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.
American Empire Long Ottoman with Upholstered Burgundy Velvet and Tapestry Top
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire long rectangular ottoman with supple upholstered burgundy velvet top bordered by a dense earth-toned floral tapestry fabric, resting on a mahogany veneer base having ...
Fabric
Antique 19th Century American Empire Ottoman
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique 19th century American Victorian Empire box seat ottoman or stool featuring large crotch flame mahogany wood veneer with rolling casters. The ottoman has a large size seat mak...
Mahogany
Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Upholstery, Walnut
French Empire Sword Bench Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French gilt Empire sword bench with ultra sueded fabric. Beautiful carving details. Leave as is or have your upholstery shop recover and tighten frame.
Wood
$3,364 / set
Antique Empire Style Ottomans
Located in Rīga, LV
Pieces are fully restored: new upholstery with coordinated trim, wood was restored and new lacquer applied, brass details are cleaned and refinished
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman. Item features bun feet, solid wood construction, gold gilt distressed finish, nicely carved details, ...
Fabric, Wood
$1,682Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery; Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair Staple Ottoman Footstools in the style of Milo Baughman
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair 1970's ottoman footstools in the style of Directional. Original fabric.
Fabric
Modern Leather Arch Base Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern leather arch base ottoman. Crafted in rich brown leather, this ottoman is accented with small brass nailhead trim. The unique open decorative arched base makes this small st...
Leather
$1,200 / set
H 16 in W 27 in D 26 in
Pair of 1950s John Wisner for Ficks Reed Bamboo Style Vintage Ottoman Footstools
By John Wisner
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of John Wisner for Ficks Reed ottoman footstools. This is a wonderful vintage 1950s pair of footstools by Ficks Reed. These are a very classic example of the bamboo-style fram...
Brass
$4,794 / set
H 16.93 in W 24.81 in D 14.57 in
Pair of Os de Mouton Louis XIV Oak Stools New Upholstered in French Linen
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Os de Mouton Oak Stools, Pair Os de Mouton Louis XIV Pair of Oak Stools / Benches with French Linen Upholstery Pair of Louis XIV style Os de Mouton legs stools in french vintage linen upholstery, France, 1930s An early 20th century backless Louis XIV style benches or stools raised on four Os de Mouton hand carved oak wood legs with stretcher. These stylish banquettes have scrolled accents on the legs. These benches are in fully restored condition, structurally sound. Re-upholstered with a vintage french linen fabric...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut, Linen
Vintage Marge Carson Brass Stools/Ottomans
By Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Experience the allure of authentic 1970s American design with this exquisite pair of brass poufs by celebrated designer Marge Carson. Each piece showcases a stunning brass base that ...
Brass
Ottoman-Zebra Hide Cube
Located in New York, NY
This Zebra hide cube ottoman provides a true ‘out of Africa’ sense to any space. Each ottoman has been upholstered with ethically and sustainably-sourced ...
Zebra Hide
$3,400 / item
H 18.12 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Burgundy Cylinder Wood Ottoman with Velvet Upholstery by Lorenza Bozzoli Couture
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning ottoman comprises a burgundy upholstered velvet seat and fringes whose colors flow into a smooth geometric motif. Juxtaposing the vibrant solid red of the cushion are p...
Textile
Mid-Century Gelderland Extra Long Chocolate Brown Leather Ottoman
By Gelderland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gelderland ottoman showcases the Dutch manufacturer's commitment to substantial, functional design. Crafted in chocolate brown leather with a generous cushioned top, the piece demons...
Leather
Late 20th Century William and Mary Style Upholstered Footstool Ottoman
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful late 20th century walnut and Upholstered William and Mary style footstool or ottoman in very good vintage condition. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 10" tall.
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
$2,200
H 18 in Dm 24.5 in
Vintage 40's Italian Cream & Gold Gilt Faux Rope Tassel Ottoman, Stool or Bench
By Napoléon III
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Napoléon IIII style or Hollywood Regency round tufted upholstered ottoman. This Italian made cream painted & gold gilt, faux wood rope tassel ottoman...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16 in W 19.75 in D 15.5 in
Elegant Pair of Traditional Parsons Style Mahogany & Upholstered Benches
By Kittinger
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An elegant pair of vintage mahogany & rasberry linen upholstered traditional rectangular benches with decorative trim.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,612
H 12.21 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Large Antique French Louis XV Style Carved Square Ottoman Footstool
Located in London, GB
Large Antique French Louis XV Style Carved Square Ottoman Footstool C.1880 Walnut carved frame with traditionally sprung and webbed upholstery. Upholstery in very good condition, fa...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 19 in W 36 in D 26 in
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman. Item featured is a very rare model, shapely raised box form, beautiful crotch mahogany veneer, black ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 4 in W 15 in D 11.5 in
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman. Item features solid mahogany wood frame, carved bun feet, original label, ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 27.56 in W 66.54 in D 17.33 in
Early 20th Century Empire Style Bench Upholstered with Elegant Red Fabric
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This large empire style bench is truly refined, fully padded and covered in elegant shiny red fabric. Finished on each side, it can also be positioned in the center of the room. Perf...
Fabric, Upholstery
Sold
H 12 in W 21 in D 17.5 in
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Upholstered Ottoman Footstool on Wheels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Upholstered Ottoman Footstool on Wheels. Item features rolling casters, upholstered seat, beautiful...
Mahogany
Midcentury Vintage Empire Inspired Newly Upholstered Bench
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage newly upholstered empire inspired bench. This bench has been upholstered in a black cotton with a large button in the center. The bench has a dark walnu...
Wood
Sold
H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in
Ralph Lauren Henredon Mahogany Empire Style McDowell Stool Leopard Ottoman Bench
By Henredon, Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
The McDowell stool is a modern take on Neoclassicism and French Empire styling. Made by Henredon for Ralph Lauren. Features an "X" form mahogany frame with claw feet, spindled stretc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 21 in W 31.5 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Regency Empire Style Curule Iron Figural Swan Bench After Maison Jansen
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful iron curule bench stylized after Maison Janse, circa 1970s. Features a woven metal seat and figural brass swan heads.
Brass, Iron
19th Century American Empire Mahogany Footstool with Storage
Located in Rio Vista, CA
19th Century diminutive American mahogany empire period footstool featuring a storage area under the top cushion. The mahogany frame has scalloped sides supported by short legs endin...
Brass
Antique Empire Crotch Mahogany Black Needlepoint Small Ottoman Footstool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Empire Crotch Mahogany Black Needlepoint small ottoman footstool. Item features black needlepoint seat with flower design, beautiful wo...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 11 in W 18 in D 12 in
Antique Victorian Empire Crotch Mahogany Floral Needlepoint Footstool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Empire crotch mahogany floral needlepoint footstool ottoman. Item features beautiful wood grain, very nice antique, great style and form. Circa 19th century. Measur...
Fabric, Mahogany
French Empire Giltwood Stool
Located in Hamburg, PA
A unique giltwood footstool with hoof feet and garland design. Inspired by French and Italian Empire-style antiques. This bench would make a great accent piece in any room. The ottom...
Upholstery, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Ottoman
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Empire stool or ottoman from circa 1820. The stool has later paint and a newly renovated seat upholstered in linen fabric.
Pine