Empire Chairs
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
Period: 19th Century
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 1880-1900. Each chair features plush velve...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Chairs With Red Silk Upholstered Seat
Located in Sheridan, CO
Extraordinary pair of French Empire style mahogany chairs featuring a tub or gondola form frame. Minimally decorated having a curved back,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Set of Four Late Empire Klismos Chairs.
Located in Kastrup, DK
A set of four elegant Late Empire Klismos chairs in a classic design.
Crafted with quality, featuring frames made of mahogany and polished beech, tastefully refinished with French po...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
14 French Empire 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 similar...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Antique chair, Northern Europe, circa 1890. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from the end of the 19th century, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new f...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation.
Dimensions: height 96 cm / seat height. 45 cm / width 47 cm...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Antique chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new fabric.
Dimensio...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
MID 19th CENTURY SET OF EIGHT EMPIRE CHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant set of eight Empire style chairs, made of solid carved mahogany, with pure gold finishes. The front legs are shapely and straight, while the rear ones are flared, creating a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Gold
Italian Empire Style Bergere or Tub Chair
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire Style bergère or tub chair, gray-painted with barrel-back molded crest rail above upholstered back, arms, and seat with drop in cushion upholstered in a white linen weave...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
19th Century Mahogany Pair of Library Armchairs
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very fine quality pair of 19th century mahogany
French Empire library armchairs having well figured
Top rails over enclosed swept arms with car...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Bergere Barley Twist Library Armchair with Brown Leather Seat
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Bergere library armchair with barley twist form & brown leather upholstered seat, 1800s
One popular furniture technique is a type of wood turning that first appeared in England and France in the 1600s.
Furniture with spiral-turned legs or trim was known as "barley twist" or "barley sugar...
Category
19th Century British Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Beech
19th Century Empire Revival Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Period Empire side chair: This highly stylized chair has brass inlay and ormolu features to include reclining goddesses, feathers and detailed Roman feet all newly upholstered in a b...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Hall Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Step into the elegance and grandeur of the Napoleonic period with this exceptional pair of early 19th century Italian mahogany hall chairs. During the Napoleonic period, hall chairs ...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Tapestry, Walnut
Antique Empire Chairs from Around 1810-1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Empire chairs from around 1900
Solid wood mahogany. Seat upholstered and covered with black fabric. Very stable and robust built. Hind...
Category
19th Century German Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Burlwood Chair
Located in Houston, TX
A 19th Century French Empire burl wood chair featuring stylized ormolu to include swans, lyre, acanthus and ribbons with lion's paw sabots. Seat newly upholstered in a dark chocolate...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Ormolu
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone
2 small gaps at the top of the armrests,
which does not interfere with the stability of the chair
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Tapestry, Walnut
Empire Period Armchair in Walnut, Upholstery Redone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone.
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Tapestry, Walnut
Empire Period Armchair in Walnut, Upholstery Redone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone.
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Tapestry, Walnut
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th C Empire Star & Shield Coat of Arms Dining Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Empire star & shield coat of arms dining chairs
Priced each.
Additional information:
Materials: Mahogany
Color: Olive
Period: 19th Century
Styles: Empire
Numb...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Armchairs with Fretwork Detailing to Their Back S
Located in London, GB
A pair of charming late 19th century upholstered painted Swedish open armchairs with a decorative fretwork border detail and turned stretchers to their backs.
Recently reupholstered in a light vintage French linen...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of Empire Side Chairs, France, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of two Empire Side Chairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant chairs stand out for their plain design and the beautifully designed front legs. The side chairs have a cher...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Cherry
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Maple
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...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
Around 1800 Baltic States 4 Dining Chairs Mohagony Brasswire Decor
Located in Epfach, DE
4 chairs for a dining room, around 1800, provenance probably from a noble household in the Baltic States
Mahogany, backrests and seat frames decorated with brass wire, designed in s...
Category
1810s Baltic Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
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 Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Set of Four Swedish Empire Side Chairs by F. Pettersson, Mid 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Swedish Empire side chairs from the mid-19th century by furniture maker F. Pettersson. These antique chairs from Sweden have an elegantly curved backs, with straight wo...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Upholstery
Set of Six Late 19 Century Empire Style Gondola Chairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very nice set of dining/occasional gondola chairs; two open armchairs and four side chairs. The chair frames are of mahogany and are richly decorated with gilded bronze mounts feat...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Late Empire Armchairs in Birch from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Late Empire birch armchairs, upholstered in red fabric and from around the 1840s, make a beautiful and period feature in any interior with their classic look and historic c...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
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 Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Set of Six Italian Neoclassical Klismos Empire Dining Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
Very elegant late 19th century set of six Italian Neoclassical Klismos shaped Empire side or dining chairs:
standing on four tapering and partially fluted legs topped by paterae ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
Empire Style Parcel Gilt and Ebonized Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
Unique piece Empire style parcel gilt and Ebonized armchair.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Giltwood, Ebony
Set of Ten French Empire Mahogany Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of ten mahogany dining chairs made in the neoclassical French empire taste. The chairs feature decorative bronze mounts ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Ormolu
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 Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Armchairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze armchairs.
French, 19th century
Dimensions: Height 108cm, width 70cm, depth 60cm
This pair of French Empire style fa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Ormolu
Set of Eight 19th-Century Empire Ash Chairs in Salmon Pink Upholstery
Located in Opole, PL
Set of Eight 19th-Century Empire Ash Chairs in Salmon Pink Upholstery
We present you a set of eight chairs with softly upholstered spring seats.
This furniture is from the late 19t...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Ash
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 Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Fauteuils Bergères Aux Dauphins, circa 1830
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1830s pair of Empire mahogany French bergères Aux Dauphins Empire armchairs in the manner of Pierre Bellange (1760-1844). The mahogany frame with sabre front legs continuing as arm...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Chairs
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 Chairs
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Carved Walnut Wood Four Antique Chairs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Series of four refined early 19th century authentic Italian Empire walnut wood four chairs. Refined decoration the back is carved in the shape of a lyre. The legs are very elegant straight. The seat is wide and comfortable rustic in handwoven straw in excellent condition. Antique goods...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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 Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
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 Chairs
Materials
Giltwood
French Empire Child's Chair, circa 1830
Located in valatie, NY
Black painted American Empire child's chair with upholstered seat, turned front legs and front stretcher. The back has a decorative double cross rail separated with five round wooden...
Category
1820s American Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of 6 Empire Mahogany Gilded Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Dining chairs Swedish set of 6 Empire mahogany gilded Sweden. A set of six dining chairs made during the Empire / Karl Johan period in Sweden 1810-1830. Veneered in a beautiful dark ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Chairs
Antique American Flame Mahogany and Cane Empire Period Recamier or Chaise Longue
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare and important antique American flame mahogany and cane Empire period recamier or chaise longue, acquired from and made for the Charleston ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Cane
Italian 19th Century Marquetry and Bronze Empire Side Chair
Located in Brescia, IT
Back decorated in various inlaid woods showing vines, flowers etc.,
The tops of the back chair rails are mounted with eagle heads, and are joined together with a turned gilded deco...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Wood
19th Century Empire Tub Armchair
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique Empire tub armchair, circa 1820, mahogany with finely carved details. Newly upholstered with beautiful crème colored fabric.
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Three Antique Empire Side Chairs, 19th Century, Biedermeier
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three antique Empire side chairs, 19th century, Biedermeier.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Chairs
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 Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Empire chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire chairs 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 chairs, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Century Furniture, Dedar, and Europa Antiques. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $73,317 while the average work can sell for $3,878.
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