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
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
Executive Swivel Office Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, c. 1950
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in New York City, NY
Executive swivel office chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Made in the United States circa 1950.
Steel
Lillian August French Modern Swivel Tub Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Lillian August French Modern swivel tub chair upholstered in an op-art velvet, with loose seat cushion (marked)
$536
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
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
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
Swivel High Stool in Bentwood
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Revolving high stool in bentwood with upholstered seat and backrest. Thonet style, Austria, 1930s Nicely constructed in turned bentwood standing up on four legs with a foot rest ring. The wood structure is strong and sturdy. Height adjustable. Nice aged patina. This eye-catching rotating stool...
Wood, Bentwood
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
$1,635Sale Price|24% Off
H 30.32 in W 16.54 in D 18.51 in
19th Century French Hand Carved Wooden Piano Swivel Chair Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
Very delicate and rare hand carved wooden piano swivel chair made in mid 19th century during Napoleon III period. Having no restoration so far the chair i...
Wood
French Art Deco Swivel Chair by Jules Leleu, Mahogany & Leather
By Jules Leleu
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco mahogany swivel chair with beige leather upholstered seat and back. (attributed to JULES LELEU).
Leather, Mahogany
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