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Empire Sofas

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.

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 Sofa Bench Settee
Located in New York, NY
French Empire settee late 19th century 1870- 1890. Ebonized mahogany frame, French polished (Black) with captivating carved female heads under armrest, legs terminating into animal...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Sofa in Textured Wool Blend, France, circa 1840
Located in Culver City, CA
Empire Sofa in Textured Wool Blend, France, circa 1840 Intricately carved wood frame with lion feet, new upholstery. Measures 70.25”L x 22”d x 40.75”h x 18” seat.
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

Antique Sofa, 20th Century
Located in Kerepes, HU
Dimensions:  Height: 40 (seat), 70 ( six backrests ) cm Width: 80 cm Length : 175 Seat ( 210 whole ) cm.
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood

Empire Revival Lacquered Swan Neck Settee, 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant French Empire style settee offers a truly spectacular silhouette that is sure to impress. Wonderfully detailed featuring a reeded top rail, down swept arms are intricately ha...
Category

1970s Vintage Empire Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Antique Sofa, Northern Europe, Late 19th Century, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from around 1880. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. The sofa has been covered with a new fabric. Dimensions: height 125 cm / seat he...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Walnut

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.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood

Bellanger French Empire Mahogany Pink and Red Stripe Upholstered Settee
Located in New York, NY
French Empire-style mahogany settee with a carved frame and striped blush pink and red upholstered seat, arms and back. (BELLANGER).
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany, Wood

Antique Empire Sofa with Red & Gold Clarence House Fabric, Mid-19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Empire Sofa With Red & Gold Clarence House Fabric. It features an Empire form in solid mahogany and was freshly upholstered in gold star ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Romantic Canape French, 19th Century in Oilwood
Located in Madrid, ES
Romantic canape French, 19th century in Oilwood. Upholstered seat and back, decorated with floral motifs. Usage signs. Dimensions: 97cm x 210cm x 67cm good conditions.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood

19th Century Dark-Brown Baltic Mahogany Empire Long Bench - Silk Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is standing on four paw feet with pinecones as...
Category

Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany

Romantic Canape French, 19th Century in Oilwood
Located in Madrid, ES
romantic canape French, 19th century in Oilwood. Upholstered seat and back, decorated with floral motifs. Usage signs. Dimensions: 104 x 235 x 64 cm good conditions
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood

Empire Period Mahogany Sofa-Bed, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa-bed of the Empire period in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer with rich decoration of finely chased and gilded bronzes. This sofa is decorated in front of a lyre in the center,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Sofa, 1810-15
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique Empire settee dates back to around 1810-15 and comes from France. The elegant settee has a cherry wood frame with hand carved details on armrests and front legs. The sett...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Cherry

19th Century French Empire Style Double Ended Mahogany Sofa
Located in Toorak, VIC
19th Century French Empire Style Double Ended Mahogany Sofa An exceptional French Empire Style Sofa in solid Mahogany with Flame Mahogany accents with outstanding patina from the ...
Category

1840s French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Sofa 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style sofa made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition. with some nice details in the middle of the bench.  
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Antique American Empire Mahogany Frame Carved Paw Feet Scroll Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Mahogany Frame Carved Paw Feet Scroll arm sofa. Item features scrolling carved arms, ornate paw feet, red moha...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Antique American Empire Regency Mahogany Paw Feet Roll Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Regency Mahogany Paw Feet Roll Arm Sofa. Item features hairy paw feet, carved leafy scrolls, rolled arms, solid wood frame, n...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Swedish 19th Century Empire Revival Birch Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Stunning mid 19th century Swedish birch sofa circa 1860. The large proportions allow seating for a comfortable 4.  Roll top arms with decorative roundels on the front of the arms,...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Birch

Lacquered Empire Style Sofa with Leopard Fabric
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Category

1950s American Vintage Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Framed Upholstered Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Very beautiful North American Empire style mahogany wood framed upholstered sofa with matching bolster pillows and mahogany frame scroll...
Category

1820s American Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Empire Mahogany Wood and Veneer Sofa from the Late 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Empire Mahogany wood and veneer sofa from the late 19th century We present you this antique Empire sofa circa 1860 of a beautiful form. It has ri...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Settee / Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered settee / sofa. The settee features four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which are set on...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Bronze

Directoire Empire Transition Canape
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very elegant, ebonised, early 19th Century French canape with fabulous Mermaid tail feet, back and front, and carved lotus flower motif to back.
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Empire Sofa in New Pink Upholstery
Located in Opole, PL
19th Century Empire Sofa in New Pink Upholstery We present you this piece of furniture after thorough renovation. The upholstery is new.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Elegant Swedish Empire Bench Birch with Inlays
Located in Nordhavn, DK
Elegant Swedish Empire bench in birch with inlays, Sweden, circa 1810. The backs with inlays in the form of Greek female figures. Beautifully executed. The set is reupholstered in ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

Antique Empire Charles X Inlaid Walnut & Brass Sofa, 1910s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Important sofa in transition style between empire and Charles X. Walnut wood veneer, brass inlays and small parts.
Category

1880s Italian Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Brass

Original antique Empire Sofa / canapé circa 1860-1870 Empire Room mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire sofa circa 1860-1870 from an Empire room. Massive mahogany cast with Empire caryadites bronze. Top condition. Measurments: width:140cm Height: 100cm Depht: 80cm.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century antique Empire Style Lion canapé Sofa beech bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial stylish lion Kanapee in Empire style. Finely detailed carving work on solid ebonized beechwood. Gilded. Winged, protruding lions heads in bronze.
Category

20th Century French Empire Sofas

Materials

Beech

20th Century French antique Empire style set with Two Armchairs and sofa beech
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, carved, colored and gilded. Cambered frame on curly legs. Braced supports for slightly rising armrests ending in rolled-up volutes. High-rimmed, slightly curved bac...
Category

20th Century French Empire Sofas

Materials

Beech

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.
Category

20th Century German Empire Sofas

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Czech Empire Sofa, Made in 1810 and Restored, Yellow and Black
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Biedermeier sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included. Black lacquer. High gloss.
Category

1810s Czech Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Empire Sofa
Located in London, GB
A fine mid nineteenth century Empire sofa, the mahogany frame with unusual carving to the corners and sides, with fans and scrolling decoration, the out s...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Mahogany

Early 19th Century Empire Pear-Wood Sofa, Restored, Made in Austria
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Austrian Empire inlaid sofa Made of pear-wood. (Inlaid) Completely restored. Surface was done by shellac polish.
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Pearwood, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Original French Empire Sofa and Armchair Set Made from Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive mahogany partly carved. Cambered frame on curly legs. Supports bracing supports for slightly rising armrests in rolled-up volute. High-awned, slightly curved backrest frame w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Couch
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze couch French, late 19th century Dimensions: Height 107cm, width 192cm, depth 72cm This beautiful canapé style couch...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Ormolu

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...
Category

20th Century French Empire Sofas

Materials

Beech

Early 19th Century Restored Empire Mahogany Living Room French Seating Set, 3pcs
Located in Horomerice, CZ
French Empire three-piece suite. Made of mahogany wood. Completely restored, new upholstery included. Surface was done by shellac polish. Sofa dimensions: Height: 92cm Seat h...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Antique Empire Custom Painted Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Custom painted Empire sofa. Sofa has a down filled seat cushion. Legs and frame has carvings.
Category

19th Century American Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century antique French Empire Salon Ameublement with Two Armchairs carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, carved, colored and gilded. Cambered frame on curly legs. Braced supports for slightly rising armrests ending in rolled-up volutes. High-rimmed, slightly curved ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Sofas

Materials

Beech

Large Empire Influenced Birch Sofa of Monumental Proportions
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we present to largest sofa we have ever had here at debenham antiques at 18 and half feet long. A sofa of this size would have come from a ra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Empire Sofas

Materials

Birch

20th Century Empire Style Lion Kanapee Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial stylish lion Kanapee in Empire style. Finely detailed carving work on solid ebonized beechwood. Gilded. Winged, protruding lions heads in bronze. (B-Sam-60).
Category

20th Century Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood, Beech

Elegant classic Chaise Longue in antique Empire Style beech hand crafted
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, finely carved and set. Long rectangular seat over curly, carved volutes. Elevated left-sided head end. Fluted frame. Low foot end. Curved, slightly sloping backrest...
Category

20th Century French Empire Sofas

Materials

Beech

Empire Sofa
Located in Manchester, MA
Second Empire period mahogany sofa with original ormolu mounts including the paw feet. Note: The fabric is in decent condition, but should be reupholstered.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Original Empire Set of a Sofa 2 Armchairs and 1 Table Mahogany with Bronze Figur
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire sofa circa 1860-1870 from an Empire room. Massive mahogany cast with Empire caryadites bronze. The armchairs are made of a different fabric than the sofa and should b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Duncan Phyfe Style Love Seat Settee with Scrolling Arms
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Duncan Phyfe style loveseat settee with scrolling arms, floral print upholstery and matching side pillows.
Category

1950s American Vintage Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Walnut Egyptian Revival Daybed with Demilune Canopy, circa 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
French Empire Egyptian Revival Daybed with Demilune Canopy, circa 1815 A rare Empire daybed à 'l'Égyptienne" with a demilune canopy from circa...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Linen

Sofa, Historismus, 1880s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, fabric - Original upholstery - Wooden parts has some signs use - Good, original condition.   
Category

1880s Czech Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sublime French Empire Walnut Curvy Sofa with Gilded Swans and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A super elegant romantic French Empire walnut sofa having sexy curves, ebonized base and details with two gilded swans handles on each end. The upholstery is a fabulous striped velvet in pistachio green and included two glamorous cylindrical pillows...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

Empire Style Tall Back Loveseat with Carved Mahogany Base
Located in New York, NY
Empire style tall back loveseat with carved mahogany base and claw feet. Newly upholstered in off-white fabric.
Category

1920s Vintage Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Scandinavian Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Ormolu and Upholstery, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant Empire Swedish Karl Johan sofa with graceful lines in mahogany with satinwood line inlay, ormolu and ebonized details. Offers scrolled arms and saber feet with upholstered...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Ormolu

Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France
Located in New York, NY
A rare sofa made in France during the Empire period, circa 1790-1810. Mahogany frame with gilded brass decor shaped as palm leaves. Tapered legs en...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Sofas

Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
Offers mahogany frame with inlays in satinwood of flowers and foliage along back crest, "S" scroll arms and slipper feet. Features upholstered seat, back and inside and outside arms....
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Kingwood, Mahogany, Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood

Mid-19th Century Empire Venetian Sofa Attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious mid-19th century Venetian sofa attributable to Valentino Panciera Besarel in hand-carved walnut, restored and finished to wax. Coated with precious original Venetian brocade...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Empire Marquetry Sofa in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely and well-proportioned marquetry sofa with arched back, scroll arms and short Grecian curved legs in mahogany embellished with inlays of festoo...
Category

1810s Dutch Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Tulipwood, Satinwood, Upholstery

Empire Banquette or Window Seat in Birch with Marquetry Inlays, circa 1800
Located in Miami, FL
A Swedish Empire banquette/sofa in birch with marquetry embellishments which include foliage and urns and line-inlaid figures of the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. Lower cabinets open to reveal drawers, while top cabinets offer shelving. Note: Needs upholstery...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Birch

Small Blue Empire Sofa, France, circa 1880
Located in Chorzów, PL
Small Empire style sofa produced in France in circa 1880s. After renovation of wood and changing upholstery to blue velvet. Excellent condition, ready to be put into interior. dime...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Impressive 19th Century Empire Carved Birch Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Impressive 19th century Empire carved birch sofa circa 1830. Stunning statement piece of furniture which is believed to have been made in northern Finland / Russia. Arched shell shaped back rest which links down to the roll over scrolled arms. The front of the arms form a fanned tail which is part of the winged serpent...
Category

Mid-19th Century Finnish Antique Empire Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Empire sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Bellanger, and Clarence House. 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,574 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $5,800.

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