marquise bergère chair from the 19th century, with slanted rectangular back, petite carved finials, scrolling knuckles on the arms, fluted le...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Louis XV Bergère Armchairs - A Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Louis XV bergère armchairs, originally handcrafted in the 19th Century from beech. They were later reupholstered in a pale blue-and-white patterned textile and with d...
Upholstery, Beech
$680Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 24 in D 25 in
Antique French Rococo Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany, Tapestry Bergere Chair C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Rococo style bergere offers parcel gilt mahogany frame with carved gadroon crest over floral tapestry back and seat, raised on cabriole legs, c1920 Measures- 36.75'...
Tapestry, Mahogany
$2,800Sale Price|22% Off
H 38 in W 29 in D 28 in
French Louis XVI Style Bergère Armchair Upholstered Green Velvet, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Louis XVI style bergère armchair upholstered in sage green velvet, 19th century Deep and comfortable, Classic French ch...
Velvet, Wood
French Louis XV Style Caned Bergère Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare early 19th century caned Louis XV bergère armchair in very good condition featuring graceful curves and hand carved. The graceful walnut frame is complimented with caning on all...
Wood
1970s English Library Bergère Recency Caned Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite library chairs on castors. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding ...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
19th Century Empire Bergére Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Empire bergére chair ebonized featuring swan arms and brass ormolu. Recently upholstered in striated verde green silk velvet.
Brass
Pair French Empire Style Barrel Back Bergeres, c. 1930-1940
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional pair of early twentieth century French Empire Bergeres. The walnut frames are beautifully detailed in carved swan elements, as well as with traditional Empire ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 41 in W 28 in D 26 in
A fine pair of French 19thc Empire walnut and gilt bronze mounted large bergeres
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine pair of 19th century Empire walnut and gilt bronze mounts. Large size and very fine quality pair .
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Bergere
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century French Empire Bergere, 1815, France Mahogany Original French Bergere made of solid mahogany wood and and upholstered throughout in alternating stripes. Dolphins heads g...
Mahogany
Beautiful Mahogany French Empire Bronze Mounted Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 37.75 tall x 27.5 wide x 25 deep and seat height is 16.5. Dates to the 1940-50s era.
Bronze
Sold
H 36.5 in W 26 in D 19 in
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Period Hand Carved Walnut Bergeres, Armchairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
From a home in Versailles, France, this pair of early nineteenth century French Empire period bergeres or armchairs is constructed of solid walnut with a rich patina that only comes ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22 in D 22 in
Pair Neoclassical Style Johnson Hartig Libertine Hotch Potch Swan Chairs
By Schumacher
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th Century Neoclassical Style swan bergeres. Wonderfully restyled with Johnson Hartig for Libertine Potch PotchCrazy Quilt linen cotton fabric through Schumacher. Exuberant and colorful, this large-scale design, inspired by antique crazy quilts...
Wood
19th Century Pair of 1st Empire Bergere Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A handsome pair of fabric Bergère armchairs in solid fruitwood and fruitwood veneer. Dating from the Empire period, these very striking chairs are in excellent condition, with exquis...
Fruitwood
Sold
H 35 in W 24 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Period Hand Carved Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of early 19th century French Empire period mahogany armchairs features hand carved dolphin heads on the lower part of the armrests and tails where they meet the seat backs....
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 41 in W 26 in D 24 in
Fine and Large Pair of 19th C. Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Bergeres
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large pair of 19th century Empire mahogany and gilt bronze mounted bergeres, large and fine gilt bronze female heads and gilt bronze mounts.
Bronze
19th Century Bergère Beech & Leather Armchairs Empire Legs
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Bergère Beech Armchair With Tan Leather Seat Pad Upon Empire Legs Circa 1800's Two Chairs In Stock Price Per Chair
Leather, Cane, Beech
French 19th Century Mahogany Col De Cygne Bergere
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This fabulous col de cygne bergere was crafted in France circa 1810! In good antique condition with signs of wear consistent with over 200 years of use. Deeply toned, patinated mahogany frames beautifully compliment the stunning green velvet upholstery. Embossed with laurel wreaths and floral forms for a smart but whimsical design with floral border. The arms feature intricately hand-carved swan forms with detailed wings on the interior and exterior; a unique and intentional characteristic. Distinctive front legs with claw feet create a cohesive design. The cushions retain the original horsehair cushioning and tan and white gingham fabric...
Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany