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.
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...
Mahogany
Empire Banquette or Window Seat in Birch with Marquetry Inlays, circa 1800
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A Swedish Empire banquette/sofa in birch with marquetry embellishments which include foliage and urns and line-inlaid figures of the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. Lower cabinets open to reveal drawers, while top cabinets offer shelving. Note: Needs upholstery...
Birch
Antique 1820 Italy Column Pillar Pedestal Painted Wood Storage Cabinet
Located in Munich, DE
This elegant and unusual Italien painted beech wood cabinet has retained it's original painted decoration. This extravagant piece of furniture shows all the characteristics of late ...
Beech
A Superb 18th Century French Empire Walnut Dresser
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A superb late 18th century French Provincial walnut dresser demonstrating a three shelf plate rack with an elegant canopy displaying carved acorn like finials. The base features unique Empire style columns flanking the two-door cupboard. Displaying three drawers, with the central drawer housing its original lock and old replacement key. Raised on block feet united by a shaped apron. This dresser displays a rich patination and warm grain throughout. Previously purchased...
Walnut
19th Century burr walnut pedestal cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century burr walnut pedestal cupboard circa 1870 We are pleased to offer this stunning pedestal cupboard which are becoming increasingly rare to find, made in burr walnut with ...
Ebony, Walnut
Cupboard Empire Style, 19/20th Century, France
Located in Madrid, ES
Cupboard Empire taste 19/20th century, France. Mahogany, mahogany veneer and other hardwoods. Upper body with four glass doors and pediment cymbal, lower body with four drawers ...
Wood
Interesting Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Cabinet
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Interesting Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Cabinet The Vert marble top above two large doors mounted with angels, the top ...
Marble, Bronze
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...
Mahogany
Empire mid 19th century danish flame mahogany cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Danish 2 part tall mahogany cabinet circa 1860. Top section with scrolled cornice and applied swags, double doors with shaped panels open to reveal 3 adjustable pine sh...
Mahogany, Pine
Matched Pair of Empire Mahogany Pedestal Cupboards with Green Marble Tops
Located in London, GB
A matched pair of Empire mahogany pedestal cupboards of cylindrical form, both with green marble tops, and two shelves to the interior. One with circular plinth base and castors, one...
Marble
Large Late Empire Chatol Made In Mahogany From 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...
Mahogany
$2,994Sale Price|20% Off
Display Cabinet in the Empire Style With Brass Elements, Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Display Cabinet in the Empire Style with Brass Elements, Early 20th Century Step into a world of refined elegance with this striking Empire-style display cabinet. Crafted before 193...
Brass
19th Century Original British Dinning Room Set with 12 Chairs, Satin Wood
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Hassle-free US shipping: We provide all necessary 100+ year-old certifications to ensure a flat 15% customs rate for our US clients Individual items are not for sale separately. A very popular supplier and manufacturer of furniture, Maple & Co. It is a perfect example of the English aristocracy and is still in great demand. The whole set is remarkable in that it has been kept intact this entire time, including the original 12 chairs at the table. The table has a rare unfolding system with two double action screw table expanders. One person alone can easily unfold the table by turning the handle. The system is patented by the company Joseph Fitter...
Leather, Upholstery, Satinwood, Lacquer
$42,402Sale Price / set|50% Off
19th Century Original Rare British Dinning Room Set with 12 Chairs, Satin Wood
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Individual items are not for sale separately. A very popular supplier and manufacturer of furniture, Maple & Co. It is a perfect example of the English aristocracy and is still in great demand. The whole set is remarkable in that it has been kept intact this entire time, including the original 12 chairs at the table. The table has a rare unfolding system with two double action screw table expanders. One person alone can easily unfold the table by turning the handle. The system is patented by the company Joseph Fitter...
Leather, Upholstery, Satinwood, Lacquer
Narrow Depth Painted Country Style Cabinet
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small and wonderfully painted country style cupboard for the kitchen, a bedroom or a hallway, only 14" deep. This cabinet can be the perfect piece to fit into a small space or tuck i...
Wood
19th Century French Scrubbed Pine Cupboard
Located in London, GB
A beautifully patinated 19th century scrubbed pine cupboard from the alpine Haute-Savoie region. Pegged and nailed in construction, with decorative forged iron hinges and original lo...
Iron
$2,575
H 37.75 in W 27.75 in D 11.75 in
Antique French Breton Jam Cabinet Cupboard Storage Drawer Carved Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautifully Carved Antique French Breton Oak Jam Cabinet with Key~~c. 1900s Slim Profile beautifully carved cabinet with beveled edge top and one interior adjustable/remova...
Oak
19th Century Swedish Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 19th-century Swedish sofa, circa 1800, crafted in the neoclassical tradition. This elegant piece is constructed from pine and retains its original painted finish, now soft...
Pine
$3,900
H 86.38 in W 54.38 in D 20.25 in
Neoclassical Italian Painted Pyramidal Cabinet with Giltwood Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th century Italian neoclassical painted pyramidal cabinet, in two parts, the tapering upper case with shelved interior, and brass mesh doors. The low...
Brass, Wire
19th Century Walnut Jelly Cupboard
Located in Fall River, MA
Solid walnut with time-softened edges and a hand-worn patina, its design reflects the thoughtful simplicity of Shaker and colonial forms. Two framed panel doors open to generous stor...
Walnut
$13,460
H 52.37 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
1930s Art Deco Cabinet Dresser in Burl Walnut by Crafts Cantu
By Cantu
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Exquisite refined Art Deco cabinet dresser by Crafts Cantu in walnut and burl walnut applied in excellent condition all original components, polished with...
Walnut, Burl
Oak Cabinet by René Gabriel, France, Late 1940s
By Rene Gabriel
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Rare cabinet by french designer René Gabriel. Solid oakwood and oak veneer. The cabinet features 6 drawers on the lower part and 2 doors on the top part with functional keys and lo...
Oak
$7,280
H 80.5 in W 58 in D 12.5 in
Fabulous Narrow Depth 18th Century Italian Hand-Carved Wooden Storage Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall Italian wooden storage and display cabinet from the early 18th century. This antique cabinet from Italy, which stands approximately 6.75 feet tall, has a flat top and upper section is fitted with a pair of wooden doors with spindle tops over lattice at door fronts, which open to reveal three shelves for displayed objects inside. Upon closer inspection, you will find that the wood framing and hardware is decorated with hand-punched floral carvings throughout. The mid-section has a pair of solid-wood doors...
Wood
$1,295
H 35.83 in W 75.99 in D 25.2 in
Antique Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Turned Legs and Brown Upholstery, 1830s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Empire sofa from the 1830s, crafted in mahogany with turned legs and brown upholstery. The sofa has a classic period appearance and measures 193 cm in width. — Period: 1830s...
Mahogany
$58,000
H 62 in W 62.75 in D 16.75 in
Art Deco Cabinet by Jean Desnos, Polished Rosewood, France, Circa 1940
By Jean Desnos
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Art Deco French cabinet made of handcrafted polished Rosewood, designed by Jean Desnos and produced by Rambaudi-Dantoine in good condition. The cupboard is com...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
$4,072
H 32.29 in W 21.26 in D 10.63 in
Lovely Antique circa 1860 Hand Painted East Europeon Side Cupboard Cabinet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely hand painted circa 1860 east European side cupboard A good looking and well made piece, it is a great size and looks wonderful in any setting. ...
Oak
19th century Swedish tiger birch cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian tiger birch high board circa 1870. Fine quality piece of Swedish cabinet making, showcasing the use of a cut of birch to use the grain in a decorative manner. Rectangu...
Birch
Mid 19th century Swedish flame mahogany cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century mahogany caddy top cupboard circa 1860. Elegant flame mahogany 1 piece cupboard. Layered caddy top which can be removed, single drawer below the top surface. Ma...
Mahogany
A pair of French Empire painted servers, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each with a faux marble molded top overhanging a case with over two cupboard doors separated and flanked by 3 fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, above a stepped apron resting o...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 106.5 in W 42 in D 20.5 in
19th Century architectural empire birch cupboard of large proportions
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century architectural empire birch cupboard of large proportions circa 1870. We are pleased to offer this stunning Swedish cupboard which we found on our travels around Scandin...
Birch
19th century French empire fruitwood armoire cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century french empire fruitwood armoire cupboard circa 1810. Made in 1 piece and of grand proportions. Shaped cornice with 2 double door cupboards below. Upper cupboard opens t...
Fruitwood
Fine quality Swedish 19th century birch cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality Swedish 19th century birch cabinet circa 1870. Good quality architectural birch cabinet from the mid-19th century. Cabinet comprises of 2 parts with rich quarter sawn v...
Birch
19th Century French Pinewood Book Shelf - Antique Cupboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique shelf cupboard in patinated Pinewood with top and lateral molding, in good condition. This early 19th Century furniture is perfect to display ...
Pine
Pine Marble-Top Nightstand
Located in Baltimore, MD
This handsome Empire-style nightstand has lots of character and one or two nicely done repairs. It has no decoration beyond elongated pyramid appliqués on each side of the drawer and...
Marble
Sold
H 34.25 in W 78.25 in D 20 in
20th C. Empire Style Mahogany Credenza with Black Egyptian Marble Top
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th C., Empire style mahogany credenza with a black Egyptian marble top. Two felt lined dovetailed drawers are fitted with cutlery dividers, Each draw...
Marble, Bronze
Empire French Display Cabinet, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
Empire style mahogany display cabinet with brass decorations. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Origin: France Measures: Height 187cm, ...
Walnut
18th Century Empire Style Dutch Cabinet with Original Black Patina
Located in High Point, NC
This robust wooden cabinet was handcrafted in the Netherlands circa 1780 in an Empire influenced style. The voluminous top sits above the convex base with three spacious drawers, ele...
Brass
19th Century Empire Buffet
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine early 19th century Swedish Empire mahogany veneered buffet. Ca 1820.
Mahogany