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Empire Buffets

EMPIRE STYLE

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.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Empire
19th Century Empire Period Sideboard or Buffet
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Empire Period Sideboard or Buffet France, 1830 Cherrywood, This early nineteenth century French Buffet is constructed of solid Cherrywood. Three drawers of dovetail con...
Category

1830s French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Empire Period Sideboard or Buffet
19th Century Empire Period Sideboard or Buffet

19th Century Empire Period Sideboard or Buffet

Empire Style Buffet in Mahogany and Gilt Bronze
Located in BARSAC, FR
Empire style sideboard in solid mahogany and rich ornamentation of gilded and chiseled bornze. Opening with three doors, two of which are glazed, front uprights forming detached c...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Buffet in Mahogany and Gilt Bronze
Empire Style Buffet in Mahogany and Gilt Bronze

Empire Style Buffet in Mahogany and Gilt Bronze

Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Buffet Cabinet, by François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire style gilt-bronze mounted marquetry buffet cabinet, by François Linke, Paris. This handsome buffet or side cabinet has its original Swedish green marble top. The veneers are of the finest figured acajou flammé. The frieze is fitted with a long drawer with citronnier and ebonised marquetry panel depicting a Etruscan chariot...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Buffet Cabinet, by François Linke
Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Buffet Cabinet, by François Linke

Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Buffet Cabinet, by François Linke

19th Century Swedish Fall Front Desk with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century fall front desk from Kalix, North of Sweden. The overhanging rectangular top abowe a drop down writing surface enclosing a fitted interior with drawers and a central cu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Fall Front Desk with Originalpaint
19th Century Swedish Fall Front Desk with Originalpaint

19th Century Swedish Fall Front Desk with Originalpaint

Impressive Empire Style Buffet by Maison Krieger
By Maison Krieger
Located in London, GB
Impressive Empire style buffet by Maison Krieger French, circa 1900 Measures: Height 199cm, width 217cm, depth 66cm This magnificent Empire style c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Impressive Empire Style Buffet by Maison Krieger
Impressive Empire Style Buffet by Maison Krieger

Impressive Empire Style Buffet by Maison Krieger

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Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marquetry Inlaid buffet
Located in Houston, TX
Late 19th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted mahogany and marquetry inlaid commode A Langlaise, mounts incised MJ Nielsen, late 19th century, with exquisite marquetry inlay ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

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Satinwood, Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marquetry Inlaid buffet
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marquetry Inlaid buffet

Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marquetry Inlaid buffet

H 40.25 in W 75.25 in D 22 in
Louis XVI Style Buffet with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Demilune Shape with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
Walnut buffet in walnut with gilt bronze mounts depicting a basket with Floral and foliate designs and topped by a bow. A cream marble top With shades of gray and is over two draw...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

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Walnut

Louis XVI Style Buffet with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Demilune Shape with Marble Top
Louis XVI Style Buffet with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Demilune Shape with Marble Top

Louis XVI Style Buffet with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Demilune Shape with Marble Top

H 41.5 in W 51 in D 22 in
French Buffet Cabinet, Louis XVI Style Ebonized with Marble Top
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French buffet cabinet, Louis XVI style, ebonized with marble top, early 20th century. In the spirit of Hollywood Regency and Maison Jansen. T...
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Early 20th Century French Empire Buffets

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Marble, Bronze

French Buffet Cabinet, Louis XVI Style Ebonized with Marble Top
French Buffet Cabinet, Louis XVI Style Ebonized with Marble Top

French Buffet Cabinet, Louis XVI Style Ebonized with Marble Top

H 41 in W 48 in D 21.25 in
Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Doors and Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century, with four drawers over four doors and reeded motifs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this elegant s...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Buffets

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Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Doors and Drawers
Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Doors and Drawers

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Doors and Drawers

H 37.25 in W 67 in D 16.5 in
Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Wood Sideboard with Reeded Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century, with reeded and fluted motifs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this Gustavian style sideboard featu...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Wood Sideboard with Reeded Motifs
Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Wood Sideboard with Reeded Motifs

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Wood Sideboard with Reeded Motifs

H 35.5 in W 34.75 in D 16 in
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
By Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo baughman style mid century buffet and hutch. The buffet measures: 55.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 28.25 inches high. The hutch measures: ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Empire Buffets

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Buffet and Hutch

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Buffet and Hutch

H 79.25 in W 55.5 in D 19.5 in
19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Introducing a stunning late Biedermeier Slant-Front Secretary, crafted from solid cherry wood in the 1840s. This exquisite piece of furniture features three drawers spanning the enti...
Category

19th Century German Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Spruce, Cherry

19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire

19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire

H 50.4 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
19th Century Empire Style Burled Walnut Buffet, France ca 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Empire Style Burled Walnut Buffet, France ca 1880.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Empire Style Burled Walnut Buffet, France ca 1880
19th Century Empire Style Burled Walnut Buffet, France ca 1880

19th Century Empire Style Burled Walnut Buffet, France ca 1880

H 43.25 in W 59 in D 21.25 in
Louis XVI-Style buffet/sideboard 19th century
Located in Houston, TX
Fine mahogany wood has been used in construction of this piece. A white marble top with very light gray veining is on top and has No breaks or restorations. It has graceful curved si...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI-Style buffet/sideboard 19th century
Louis XVI-Style buffet/sideboard 19th century

Louis XVI-Style buffet/sideboard 19th century

H 43.5 in W 83.5 in D 21 in
Brutalist Solid Elm Buffet by Olavi Hanninen
By Olavi Hanninen
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Brutalist solid elm cabinet, rustic. The buffet features stunning elm structure on door panels. It offers ample storage, with a swiveling plate behind the upper doors. A unique blend...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Empire Buffets

Materials

Elm

Brutalist Solid Elm Buffet by Olavi Hanninen
Brutalist Solid Elm Buffet by Olavi Hanninen

Brutalist Solid Elm Buffet by Olavi Hanninen

H 59.65 in W 48.04 in D 25.6 in
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire buffet made of rich flame bookmatched mahogany is classic in style. The original marble top of charcoal with white veining sits at the top of this buffet and is remov...
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19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

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Marble, Brass

French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet

French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet

H 39.5 in W 63.88 in D 24.25 in
19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian buffet from Medalpad. Detailed wood carvings – flower petal décor and pierced gallery top. Three drawers with horizontal ...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Iron

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet
19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet

H 52.5 in W 57.75 in D 18 in
Previously Available Items
19th Century French Buffet with Grey Granite Top
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th century French buffet with granite top. This buffet has a lovely patina to the fruitwood, two drawers above the cupboard and brass handles. The grey granite...
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19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

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Brass

19th Century French Buffet with Grey Granite Top
19th Century French Buffet with Grey Granite Top

19th Century French Buffet with Grey Granite Top

H 37.41 in W 50.4 in D 22.84 in
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Sideboard or Buffet in Solid Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Important and rare antique empire solid walnut sideboard 1810s. Walnut wood has acquired a beautiful antique patina presenting the signs of all the past centuries. The signs of the p...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Sideboard or Buffet in Solid Walnut
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Sideboard or Buffet in Solid Walnut

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Sideboard or Buffet in Solid Walnut

H 35.04 in W 55.12 in D 21.66 in
19th Century Empire Buffet
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine early 19th century Swedish Empire mahogany veneered buffet. Ca 1820.
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Buffet
19th Century Empire Buffet

19th Century Empire Buffet

H 40.56 in W 47.64 in D 21.66 in
Painted Empire French Enfilade
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Very good early 19th C painted oak empire French enfilade. 1830. Dimensions 78 inches (198 cms) Wide 25.5 inches (65 cms) Deep 38 inches (97 cms) H...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Oak

Painted Empire French Enfilade
Painted Empire French Enfilade

Painted Empire French Enfilade

H 38 in W 78 in D 25.5 in
19th Century, Empire Wood Sideboard by H.F. Jansen & Zonen
By H.F. Jansen
Located in IT
19th century, Empire wood sideboard by H.F. Jansen & Zonen This elegant Empire style cupboard was made, as shown by the brand on the back of the cabinet, by the famous manufacturer H.F. Jansen & Zonen, active in Amsterdam from 1840-1948. It consists of a wooden structure paved with the different woods. On the front, which has the sections on the sides downgraded with respect to the central portion, is equipped with three drawers decorated with gilded finely chiselled applications. On the central drawer, the bronzes depict two fantastic animals with the body of winged swans drinking from a fountain whose water flows from the centre of the lock. The body of the swans is transformed into circles, volutes and plant elements. The side drawers instead have chiselled bronzes with two girls dressed in ancient clothes that, as if they were flying, sound graceful a zither that culminates in the lock. Under the drawers there are three doors that hide compartments with shelves. The central door has applications in golden bronze with foliage motifs and in the centre, inscribed in a circle, two branches of laurel crossed and narrow by a bow. The side doors instead have bronzes with two winged girls, dressed in the old and classic taste, which hold a vase on the head. The uprights of the cupboard are also decorated with bronzes: a zither, a half-bust of a woman that serves as a capital, foliage elements and feet that support a column with a square section. The front feet of the dresser are in bronze in the shape of lion paw. The top, which follows the line of the front, is in yellow marble. The founder of the family business HF Jansen is Hendrik Fredrik Jansen (1819-1896), born in a Catholic family in Amsterdam. He founded the company that soon, expanding, had a lot of luck, circa 1840. The furniture, interior design and furniture were quickly appreciated by the highest environments. Contributions were often praised at exhibitions and competitions. In 1886, the company provided King William III’s bedroom for Soestdijk Palace, while for Princess Wilhelmina...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century, Empire Wood Sideboard by H.F. Jansen & Zonen
19th Century, Empire Wood Sideboard by H.F. Jansen & Zonen

19th Century, Empire Wood Sideboard by H.F. Jansen & Zonen

H 43.31 in W 66.15 in D 20.87 in
Early 19th Century French Empire Buffet
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A French Empire carved and painted pine buffet, early 19th century. Of rectangular shape, with marble top and two doors, with a carved anthemion frieze tapering along the top.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Marble

Early 19th Century French Empire Buffet
Early 19th Century French Empire Buffet

Early 19th Century French Empire Buffet

H 42.92 in W 66.15 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Italian Empire Cherrywood Sideboard or Buffet, 1820s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique double body sideboard first half of 1800 sec. XIX in solid cherrywood of a beautiful ancient patina! Italian sideboard from the Piedmontese line full Empire era with full ebo...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Italian Empire Cherrywood Sideboard or Buffet, 1820s
19th Century Italian Empire Cherrywood Sideboard or Buffet, 1820s

19th Century Italian Empire Cherrywood Sideboard or Buffet, 1820s

H 76.38 in W 48.82 in D 22.05 in
Large French Empire Flamed Mahogany Sideboard Huge Green Marble Top Bronze Mount
By Empire Furniture
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning oversize French Empire style flamed mahogany sideboard with large thick green marble top A very good looking and well made decorat...
Category

20th Century French Empire Buffets

Materials

Marble

Large French Empire Flamed Mahogany Sideboard Huge Green Marble Top Bronze Mount
Large French Empire Flamed Mahogany Sideboard Huge Green Marble Top Bronze Mount

Large French Empire Flamed Mahogany Sideboard Huge Green Marble Top Bronze Mount

H 39.28 in W 85.83 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Black Ebonized Empire Round Corners White Marble-Top Sideboard
Located in IT
Rounded edges sideboard with white marble-top from I Empire period, from France. This sideboard shows the typical decorations of Retour d’Egypt style, such as the bronze sphinxes, w...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Black Ebonized Empire Round Corners White Marble-Top Sideboard
19th Century Black Ebonized Empire Round Corners White Marble-Top Sideboard

19th Century Black Ebonized Empire Round Corners White Marble-Top Sideboard

H 43.31 in W 84.65 in D 20.48 in
Simple Late Gustavian Black Swedish Buffet
Located in Jesteburg, DE
A beautiful simple black painted buffet, late Gustavian/Empire. Very chic, clear lines.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Buffets

Simple Late Gustavian Black Swedish Buffet
Simple Late Gustavian Black Swedish Buffet

Simple Late Gustavian Black Swedish Buffet

H 36.23 in W 51.58 in D 22.05 in
Empire Veneered Mahogany and Gilded Brass Enfilade, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Empire veneered mahogany and gilded brass enfilade, 1950s. Rare model. Three doors. Removable top. Nice characters brass work. Asymmetrical brass feet.
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Buffets

Materials

Brass

Empire Veneered Mahogany and Gilded Brass Enfilade, 1950s
Empire Veneered Mahogany and Gilded Brass Enfilade, 1950s

Empire Veneered Mahogany and Gilded Brass Enfilade, 1950s

H 29.93 in W 47.64 in D 16.15 in
French Empire Sideboard, 1825
Located in Traversetolo, IT
French sideboard in walnut, beautiful feather in walnut on the doors, three drawers, original bronze work.
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Buffets

Materials

Walnut

French Empire Sideboard, 1825
French Empire Sideboard, 1825

French Empire Sideboard, 1825

H 41.34 in W 51.97 in L 41.34 in

Empire buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire buffets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage buffets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire buffets made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original buffets, popular names associated with this style include François Linke, and Maison Krieger. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for buffets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,995 and tops out at $220,000 while the average work can sell for $7,650.

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