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
$5,201
H 44.49 in W 29.34 in D 30.91 in
MID CENTURY MODERN DE SEDE DS35 EXECUTIVE OFFICE SWiVEL CHAIR HERITAGE LEATHER
By De Sede
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, original Mid Century Modern Circa 1970's De Sede DS35 Executive swivel office cha...
Chrome
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)
$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 Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York City, NY
Executive swivel office chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Made in the United States circa 1950.
Steel
Pair of Industrial Swivel Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of Industrial stools featuring a slatted back, sturdy black iron legs and upholstered swivel seating. (Please confirm item location - N...
$1,795
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 19 in
Early Saarinen Knoll Executive Task or Desk Chair Tilt Swivel Castors Orig Vinyl
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please note, I have a matching pair of armchairs, see last picture. Executive armchair designed in 1950 by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates. This example is from the early '50's, with the earliest tilt mechanism. All original! The original blue vinyl is soft and comfortable, with a couple small repairs I made - see pictures. The padding is soft and everything works as it should. A very sturdy and comfy chair...
Steel
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
$514
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
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
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
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