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 Salon Suite, France 1810, Manner of Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)
Located in Leimen, DE
Empire Salon Suite, France 1810 Step back in time to the opulent era of 19th-century France with the exquisite Elegant Empire Salon Suite, crafted i...
Bronze
Czech Empire Sofa, Made in 1810 and Restored, Yellow and Black
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Hassle-free US shipping: We provide all necessary 100+ year-old certifications to ensure a flat 15% customs rate for our US clients. This sofa is a grand representative of the Empir...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Shepherdesses Chairs in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Shepherdesses in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany Sculpted heads of Eagles with hamstrung front feet ending in doe hooves. Rare pair of chairs purchased in France. Age appropria...
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Four Swedish Empire Side Chairs by F. Pettersson, Mid 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Swedish Empire side chairs from the mid-19th century by furniture maker F. Pettersson. These antique chairs from Sweden have an elegantly curved backs, with straight wo...
Upholstery, Giltwood, Wood
Empire armchair, French manufacture
Located in Baranzate, IT
Empire armchair made of wood and Vienna straw seat. France 1810.
Straw, Wood
Antique Empire-Style Bergère Chair, Fabric and Wood, c. 1900
Located in Brussels, BE
Empire-style Bergère, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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
19th Century (Early) French Consulate Empire Chair
Located in Phoenix, 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
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
1870 French Empire Marquetry Inlaid Suite Berger Armchairs & Settee Canape, Pair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning French marquetry inlaid circa 1870 Empire style three piece suite with neoclassical detailing A very rare and good looking set, th...
Silk, Hardwood
$7,950 / set
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.
Bronze
Pair of Empire Consulate Mahogany Chairs Griffin Heads & Paw Feet
Located in Phoenix, 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
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 ...
Wood
Original antique French Empire Sofa Mahogany veneer with Columns
Located in Berlin, DE
Original French Empire sofa, circa 1800. Mahogany, right and left, each with columns and fire-gilt bronze fittings. Some bronze are missing.
Mahogany
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.
Brass
$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
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