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Empire Cupboards

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
Color:  Brown
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 wi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Cupboards

Materials

Marble

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

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 ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Pine

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 Cupboards

Materials

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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Fruitwood

Late Empire Tall Cabinet of Dark Polished Mahogany, in Great Antique Condition
Located in Lejre, DK
Late Empire tall cabinet of dark polished mahogany, in great antique condition from 1840.     
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Original British Dinning Room Set with 12 Chairs, Satin Wood
Located in Horomerice, CZ
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...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Satinwood, Lacquer

Large Empire Bureau of Hand Polished Mahogany with Inlaid Wood, 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
Large Empire bureau of hand polished mahogany with inlaid wood from the 1820s. The cabinet is in great antique condition.
Category

1820s Danish Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Banquette or Window Seat in Birch with Marquetry Inlays, circa 1800
Located in Miami, FL
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...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Birch

Empire Library, France, circa 1880
Located in Chorzów, PL
Empire library, France, circa 1880. Very good condition. Wood: walnut Dimensions: H 168 cm W 107 cm D 50 cm.
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

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 Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

Interesting Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
An interesting late 19th century gilt bronze mounted Empire style cabinet The Vert marble top above two large doors mounted with angels, the to...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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 ...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

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...
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Original Rare British Dinning Room Set with 12 Chairs, Satin Wood
Located in Horomerice, CZ
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...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Satinwood, Lacquer

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1910s Vintage Empire Cupboards

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A Charming Mid 19th Century French Cherrywood Glazed Cabinet Bookcase
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French 19th Century Painted Cupboard
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Painted Cupboard, 19th Century
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Antique C1920 6 drawer mahogany music chest cabinet cupboard
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19th Century Sheraton Style Country Pine Breakfront
Located in Sheffield, MA
English Sheraton style 19th century country pine breakfront bookcase cabinet with lattice center doors and open sides shelves. The one piece construction classic country farmhouse style antique pine cupboard has wonderful aged patina with plenty of character and charm. The narrow depth makes it perfect for small or limited space rooms. Side Shelves = 11 D x 11 W Center shelves = 12.5 D x 21 W George III Style, Sheraton style, country style, rustic. Search terms: Rustic style kitchen hutch, pine dresser, classic cottage style, farmhouse style, waterfall dresser Antique...
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Vintage Danish Teak Cabinet 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Cabinet 1960s. Midcentury modern teak sideboard with two doors and two compartments. Each compartment is divided by one shelf. Shelves are adjustable by hand. Each door has a lock, and one key is included, fits both locks. Integrated foot. Beautiful teak veneer pattern, with a warm lustre. Very sturdy construction, can hold a heavy TV fx. Very good vintage condition with only a few scratches on the side (see photo). Classic retro scandinavian...
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1960s Danish Vintage Empire Cupboards

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Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Cabinet 1960s
Vintage Danish Teak Cabinet 1960s
H 26.38 in W 39.18 in D 14.97 in
20th Century Biedermeier Style Library Cupboard Bookcase
Located in Berlin, DE
Highly significant library cupboard in Biedermeier style. Veneer on solid pinewood. Architectural structured front crested with neo-Gothic elements....
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20th Century Empire Cupboards

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Glass, Wood, Pine

20th Century Biedermeier Style Corner Cupboard Vitrine
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant corner cupboard in Biedermeier style. Bird’s eye maple root veneer on solid pinewood. Partially ebonized. Two drawered body over prominent overhanging pedestal, internal she...
Category

20th Century Empire Cupboards

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Wood, Beech, Pine

Pair of French 19th Century Floral Marquetry Side Cabinets with Marble Tops
Located in London, GB
Constructed in kingwood, with gilt bronze mounts; rising from bracket feet, the cabinets, a true left and right pair, have central doors dressed with well executed floral marquetry p...
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19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

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Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Antique Late 18th Century German Solid Black Oak Wall Hanging Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a beautiful wall-hanging cabinet that was made in Germany in the late 18th century. It was completely made in solid European oak and stained almost black. The cabinet has its...
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Late 18th Century German Antique Empire Cupboards

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Steel

Antique American Wooden Cupboard Storage Cabinet, Late 1800s
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This incredible handcrafted late 19th century antique American solid wood farmhouse cabinet is perfectly aged with great rustic character. The unique...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Empire Cupboards

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Previously Available Items
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...
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Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Cupboards

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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, ...
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

Empire French Display Cabinet, After Renovation
Empire French Display Cabinet, After Renovation
H 73.63 in W 31.89 in D 17.33 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 Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Buffet
19th Century Empire Buffet
H 40.56 in W 47.64 in D 21.66 in
Russian Empire Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Console Table Cupboard, Circa 1825
Located in New York, 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. ...
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Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Cupboards

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Bronze, Ormolu

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 open...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

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Fruitwood

Late Empire Cabinet of Handpolished Mahogany and of Cherry on the Inside, 1840
Located in Lejre, DK
Late Empire cabinet of handpolished mahogany and of cherry on the inside, from Denmark around the 1840s. The cabinet is in great antique condition....
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany

Empire Corner Showcase, circa 1890
Located in Chorzów, PL
The ancient Horn dresser was made of mahogany wood at the end of the 19th century. Beautiful chest of drawers the angle piece has a glazed top with stra...
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1880s Swedish Antique Empire Cupboards

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Walnut

Empire Corner Showcase, circa 1890
Empire Corner Showcase, circa 1890
H 64.97 in W 39.38 in D 27.17 in
Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique site - the cabinet is made of mahogany wood at the turn of the century. The English style furniture is a glass-walled cabinet with decorative munt...
Category

Early 20th Century British Empire Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
H 64.97 in W 44.89 in D 16.15 in
Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
Located in Chorzów, PL
Historic site, a cabinet from the turn of the century. Year: circa 1900 Origin: Western Europe Dimensions: height 158 cm, width 70 cm, depth 38 cm.
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Empire Cupboards

Materials

Mahogany

Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
Inlaid Vitrine, Empire Style, circa 1900
H 62.21 in W 27.56 in D 14.97 in
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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Fruitwood

Magnificent French Empire Period Armoire
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Magnificent French Empire period armoire.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Empire Influenced Mahogany Cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautiful bibliotheque circa 1890 to which we have a matching desk. This cupboard was constructed using a flat pack technique, with panels held in place by bolts. Central door ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Cupboards

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Mahogany

Empire cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire cupboards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cupboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire cupboards made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cupboards, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,113 and tops out at $27,500 while the average work can sell for $4,833.

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