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.
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool French, Early 19th Century Height 68cm, width 77cm, depth 39cm This beautiful antique stool is a class...
Ormolu
Early 20th Century Wood Pair of Empire Upholstered Armchairs
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a bed frame, its dark walnut, purple/plum upholstered panel the first thing to catch the eye. Dating to Early 20th Century and originating from France, it reflects the design...
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Amazing Set of Armchair and 2 Chair First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of armchair and 2 chair First Empire Napoleon III early 19th Century France measure armchair: 86cm x 64cm x 54cm measures chairs: 82cm x 50cm x 45cm wood proveniente : Roman...
Wood
French sofa from the 19th century in Empire style with detailed armrests
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This luxurious French Empire-style sofa has been reupholstered in a soft cream-colored fabric and features unique dragon-shaped armrests. The sofa dates from the 19th century and has...
Textile, Wood
French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Leather and Ormolu stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Leather and Ormolu stool. This wonderful swivel stool is raised on triangular Mahogany base with three protruding...
Ormolu
20th Century Empire Style French Garniture Living Room Sets
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial garniture in French Empire style. Solid, ebonized beechwood. Fine engraved and silver plated Empire mountings and caryatides. Measures: Kanapee/sofa: Width 108 cm, heigh...
Wood, Beech
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually
Located in Brussels, BE
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually Jean-Joseph Chapuis was born in Brussels in 1765. He was trained in Paris, where he became a master c...
Wood
French Empire Armchair Reupholstered with Gilt Bronze Mounts, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
This French Empire armchair highlights the refined craftsmanship and symbolic motifs characteristic of early 19th-century design. The solid wooden frame is embellished with cast bron...
Bronze
$26,000 / set
French 19th Century Empire Three-Piece Seating Group
Located in New York, NY
Three-piece group of empire seating includes canape and two bergeres canape - H 36 in; bergere - H 35-1/4.
Wood
Antique English Brass Fireplace Trivet Ottoman or Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th-century brass English fireplace footman trivet. The footman is an elegant nod to days gone by and would be a great decorative accent p...
Brass
$2,200 / set
Pair of Empire Style Parcel Gilt Stools
Located in El Monte, CA
A magnificent pair of Empire-style parcel-gilt stools that exude timeless elegance. Each stool features a carved wooden frame with a cream and gilt finish showcasing the luxuriousnes...
Wood
Pair Of French Early 19th Century Empire Period Patinated Wood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of French early 19th century Empire Period patinated wood armchairs. The pair are raised on front circular tapered legs with gilt carved foliate bands at the top and bottom wh...
Wood
Living Room Suite in the antique Empire Style beech hand carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on sculpturally carved legs ending in claws. Armrests volute-shaped bent in...
Beech
Pair of Late Empire Armchairs in Birch from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Late Empire birch armchairs, upholstered in red fabric and from around the 1840s, make a beautiful and period feature in any interior with their...
Fabric, Birch
Leather Armchairs Empire Style Midcentury
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Mid Century ...
Leather, Wood, Giltwood
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...
Ormolu
Mid-Century Modern Empire Style Campaign Armchair with Red Wood Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome antique empire style campaign armchair, walnut, with green and white striped fabric cushions for seat and back. Brass lion paw feet....
Fabric, Wood
Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Chair
Located in London, GB
Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze side chair French, late 19th century Measures: Height 94cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm Crafted from mahogany, this unusual side chair...
Ormolu
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...
Velvet, Giltwood
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...
Beech
Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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....
Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood, Kingwood, Mahogany
Empire Walnut Red Sofa, early 19th Century
Located in Apeldoorn, NL
Empire Walnut Sofa, early 19th Century An elegant Empire sofa dating from the early 19th century, crafted in walnut and featuring beautifully figured veneers. The graceful scroll ar...
Wood, Walnut
French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style walnut and marble eight-piece salon set with golden and light yellow fabric and bronze mounts. Impressive French Empire-style eight-piece salon suite made of wal...
Marble, Bronze
French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and patinated Wood armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality set of four French 19th century Empire style Mahogany and patinated Wood armchairs. Each attractive arm chair is raised on four tapered Mahogany legs. The...
Wood, Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire St. Flamed Mahogany Desk Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful French 19th century Empire st. flamed Mahogany desk armchair. The armchair is raised by stout elegantly scrolled legs with fine carved ...
Mahogany
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...
Bronze
French Empire 19th Century Carved Walnut Bergeres
Located in Sunshine, LA
This pair of French Empire walnut armchairs embodies the enduring appeal of Neoclassical taste, where every curve and carved detail speaks to balance, proportion, and restraint. Dati...
Fabric, Walnut
French Napoleonic 2nd Empire Style Polychrome and Giltwood Armchair Throne
Located in New York, NY
Monumental Napoleonic throne armchair, finely carved with polychrome and gilt surfaces throughout with large coat of arms of the Napoleonic Second Empire (1852-70) on the crest rail,...
Wood
Pair of French Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mounted Side Chairs
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A pair of Empire Period gilt-bronze mounted side chairs. French, Circa 1820.
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Empire Venetian Sofa Attributed to Valentino Panciera 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...
Fabric, Walnut
Danish Empire Set of 4 Small Chairs, Elm Wood with Hand Embroidered Seats 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of four antique danish empire or Biedermeier style dining chairs handmade by a skilled danish master carpenter in Denmark the middel of the 19th. The frame is made of elm wood, ...
Wool, Wood, Elm
$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Empire Salon Set After Jean Francois Bellange
By Bellanger
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This three piece early 19 Century salon set features finely carved gold leaf gilded frames accented by rosettes palmettes and acanthus characterizing most French Empire furnitur...
Beech
$10,000 / set
Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular arched padded back above a padded seat and tapering front legs topped with the head of a sphinx and ending in paw feet.
Wood, Fabric, Mahogany
Italian, Lucchese, Empire Period Pair Giltwood & Upholstered Bergeres, ca. 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
having slightly rolled crest rails on reclined back, the arms with carved eagles, raised on saber legs, all non-upholstered surfaces are of giltwood, loose cushions
Giltwood
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 ...
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...
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century American Empire Ottoman in Burgundy Velvet and Tapestry
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire long rectangular ottoman with supple upholstered burgundy velvet top bordered by a dense earth-toned floral tapestry fabric, resting on a mahogany veneer base having ...
Fabric
Empire Seating Suite, stamped Henri Jacob (Master 1779), France, Early 19th C.
Located in Greding, DE
Empire seating suite in mahogany, consisting of a two-seat sofa and four armchairs (two not shown). The frames display a refined Neoclassical vocabulary, with winged caryatids suppor...
Velvet, Mahogany
A Pair of Empire Walnut Salon Chairs, Each With Floral Carved Detailing
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Pair of Empire Walnut Salon Chairs, Each With Carved Detailing & Relief Tulip Motifs. Turned & Reeded Legs, & Pale Green Upholstery. Gorgeous set of chairs ideally su...
Walnut
Swedish 1830s Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Stool with Spindle Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Empire style painted wooden Curule stool from the mid-19th century, with spindle arms, X-form base and new upholstery. Created in Sweden during the first half of the 19th c...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,600 / item
5 French Empire Style Sphinx Mahogany Benches
Located in Queens, NY
5 French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany square benches with bronze trim and winged sphinx legs (PRICED EACH).
Bronze
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...
Ultrasuede, Wicker, Mahogany
Pair of Period Armchairs "Balloon Back" - Rococo Revival Style (19th Century)
Located in Manzano, IT
prestigious pair of period armchairs dating from the second half of the 19th century, in the full Rococo Revival (Louis Philippe / Second Empire) style. These pieces represent the el...
Wood
Set of Three Empire‑Style Armchairs in Wood and Red Velvet, Belgium ca. 1950
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A refined tribute to the grandeur of early 19th‑century French design, this set of three Belgian armchairs. Crafted in the 1950s, these chairs beautifully reinterprets the Empire aes...
Fabric, Wood
Elegant French Empire Five Piece Mahogany Salon Set with Bronze Swan Decoration
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning parlor set of antique French Empire mahogany and bronze upholstered sofa or loveseat, two armchairs and two side chairs. Fre...
Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of English Regency mahogany frame dining chairs, early 19th century. Features exquisite carved back-splats in conjunction with further foliate carvings to the top crest, strip...
Mahogany, Upholstery, Giltwood
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...
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Empire Ottoman
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique 19th century American Victorian Empire box seat ottoman or stool featuring large crotch flame mahogany wood veneer with rolling casters. The ottoman has a large size seat mak...
Mahogany
Six Early 19th Century Venetian Chairs, Walnut, Empire Style, wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
6 early 19th century Venetian chairs in carved walnut, original upholstered spring seats in pink velvet, still usable. Clean and sanitized upholstery, structure polished with transpa...
Walnut
$11,543Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early 19th Century, Empire Cherrywood Seating Group, 2 Armchairs and 6 Chairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful unique seating group consisting of 2 armchairs and 6 chairs. The group dates back to the Empire period of the early 19th century, circa 1800-1810. All chairs are made of so...
Upholstery, Cherry
Handsome Empire Style Walnut & Upholstered Armchair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic Empire style armchair having walnut frame with gilded dolphins on the arms and cranberry upholstery. Duffy
Upholstery, Walnut, Giltwood
French 7 piece 19th century empire mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
7 piece 19th century french empire mahogany salon suite circa 1880. Rare 7-piece salon suite made in rich mahogany. Set comprises of a 2-seat sofa, 2 armchairs and 4 open armchairs....
Fabric, Mahogany
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 The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of 1970s Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs...
Cotton, Wood
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Empire Revival Gondola Chair with Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask & Red Velvet Piping Seven Chairs in stock all of the same quality, very well made and heavy and super comfortable t...
Damask, Silk, Velvet
Early 20th Century Wood Pair of Empire Upholstered Armchairs
Located in High Point, NC
This bed frame carries genuine presence, its dark walnut, purple/plum upholstered panel immediately setting the tone for the piece. Originating in France during Early 20th Century, i...
Fabric, Walnut
Mint Condition Empire Sofa Sette Loveseat Couch Fine Carved Details Lions Feet
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Note: Full price include new upholstery service, buyer to provide fabric. Mint condition empire sofa sette loveseat couch fine carved details lions feet. The frame is stunning vint...
Upholstery, Walnut
French Empire style Black Wood and Velvet Armchair, 1850s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1850 / armchair / wood, velvet / Empire / Antique French Empire style armchair made around 1850. This characterful chair features a blackened wooden frame with gracefully c...
Velvet, Wood
Regency Style Armchair, Fruitwood & Mohair, Parcel Gilt, Sweden, 1890s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Regency style armchair featuring a Fruitwood frame with hand-carved matte ebonized plume body details and traditional 22-karat gilded parcel gilt detail on stylized heron heads at arm fronts and legs. Mint restored with new Moss Green mohair upholstery. Available at 200 Lexington...
Gold Leaf
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Empire Barrel Chairs
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of 4 Empire Barrel chairs dates back to around 1810-20. They come from France. The chairs have a very pretty walnut veneer. They have a v...
Walnut