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.
Russian Empire Period Desk Chair
Located in Pembroke, MA
Lovely burled birch wood ("loupe de bouleau de Carélie") desk chair from the Russian Empire, and recently reupholstered in French damask fabric wi...
Fabric, Damask, Upholstery, Burl, Birch
Single Midcentury Desk Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegantly simple desk chair features beautiful dark walnut wood and comfortable upholstery. Its simple style will blend effortlessly with any home office. It is extremely comfortable and would function just as well in any sitting room or home theatre...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Danish desk chair
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
20th century Danish desk chair
Fabric, Wood
Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair
Located in Nashville, TN
Of generous proportions and presence . The front mounted with well cast bronze mounts (of some size and weight ). The top with French interpretations of the Greek Caryatids (very att...
Wood
$1,296Sale Price|41% Off
H 28.75 in W 24.02 in D 22.05 in
Restoration Period Engraved Leather Desk Chair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine French Restoration period barrel-back desk chair (or captain's chair), with dramatically reeded and turned legs, scroll arms and incurved top rail, which is polished smooth fo...
Leather, Fruitwood
$2,495
H 34 in W 22 in D 24 in
Mid Century Empire Leather Upholstered and Nailhead Studded Mahogany Arm Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Empire Style full grain Leather Upholstered and Nailhead Studded Mahogany Arm Chair. Measures 22" in width, 24" in depth and 34" in height. Seat height is 19" and arm h...
Leather, Mahogany
Fritz Hansen Desk Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning swivel desk chair by Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1930's Aged to perfection with curved arms and sculptural wood swivel base. Beautifully worn leather patina Seat height adjus...
Leather, Beech
19th c, Danish Revolving Desk Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 19th century Danish revolving desk armchair in mahogany with marquetry and brass casters, from the Empire period. Ca 1850, Denmark.
Brass
Kevi Desk Chair
By Fritz Hansen, Jørgen Rasmussen
Located in Dronten, NL
A design icon, the Kevi task chair offers adjustable height, adjustable angle back and adjustable seat height. Surprisingly comfortable, the Kevi chair is a favorite among architects...
Aluminum
Oak revolving desk chair
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak revolving office chair with comb back above the solid seat. Raised up on four cabriole legs terminating in castors. Dimensions Height 36 Inches he...
Oak
gastone rinaldi desk chair
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful mid century desk chair.
Metal
$1,900
H 30.75 in W 22.5 in D 22 in
19th C. French Empire Mahogany Desk Armchair with Scroll Arms and Leather Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant 19th-century French Empire desk chair, carved circa 1870, features a sculptural mahogany frame with a rich, warm patina and classic neoclassical lines. The barrel-form b...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique French Empire Period Mahogany Desk Chair, Circa 1810-1820.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Empire Period Mahogany Desk Chair, Circa 1810-1820.
Leather, Mahogany
Charles X Mahogany Armchair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charles X mahogany armchair or slipper chair.