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.
Mid-Century French Empire Style Chaise With Mahogany And Bronze Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome mid-century French Empire style mahogany chaise lounge. Th frame is mahogany with heavy ormolu adorning it. It is unmarked. A striking piece for a variety of setti...
Bronze
French Antique Swan Neck Recamier Chaise Lounge
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine antique French walnut recamier or chaise lounge with carved swan heads at posts, lovely neutral vintage upholstery and bolster pillow, circa 1930. The chaise rests on four ca...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,900Sale Price|37% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant Empire Period black lacquered walnut chaise or daybed with brass ormolu decoration. Has its original horsehair mattress. Frame is sturdy ...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
French Empire Style Mahogany Pink Chaise
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany chaise with bronze trim and large pink and gold cushion upholstery
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Gold Bronze & Mahogany "Lit de Repos" Daybed.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Empire Gold Bronze & Mahogany "Lit de Repos" Daybed.
Bronze
20th Century Antique Classizim Style Empire Swan Chaise Lounge Birdseye Maple
Located in Berlin, DE
Maple roots on solid beechwood, partially ebonized and gilded. Finely carved swans, feet carved with paws. Very high quality fabric.
Wood
French Empire Duchesse Brisée Armchair in Parcel Gilt
Located in London, GB
A fine early nineteenth-century French Empire period duchesse brisée armchair with accompanying footstool. This set is in the original paint with applied gilded highlights. The restr...
Pine
$21,630
Méridienne empire
Located in PARIS, FR
Méridienne à dossier renversé et repose pied en bois mouluré, sculpté, noirci et doré reposant sur quatre pieds griffe. Couverture de tissu blanc.
Wood
Imperial Stylish Lion Salon Couch in Antique Empire Style beech hand carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine detailed carving work on solid beechwood. Gilded. Armrests ended in protruding, winged, forward leaning lions heads in Bronze. Measures: Width:146cm height:117 cm Depth: 7...
Beech
Original Antique French Empire Sofa Mahogany Veneer with Columns
Located in Berlin, DE
Original French Empire sofa, circa 1800. Mahogany, right and left, each with columns and fire-gilt bronze fittings. Some bronze are missing.
Wood
Original antique French Empire Sofa Mahogany veneer with Columns
Located in Berlin, DE
Original French Empire sofa, circa 1800. Mahogany, right and left, each with columns and fire-gilt bronze fittings. Some bronze are missing.
Mahogany
French 19th Century Chaise in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue in muslin is classic and timeless. Its sophisticated "chapeau de gendarme" shape is one of its most distinctive features, evoking a sen...
Upholstery
Mahogany neoclassical daybed, 19th c.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Neoclassical lounge chair, daybed, recamier in carved mahogany with the back describing a wave. France, 19th c.
Mahogany
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Red Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise or daybed lounge sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid wood, it features elegant oval-back frames with...
Velvet, Wood
Juan Pablo Molyneux French Tufted Chaise Lounge
Located in New York, NY
Juan Pablo Molyneux French tufted chaise lounge. The chaise lounge has loose cushions, a tufted seat with ultra-suede fabric.
Ultrasuede
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
French Provincial Style Chaise Lounge Settee
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant French provincial chaise lounge settee, crafted in the Louis XV style, features graceful curves, carved details, and a ref...
Fabric
$2,096Sale Price|25% Off
H 37 in W 50 in D 22 in
Hand-Crafted Painted Mahogany Chaise in Printed Linen, Early 20th Century
Located in Malibu, CA
Sleek & stunning compact chaise hand crafted mahogany. It is surprisingly comfortable. This piece would be amazing in a walk in closet, powder room or master bath. Reupholstered...
Linen, Mahogany
French Louis XV Style Tufted Chaise Lounge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and inviting, this French Louis XV style chaise lounge offers a refined balance of comfort and classic design. The gracefully contoured frame features a gently arched backres...
Linen, Wood, Paint
$640Sale Price|44% Off
H 28 in W 21.25 in D 56 in
1960s Cushman Furniture Rock Maple Chaise Lounge Chair
By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company
Located in Elkton, MD
Crafted from durable and high-quality rock maple, this chaise lounge is both sturdy and comfortable. The elegant design, with its sleek lines and smooth curves, makes it a timeless p...
Upholstery, Maple
$8,900
H 39.75 in W 89.5 in D 29 in
French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 19th century French Directoire period chaise longue or daybed in walnut. The walnut has a wonderful patina and striking grai...
Walnut
Fine Antique French Style Chaise With Custom Fabric
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique Chaise with sinuous lines, strongly carved cabriole legs, rolled back, pierced and carved wood frame and custom upholstery. The fabric treatment is a Champagne tone nu...
Fabric, Mahogany
19th Century Edwardian Fainting Green Chaise Sofa Lounge on Castors
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This Superb late 19th Century Victorian Walnut Antique Chaise Longue dates from circa, 1890 and stands on beautiful turned legs with castors. The scroll arm has some fine carvings an...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 35.25 in W 64 in D 24 in
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Recamier in Striped Jacquard
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite early 19th century French Empire chaise longue, or recamier, sourced in Provence. Handcrafted from mahogany, the frame is carved with classical motifs, its scrolled ends...
Jacquard, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.5 in W 74.5 in D 26.5 in
1800's Antique Empire Style, Ormolu-Mounted, Mahogany, Chaise Lounge!
Located in Austin, TX
Charming 1800's Antique Empire Style, Ormolu-Mounted, Mahogany, Chaise Lounge! Antique Chaise Lounge, Empire Style, Ormolu-Mounted, Mahogany, Ormolu, 1800s, 19th Century! This antique chaise lounge is a stunning piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance to any room. Crafted from mahogany and featuring ormolu mounts, this chaise is a true empire style piece. The upholstered cushions are striped and the frame is brown in color, giving it a beautiful and unique look. Measuring 74.5 inches in length, 26.5 inches in width, and 33.5 inches in height, this chaise is perfect for seating up to two people. It's an ideal addition to any room, including the living room, foyer, or entryway. This antique chaise lounge is a must-have for collectors of Victorian era furniture...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.47 in W 59.06 in D 23.63 in
Elegant Daybed Beautifully Carved and Covered With Versace Fabric, Versace Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant Empire revival daybed beautifully hand carved with gold leaf swans heads, brass details and covered with a Gianni Versace silk. Part of G.Versace furniture collection...
Brass
Early 20th Century empire revival painted scandinavian day bed
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century empire revival painted scandinavian day bed circa 1900. Grand sized swedish day bed featuring scrolled end supports. Pine frame ha...
Fabric, Pine, Paint
Sold
H 34.5 in W 68 in D 24.5 in
French Antique Louis XVI Swan Neck Daybed or Chaise Lounge with New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant 19th century French Empire walnut daybed or chaise lounge featuring carved swan neck ends. The cushioned seat is within padded ends of unequal height with gilded swan necked ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th-C. Empire Style Tufted Green Leather Chaise / Sofa / Recamier
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century Empire style green tufted leather chaise. It was manufactured in New York in approximately 1920 by Kroehler Manufacturing Company. It is marked. The oak...
Leather, Oak
French xix Empire Walnut Chaise Lounge Reupholstered with Vintage Fabric
Located in Santa Monica, CA
French 19th century Empire walnut chaise lounge reupholstered with vintage fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Empire Style Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Upholstered Recamier
Located in Hanover, MA
Very dramatic and theatrical Empire/Regency style recamier chaise in ebonized mahogany with carved parcel-gilt and verde antique stained winged paw feet. Original upholstery is salm...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Viennese Chaise Longue, Biedermeier
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria. Cherry veneer with inlaid line. Minor fixes from the past. Very well preserved original upholstery, jacquard fabric typical of its period. Older protectiv...
Textile, Wood
Antique Neoclassical French "Swane Neck" Recamier c 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Neoclassical French swaneneck recamier. Decorative and elegant made in beech wood with beautiful carving work. Scraped to original light green color. France 1820 -1830. NB: F...
Fabric, Beech
French Empire Period Walnut Window Seat Banquette After Jacob
Located in Benington, Herts
An unusual and well drawn early 19th Century French Empire walnut window seat / banquette after the celebrated Jacob family. French circa 1810. The padded over-scrolled ends with o...
Walnut
19th Century Neoclassical French Empire Swan Neck Chaise Longue Daybed
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Early 19th century French Empire recamier, chaise longue, or daybed featuring an intricately carved swan on both the front and the back. Crafted...
Upholstery, Walnut