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Empire Cabinets

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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Style: Empire
Returnable Items Only
Mobiletti impero francesi in Mogano con fregi in bronzo e piano in un bel marmo
Located in Cesena, FC
Coppia di mobiletti impero (1850 circa). Mobiletti impero francesi, in Mogano con fregi in bronzo, con colonna intera e piano in un bel marmo grigio, sportelli con ripiani interni. ...
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th century French empire influenced mahogany cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century French empire influenced mahogany cabinet circa 1890. This cupboard was constructed using a flat pack technique, with panels held in place by bolts. Central door with ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Jewellery Case Side Table Bijouterie Display Cabinet
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Sweet little French Empire style display cabinet Round glass top opens out to reveal storage space Great for jewellery or trinkets Would work well as a shop display piece Some of our...
Category

1980s Vintage Empire Cabinets

Materials

Glass

Mid 19th century Danish empire mahogany mirror on cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century danish mahogany mirror on cabinet circa 1860. Beautiful piece of mid 19th century danish furniture strong in the influence of the regency period. Comprising of 2 p...
Category

1860s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Antique Pair of English Mahogany Cellarettes circa Mid-1800s with Lion Paw Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique pair of Cellarettes or Liquor Cabinets imported from England, that were generally custom made wooden chests intended to transport or store a small number of alcoholic beverages. Made of finer woods, like mahogany or rosewood and in numerous shapes and sizes. You would often see Cellarettes placed in dining rooms. Men of considerable financial means had as many as three Cellarettes as a status symbol. The pair of Liquor Cabinets or Cellarettes were handcrafted from the finest mahogany and refinished in a traditional French polish. We believe that this pair of antique English Cellarettes...
Category

1860s English Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Late 19th century French empire mahogany and ormolu cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality french empire revival mahogany cabinet circa 1890. Generous proportions and as with all furniture of this scale and period it was built to come apart. Central glazed d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

Elegant Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant, architectural Empire pedestal cabinet in 2 parts, crafted in mahogany. Features a frieze with ormolu mounts of typical Empire period over a cupboard door that opens to revea...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Regency Empire Glass Etagere
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Empire glass cabinet. A chic mahogany with gorgeous Ormolu detail. Interior mirror and glass make the cabinet really light up. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Antique French Empire Mahogany Pedestal Bust Stand Cabinet 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb French Empire mahogany and ormolu mounted pedestal cabinet, Circa 1870 in date. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THIS PEDESTAL IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND...
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Napoleonic French Empire Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Wine Cabinet Armoire 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality French Empire Napoleonic period Mahogany & parcel gilt wine cabinet/armoire, circa 1810. Made of the finest mahogany this cabinet has the shape of a secretaire ab...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Danish Oval Pedestal Cabinet in Oak and Walnut Burl, ca. 1850s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Oval Pedestal Cabinet in Oak and Walnut Burl, ca. 1850s. Antique Empire pillar chest from Northern Europe in oak with curved door in burlwood. Column design with wide top and...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Oak, Burl

Oak Dresser, circa 1920
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
An oak French Empire style dresser from circa 1920, with a drawer and display part. The cabinet has the original antique glass. Pilaster detailing...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Cabinets

Materials

Oak, Glass

French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany, Ormolu And Marble Buffet/Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and marble buffet/cabinet. The buffet is raised on two half round front and two back block supports below the straight apro...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French Empire Bookcases
Located in Pomona, CA
A pair of French Empire bookcases / China cabinets. Ebonized side pillars with brass capitals. Gilt appliques to top and bottom front. Beveled g...
Category

1950s American Vintage Empire Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Late Empire Flamed Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oval pedestal cabinet, late empire. Mirror-cut flamed mahogany with beautiful grain. Door flanked by columns with wood-carved capitals. Behind the door 3...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Display Cabinet Mahogany Bijouterie, 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
French Empire Style mahogany display cabinet. circa 1880 This Excellent Quality Cabinet Stands Upon Fluted Tapered Legs With a Fluted Frieze. The Single Glazed Door Featuring Ormo...
Category

1880s Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Demilune Cabinet
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
French demi lune sideboard in mahogany. Empire, circa 1820. Two-door corpus in demi lune form. Mahogany veneered on oak. One drawer. Newer slightly overhanging granite top instea...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Granite

Pair of Empire Mahogany Commodes, circa 1820
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Rectangular top above three graduated recessed drawers flanked by three quarter rounded ebonized columns raised on plinth block feet.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

French 20th Century Mahogany Vitrine
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Display your treasured objects in this beautiful early 20th century French Empire style mahogany vitrine. Beveled glass panels can be found in the case antique’s door and sides, allowing one to view the contents placed inside on its two glass shelves. A mirrored back gives the illusion of a completely transparent cabinet. The vitrine has recently undergone a refinishing, giving the antique a ‘like new’ appearance. The wonderful brass hardware found at the capital and base of the pilaster columns which flank the door has been polished to a brilliant luster - along with the sabots that cap the front feet. Inside, two additional finished mahogany lower shelves can be used to house objects...
Category

20th Century French Empire Cabinets

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Walnut Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
A large French Empire bookcase, or buffet a deux corps in walnut with bronze mounts and glass doors, dating from the early 19th century. This handsome piece has a nice old patina a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Rare Classical Empire Finely Carved Cellarette in Mahogany, circa 1830
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful form carved Classical Empire cellarette in mahogany with gadrooned edges, hinged top, zinc lined interior, and small brass decorative...
Category

1830s English Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Zinc

19th Century Italian Empire Mahogany Commode Two Doors Cabinet
Located in Firenze, IT
Striking mahogany 19th century Italian commode from the Empire period, circa 1815-1820. The straight, timeless shape combined with unique mahogany veneer makes this early 19th centur...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Iron

Empire Style Sideboard Cabinet 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
EMPIRE STYLE SIDEBOARD CABINET ELEGANT EMPIRE STYLE SIDEBOARD DECORATED WITH MARBLE AND GOLDEN BRONZE. MEASURES: 100X92X40 CM good condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Wood

18th Century Antique North German Pine Sun Armoire with Gesso Appliqué
Located in Miami, FL
This exceptional one-of-a-kind armoire from the area of Bremen has the original pink gesso appliqués, circa 1790.  Fabricated from a beautiful knot-less dense pine, the carved ribbed...
Category

1790s German Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Gesso, Pine

Empire openable walnut veneered column
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant circular column on plinth base entirely veneered in walnut, top in yellow Siena marble with profiles in green Prato marble. It acts as a support for an object and as a contai...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Siena Marble

Danish Late Empire 'Biedermeier' Flamed Birch Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
19th century Danish late Empire (Biedermeier) pedestal cabinet. Veneered with flamed birch. Curved door. Oval top with a drawer underneath. One-drawer at the bottom. Denmark, circa...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Antique Empire Painted Buffet
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire style painted buffet / cabinet, 19th century. The paint is later and 20th century. With a faux marble molded overhanging top over two cup...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Empire Walnut Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
French first Empire period Secretaire à Abattant, also known as a drop-front secretary, fall front or cantilevered desk. Under the dark grey marble top is a secret, entablature drawe...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Exceptional French Empire Neoclassical "Retour D'egypte" Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional French Empire Neoclassical "Retour d'Egypte" cabinet. All original, including the marble top.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Four Doors Cabinets, Armoire or Dry Bar
Located in Firenze, IT
These imposing solid mahogany cabinets with gilt bronze mounts in the style of the Louis XVI French Empire furnished the luxurious Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel. It has recen...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Bronze

C19th Pine Two Door French Cabinet/Bookcase with Glazed Astragal Detail
Located in London, GB
Handsome two door pine cupboard/ cabinet. This is a lovely understated and useful cabinet which looks great in the flesh. In one piece, it has a shaped cornice, glazing to the top ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Empire Showcase, France 1810-1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Empire display cases made of oak with slightly tapered legs. Slanted glass lid surrounded by polished iron frame with rivets. In the middle...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Chiffonier of Mahogany and with Carvings of the Style Late Empire from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Exquisite Late Empire Style Mahogany Chiffonier from the 1840s: a stunning testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. This beautiful piece is crafted from rich mahogany, a wood highly favored during the late Empire period, renowned for its durability and luxurious appearance. The intricate carvings adorning this chiffonier showcase the opulence and attention to detail characteristic of the style. The design's grandeur reflects the late Empire aesthetic, with its bold lines, elaborate carvings, and ornate embellishments. The piece's historical significance and timeless allure make it a focal point in any room, evoking the grandeur of the 19th-century era. Perfect for collectors of period furniture or those passionate about historical pieces, this late Empire chiffonier...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Late Empire North German Corner Cabinet In Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The antique Senempire corner cabinet from Northern Germany, made of polished mahogany and dated to the 1840s, is a splendid representative of the elegance and sophistication typical ...
Category

1840s German Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Barber Piece Empire Period Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant barber furniture in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer from the early 19th century Empire period Very beautiful barbière composed of 5 drawers. interior of the drawers in oa...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Late Empire Tall Cabinet of Dark Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This late Empire tall cabinet, crafted from dark polished mahogany, is a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship. Dating back to 1840, it s...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Russian 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Deux-Corps Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and grand scale Russian 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu Deux-Corps cabinet. The cabinet is raised by fine ball feet encased by handsome ormolu claws. Ab...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Empire Style Burl Walnut, Ormolu and Glass Cabinet/Vitrine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Empire st. burl walnut, ormolu and glass cabinet/vitrine. The vitrine is raised by fine bun feet below the straight support decorated ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Empire Guillotine Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Empire guillotine cabinet. Fine Neoclassical fruitwood and mahogany vitrine small bookcase cabinet with glass panel door àla guillotine above t...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble

19th Century Austrian Display Cabinet, Made Out of Ebonized Pearwood
Located in Horomerice, CZ
19th century Empire display cabinet from Austria Completely restored, surface made by shellac polish.    
Category

1810s Austrian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany, Polychrome and Fossilized Marble Cabine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive French 19th century Empire st. mahogany, polychrome and fossilized marble cabinet. The four door, three drawer cabinet is raised by fine block feet bel...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble

Antique French Marble Topped Vitrine in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
Antique French marble topped vitrine in the Empire style French, 19th century Measures: Height 132cm, width 72cm, depth 47cm This antique mahogany vitrine was made in France and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This grand Empire bureau is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the 1820s, crafted from hand-polished mahogany adorned with intricate inlaid wood detailing. Its imposing pr...
Category

1820s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Large Empire Bureau of Hand Polished Mahogany with Inlaid Wood, 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
The large Late Empire hand-polished mahogany chatol with marquetry from the 1820s is an impressive piece of furniture that exudes an aura of elegance and historical significance. The...
Category

1820s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Empire Period Flamed Mahogany, Patinated and Ormolu Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely handsome French 19th century Empire period flamed mahogany, patinated and ormolu two-door cabinet. The cabinet is raised by richly carved black patinated paw feet with g...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Empire Wing Cherub Gold Gilt Vitrine Curio Display Cabinet Onyx Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century French empire winged cherub gold gilt vitrine curio display cabinet pedestal with onyx top. Item features onyx stone top, angel/cherub...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Onyx

Wynwood Flex Steel Empire Carved Cherry Wood Glass Display Curio China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wynwood Flex steel empire carved cherry wood glass display curio china cabinet. Item features carved wood backsplash, spiral carved columns, beaut...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Cherry

French 19th Century Empire St. Burl Elm, Ebony, Tulipwood, and Ormolu Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and high quality French 19th century Empire st. burl elm, ebony, tulipwood, and ormolu cabinet. The large scale three door cabinet is raised by a straight base with an ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Cabinet / cupboard in antique Empire Style Mahogany Veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Mahogany on solid wood. High-arched, architecturally designed corpus, single-door base, open-sided shelf, flanked by columns with capitals and bases of finely chiselled bronze, sligh...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode with Gilt Caryatids, Germany, circa 1820
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Striking mahogany commode from the Empire period in Germany, circa 1815-1820. The straight, timeless shape combined with unique mirror matched mahogany veneer makes this early 19th c...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Gold Leaf

Italian Mid-Century Modern Empire Style Mahogany Cabinet with Door, 1850s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern empire style mahogany cabinet with door, 1850s Empire style mahogany cabinet with winged columns, drawer and hinged door. Perfect condition, completely...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Maslow Freen French Empire Style Breakfront Bookcase China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maslow Freen French Empire style breakfront bookcase China cabinet with brass grill. Item includes 2 part construction, 8 swing doors, working lock and key, 1 dovetailed drawer, 15 a...
Category

20th Century American Empire Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Impressive Empire Style Buffet 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 Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Late 20th Century Louis XVI Period Mounted Cabinet Vitrine
Located in Miami, FL
An extremely high quality and elegant French late 19th century Louis XVI period mahogany and ormolu-mounted cabinet vitrine which is finished on all sides. The cabinet is raised by t...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Cabinets

Materials

Cherry

Antique 19th Century Empire Dutch Bombe Solid Oak Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
An elegant Dutch cabinet or cupboard that was made in The Netherlands, circa 1820s. It was completely made in the best quality fine European oak. It has a bombe base ending on claw and ball feet. The base houses 4 drawers each with the original brass key plates and drawer pulls. All drawers are equipped with working locks with a key. The upper cabinet has two elegant doors with beautiful recessed panels. Behind the doors, there are three drawers situated at the bottom, above a shelf with two cutlery drawers underneath. The doors can be opened 180 degrees due to the ingenious hinges. The cabinet has a concave and convex molded cornice with a central hand carved pediment The pediment shows scrolls and acanthus and would have showcased the largest piece of the “Kaststel”. The corniche has three flat areas that were meant to support a set of Chinese porcelain or delft earth ware...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Late Empire Corner Cabinet Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This large antique late Empire corner cabinet exudes the grandeur and elegance characteristic of the 1840s. Crafted from rich mahogany, a prized wood choice for furniture of this era...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 19th Century Dutch Solid Oak Empire or Louis Seize Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
A beautiful Empire style or Louis seize cabinet that was made in the Netherlands, circa 1820s. This high quality piece is completely made in the finest European oak. There are three stepped drawers in the lower section. The drawers are fitted with authentic Dutch cast brass drawer pulls and key plates. All drawers are equipped with a working lock and key. The upper part of the cabinet has two doors with raised panels, chamfered corners and original cast brass key plate with working lock and key. The interior of the upper cabinet houses three drawers below, all with original brass drawer pulls. Above a fixed shelf with two cutlery drawers underneath. Above the mid shelf is a half shelf...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Brass

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Empire cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire cabinets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire cabinets made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Maison Krieger, A.M.E Fournier, Europa Antiques, and R.J. Horner & Co.. 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 cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,210 and tops out at $445,969 while the average work can sell for $6,714.

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