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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Original British Dinning Room Set with 12 Chairs, Satin Wood
By Joseph Fitter
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
$2,941Sale 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
Early 19th Century Mahogany Small Cupboard
Located in Brecht, BE
Unusual and quirky small sunkissed mahogany cupboard, made by cabinetmakers Spillman and Co from London, Britain at its best. Ideal as bedside table or cabinet. Great color !
Mahogany
$1,275
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
$2,814
H 29.93 in W 66.93 in D 26.38 in
French Restauration Bench Seat Wood Sofa Banquette Fabric of Your Choise 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique French Restoration-Period Chaise Longue on wheels, 19th Century Louis Philippe Period, France circa 1840 An elegant French chaise longue dating from the Restoration period, ...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,403Sale Price|20% Off
H 55.91 in W 54.53 in D 19.1 in
Sublime circa 1820 French Fruitwood Kitchen or Dining Room Antique Pot Cupboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1820 original French antique pot cupboard One of the best things I’ve seen all year, a 200...
Fruitwood
$13,486
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
19th Century Swedish Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Substantial 19th century three part Swedish cupboard with decorative cornice. The upper cupboard, painted inside a Scandinavian blue, has two shelves and three small drawers. With w...
Wood
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 92.5 in W 92.5 in D 26 in
18th Century French Provincial Pine Farmhouse Dresser
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rustic 18th century country French provincial two-part farmhouse dresser with a plate rack and crafted from 1 inch thick pine planks. The plate rack...
Iron
$2,656Sale Price|20% Off
H 67.33 in W 36.23 in D 13.78 in
English Inlaid Mahogany Display Cabinet From the 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
English Inlaid Mahogany Display Cabinet From the 19th Century Step into timeless elegance with this exquisite antique display cabinet, a captivating ...
Mahogany, Glass, Wood
$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
Vintage Art Deco French Cabinet, Ebonized Mahogany, Brass Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Art Deco French cabinet with a lustrous ebonized black finish, enhanced by detailed brass décor in good condition. The tall polished cupboard is composed with two doors, co...
Brass, Bronze
$8,560
H 59.85 in W 85.83 in D 13.78 in
Cabinet Made in Teak and Cane Panels Attributed to Augusto Romano -Turin School
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Exceptional Italian Midcentury cabinet with a carved teak frame and cane panels. This is an unique piece made in the 1950s by a Turin cabinetmaker on a private commission. The designer is unknown but the overall lines, details and the craftmanship point to a drawing of Augusto Romano, one of the most influential exponents of the school of Turin...
Cane, Teak
Large 19th Century Danish Kitchen Cupboard
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 19th century Danish glazed pine kitchen cupboard with reeded glazing bars and panels. Sliding doors to the top and base. 1880. Code: 8744 Dimensions: W: 71.5" (181.6 cm) H: 8...
Pine
$3,784 / set
H 18 in W 36 in D 18 in
Empire-Style Window Seats in Stained Oak with Green Leather, England
Located in Lymington, GB
A smart pair of Empire-style window seats of superb quality, and in excellent condition. Supported on stained-oak tapering square legs with gilt-brass mounts and hairy-paw feet. Upholstered and buttoned in faded vellum-green hide...
Wood
Fine 19th C. Carved Mahogany Buffett Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine authentic European (Probably French) cabinet with nice carved details. Mortise and tenon construction with a banded top and two frieze drawers (with a key). The side supports ...
Wood
18th Century French Carved Walnut Panetiere
Located in Norwood, NJ
An antique 18th Century French Provincial panetiere, bread safe. Walnut with iron hardware. Features decorative carvings to cornice, door & apron, turne...
Iron
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
Impressive 19th century Swedish birch architectural cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century architectural empire birch cupboard of large proportions circa 1870. At 8 foot 9 inch in height, this really is a statement piece. We are pleased to offer this stunnin...
Birch
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
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
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
Sold
H 41 in W 72 in D 26 in
Russian Empire Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Console Table Cupboard, Circa 1825
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Russian Empire ormolu-mounted mahogany console table cupboard, Circa 1825. With a white marble top and mirrored glass back. Very nice quality and delicate French bronze mounts. ...
Bronze, Ormolu