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Empire Dining Room 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
Set of Eight Empire Style Flame Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of eight French dining chairs crafted from radiant flame mahogany veneers. The chairs are made in the Empire revival style with a gracefully curved vasiform shaped ba...
Category

20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

An antique set of chairs from around 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique set of chairs from around 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery. wood: mahogany Dimensions: height 79 cm, seat height ...
Category

1860s Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Brass, Baltic States, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Two classicistic mahogany armchairs with brass decoration and openwork backs. The chairs stand on square pointed legs with H-shaped bracing, which merge into elegantly curved, high-s...
Category

Late 18th Century Baltic Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Empire Eclectic Set, Unique Set of 4 Armchairs Each in Different Design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the set of 4 Empire armchairs. Each armchair carries a typical motif of the empire style. Refers to the moment of re-discover of classical o...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Set of Four Baltic Empire Karelian Flame Birch Dining Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Set of two Baltic empire karelian flame birch dining chairs from circa 1810-1820. Very elegant and architectural craftsmanship. Upholstered with fabric from Manuel canvas.
Category

1810s Baltic Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch

10 Antique French Empire Style Rosewood Dining Chairs, Side Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 34 1/4 in Width: 20 in Depth: 18 3/4 in Seat Height: 18 3/4 in This 19th century set of 10 French Empire dining room...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Set of 10 French Empire Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 10 French Victorian (late 19th century) mahogany side / dining chairs with shaped open backs, leather seats, and fluted front legs.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 6 French Empire Marquetry Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an exceptional set of 6 French Empire Marquetry chairs. Made in France circa 1815-20. Set consists of 2 Captains/Carvers and 4 side c...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Boxwood, Kingwood, Rosewood, Satinwood

Set of Six French Empire Style Diminutive Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of six 19th century walnut dining chairs made on a slightly diminutive scale. The chairs are crafted from walnut and feature amazing radiant flame veneered seat backs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Grey Empire Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame & Damask Upholstery
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Grey Empire Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame & Damask Upholstery & Red Velour Piping. Quality designed chairs, elegant but robust with rich upholstery. Seven Chairs in ...
Category

Late 20th Century British Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Damask, Silk, Velvet

Set of Ten Ormolu Mounted Classical French Empire Style Dining Chairs
Located in Rochester, NY
A matched set of ten French Empire style chairs with finely detailed brass metal ormolu mounts at backs, legs and feet - the wood frames with aged original old finish . There are tw...
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set 16 Maison Krieger Attributed French Empire Burled Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is splendid set of 16 French Empire style gilt dor'e bronze mounted dining chairs that match a 14 foot burled walnut dining table we have listed separately. The chairs are made ...
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Two Modern Trellis Back Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany lattice back armchair, the rectangular back enclosing a lattice of interlacing C's above an upholstered drop-in seat, on square tapering legs. Inspired by an Empire origin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Two Modern Trellis Back Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany lattice back dining chair, the rectangular back enclosing a lattice of interlacing C's above an upholstered drop-in seat, on square tapering legs. Inspired by an Empire or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Empire Upholstered Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
This set of 10 Empire Upholstered Chairs features 2 arm chairs as well as 8 side chairs. All of the chairs in this set feature a fully upholstered back for maximum comfort. And the d...
Category

2010s Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

1930s Hickory Chair Empire Klismos Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Hickory Chair Company Empire Klismos style Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs. Measure 18" in width, 21" in depth 34.5" tall. Seat height is 18".
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Set of Six Napoleonic Empire Style Bronze Mounted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary set of six mahogany dining chairs made in the grand Napoleonic Empire taste. The chairs feature beautifully crafted mahogany frames with rich, deep woodgrains on the fi...
Category

20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rider Gold Velvet and Brass Dining Chair
Located in New York, NY
Parisian Flair. Our modern homage to an Empire style dining chair. Our rider dining chair is petite and glamorous, but ultra-comfy. Great as a dinin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Carved Empire Upholstered Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
The set of 10 Carved Empire Upholstered Chairs comprise of a group with 2 arm chairs and 8 side chairs. All chairs with a carved top rail and featuring a fully upholstered back which...
Category

2010s Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Set of 4 early 19th Swedish mahogany empire dining chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Set of 4 early 19th Swedish mahogany empire dining chairs circa 1820. Good quality set of Karl Johan period Swedish dining chairs.   Shaped roundel bac...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set Four Klismos Chairs COM
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage blond Klismos chairs with newly upholstered seats. Send your fabric and we can upholster at no extra charge and quick turnaround.
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Style Padded Chair
Located in Premariacco, IT
Single chair from the 1950s in wood with backrest and seat in the original fabric of the time. Shows normal signs of wear, note how little it has been used. The seat is still prot...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 6 American Empire Style Carved Wood Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 American Empire wood dining chairs in mahogany veneer with sloped gondola backs with an openwork, urn-form center topped by a carved foliate neoclassical crown...
Category

20th Century Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Armchair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A dining armchair in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, curved arms, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and ge...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

French Empire Style Mahogany & Leather Saber Legs Dining Chair, A Set of 8
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning French Empire Style set of 8 dinning chairs. The chairs are made of quality Mahogany wood. The frame is exquisitely hand carved and shows a...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cherry, Fabric

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Karges French Empire dining arm or accent chairs. Painted white with gold carved accents, scrolled arms, brass plates, saber legs and red upholstery. Karges carefully crafts exquisite masterpieces in their Grand Rapids, Michigan facility. They do not do mass production and make each product upon order. Karges artisans are committed to let every chair, desk, table, bed, chest, sofa, and side piece emerge with integrity and handcraftsmanship and be its own unique piece. n 1886, Albert F. Karges, a first-generation German immigrant, invested $600 and began making moderately priced bedroom furniture of solid oak and walnut. At that time, the river port town of Evansville, Indiana was one of the largest hardwood furniture manufacturing centers in the world. The Company prospered through the turn of the century, and Albert's son Edwin F. Karges, Sr. joined the family business after World War I. He had a keen interest in European designs and traveled extensively in an effort to learn more about the old-world styles. Soon the Karges line took on a more classic look and began separating itself from its competitors as he began to develop his own ideas. Mr. ""K"", active in the company for over 60 years, left elegant, timeless designs, that are still best sellers after 30 years. After World War II Edwin's son, Edwin F. Karges, Jr., joined the business. He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Wood Technology, and his knowledge and skill in wood finishing provided the groundwork for developing the Karges finishing process. ""Eddie"", as he was known in the plant, was involved in all aspects of the business and will be ever regarded as the expert in matters relating to the unique Karges finish. In April of 2006, Ed Jr. passed away, leaving Karges personnel greatly saddened by the passing of this wonderfully kind and beloved man. Fortunately, however, he was a great teacher and saw to it that all were well-trained and equipped to carry on his dream for the Company. During the past 30 years, all four of Eddie's children have been involved in the business. Joan Karges Rogier, now President, worked alongside her father for nearly 30 years, representing the fourth generation of leadership. Joan brings to the Company a true understanding and appreciation of the strengths and experiences bequeathed by her predecessors as well as a sincere concern for the workers. She understands why Karges survived and why it remains strong today. Joan would tell you, ""The only way to make the very best furniture in the world is the slow, careful, hands-on way."" This quality philosophy trickles down to the work bench or desk of each employee. Joan's daughter Gretchen is the 5th generation of this amazing story, the child willing and able to work hard and take up the challenge of making furniture in the tried and true method of her progenitors. One might even say the American way. Gretchen has worked along side Ed, Joan, and an army of talented people who know and understand the goal: to make the best furniture possible. Gretchen and her husband Martin, Karges' safety director, maintenance guru and overall ""facilities engineer,"" have done everything required in a small family business. Everything from spearheading a media campaign to repairing damaged windows from a spring storm. Karges' story is not unique in American history, but it is indeed remarkable. As long as this group of dedicated artisans, family and beloved friends is able to continue practicing their craft, doing what will surely be missed should we not be on the scene, so we shall. In 2011 Karges Furniture will achieve the extremely rare distinction of being a 125-year-old, still-family-owned, American furniture manufacturing company. Bravo!! Stenella says: Karges is one of the most expensive and high end furniture manufacturers in the new furniture market. The used Karges furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 6 French Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 6 French Empire dining chairs in mahogany with bronze mounts are a stylish expression of the genre, with exotic imported ma...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bronze

2 Kreiss Luxury Modern Empire Style Mahogany & Wicker Back Arm Chairs Suede Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful pair of Kreiss Luxury Empire style arm chairs. Made from mahogany with a wicker inset backing and swooping arms with bulbous fluted...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Ultrasuede, Wicker, Mahogany

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Empire Walnut and Gold Leaf Hand-Carved Chair with Armrests by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Come have a seat at this wonderfully upholstered chair with armrests by Modenese Gastone Interiors featuring a wood frame gold leaf applied in details, upholstered with a premium flo...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of 19th Century Empire Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of 19th century Empire Lyre back dining chairs Wonderful pair of walnut dining chairs with carved double eagle head and lyre carving. Mea...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Empire Walnut and Gold Leaf Hand-Made Sitting Armchair by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Have a seat on this breathtaking upholstered empire armchair by Modenese Gastone Interiors featuring a wood frame gold leaf applied in deta...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Ash

Oak Dining Chair with Decorative Ears of Wheat Hand Carved, Made in Italy
Located in Barlassina, IT
Oak wood chair, with decorative ears of wheat hand carved on backrest and counter back. This armchair is inspired by Russian Empire style ( zar Nicola II )....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

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 Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Eight Dining Empire Style Chairs Upholstered French Elm and Burr Elm, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
Set of eight French dining chairs circa 1920 Empire style, solid elm and elm burr They can be recovered to suit your interior. In very good condition, solid and sound. Shippin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Elm

Set of Three Elegant Mahogany, Empire Style Chairs, One Pair and a Single Chair
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous chairs white great patina and beautiful lines on these Swedish Empire style chairs. They are late 1800s, early 1900s Swedish. We can recover chair for you on request. Touch ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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 Dining Room Chairs

Early 19th Century, Empire Cherrywood Seating Group, 2 Armchairs and 6 Chairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful unique seating group consisting of 2 armchairs and 6 chairs. The group dates back to the Empire period of the early 19th century, circa 1800-1810. All chairs are made of so...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

French Empire Green Damask Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 French Empire style (19th century) mahogany side chairs with bronze trim and green damask upholstery.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Damask, Upholstery, Mahogany

Eight Maslow Freen Empire Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of eight Maslow Freen mahogany dining chairs. Listing includes six side chairs, two armchairs, wooden ball form finials, nice wide seats, solid wood c...
Category

1940s American Vintage Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Empire dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire dining room 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 dining room chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire dining room chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original dining room chairs, popular names associated with this style include Drexel, Modenese Gastone, Hickory Chair Furniture Company, and Jonathan Adler. 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 dining room chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $23,996 while the average work can sell for $3,929.

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