Empire Seating
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
Pair 19th Century Empire Scalamandré Tiger Velvet Bergère Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century diminutive Italian Empire Scalamandré Tiger Velvet Bergère chairs composed of mahogany and gilded accents. and newly upholstered in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Mahogany Daybed
Located in Paris, FR
Mahogany sleigh bed, circa 1805, by Jacob Frères and designed by the architect Louis-Martin Berthault.
This rare model, practically identical to one made for Madame Récamier (See do...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Rare Needlepoint Empire Salon (One Sofa and Two Armchairs)
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa and two armchairs in mahogany. The armrest is adorned with dolphins and saber-shaped legs.
Circa, 1830.
Rare upholstery of complete needlepoint...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Sofa Schumacher Sabi Tiger Velvet
Located in Houston, TX
Early 19th Century Empire sofa. This handsome burl veneer sofa features ebonized and gilt columns, urn finials, with two hidden drawers, all newly upholstered in Schumacher abstract ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Burl
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Empire Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A graceful 19th-century French Empire daybed, expertly carved from solid mahogany with curvaceous swan motif. Featuring a sleigh-like profile and perfectly symmetrical, allowing the ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Textile, Mahogany
Oak Antique Empire Danish Sofa 1800s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Absolutely stunning, this early 19th-century sofa hails from the Empire period, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. Built to withstand the test of time, this Dan...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Late 19th Century Empire Mahogany Arm Chairs
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique Empire style armchairs. The armrest and legs are made of solid mahogany, the backrest is made of veneered mahogany. An elegant design with curved armrests and taper...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
French Newly Upholstered & Painted Iron Empire Daybed from Paris
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic French Louis XVI Neoclassical French Empire daybed newly reupholstered with modern plush bolster pillows. Bed frame is solid painted iron turn of the century from France and ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Iron
Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of French Empire Revival upholstered back mahogany armchair fauteuils, circa 1880 in date.
The mahogany is beautiful in colour with superb patina. Th...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with leafy cornucopia carvings, carved top rail, great antique sofa. Cir...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Empire Karl Johan Wood Sofa 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Empire Karl Johan style sofa dating c. 1830
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Trenton, NJ
nfuse your home with timeless sophistication with this Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa. Its ebonized wood frame features exquisite carvings that highlight the skill and craftsmanship...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Empire style bench featuring Neoclassical style carved swan frame newly padded and upholstered in a Chanel style chuncky tweed.
Category
20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with cornucopia carvings, spiral carved top rail, great antique sofa to reup...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Napoleonic Ormolu Parcel Gilt Bureau Desk Armchair, 1815
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & stylish antique French Empire Napoleonic parcel gilt and ormolu mounted French Fauteuil de bureau (desk chair), circa 1815.
The chair back and armrest of hooped shaped form,...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage Oxblood Leather Tufted Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning vintage tufted oxblood leather Chesterfield sofa, exuding timeless elegance. The rich, smoky burgundy hue adds depth and sophistication, truly coming to life when illumina...
Category
1970s American Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Leather
Rare Set of Twelve 19th Century Empire Chairs in Mahogany, Brass and Velvet
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Set of Twelve Early 19th Century Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany, Inlaid Brass and Velvet
This is a very large and rare set of twelve elegant dining chairs from the (late) ‘em...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass
Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
Shipping Quote Information
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Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of 1970s Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870.
Fine quality pair of swedish gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Slipper like shaped backs, the shaped arms supported by...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Beech, Giltwood
Superb Bronze Mounted Eagle French Empire Mahogany Empire Daybed Chaise
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
There are daybeds and then there are MASTERPIECES posing as daybeds! This is a decadent and absolutely superior piece with crisp, naturalistic eagles and paw feet and the more usual ...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire mahogany armchairs - swan shaped armrest - attributed to Bellange
By Lelièvre Paris, Pierre-Antoine Bellangé
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of Empire mahogany armchairs in the style of French cabinet maker Pierre Antoine Bellangé (Bellangé was an official supplier to Imp...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large French Empire style mahogany armchairs reupholstered in Ralph Lauren silk/linen fabric.
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830.
solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with
lace up padding.
very com...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
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...
Category
1960s American Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé
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 stand...
Category
Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Wood Frame Inlay Marquetry Top Settee
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Fine quality and beautifully hand carved with inlaid marquetry mahogany wood frame settee. The settee features a wood frame inlaid top foliate decoration , resting on four square hand carved tapered feet terminate with metal cup hardware...
Category
1870s North American Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality mid 19th century French mahogany and leather reclining chair circa 1860.
We are pleased to be able to offer this stunning french flame mahogany reclining chair for sale...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Empire Venetian Sofa Attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel
By Valentino 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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Empire-Style Curule Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An extremely elegant 19th-century Empire-style curule stool standing on veneered, curved X legs linked by a turned baluster-shaped stretcher and terminating in lion's paws. The padde...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Beech
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire mahogany armchairs by Jacob Frères, France, 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of mahogany Empire gondola armchairs, very confortable gondola chair model. The armrest are swan-shaped and front legs are lion-legs-shaped. The seats are covered with a ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Four Italian Dining Chairs Empire Style Red Gold Upholstery 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A set of four solid walnut chairs in the fabulous Empire style with ormolu decorations, made in Italy in the 20th century, in good condition.
The walnut frame is beautiful in color ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Side Chair by Friedrich Rambach, master carpenter, Stockholm active 1834-1861.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique Empire lounge chair with brass detail on neckrest. By master carpenter Friedrich Rambach, active in Stockholm, Sweden between 1834-1861. Beautiful "Emma" chair like style wi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Empire Style Childrens Chair
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant and rare childrens 'Bergère chair made in Empire style. Made of finely carved beechwood. At the top swan heads, which is a typical ornate of the Empire style. Upholstered ...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs.
Offered is a lovely pair of early 19th century French period Empire chairs, fauteuils or side chairs. This pair of chairs are adorned with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Swedish Empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite circa 1900.
We are pleased to offer this empire revival suite from Sweden.
Set consists of 2 armchairs with matching table. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Antique Swan Neck Recamier Chaise Lounge
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine antique French walnut recamier or chaise lounge with carved swan heads at posts, lovely neutral vintage upholstery and bolster pillow, circa 1930. The chaise rests on four ca...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 14 Dining Chairs, Empire Period
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
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Empire Mahogany Desk Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The desk chair with carved diamond motif on crest and richly carved griffin wings above articulated paw feet with tan colored leather upholstery. Height: 30" Seat height: 17" Depth: ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Three Painted Pine Children's Chairs
Located in Baltimore, MD
These delightful plank seat children’s chairs are in a rustic Empire style, with a scroll at the top of the back rail and turned legs at the front. In old worn buttermilk paint. Seat...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Empire Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany
Located in Valby, 84
A refined and elegant Empire-style bench, crafted from rich mahogany and featuring a beautifully curved and detailed backrest. The symmetrical design is highlighted by an interwoven ...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wool, Mahogany
19th century French empire revival mahogany armchair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century french empire revival mahogany armchair, circa 1860.
Single french armchair made in mahogany. Shaped back linking to the padded armrests and scrolled arms. Front scroll...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
A Pair of Elegant Louis XVI Style Bergere Armchairs With Cream Damask Upholstery
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Matching Pair of Empire Design Bergere Arm Chairs With Scroll Backs Upholstered in Cream Damask. Perfect For Any Library, Study or Lounge Space.
Height to arms 67.5cm
Height...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Damask
Impressive Pair of Empire Black Leather & Gilded Club Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive pair of Empire style black and gilded wood club chairs having black leather upholstery, curved backs and arms in the form of swans resting on saber shaped legs. The backs...
Category
1990s American Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George S...
Category
1940s English Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Anglo Indian Empire Settee or Sofa
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual 19th Century Anglo Indian sofa handcrafted in teak with pegged construction featuring a rolled crest with carved pineapple and inscribed sea serpents, rounded arm ca...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Reed, Teak
19th Century Empire Carved Mahogany & Cut Velvet Upholstered Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking armchair is a fine example of 19th-century Empire furniture, marrying neoclassical authority with updated decorative luxury. The frame, likely crafted from mahogany or ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood, Kingwood, Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Dimensions : 36.5" Tall X 25" Wide X 21" Deep SH - 17.5" AH...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Swan Neck Mahogany Daybeds W/ Cream Woven Fabric - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite pair of early 19th-century French Empire daybeds, sourced directly from Paris, France. Masterfully crafted from solid mahogany, these daybeds feature sleigh-shaped frame...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs.
The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields.
The seat has be...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Empire seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Century Furniture, and Drexel. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $151,397 while the average work can sell for $4,884.