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.
Swedish Empire Painted Parcel Gilt Settee
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
Early 19th Century Danish Empire Mahogany Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish Empire bench in mahogany, circa 1810–1820. Frame made of mahogany with a simple, well-balanced form. The gently tapered legs and clean construction are characteristic of the ...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
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
Empire Bench in Mahogany Denmark 1810 - 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench crafted in mahogany with a beautiful grain pattern and harmonious proportions. Curved end panels with finely profiled spindle slats and gently arched legs...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
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
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19th century French Empire daybed.
Bronze
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
$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
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! It is a regency style ebonized arm chair with neo-classical giltwood swan arms and paws. The tiger velvet is new. The chair is unmarked and is possibly by Pat...
Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood
$5,505Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Oak Sofa / Couch, Antique Empire Danish Craftmanship 1880-1910s
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...
Fabric, Oak
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
$3,866 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Armchairs
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
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
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
Antique Anglo Indian Caned and Carved Settee
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial 19th century Anglo Indian settee handcrafted in teak in an elegant Empire form featuring caned sides, back and seat, carved seashell and floral motifs, stylized turn...
Brass
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
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
$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
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
Pair of Swedish Empire Stools, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of early 19th-century Swedish Empire stools, distinguished by their dark painted finish and crisply carved neoclassical details. The square upholstered seats rest abov...
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
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
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century Elegant bergère armchair crafted from solid mahogany, representing fine European cabinetmaking of the early 1...
Mahogany
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
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
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
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
Empire Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt X-form Bench, France, circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Empire mahogany and parcel-gilt bench, with X-shaped frame in the neoclassical taste. Dating from the first quarter of the 1800s, and most likely French in origin. Similar stools ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage French Empire Style Birch Upholstered Library Accent Arm Chair Green
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century French Empire Style Upholstered Arm Chair. Made from birch with a high back featuring a scalloped crest rail, green velvet upholstery and downswept scrolled acant...
Fabric, Birch
Small 19th century Swedish empire birch sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century Swedish empire birch sofa circa 1860 Good quality Swedish empire period birch sofa upholstered in kalim woven fabric. Small sofa or a very comfortable single cha...
Fabric, Birch
Italian Neoclassical Carved Walnut Hall Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical hall bench. Large and handsomely proportioned cassapanca / walnut bench in two parts with upper dentil carved trim around arms and paneled back. All fitted into ...
Walnut
Mid 19th century Swedish birch empire stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century birch empire stool circa 1850. Scandinavian empire period stool made in birch. Shaped support handles which flow through to the 4 splayed legs. Original floral ta...
Tapestry, Birch
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
Scandinavian Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Ormolu and Upholstery, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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...
Ormolu
Fine French Empire Carved and Giltwood Méridienne, Circa 1810–1820
Located in New York, NY
Fine French Empire Giltwood Méridienne, Circa 1810–1820 A fine and elegant French Empire giltwood méridienne dating from the early 19th century, executed in the pure neoclassical tas...
Wood, Giltwood
Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, Walnut, France 1800 Introducing an Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the Em...
Walnut
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
pair of French early 19th century 1st Empire Period Mahogany benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French early 19th century 1st Empire Period Mahogany benches. Each wonderful bench is raised by four scrolled legs with carved lion paws at the bo...
Mahogany
$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
French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery Antique condition. Show...
Walnut, Velvet
$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
French Empire Mahogany & Gilt Bronze Mounted Chair
Located in Altrincham, GB
French Empire Mahogany & Gilt Bronze Mounted Chair - with heart shaped back and scroll shaped arms and seat, on shaped legs - 29"w x 26"d x 37"h (15" to the seat)
Mahogany
$8,153Sale 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
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...
Bronze
Antique Bergère Caned Victorian French Armchair
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Antique Bergère Doouble Caned Victorian French armchair French double cane 19th century. Mahogany & bronze accents with original patina. New cane, wood fin...
Bronze
$12,500 / set
A fine pair of 19th century Empire mahogany benches
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French Empire mahogany hand carved Swan neck curule benches. Pawed feet
Mahogany
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
Large 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 woodcarved details. Resting on elegant turned taper...
Fabric, Beech
A Mid Twentieth Century Empire style parcel gilt bench by Baker Furniture Co.
Located in Winnetka, IL
A Mid- Twentieth Century Empire style walnut bench having gilt lions' heads handholds and paw feet by Baker Furniture Company. Original brass plaque on the underside states "made i...
Walnut
Pair of Italian Empire Dining Chairs From Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of Italian early 19th Century Empire dining chairs in solid walnut. This Tuscan pair of chairs, with swan decoration on the back, was likely crafted in the city of Lucca. This...
Walnut
Armchairs Pair of Swedish Mahogany Brown Gilded Details Green and White Seat
Located in New York, NY
A pair of armchairs made in Sweden during the Karl Johan period 1810-1840. Frame made in mahogany with gilded details. Upholstered in a durable outdoor Rogers and Goffigon stripe.
Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay
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...
Bronze
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
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
Period Empire Bench with Four Carved and Parcel Gilt Lion Heads
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb and exceptionally rare Empire bench in cherry wood, distinguished by four exquisitely carved and parcel-gilt lion heads. It’s perfect proportions as well as masterfully hand...
Cherry, Giltwood
Ebonized Empire Recamiere , Austria Ca. 1800's
Located in New York, NY
Fine ebonized Austrian Empire recamiere. Ebonized wood featuring elegantly curved sides and four highly detailed carved lions paw feet with giltwood accents.This fully restored large...
Wood, Giltwood
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 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