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, Late 19th Century Gray Swedish Curule Stools
Located in Round Top, TX
This romantic pair of Empire style painted wooden Curule stools are from Sweden, late 19th century. Noted style elements include out-scrolling and decorative base.
It is the lovely ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Birch
Leather and wooden Empire style side/desk chair from the early 20th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this stylish green leather and wood Empire-style side or desk chair from the early 20th century.
This green leather and wooden chair from the early 20th century can be us...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Very Fine and Rare Pair of Early 19th C Italian Empire Carved and Gilt Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and rare pair of Empire period mahogany and parcel gilt armchairs. Fine French polished wood and finely detailed gilt carving . Covered in a dark blue leather
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Empire Set of Four Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent set of four mahogany dining chairs from 19th century Denmark reflecting Empire and Biedermeier tastes for evocative design that is both luxurious and coded with histori...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
$1,995 / set
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 Scandinavian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Scandinavian 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 Scandinavian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
1900s French Bronze-Mounted Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly-upholstered in Cheetah pattern fabric. Nicely chased bronze mounts. Strong and sturdy. Very unusual.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
$7,950 / set
Opulent Set of 8 Empire Style Dining Chairs with Versace Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Dramatic and sublime set of 8 Empire style custom dining chairs having glossy maple or mahogany frames adorned with warm bronzey gilded details on the corinthian column backs and ros...
Category
Early 2000s American Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
$5,600 Sale Price / set
28% Off
French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome French mid-19th century Empire style mahogany and ormolu mounted pair of armchairs. The pair are raised by front square tapered legs that have pawed ormolu feet and e...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century France Furnished Armchair Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid maple. Curved frame on curly legs. Strong curved supports in rolled volutes ending for slightly rising armrests. High-profile, contoured backrest frame with a wide finish. Seat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Maple
Pair of large Empire style Giltwood Upholstered Armchairs Fauteuils
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage (20th century) hand-carved giltwood armchairs in the French Empire style with lovely red upholstered seats, seatbacks and armrests with petit point embroidered flora...
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Original antique Empire Armchair circa 1860-1880 Massive Mahogany bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire armchair circa 1860-1880 massive mahogany 2 beautiful armchairs from an Empire room.
Each 2 figures provided cast bronze.
The chairs have a nice curve, in a top...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Walnut and Gold Leaf Hand-Made Sitting Chair by Modenese Gastone Interior
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Have a seat on this wonderfully upholstered empire side chair by Modenese Gastone Interiors featuring a wood frame gold leaf applied in details, upholstere...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Empire Style Canapé
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An elegant carved wood upholstered canapé.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Empire Pear-Wood Sofa, Restored, Made in Austria
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Austrian Empire inlaid sofa
Made of pear-wood. (Inlaid)
Completely restored.
Surface was done by shellac polish.
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Pearwood
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 Seating
Materials
Brass
$1,685 Sale Price
43% Off
Elegant 19th-Century Brazilian Empire Bench - Settee - Recamier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Elegant 19th-Century Brazilian Empire Bench with Cane Seat and Rare Provenance
A refined and architectural 19th-century Brazilian bench, exquisitely crafted in solid tropical hardwoo...
Category
1850s Brazilian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Category
20th Century American Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair French Empire Tub Chairs Arm Chair Fauteil Gilt Frame
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning pair of French Empire style gilt tub arm chairs
These really are every interior designers dream, elegant and cool
Hand carved gilt frame very intrivcate with acanthus leaf m...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Giltwood
21st Century Empire-Style Bed Bench with Plated Fabric by Modenese Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
This lovely pleated bench by Modenese Gastone Interiors will make a classy statement at the foot of a bed or as part of the decor in any living or night ...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Empire Settee, France 1810, Manner of Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)
Located in Leimen, DE
Empire Settee, France 1810
Step back in time to the opulent era of 19th-century France with the exquisite Elegant Empire Settee, crafted in 1810. This resplendent sofa is a testament...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
$2,792 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Henry P. Urban Chairs With Carved Frames & Faux Paint
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Highly decorative Pair of Empire Style Faux Painted and Parcel-Gilt Armchairs
by Henry P. Urban.
Chairs painted with faux paint Both in good condition with very minor nicks and scu...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint
Rare and Magnificent Mid 19th Century Brazilian Empire Grand Settee
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this Brazilian Empire Settee, circa 1850, a captivating piece that exudes history and craftsmanship. Originating from a prominent coffee ...
Category
1850s Brazilian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
Empire Satinwood Figural Gilt Bronze Mounted Fauteuil de Bureau, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious 19th century French Empire, Napoleon III period, 1852-1870, satinwood gilt bronze mounted desk chair. Fine hand chased figural bronze mounts depicting classical maidens at the arm rests, rosettes, laurel leaf garlands...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French mid 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu mounted armchairs. The pair are raised by front square tapered legs that have pawed ormolu feet with a roset...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Pair Of French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Wood And Giltwood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century Empire style Patinated wood and Giltwood armchairs. The pair of throne chairs are raised on impressive front quiver like circular tapered legs ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical/Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs. Each wonderful chair is raised on four square curved legs all connec...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Méridienne empire
Located in PARIS, FR
Méridienne à dossier renversé et repose pied en bois mouluré, sculpté, noirci et doré reposant sur quatre pieds griffe.
Couverture de tissu blanc.
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
$21,665
French Empire Mahogany Settee, Early 19th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Settee
An Empire finely carved dark figured mahogany three seat settee, the back is surmounted by facing scrolls with strigilated flutes be...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
2 Kreiss Luxury Modern Empire Style Mahogany & Wicker Back Arm Chairs Suede Seat
By Kreiss
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful pair of Kreiss Luxury Empire style arm chairs. Made from mahogany with a wicker inset backing and swooping arms with bulbous fluted...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wicker, Mahogany
$1,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Matched Pair of French Empire Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality near pair of French Mahogany Empire influenced armchairs. Each being upholstered in a classical damask patterned burgundy fabric, polished back rail, Dolphins carved t...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of ormolu mounted and lacquered metal curule chairs in the Empire style
Located in London, GB
These beautiful, simple, and sophisticated, curule chairs were executed in the Empire style, combining the majesty of Roman rule with Napoleonic imperial France. Long a symbol of rule and power, curule chairs originally appeared in the Roman Republic, called sella curulis, seats reserved exclusively for those who held imperium, i.e. those who held positions of military or governmental command. Inherited by many subsequent civilisations, and a favourite of European kings wishing to frame their own authority within this Roman tradition, they feature heavily in Empire period France, holding a particular associated with Napoleon. These particular pieces are made of lacquered metal and are mounted with ormolu...
Category
20th Century French Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu, Metal
Russian Empire Period Desk Chair
Located in Pembroke, MA
Lovely burled birch wood ("loupe de bouleau de Carélie") desk chair from the Russian Empire, and recently reupholstered in French damask fabric wi...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Damask, Upholstery, Burl, Birch
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs. This statement making pair of throne armchairs are raised by patinated Brass casters the scr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Important Empire Early 19th Century Fauteuil by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Despite his long life, very little is known about the general production of menuisier (chairmaker) Jean-Joseph Chapuis (1765-1864) and even less about his use of bent laminates, which must be viewed as the most advanced of its kind until the appearance of Michael Thonet’s work of the 1830s.
The profound reverence for the classical world in enlightened circles in early 19th century Europe and the United States often resulted in the archaeological resurrection of the art, architecture, and design of ancient Greece and Rome. No chair employing the innovative technique of bending wood more boldly expresses this allegiance to the past than this armchair painted in le style antique and based on the ancient Roman sella...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Rare French Empire Chair - From the Collection of Ann & Gordon Getty
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is a rare French Empire side chair, a stunning example of early 19th-century craftsmanship. Hand-carved from rich fruitwood, this chair features a gracefully turned, back sc...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Fruitwood
Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and giltwood stools. Each circular stool is raised by three square tapered legs with the front leg displaying a handsome pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical hall bench. Large and handsomely proportioned cassapanca / walnut bench in two parts with upper dental carved trim around arms and paneled back. All fitted into ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Unique Empire Three-Piece Suite from Czechia 'Bohemia', 1810s, Fully Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Czech lack Empire three-piece suite.
Made of paer wood.
Completely restored, new professional upholstery included.
Surface was done by high gloss polish.
Dimensions:
Sofa
Hei...
Category
1810s Czech Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Pearwood, Lacquer
French, Empire Provencal Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A rare, beautiful, early-19th century Napoleon I, First Empire provencal armchair, a period piece, newly upholstered in the traditional laurel-leaf ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Chairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique French Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze chairs
French, 19th century
Dimensions: Height 93cm, width 51cm depth 48cm
This pai...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of Early 19th Century Mahogany Bergères Armchairs
Located in London, by appointment only
A pair of Austrian Empire period large scale mahogany bergères, the square chamfered backs are enriched with bold pierced flutes and the arms terminate in column supports with brass ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Russian Empire Ormolu Mounted Side Chairs, Circa 1820-1830
Located in Rochester, NY
A good pair of antique Russian Empire circassian walnut side chairs in beautifully aged original finish / finely detailed ormolu mounts / gilded paw like front feet / newly construct...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Ormolu
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
$2,530
Set of Four French Empire Fauteuil Armchairs in the Manner of Jacob Frères
Located in Long Island City, NY
These four early 19th-century Empire fauteuil armchairs, in the manner of the Jacob Frères cabinetmaking firm of the late 18th century, each feature a distinctive pediment-shaped cre...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Seating
Empire Style Padded Chair
Located in Premariacco, IT
Single chair from the 1950s in wood with backrest and seat in the original fabric of the time.
Shows normal signs of wear, note how little it has been used. The seat is still prot...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Walnut and Gold Leaf Hand-Carved Sitting Chair by Modenese
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Come have a seat at this wonderfully upholstered chair by Modenese Gastone Interiors featuring a wood frame gold leaf applied in details, upholstered with ...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Bar Stool in Black Finish with Gold Leaf Finish and Blue Italian Fabric
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Exquisite empire-style bar stool in black finish with gold leaf applications. This seating item, which goes with the Modenese Home Bar set, has a damascus...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
$1,760 Sale Price / set
20% Off
2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Karges French Empire dining arm or accent chairs. Painted white with gold carved accents, scrolled arms, brass plates, saber legs and red upholstery.
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint
$760 Sale Price / set
24% Off
Late 19th Century Mahogany French Empire Style Spinx Bronze Mounted Stool Bench
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Late 19th Century Mahogany French Empire Style Spinx Bronze Mounted Stool Bench
Dimensions : 19.75" Wide X 19.75" Deep X 19.75" Tall
This bench was made in France in the late 19th ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Empire Style Window Seats
Located in Lymington, GB
A smart pair of Empire-style window seats of superb quality, and in excellent condition.
Supported on stained-oak tapering square legs with gilt-brass mounts and hairy paw feet.
Upholstered and buttoned in faded vellum-green hide...
Category
20th Century Empire Seating
Materials
Wood
$4,178 / set
White Wingback Chair With Ottoman, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery;
Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$1,685 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th c., high quality American made pair of custom upholstered Fruitwood frame armchairs, labeled under seat.
This pair of armchairs from Century Furniture Industries in Hickor...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Empire Consulate Mahogany Chairs Griffin Heads & Paw Feet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Very Important Empire Consulate Mahogany Chairs Griffin Heads & Paw Feet. Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Message us with any ques...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
1900's Empire Ivory Tan Silk/Satin Upholstered Settee
Located in Louisville, KY
This early 1900's settee is a unique Empire style with simplistic and elegant lines with scrolls and intricately carved claw feet. This piece is done in a beautiful ivory and tan sil...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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.