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Empire Dry Bars

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
Early 20th Century French Vitrine or Dry Bar with Ebonized Finish and Brass Trim
Located in Troy, MI
French vitrine cabinet or dry bar with new black finish and original brass trim, circa 1920s. Top has sliding glass doors. Bottom has brass figural ornaments, locking door and single...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

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 Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, 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 Dry Bars

Materials

Zinc

French Empire Wood Mirror Front Gold Lion Storage Bar Black Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
This piece was acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. French Empire mirrored front wood bar with black marble top. It features two drawers and storage shelves on ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Marble

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Antique 20th-Century French Art Deco Mahogany Veneered Display or Bar Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful French Art Deco bar cabinet was made in mid-France in the early 20th century circa 1925. It features a strong geometric design that is typical for art deco furniture. ...
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Early 20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

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Vintage French Oak Flip-Top Confiturier, Cabinet, Cupboard or Dry Sink, or Bar
Located in Chicago, IL
Endless possibilities abound in this special French Confiturier, Small Cupboard. Constructed of solid oak with raised panels, a full door hinge, and a wonderful flip open top, give t...
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1930s French Vintage Empire Dry Bars

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Oak

Art Deco Semi-Circular-Bar with reel wood veneer and marble top, France, 1940s
Located in Ulm, DE
A Masterpiece of Art Deco Elegance Step back into the golden age of design with this remarkable French Art Deco semi-circular bar, meticulously restored to its former glory. Originating from the 1940s, this piece encapsulates the glamour and sophistication that defined the Art Deco era, making it an essential statement piece for the discerning collector or interior enthusiast. Elegance in Every Curve The first thing that draws your eye is the stunning half-moon shape, a graceful silhouette that exudes charm and invites an intimate gathering space. The striking contrast between the rich reel wood veneer and the sleek high-gloss lacquer finish captures the essence of modernity and tradition blending in perfect harmony. The flowing lines are accentuated by a polished chrome footrest, offering both comfort and a visual touch of luxury. Exquisite Materials & Craftsmanship The highlight of this piece is the breathtaking green marble countertop, with swirling veins of light and dark hues reminiscent of a tranquil forest landscape. Its polished surface offers a cool and smooth texture, complementing the deep luster of the wood below. The bar’s cabinetry is crafted from beautifully restored reel wood veneer, ensuring that this piece remains a timeless centerpiece. The interior offers functional beauty, with integrated storage shelving and metal racks for bottles and glassware, adding a practical touch to its undeniable allure. Whether entertaining guests or creating a sophisticated home bar setting, the versatility of this design makes it perfect for any occasion. Impeccable Restoration Restored with the utmost care, every inch of this bar has been thoughtfully revitalized to preserve its original craftsmanship while ensuring modern durability. The high-gloss finish has been skillfully reapplied, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood, while the chrome accents have been polished to perfection. The marble top, too, has been meticulously treated to maintain its inherent strength and visual appeal. A Timeless Icon for Your Space This vintage French Art Deco bar is not just a piece of furniture; it is a testament to the artistry and attention to detail that defined an entire era of design. Whether placed in a grand living space, a luxury loft, or a high-end office, this bar promises to be the focal point of any room. Indulge in the rich history of Art Deco France with this extraordinary piece, a fusion of luxury, style, and practicality. Perfect for anyone who values sophisticated craftsmanship, this semi-circular bar invites you to celebrate life’s finest moments in true Art Deco fashion. Key Features: • Authentic French Art Deco bar from the 1940s • Semi-circular design with a rich reel wood veneer • High-gloss lacquer finish, polished chrome footrest • Luxurious green marble countertop • Interior shelving and racks for bottles and glassware • Fully restored to maintain original integrity while ensuring modern durability Transform your space with a timeless icon of Art Deco elegance—where form meets function in the most luxurious way possible. Matching cylindrical bar stools...
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1940s German Vintage Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Metal

Cerused Oak Fall Front Bar, France, 1945
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This French cerused oak fall-front bar cabinet embodies understated elegance with a clean façade that opens to reveal a mirrored upper section, perfect for mixing cocktails and displ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Cerused Oak Fall Front Bar, France, 1945
Cerused Oak Fall Front Bar, France, 1945
$3,200
H 36.25 in W 21.5 in D 13.75 in
Very Rare Bar Cabinet by Charles Dudouyt, France, 1930s/40s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An very rare bar cabinet attributed to Charles Dudouyt, France, 1930s/40s. Structurally sound and ready to use. Some marks to the top surface and inside shelves. Fast shipping worldw...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Very Rare Bar Cabinet by Charles Dudouyt, France, 1930s/40s
Very Rare Bar Cabinet by Charles Dudouyt, France, 1930s/40s
On Hold
$7,284
H 33.86 in W 33.08 in D 16.54 in
Mahogany Drinks Cabinet, Dry Bar, Georgian Styling
Located in Toronto, CA
A mahogany dry bar or drinks cabinet crafted in mahogany, Georgian styled with a delicate serpentine curve to the front to give it a classic line...
Category

20th Century European Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Museum / Shop Display Cabinet or Vitrine, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This mahogany and pine vitrine was made circa 1920s in England and probably used in a shop. It features a solid wooden frame with glass sides, top and sliding doors.
Category

1920s British Vintage Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

Mahogany Museum / Shop Display Cabinet or Vitrine, Early 20th Century
Mahogany Museum / Shop Display Cabinet or Vitrine, Early 20th Century
$1,433 Sale Price
20% Off
H 35.83 in W 34.65 in D 22.45 in
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror glass, standing on its antique brass wheels...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Cathedral Display Cabinet with Ebonized Base, Vitrine, circa 1930
Located in Miami, FL
Superb 1930s Art Deco walnut cathedral display cabinet. Gorgeous mid to light tone walnut veneers, still with original working key and two glass shelves. Generously spaced interior, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Walnut

Baker Styled Walnut Mahogany Bar / Sever Cabinet
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted two piece four door cabinet with book matched wood grained fronts opening to revel two glass and two wooden adjustable shelves with two smaller drawers one with d...
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Mid-20th Century American Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Baker Styled Walnut Mahogany Bar / Sever Cabinet
Baker Styled Walnut Mahogany Bar / Sever Cabinet
$2,350
H 63.5 in W 61.13 in D 15 in
19th Century Demilune Top Display Vitrine / Cabinet Louis XVI Style
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Unique Louis XVI style display cabinet, built around 1890, this demilune cocktail cabinet with an elegant curved legs and top display cabinet was made of different woods and richly d...
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19th Century French Antique Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Demilune Top Display Vitrine / Cabinet Louis XVI Style
19th Century Demilune Top Display Vitrine / Cabinet Louis XVI Style
$7,788 Sale Price
23% Off
H 45.67 in W 32.29 in D 15.75 in
French Art Deco Demi-Lune Bar Cabinet in Black Lacquer with Marble Top, 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
This exquisite demi-lune bar cabinet from 1930s French Art Deco design is a true showpiece — a refined blend of luxury and functionality. With its rounded silhouette, gleaming materi...
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Early 20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

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Marble

Previously Available Items
Empire Style French Antique Bar
Located in Austin, TX
Bar cabinet from France in the Empire style. This piece is made of ebonized mahogany finished with a lustrous French polish of museum-quality. The cabinet supports a beautiful, origi...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Style French Antique Bar
Empire Style French Antique Bar
H 40.75 in W 43.25 in D 19.5 in
Empire Style Bar Cabinet, circa 1950
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A high quality Empire style bar cabinet with some great structure of the wood and some brass details on the legs.
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Bar Cabinet, circa 1950
Empire Style Bar Cabinet, circa 1950
H 45.28 in W 31.89 in D 16.54 in
Pulaski Keepsake Collection Oak Wood Bar with Griffins and 2 Stools - 3 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pulaski Keepsake Collection Oak Wood Bar with Griffins 2 Stools - 3 Pc Set. Item features (1) Bar with leaded glass overhead, (2) Barstools, Brass bar...
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Mid-20th Century American Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Empire Flame Mahogany Flip-Top Server or Bar Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Neoclassical or Empire style flip top server or bar cabinet. By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Book-matched flame mahogany, with ebonized columns, gold gilt...
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Late 20th Century American Empire Dry Bars

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Brass

Empire Bar Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Empire-style two-door cabinet is detailed with a single frieze drawer, column capitals, ivory-finish escutcheons, and set on raised block feet. The spacious interior fitted with a...
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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Dry Bars

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Wood

Empire Bar Cabinet
Empire Bar Cabinet
H 33.5 in W 33 in D 19 in
French Empire Style Curio Cabinet or Vitrine with Rouge Marble Top
Located in Milford, NH
A nice example of a mahogany French Empire style curio cabinet or vitrine the top with rouge marble top above a case with ormolu mounts and glazed doors with beveled glass and sides ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dry Bars

Materials

Marble

Empire dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire dry bars 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 dry bars created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire dry bars made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 dry bars differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,650 and tops out at $5,750 while the average work can sell for $4,295.

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