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
1920s Scroll Side Bench / Stool
Located in Dallas, TX
1920s scroll side bench / stool, window seat, tall rolled sides, French Empire Style, with gilt wood trim. tufted cushion. French, 20th century
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Muslin, Giltwood
Pair Of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany And Ormolu Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu armchairs. The armchairs are raised by four square and gently curved legs with Ormolu pawed ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
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 Seating
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Set of 5 French Empire Mahogany Living Room Set
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 French Empire-style (19th century) mahogany salon or living room set with bronze trim and red damask upholstery.
Measurements:
2 arms 27½" W 28" D 40½" H
2 sides 22½...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Period Hand Carved Walnut Bergeres, Armchairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
From a home in Versailles, France, this pair of early nineteenth century French Empire period bergeres or armchairs is constructed of solid walnut with a rich patina that only comes ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century Empire Style Heraldic coat of arms Intricately Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench with loose seat cushion. Measures 36.5" in width, 25" in depth and stands 37.5...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
A set of chairs from the mid-19th century, Northern Europe.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chairs from around 1860, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition.
Dimensions: height 86 cm / seat height. 44 cm / width 43 cm / depth 48 cm
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of French Antique Walnut Empire Tulip Fauteuils or Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This set of two elegant Empire arm chairs stand out for their classic simple design and the beautifully shaped front legs. These comfortable and stylish chairs feature a wealth of fi...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century empire revival painted scandinavian day bed
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century empire revival painted scandinavian day bed circa 1900.
Grand sized swedish day bed featuring scrolled end supports. Pine frame has been later painted white, sta...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Pine, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Marge Carson French Empire Regency Style Gold Upholstered Library Arm Chair
By Marge Carson
Located in Dayton, OH
French Empire style arm chair by Marge Carson. Features a mahogany finished and distressed frame with an intriguing brown / gold foliate upholstered seat and back. Crest rail is cont...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
19th Century French Empire “Kissing Settee” with Privacy Screens
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful French Empire walnut “kissing settee” with carved swan arms, crests, and corners, privacy screens which raise up on each side, adorned with striped satin upholstery and s...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Four Late Empire Klismos Chairs . Denmark 1840's
Located in Kastrup, DK
A set of four elegant Late Empire Klismos chairs in a classic design.
Crafted with quality, featuring frames made of mahogany and polished beech, tastefully refinished with French po...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech, 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 backs adorned with decorative bra...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass
Early 20th century 13 piece mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century 13 piece mahogany salon suite circa 1920
Very much in the empire taste.
Furniture could work split, such as the dining chairs and armchairs providing seating for...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Fine Antique Empire / Regency Carved Ebonised Double Ended Couch
By Druce & Co.
Located in Sittingbourne, GB
Step into the captivating and opulent world of the Regency/Empire period with this exquisite double end sofa, a harmonious blend of exquisite craftsm...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Ebony
19th century French empire 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
Set of Eight Empire Style Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Set of eight dining chairs from France in the Empire style. This set is made of Cuban flamed mahogany and finished with a lustrous French polish. They are strong and comfortable with...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Empire Painted Meridienne Daybed 18Th. C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Period Mahogany Painted Meridienne, Daybed, late 18Th C.
This Meridienne can float in a room as the back is also upholstered or be against the wall.
This fabulous larg...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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 ...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Empire-style Salon in Mahogany and gilded bronzes
Located in Paris, FR
An imposing Empire-style salon comprising a mahogany sofa and eight chairs. They are richly adorned with gilded bronzes, with a rectangular pedimented back decorated with laurel leaf...
Category
1860s 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
Fabric, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Early 19th Century Upholstered Seat Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant early 19th century Danish Empire mahogany bench.
The two arms is showcasing beautiful walnut and satin wood inlays.
Seat newly upholstered with light blue linen blend.
In g...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchair in Blue Patterned Stripped Silk Blent - Pair
This Antique French Empire armchair set is crafted from rich mahogany w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
French Antique Louis XVI Swan Neck Daybed or Chaise Lounge with New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant 19th century French Empire walnut daybed or chaise lounge featuring carved swan neck ends. The cushioned seat is within padded ends of unequal height with gilded swan necked ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and elegant Late Empire bench with upholstered seat.
Frame crafted in beech with original white color and delicate gilt wood carved details.
Resting on elegant turned tape...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Empire Style French Armchairs with Foliage Carved Arms and Saber Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Empire style light walnut armchairs with foliage carved curving arms and saber legs. Step back in time with these exquisite French Empire style armchairs, beautifull...
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
1810s Bergere Armchair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very fine 'Bergère' armchair in solid mahogany, dating from the First Empire period (early 19th century) and generously upholstered throughout in alternating stripes of deep pink a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
1810s Bergere Armchair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An impressive 'Bergère' armchair in solid wood, dating from the First Empire period (early 19th century) and generously upholstered throughout in alternating stripes of deep pink and...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Living room set, Northern Europe, circa 1890
Located in Chorzów, PL
Living room set, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions :
sofa height 113 cm sea...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Armchairs ~ Bergere with Fauteuil with cut silk velvet recalls the glory days of Napoleon and Josephine creating wha...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Walnut, Paint
Set of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Set of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions :
armchairs height 98 c...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of Antique Empire Black & Gold Chairs W Red Clarence House Seats
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Empire Black & Gold Chairs W Red Clarence House Seats. Each has been freshly upholstered in red Clarence House fabric with gold stars. This listing is from one pair ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
20th Century Empire Swan Chaise Longue/Sofa Lounge
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Empire Swan Chaise Longue/Sofa Lounge
Empire swan chaise longue in the style of Classizism.
Maple roots on solid beechwood, partial...
Category
20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Beech, Maple
Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Chairs With Red Silk Upholstered Seat
Located in Sheridan, CO
Extraordinary pair of French Empire style mahogany chairs featuring a tub or gondola form frame. Minimally decorated having a curved back,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40.5" H x 67" W x 27" D x 19" Seat height x 33" Arm height.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Chaise Lounge, Austria Circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Empire Recamiere in ash-tree veneered with fire gilt bronze rosettes on the curved backrest and feet. Measuring 155 cm in length with a seat height of 40 cm, this recamier has underg...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Sofa ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Sofa ~ Canape with cut silk velvet recalls the glory days of Napoleon and Josephine creating what many experts consider t...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Walnut, Paint
1800's Antique Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige Sofa
Located in Austin, TX
1800's Antique Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige Sofa
Beautiful with New Upholstery, Antique Sofa, Empire Period, Medallion Back, New Upholstery, Red/Beige, 19th Century, 1800's!
This antique sofa from the Empire Period features a stunning medallion back design and has been newly upholstered in a beautiful red and beige fabric. With its dark wood tones and traditional style, this sofa is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living room, lounge, or guestroom. Measuring 26" in length and 84" in width, this sofa comfortably seats up to three people. No additional parts are required for assembly, and the sofa is ready to use right away. The brand is Empire, and the country/region of manufacture is unknown. Overall, this antique sofa is a one-of-a-kind piece that is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of history and charm to their home.
Period empire medallion...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Danish Early 19th Century Empire Black Polished Mahogany Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish early 19th century empire bench. Frame in mahogany with a black French polish. Newly upholstered in a teal velour fabric.
Scrolled spindle sides with geometric brass i...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Brass
Antique Empire Settee: Elegance & Craftsmanship Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into unparalleled elegance with our Antique Empire Settee, a masterpiece meticulously revived by our skilled in-house team. This exceptional...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Mahogany Pair of Library Armchairs
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very fine quality pair of 19th century mahogany
French Empire library armchairs having well figured
Top rails over enclosed swept arms with c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Empire Style Carved Giltwood Tub Chairs with Green Velvet Upholstery.
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Important Pair of Empire Style Carved Giltwood Tub Chairs with Green Velvet Upholstery. The Lion Monopedia side supports feature finely carved detail and a realistic pose.
These...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Giltwood
French 1st Empire Armchair with Carved Dolphins' Heads
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine Empire armchair with four elegant saber legs, upholstered in vertical cream and crimson stripes, and featuring ornately carved dolphins' heads at the base of each shaped arm r...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique Bergère Beech & Cane Carved Armchair With Cushion & Reeded Legs
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Early 20th century Bergère Beech Decorative Carved Armchair With Cream Upholstered Seat Upon Empire Legs circa 1900s
Height to arms 60cm.
Category
Early 20th Century British Empire Seating
Materials
Cane, Beech, Upholstery
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany And Ormolu Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu armchair. The armchair is raised by four square and gently curved legs with Ormolu pawed feet on the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation.
Dimensions: height 96 cm / seat height. 45 cm / width 47 cm...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Antique Empire Style Mahogany Tufted Parlor Sofa Newly Upholstered in Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Empire Style Carved Mahogany Tufted Back Parlor Sofa on Casters Newly Upholstered in Full Grain Espresso Italian Leather
This antique Empire styl...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new fabric.
Dimensio...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Antique chair, Northern Europe, circa 1890. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from the end of the 19th century, Northern Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new f...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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.
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