Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19th century French Empire daybed.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Daybeds
Materials
Bronze
Empire Daybeds
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
French Empire Day Bed or Window Seat Upholstered in Linen on Walnut Frame
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French Empire day bed or window seat from the late 19th century featuring an elegant frame of patinated walnut often associated with the L...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Daybeds
Materials
Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
An Empire Style French Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Day Bed or "Lit en Bateau"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Fine French 19th Century Empire Style Day or Alcove Bed known in French as "lit en Bateau" The bed is made of fine Cuban Mahogany and is embellished with a ormolu mounts all alo...
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French Daybed
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French Daybed
Located in London, England
French 19th century chaise lounge in original paint finish with carved decoration in the form of swan necks. Deconstructed ready for a choice of fabric. France circa 1880.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Daybeds
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century French Carved Wood Day Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible empire style carved wood daybed from France, late 19th century. Long oak wood frame with high sides showing beautiful carved rosette detail. Newly added blue linen cushion...
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French Empire Recamier Mahogany & Painted Daybed 18Th. C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Recamier Mahogany & Painted Daybed, late 18Th C. This Recamier can float in a room as the back is also upholstered or be against the wall. This fabulous large dayb...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Daybeds
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French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
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French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
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1980s Empire Style Sculptural Daybed Bench Ottoman
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On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile piece you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the be...
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1980s English Vintage Empire Daybeds
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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.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Daybeds
Materials
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Ebonized Empire Recamiere , Austria Ca. 1800's
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Fine ebonized Austrian Empire recamiere. Ebonized wood featuring elegantly curved sides and four highly detailed carved lions paw feet with giltwood accents.This fully restored large...
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Empire daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire daybeds for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage daybeds 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 daybeds made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 daybeds differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,720 and tops out at $27,500 while the average work can sell for $7,781.