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.
C1920s Empire Style Armchair
Located in London, GB
Horseshoe Shaped Back Empire Style Armchair Early C20th Upholstered seat in Antique Brown Leather Above Cabriole Legs Headed Wing Griffins
Mahogany
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Empire Tub Armchair
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire Tub Armchair in Mahogany with New Upholstery, Circa 1820 Unique Empire tub armchair, crafted circa 1820 in rich mahogany with finely carved decorat...
Mahogany
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.
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs Attributed to Jean-Pierre Louis
By Jean Pierre Louis
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A classic pair of French Empire period open armchairs in well figured and carved mahogany; each with a square back topped by a bow shaped carved frieze featuring folliate rosettes and downscrolled arms. Where the arms join the chair rail there are carved anthemians and palmettes. These two chairs are presented in the original now faded and worn gros point green upholstery and have their original casters. These two armchairs are actually part of a set of six. The set was split up in three sets of two's to make them more saleable. Four of the six have been re-upholstered in sympathetic empire fabric...
Mahogany, Silk
Matched Pair of French Empire Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality near pair of French Mahogany Empire influenced armchairs. Each being upholstered in a classical damask patterned burgundy fabric, polished back rail, Dolphins carved t...
Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Set of 6 Empire Barrel Chairs, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique and original set of 6 early 19th century Empire barrel chairs stands out for its elegant design. The chairs feature a beautiful walnut...
Walnut
$6,513Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of Empire Armchairs / Chairs, Maple Wood, Paris, 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Seat group made of maple wood with rosewood intarsia, France, presumably G. Alphonse Jacob, the last of the famous Eben family, probably second quarter of the 19th century. Semi-circ...
Maple
Period Empire Giltwood Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
Empire Carved and Gilded Armchair
Giltwood
Superb & Rare Empire Mahogany and Brass Inlaid Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Superbly elegant and unusual late 19th century Empire style chair having curved back adorned with small gorgeous Medusa head, inlaid in perfect places including the reeded legs with ...
Brass
19th Century French Mahogany Dolphin Armchair with Bronze Trim
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Cent) mahogany round back carved dolphin arm chair with bronze trim and gold upholstery
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Chairs With Red Silk Upholstered Seat
Located in Denver, CO
Extraordinary pair of French Empire style mahogany chairs featuring a tub or gondola form frame. Minimally decorated having a curved back,...
Silk, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Pair of Empire Armchairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Empire Armchairs Mahogany Frame with Saffron Yellow Wool and Vintage Tape Trim France, Circa 1830 23”W x 24”D x 36”H
Wool, Mahogany
Impressive 12 Chairs First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Cent Sold at Sotheby's
Located in Madrid, ES
Impressive 12 chairs first Empire Napoleon III early 19th century. Sold at Sotheby's for €25,000 golden wood and silk 80cm x 48cm provenance: Roman family. perfect condition for...
Wood
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...
French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Bronze Trim, Green Seats, France
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th century) mahogany armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat.
Bronze
$1,750
French Empire Fauteuil
Located in Sharon, CT
Impressive black armchair of typical French Empire form, beautifully upholstered. Subtly incised palmettes where the arm rails meet the seat. Original b...
Wood
Cockpit Chair in Wood Upholstered Velvet Dedar France
By Dedar
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Elegant and refined mahogany cockpit chair...
Velvet, Wood
Antique French Armchairs, White Carved Back, Empire Style, Circa 1900
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual Late 1800s early 1900s French antique pair of armchairs in original white paint with carved backs and beautiful curved arms and legs. They hark back to Napoleon's favorite Em...
Bentwood
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Empire Barrel Chairs
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of 4 Empire Barrel chairs dates back to around 1810-20. They come from France. The chairs have a very pretty walnut veneer. They have a v...
Walnut
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Chairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze chairs French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 93cm, width 51cm depth 48cm This pai...
Ormolu
Set of Four 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four French Empire fauteuils-armchairs in carved and veneered mahogany with beautiful carving and scale.
Mahogany
19th Century (Early) French Consulate Empire Chair
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Early) French Consulate Empire Chair Beautiful piece purchased in France Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Mahogany
$4,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Campaign Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Empire style Campaign chairs. The pliant metal frame with brass lion's paw feet mounts and saber form legs designed to fold and accommodate fabric upholstery over th...
Brass
French, Empire Provencal Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A rare, beautiful, early-19th century Napoleon I, First Empire provencal armchair, a period piece, newly upholstered in the traditional laurel-leaf ...
Wood
Pair of Empire Consulate Mahogany Chairs Griffin Heads & Paw Feet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Very Important Empire Consulate Mahogany Chairs Griffin Heads & Paw Feet. Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Message us with any ques...
Mahogany
Pair of Shepherdesses Chairs in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Shepherdesses in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany Sculpted heads of Eagles with hamstrung front feet ending in doe hooves. Rare pair of chairs purchased in France. Age appropria...
Leather, Mahogany
$12,425Sale Price / set|40% Off
1870 French Empire Marquetry Inlaid Suite Berger Armchairs & Settee Canape, Pair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning French marquetry inlaid circa 1870 Empire style three piece suite with neoclassical detailing A very rare and good looking set, th...
Silk, Hardwood
$11,088Sale Price / set|47% Off
19th Century Vintage Empire Mahogany Salon, Set of 5
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four fauteuils and one large sofa. Mahogany wood. Beautifully restored. Very comfortable and elegant. French work of the beginning of the 19th century, Empire period. Sold as ...
Mahogany
$6,513Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 22.84 in
Set of Empire Armchairs / Chairs, Maple Wood, Paris, 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Seat group made of maple wood with rosewood intarsia, France, presumably G. Alphonse Jacob, the last of the famous Eben family, probably second quarter of the 19th century. Semi-circ...
Maple
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 22 in D 24 in
19th Century Hand Carved Hepplewhite Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Elegant and graceful hand carved mid-19th century shield back Hepplewhite armchair. The dark mahogany frame is expertly carved all along the frame...
Mahogany
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 18.51 in D 18.9 in
Pair of 19th Century Biedermeier Fruitwood Side Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of beautifully honey colored fruitwood Biedermeier side chairs, with gently curved rectangular backs, the top and side inlaid with banding, the splat carved with a stylized flower head, on sabre legs. Newly upholstered in black Prussian horse hair fabric...
Fruitwood
$1,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36 in W 24 in D 21 in
French Pair of Armchair Carcasses, Montespan Style, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French pair of armchair carcasses, Montespan style, 19th century Very beautiful model and lovely wood finish, to be upholstered to your taste.
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair 19th century Danish Klismos chairs. Collected in Copenhagen elegant pair of late 19th century Danish Klismos Chairs. Ebonized hardwood wi...
Hardwood
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chair. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine Biedermeier side chair was made in Vienna circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier pieces are distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design, exc...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.75 in W 25.75 in D 24 in
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Giltwood Armchairs C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique pair of French Louis XVI style arm chairs offer giltwood construction with upholstered seats and backs, covered scroll for...
Wood, Upholstery
$4,850 / set
H 39.75 in W 18.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of French Art Deco Chairs Attributed to Raymond Subes
By Raymond Subes, René Prou, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of French Art Deco chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. Stylish pair of French Art Deco hand forged wrought iron chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. This chic pair of French side...
Iron
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...
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
$17,500 / set
H 36.62 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchairs by Jules Leleu. Price includes re-upholstery with customer's own material.
Mahogany
$4,700
H 35.5 in W 21.3 in D 19 in
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.
Mahogany
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...
Metal, Brass
Empire mahogany chair, France, early 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine mahogany veneered Empire chair, early 19th century period. Our piece is upholstered with a deep pink / red velvet cover by French Manufacture Bonvallet.
Velvet, Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Style Tub Chair In Original Patina
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century French Empire Style Tub Chair in Original Patina. This striking chair embodies the grandeur and sculptural refinement of the Empire aesthetic. Crafted in richly toned wo...
Upholstery, Wood
French Empire Mahogany Bergere With Blade Leather Upholstery
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
French Empire Mahogany Bergere With Blade Leather Upholstery. Circa 1810. Gorgeous piece purchased in France. Beautiful proportions. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Messa...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs. Offered is a lovely pair of early 19th century French period Empire chairs, fauteuils or side chairs. This pair of chairs are adorned with ...
Bronze
Set of 6 Chippendale Chairs in Light and Dark Mahogany -1X56
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Enhance your dining experience with this exquisite set of 6 Chippendale chairs, crafted in alternating light and dark mahogany tones around...
Mahogany
Empire Style Six French Chairs " Gondola" Model
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Six sophisticated and beautiful French chairs " a gondola" model made of fine walnut wood and with seat upholstery in sturdy purple cotton; very refined are the rounded carvings made by hand where the backrest joins the front legs; the six chairs, due to their practical and comfortable shape, are optimal to be placed around a table as dining chairs; they are a typical and classic example of the empire style in the so-called " a gondola" shape. "Empire style gondola chairs...
Cotton, Walnut
Empire Style French "Gondola" Chair Dedar Fabric
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Valuable and beautiful French chair is made of fine walnut wood and Dedar fabric seat upholstery; the chair, perfect for a desk or writing desk, is a typical and classic example of Empire style in the so-called " gondola" shape. Very distinctive are the carvings, made by hand, where the backrest joins the front legs that schematically represent the heads of two snakes with gaping jaws. "Empire style gondola chairs...
Fabric, Walnut
French 19th Century Upholstered Vanity Chair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
We love this charming vanity chair from France, hand built during the 1800s. The carved mahogany frame has gained a fine patia over the decades and continues to be sturdy and level. ...
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Mahogany
Set of 14 Empire Period Dining Chairs, circa 1820
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very smart set of fourteen solid and elegant dining room chairs dating from 1820' s between the Empire and the Restauration period. Although very simila...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of French Empire Painted and Giltwood Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
From William Hodgins personal collection. Need new upholstery. Nicely carved with lion monopodia legs. The paint and gilding restored.
Giltwood
French Empire Bergère Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
The beautiful design of this pair of French upholstered bergère chairs exemplifies the artistry and elegance of the Empire period. Exhibiting perfect proportions, the chairs are enha...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.5 in W 18.75 in D 20.5 in
Antique French Empire Style Walnut Barrel-Back Chairs Restored in France
Located in Highwood, IL
Magnificent pair of French Empire Style walnut barrel-back chairs, that was beautifully restored in France many years ago. The grain of the French walnut on this pair of barrel-back chairs is truly exquisite and quite rare to find French walnut this good-looking. The antique Empire chairs...
Wood, Walnut