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.
Stunning Victorian Empire Style Gilt Carved Wood Executive Swivel Chair
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this one-of-a-kind executive swivel chair, packed with character and timeless elegance. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, this stunning piece...
Brass
Antique French Empire Regency Inlaid Mahogany Swivel Piano Harpist Stool Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Regency Inlaid Mahogany Swivel Piano Harpist Stool Chair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H x 17.5" W x 18" D x 20" Seat height.
Mahogany
Industrial Swivel Stool
Located in Vosselaar, BE
1930s industrial swivel stool. The adjustable beech sit has a nice patina as well as the green paint remains on the iron supports. The height m...
Metal
Four Swivel Stools / Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar swiveling stools / chairs with mahogany legs and chrome sabots. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hun...
Fabric
Pair of Milo Baughman Style Swivel Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of eccentric green swivel chairs in vibrant Asian-themed silk-like fabric. These chairs are unsigned. Swivel works perfectly—not too fast. ...
Fabric
$12,400 / set
H 32 in W 36 in D 36 in
Hollywood Regency Glamorous Asymmetrical Swivel Chairs in Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Every element of these Emerald Green Hollywood Regency Asymmetrical Swivel Chairs screams decades of glamour and fabulous affairs. Sitting on t...
Velvet, Upholstery
Swivel Chair
By Thomas Bina
Located in Weesp, NL
Swivel chair Giramundo. Designed by Thomas Bina of Environment Furniture of Los Angeles, circa 2007. It is crafted from recycled, Brazilian multicolor...
Stainless Steel
Lupus Swivel Bar Stool
Located in Paris, FR
Bar stool lupus swivel with structure in solid walnut, seat and back upholstered and covered with black velvet fabric, inside armrests covered with bl...
Leather, Velvet, Walnut
Tropical Swivel Dining Chair with Wenge Wood Accents
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
A symphony of texture, pattern and color make this Swivel dining chair a show stopping focal point. It is both supportive and comfortable, made fro...
Rosewood, Paper, Faux Leather
$36,690 / set
H 28.25 in W 32 in D 27.5 in
Pair Milo Baughman Style Wood-Frame Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Lux pair of 'Art Moderne' barrel-back chairs, circa 1960's. The look is modern, luxurious, clean and fresh, and reminiscent the designs of Milo Baughman. Unusual and rare pair of cha...
Upholstery, Wood
Bentwood and Cane Swivel Desk or Piano Chair
By Thonet
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A Thonet style bentwood and cane swivel chair featuring classic bentwood construction with a cane seat and back. The chair is height-adjustable using a screw mechanism. This model ...
Cane, Beech
1980s Sculptural Coned Leopard Velvet Steel Swivel Stools Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, velvet leopard print, swivel stools you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is s...
Steel
$538
H 16.93 in Dm 20.48 in
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 55 cm (21.7 in) Lowest height: 43 cm (16.9 in) Diameter: 52 cm (20.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco perio...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Style Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nautilus style swivel chairs with corkscrew style body. Soft ultra suede fabric. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 36 in W 23 in D 25 in
Rare and Handsome French Empire Walnut Leather-Upholstered Swivel Desk Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
These particular period antique swivel chairs are quite rare and difficult to find; the swivelling seat with incurved back above a circular seat f...
Set of Three Black Lacquered Empire Style Leather Barstools
Located in Houston, TX
A set of three newly black lacquered and gilt wood Empire style leather barstools. Each of these newly upholstered barstools feature French nailhead detailing, a brass footrest, and ...
Brass