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
Wicker Swivel Stool Chairs by Calif-Asia
By Calif-Asia
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Petite pair of Wicker and Bamboo Swivel Chairs with black iron frame and swiveling seat. Calif- Asia - 1960's
Iron
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
Space Age Style Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of wild shaped throne chairs on swivel metal bases. These Star Trek style chairs are fun and funky for your home or office. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Metal
American Victorian Oak Swivel Chair
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian oak slat back swivel side chair.
Oak
Regency Style Leather Executive Office Chair by Century
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately leather executive swivel office chair crafted by Century Furniture. The chair features a svelte gondola form frame finished in dark espresso leather bordered by brass tack nail heads in the regency taste. The chair has height adjustments including tilt and swivel. The flat top crest of the seat has small ears...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Tufted Swivel Executive Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern armchair with swivel action. Set on a five point star base in faux wood grain. (Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer).
Leather
Harpist Swivel Chair In Maple Wood French Charles X Restauration period
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite and rare French Charles X - Restauration Harpist swivel chair in solid Maple wood with amaranth filets. Gooseneck design in the back side, Palm leaf motif made up of stylis...
Maple
Art Nouveau Swivel Piano Stool, Solid Oak & Leather, Germany, 1925
Located in Schwerin, MV
Art Nouveau piano stool/swivel stool made of wood with a padded real leather seat. The piano stool is made of solid oak wood with a beautiful grain and has three tapering legs. The s...
Leather, Wood
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 25 in D 21 in
Pair of Italian Empire Carved Wood and Leather Swivel Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Striking and sculptural pair of Italian Empire style swiveling armchairs. Round seats and sinuous arms that intertwine to form the back. Frames are finished in a cream lacquer under ...
Wood, Leather
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