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.
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s. One retains its original foil Maitland S...
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Empire Swan Neck Mahogany Daybed, Paris
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant early 19th-century French Empire daybed sourced from Paris, France. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features the iconic swan-neck ends with finely carved heads, floral ros...
Fabric, Mahogany
$5,500 / set
Pair of Swedish Empire Style Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant pair of Swedish Empire style armchairs featuring hand-painted black frames with carved neoclassical detailing. The gently curved arms, tapered legs, and refined proportion...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Empire Side Chairs, Two Pair Available
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th-century Italian Empire side chairs featuring carved foliage back with central ebonized medallion and elegantly curved legs. Two pairs available, sold in pairs.
Upholstery, Wood
$2,025Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Burl Wood Gondola Armchairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Elegant pair of 19th century French Empire-style armchairs featuring beautifully figured burl wood and a distinctive gondola-shaped back, a form that became emblematic of refined sea...
Burl
Antique Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Turned Legs and Brown Upholstery, 1830s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Empire sofa from the 1830s, crafted in mahogany with turned legs and brown upholstery. The sofa has a classic period appearance and measures 193 cm in width. — Period: 1830s...
Mahogany
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Barrel Back Desk Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Provence, France, this late 19th-century French Empire style desk chair is crafted in mahogany and distinguished by its elegant barrel-back silhouette. The curved back flo...
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of six French Empire-style side dining chairs, each featuring a remarkable carved swan neck decorative motif. The chairs are constructed from radiant mahogany with arc...
Fabric, Damask, Mahogany
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...
Mahogany
Danish Empire Style Piano Chair / Stool with Velvet Seat, Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant piano chair, stool, or bench in the Empire style—is distinguished by its characteristic intersecting semicircular frame that forms both the base and armrests. The chai...
Textile, Velvet, Mahogany
19th Century Ebonized Italian Empire Style Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonized Italian Empire style side chair featuring brass ormolu, claw feet, and a lattice-work back. This piece has a newly upholstered feather down seat cushion. 20" Seat height inc...
Brass, Ormolu
French Empire style walnut Armchair - blue green yellow - France 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty Empire-style walnut armchair with carved palmettes and acanthus leaves. The armrests are fluted. The legs are saber-shaped. The armchair is upholstered with floral tapest...
Walnut
Swedish Empire Karl Johan Wood Sofa 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Empire Karl Johan style sofa dating c. 1830
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
$6,000 / set
19th Century Swedish Empire Klismos Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Pair of 19th century Swedish mahogany Empire klismos chairs. Sweden ca 1820.
Mahogany
Stunning Victorian Empire Style Gilt Carved Wood Executive Swivel Chair
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this one-of-a-kind executive swivel chair, packed with character and timeless elegance. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, this stunning piece...
Brass
19th Century French Carved Wood Day Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible empire style carved wood daybed from France, late 19th century. Long oak wood frame with high sides showing beautiful carved rosette detail. Newly added blue linen cushion...
Linen, Oak
Antique Empire Sofa or Settee Constructed in Mahogany with Horsehair Upholstery
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique Empire Sofa or Settee Constructed from Mahogany and Upholstered in Horsehair. Our Exquisite looking Empire Sofa looks to have been made in the early 1800's and typically we w...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
An elegant and highly refined set of four French Empire style side chairs, executed with remarkable sophistication and craftsmanship in the manner and quality associated with the leg...
Silk, Mahogany
Pair of 20th Century Danish Inlaid Mahogany Tabourets or Stools
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of 20th century Danish stools or tabourets, crafted in mahogany with graceful, well-balanced lines. Simple decorative inlay follows the arms, skirt, and upper legs, adding subtl...
Damask, Mahogany
$7,562Sale Price / set|20% Off
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Plum Wood Swan Armchairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A pair of Empire / Biedermeier plum wood from circa 1815, newly upholstered with new fabric in classicist style. The armrests, backrest and seat are upholste...
Wood
Antique Neoclassical X Frame Bench, Ebonized Wood, Leather, Circa 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique 19th century ebonized neoclassical X frame bench with newly upholstered leather seat. This bench is in the "Curule" style featuring elegant, sweeping S curve legs. Finished i...
Leather, Ebony
C1920s Empire Style Armchair
Located in London, GB
Horseshoe Shaped Back Empire Style Armchair Early C20th Upholstered seat in Antique Brown Leather Above Cabriole Legs Headed Wing Griffins
Mahogany
$2,746Sale Price / set|30% Off
French Empire Style Armchairs, Walnut Frame & Tapestry, 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Walnut frame with a tapestry manufactures about 1870 in France, carved with acanthus leaves and palmettes and painted with gold, the armrests supported by gilt griffins partialy pai...
Tapestry, Walnut
19th Century American Empire Sofa with Carved Mahogany Frame
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire three-seat sofa with a carved mahogany frame with scroll arms, upholstered in a vertically striped beige, green, and red fabric, and resting on four large carved oval...
Fabric
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
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...
Mahogany
Pine and Oak Storage Bench or Settle
Located in Baltimore, MD
What an outstanding Box Bench! The oak and the pine contrast beautifully to create a deep rich warmth perfect for this piece. For most of its length the top rail is flat, only follo...
Oak, Pine
1930s Hickory Chair Empire Klismos Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
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".
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Danish early 19th century empire armchairs. Crafted in mahogany and satinwood marquetry on backrest and apron. Apron and upper part of backrest decorated with diamo...
Hardwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Late Empire Bench in Cuban Mahogany, Denmark c. 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Late Empire bench crafted in beautiful Cuban mahogany with profiled round legs in the classic Empire style. The bench has been newly upholstered in a soft dove-blue fabric, c...
Fabric, Mahogany
$10,043 / set
Pair of French Empire Barrel Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of French Empire Barrel Armchairs, 19th century. This beautiful pair of French Empire barrel armchairs dates back to the 19th century and combines elegance with exceptional cra...
Mahogany
Swedish Empire Settee, Painted Wood & Gilt, Hand-Carved, Circa 1820
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A glamorous Swedish Empire style settee from the early 19th century (circa 1820) as a painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, three ba...
Gold
An Empire Style French Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Day Bed or "Lit en Bateau"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Fine French 19th Century Empire Style Day or Alcove Bed known in French as "lit en Bateau" The bed is made of fine Cuban Mahogany and is embellished with a ormolu mounts all alo...
Bronze
20th Century Empire Style Ebonized Gray Leather Chaise Lounge
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Empire style ebonized wood and gray leather upholstered chaise lounge featuring brass ormolu and a leather bolster.
Brass, Ormolu
Elegant Empire Bench i Mahogany
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in Cuban mahogany. Gracefully curved ends with finely profiled splats. Newly upholstered in exclusive fabric from Colefax & Fowler. Recently restored and...
Fabric, Mahogany
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa, Leopard Upholstery, Wood, USA, 1950s
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.
Fabric, Wood
Antique American Empire Neoclassical Carved Mahogany Sofa with Gold Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Empire Neoclassical Carved Mahogany Sofa with Gold Fabric. Item feat...
Fabric, Mahogany
$2,142Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays Original Cane Seat
Located in Kastrup, DK
A stunning pair of Empire armchairs from Copenhagen, circa 1810, made from solid mahogany with intricate satinwood inlays on the backrest, apron, and front legs. The chairs feature t...
Cane, Fruitwood, 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 ...
Wood, Burl
Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed or Lit de Repos
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant early 19th century French lit de repos with a richly figured wood frame and distinctive outscrolled ends. The long paneled front rail is detailed with carved borders and a ce...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
French Empire-Style Fauteuil Handcrafted by Trouvailles, Inc
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome and sturdy French Empire-style throne-like fauteuil (armchair) with silver and gold gilt decoration inspired by Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign 1798-1801, square back with ca...
Damask, Wood, Giltwood
Pair Antique Russian Empire Chairs, Circa 1820-1830
Located in Rochester, NY
A great looking pair of antique Russian Empire circassian walnut chairs in beautifully aged original finish / finely detailed ormolu mounts / gilded paw like front feet / newly con...
Ormolu
Pair of Neoclassical Style Empire Armchairs with Gilt Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of neoclassical-style armchairs in the French Empire tradition, crafted with refined mahogany frames and adorned with intricate gilt accents. These striking chairs featu...
Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Ormolu
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...
Leather, Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany 'Egyptian' Bergère Attributed to Desmalter, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and important circa 1805 'Egyptian-style' bergère believed to be an early work of famed French Empire furniture-maker François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter of 'tub-chair' fo...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,573Sale Price|44% Off
First Empire Bergère Armchair, Mahogany, Upholstered, Circa 1810
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...
Walnut
Amazing FURNITURE WITH SOFA end 19th century Empire Style
Located in Madrid, ES
FURNITURE WITH SOFA 19th century Empire style. Made of mahogany wood, with bronze applications, decorated with vegetal motifs and busts of female figures. Upholstered seat. Dimensio...
Wood
$835Sale Price|53% Off
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa, Ebonized Wood, Early 20th Century
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Upholstery, Wood
$8,271Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Beech Bergeres, New Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
An elegant pair of Empire/Biedermeier bergères crafted from solid beech wood in the early 19th century. Both chairs have been fully restored, hand-polished, and newly upholstered wit...
Beech
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Empire Tub Armchair
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire Tub Armchair in Mahogany with New Upholstery, Circa 1820 Unique Empire tub armchair, crafted circa 1820 in rich mahogany with finely carved decorat...
Mahogany
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Pair of maximalist empire revival style armchairs featuring Versace inspired motifs. The chairs have a classic gondola shaped frame with faux leather naugahyde upholstery. The faux l...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Napoleonic Empire Style Gondola Chairs with Dolphins
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of carved walnut gondola chairs featuring dolphins. Crafted in the grand Napoleonic French empire taste with a curved crestrail and intricately carved splat centered by...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Swedish Antique Taboret Stools from the Empire Period in Yellow Birch
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of antique taboret stools from the empire period, around 1840. The stools are Swedish and made in solid yellow birch. Curved legs and turned armrests. The seats can be taken out...
Birch
Late Empire bench in Polished Beech, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant late Empire bench in polished beech, newly upholstered in a light velour blend. The seat rests on gracefully curved legs — a refined example of Danish craftsmanship from the ...
Fabric, Beech
Set of Six Napoleonic Empire Style Bronze Mounted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary set of six mahogany dining chairs made in the grand Napoleonic Empire taste. The chairs feature beautifully crafted mahogany frames with rich, deep woodgrains on the fi...
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th C Empire Star & Shield Coat of Arms Dining Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Empire star & shield coat of arms dining chairs Priced each. Additional information: Materials: Mahogany Color: Olive Period: 19th Century Styles: Empire Numb...
Mahogany