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 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Leather & Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of antique 19th century French Empire mahogany armchairs, beautifully crafted with tailored architectural lines, leather upholstery, and finely detailed bronze mounts. The Emp...
Bronze
Empire Armchairs, Hand-Carved Mahogany, Green Velvet, France, 1805
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Paire de fauteuils d'époque Empire en acajou garnis d'un tissus en velours vert. Les accoudoirs sont sculptés d'une tête de dauphin stylisée avec des écailles finement gravées sur le...
Mahogany
Chair Kohn Nr.321, since 1906, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish. New upholstery surface on the original core.
Brass
French Empire Mahogany Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Cent) mahogany round back dolphin arm chair with bronze trim and gold upholstery
Bronze
Armchair, Northern Europe, circa 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Armchair, Northern Europe, circa 1900. Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery. dimensions : height 82 cm seat height 47 cm width 56 cm de...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of French Empire Green Armchairs with Bronze Mounts
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th Cent) mahogany Armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat Both chairs are in antique condition.
Bronze
Pair of Empire design Fauteuils in Mahogany, France, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of Empire design Fauteuils, each constructed in richly-figured mahogany. The pair French in origin, and dating from the fourth quarter of the 1800s. Each chair with upholstered seat and back surrounded by exposed frames. The seats flanked by carved down-swept arms, and resting atop four splayed tapering legs. Reference: "The Antiques Directory...
Upholstery
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
Antique Pair of French Empire Neoclassical Louis XVI Harp Lyre Back Side Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of antique harp back side chairs with brass or bronze mounts in the French Empire / Louis XVI taste. Item features solid wood construction, harp back...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French Empire Walnut and Gilded Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century French Empire Walnut and Gilded Armchair is a luxurious piece of furniture. This armchair exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a perfect addition to any ho...
Upholstery, Walnut
$12,000 / set
Pair of Empire Armchairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Empire Armchairs Mahogany Frame with Saffron Yellow Wool and Vintage Tape Trim France, Circa 1830 23”W x 24”D x 36”H
Wool, Mahogany
Antique living room set from the end of the 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique living room set from around 1890, France. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Seats and backrests have been covered with new fabric. Dimensions...
Walnut, Fabric
Venetian lacquered and gilded gold leaf drawing room, late 18th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Refined Venetian drawing room dating from the latter part of the 18th century, consisting of a sofa, two armchairs, two chairs, and an elegant coffee table with a green marble top. T...
Fabric, Wool, Wood
A pair of armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A massive pair of Biedermeier armchairs made in the mid-19th century. Upholstered in an elegant jacquard fabric. A beautiful, stable frame connects the armchairs together. Very good ...
Fabric, Walnut
Bench Stool Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Swedish Black 19th Beige Linen century Sweden. A stool made during the 19th century in Sweden. Painted in our Laserow Black and upholstered in a beige linen.
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
$4,175 / set
Set of 6 Chairs, Empire Style, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 6 chairs, Empire style, Belgium.
Fabric, Wood
Bat Chiavari Chair by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Toronto, CA
Originally developed in early 19th century Chiavari by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, the Chiavarina chair distilled ornate Empire styles into a lighter, more refined construction that w...
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Bench, Velvet Upholstery, Hardwood
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century Empire Sitting Bench. Age appropriate wear. Reupholstered with Velvet fabric. See detailed photos & any questions, please message us.
Velvet, Hardwood
Set of Four 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four French Empire fauteuils-armchairs in carved and veneered mahogany with beautiful carving and scale.
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Side Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Side Chair is a luxurious and elegant piece of furniture perfect for adults in a mid-century modern home decor setting. Made of high-q...
Mahogany
Empire Style Sofa, XX th, Mahogany, Gray
Located in Nice, FR
Empire style sofa Structure in solid mahogany with brass medallions Renovated upholstery, thick cotton fabric, gray color. The large seat cushion is ...
Mahogany
$8,000Sale Price / set|38% Off
Set of Four French Empire Armchairs, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of four Empire armchairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant armchairs have a pretty cherry wood frame. The armrest and front ...
Cherry
Pair of Continental Rustic Style Wooden Armchairs with Carved Owl Head Armrests
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Continental Rustic style open armchairs having gold and brown upholstered seat and back with carved owl arm supports (PRICED AS PAIR)
Gold
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs in Gilt and White Wood, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Empire style armchairs in white carved wood with gold highlights. Standing on two front tapered legs and two back saber legs. Straight apron and uprights, rectangular backse...
Wood
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...
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of French Armchairs Fauteuil White Carved Back 1800s 1900s Antique Empire
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual Late 1800s early 1900s French antique pair of armchairs in original white paint with carved backs and beautiful curved arms and legs. They hark back to Napoleon's favorite Em...
Bentwood
Restoration Period Turkish Sofa With Swan Neck
Located in Charmes, FR
Turkish or billiard sofa, restoration period, swan neck decoration, discolored and stained fabric on the cushion as well as a small, unusual and decorative acro model
Wood
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
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
19th Century Continental Walnut Armchair
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality continental carved walnut armchair, remaining in very good condition. Width: 73cm Depth: 102cm Height: 100cm.
Walnut
$12,000 / set
Set of 4 Danish Empire Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 lovely Danish chairs with light birch inlays in back and front frieze. Newly upholstered.
$4,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Campaign Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Empire style Campaign chairs. The pliant metal frame with brass lion's paw feet mounts and saber form legs designed to fold and accommodate fabric upholstery over th...
Brass
Empire armchair, French manufacture
Located in Baranzate, IT
Empire armchair made of wood and Vienna straw seat. France 1810.
Straw, Wood
Pair of Empire Mahogany Armchairs Stamped "Jacob D R Medee"
Located in Stamford, CT
This pair of capacious, perfectly designed and executed chairs was created by the workshop of George Jacob and his son, Francois, during the Empire period at their Parisian workshop ...
Mahogany
19th Century Original French Empire Sofa and Armchair Set Made from Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive mahogany partly carved. Cambered frame on curly legs. Supports bracing supports for slightly rising armrests in rolled-up volute. High-awned, slightly curved backrest frame w...
Mahogany
$897Sale Price|51% Off
Antique Empire Chairs from Around 1810-1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Empire chairs from around 1900 Solid wood mahogany. Seat upholstered and covered with black fabric. Very stable and robust built. Hind...
Mahogany
Restored Empire Seating Set, Walnut, Inlaid, Revived Polish, Austria, 1810s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Armchair Dimensions: Height: 91 cm (35.83 in) Width: 69 cm (27.17 in) Depth: 65 cm (25.59 in) Seat height: 42 cm (16.54 in) Sofa dimensions: Height: 91 cm (35.83 in) Width: 155 cm (...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Empire Style White and Gold Pair of Armchairs, Sharkskin Style Trim, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire style white carved wood with gold highlights pair of armchairs. Standing on two front tapered legs and two back saber legs. Straight apron and uprights, rectangular backseat ...
Wood
French Empire Period Swans' Heads Stool
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique stool is a classic example of Empire period design: with elegant curved armrests which are designed to look like swans' necks, the seat features skilfully-cast...
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century (Early) French Consulate Empire Chair
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Early) French Consulate Empire Chair Beautiful piece purchased in France Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Mahogany
Baltic Set of 6 Empire-Armchairs, Mahogany, Design by Georg Friedrich Hetsch
Located in Göttingen, NI
A rare Baltic set of 6 Empire-armchairs - design by Georg Friedrich Hetsch Mahogany richly carved and veneered Side frame construction with inlaid upholstered seat on turned f...
Mahogany
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...
Mahogany
19th C Biedermeier Italian Burl Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of 19th C Biedermeier Ebonized & Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs. Item features shapely sabre legs, ebonized back splats, rolled backs, beautiful original veneer and solid woo...
Fruitwood
Large armchair in walnut, leather and bronze, Empire style, circa 1930/1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Large armchair in walnut, leather and bronze, Empire style, circa 1930/1950 the leather on the back of the seat back has been replaced
Brass
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
set of six French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu dining chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome set of six French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu dining chairs. This wonderful set are raised by four circular tapered front legs while the back legs display ...
Ormolu
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...
Ormolu
Empire Period Armchair in Walnut, Upholstery Redone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire period armchair in walnut, upholstery redone.
Tapestry, Walnut
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 ...
Wood, Giltwood
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...
$7,134Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Wood, Maple
$1,913 / set
Set of chairs, Poland, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Set of chairs, Poland, 1920s. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: oak dimensions height 95 cm seat height 47 cm width 43 cm depth 48 cm
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century Unique Empire Armchair Around 1820, France, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Unique Empire armchair around 1820, France, Mahogany Solid mahogany wood, France around 1820/30. Finely carved swan's heads on each armrest. Extremely high quality a...
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Living Room and Gilded Bronze Caryatid Head
Located in Marseille, FR
19th Empire style mahogany and gilded bronze decorated living room with caryatid heads and claw feet. Bench, two armchairs, two chairs. Period 19th century. Tapestry to restore. Armc...
Mahogany
Exceptional 19th-Century French Empire Salon Set Stamped Maigret
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Exceptional 19th-Century French Empire Salon Set Stamped Maigret Presenting a rare and exquisite French Empire-style salon set, attributed to Alexandre Maigret, a distinguished cabi...
Wood
Pair of 20th Century French Armchairs Neo Gotic Style
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of polished wrought iron armchairs dating from the 70s. French work. Neo-Gothic style. Beautiful work done by hand. Measures: 54 x 86 x 48 cm 3250 EURO.
Iron
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
$11,088Sale Price / set|47% Off
19th Century Vintage Empire Mahogany Salon, Set of 5
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four fauteuils and one large sofa. Mahogany wood. Beautifully restored. Very comfortable and elegant. French work of the beginning of the 19th century, Empire period. Sold as ...
Mahogany
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