Empire Case Pieces and Storage 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
Restored 19th-Century French Empire Marble Mahogany Commode with Brass Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into a world of regal opulence with our 19th-century French Empire Commode, a testament to the grandeur and elegance of historical French craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Antique Empire Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary antique empire bookcase in great condition completed and restored by our professional craftsmen team. This elegant piece is th...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
French Empire Style Commode or Dresser with Marble Top & Bronze Lion Head Pulls
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite French Empire style commode or dresser offering three drawers. The commode or dresser is painted in antiqued beige tone and features lion head bronze pulls. The dresser or commode is raised by finely carved tole metal bottom showing scrolls and a large shell design in the middle. The piece is study and is finely carved while having a marble top in black , gray adding style and elegance to this timeless dresser.
The French Empire style dresser...
Category
20th Century Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Louis XVI Style Table Vitrine Brass Inlay
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE LIFT-TOP VITRINE: Beveled glass lift-top vitrine with glass sides revealing an orange upholstered bottom. Corners and diminishing legs are fluted and have copper ...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Antique half-round Empire chest of drawers, mahogany, around 1810
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique half-round Empire chest of drawers, mahogany, around 1810
Semi-circular body, one door in the middle flanked by full columns and one drawer each above and below. An extremel...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Pine Empire-Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Surrey, BC
Pine chest of drawers in old, dry red finish on solid pine. The white original porcelain knobs, square-nailed construction, and hand-planed wood all reflect the integrity of this 19t...
Category
19th Century Canadian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Pine
French Empire Semainier Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A classic early French Empire semainier in Mahogany, each of the seven drawers (intended to be used one for each day of the week), has ebony inlay aro...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Chest of Drawers, France 1810-1820, Cherry
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire chest of drawers, France 1810-1820. This early 19th century elegant Empire chest of drawers has a cherry veneer and is decorated with original brass...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cherry
Large Antique Late Empire Corner Cabinet of Mahogany, 1840
Located in Lejre, DK
Large antique late Empire corner cabinet of mahogany and in great vintage condition from the 1840s.
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
American Mahogany Partner's Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Mahogany Partner's Desk with glass knobs. Top refinished and everything else cleaned and ready to go! Two wide drawers per each side with smaller drawers below. Beautiful c...
Category
1880s American Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Mahogany Marble Top Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Empire mahogany marble top buffet is a marvel of the cabinetmaker's art! First, exotic imported mahogany was employed to create a rich, beautiful background using...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century French Empire Cherry Marble Top Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
Stunning French Empire Chest from the late 18th century made of solid cherry, with original hardware and black marble. This piece was hand selected by us because of its large size an...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Antique French Empire Mahogany Commode with Lion Paw Feet, Marble Top, Restored
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire style Commode or some may describe our Lion Paw Foot Commode as from the Restauration period, which was predominantly Neoclassicism. Our Old Plank restoration department completely rebuilt the drawers and the entire frame, but restrained from refinishing the mahogany. We of course enhanced the Original French Lion Paw Commodes...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique Ebonized Mahogany Empire Dresser with Brass Handles- Timelessly Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indulge in the grandeur of a bygone era with our exceptional antique empire dresser, a piece that has stood the test of time and been brought ba...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Empire Armoire, Walnut Veneer, Brass, Austria/Vienna, circa 1810-15
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant neoclasical Empire / early Biedermeier armoire with original brass hardware and wonderful walnut veneer grain.
The armoire has two ebonized full-columns with original corinthian brass...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Antique French Empire Mahogany Commode with Lion Paw Feet, French Polished
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Commode with wonderful lion paw feet, in the Empire style, although we have seen this style referred to as restoration as well. Old plank has a history of purchasing anything with animal related feet and especially the lion paw style. Just take a peek at our lion paw sofa...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
Viennese Early 19th Century Empire Commode
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This rare and unusual side cabinet displays very characteristically the elegance of Viennese Empire furniture from the early 19th century. The white marble-top above a long single dr...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Empire Mahogany Marble Top Buffet with Bronze
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire mahogany marble top buffet with bronze is an exquisite example of fine French cabinetry, with the emphasis on the finest mater...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Style Mable-Top Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
French Empire style marble-top mahogany sideboard, 20th c, having rectangular marble top, over case fitted with four drawers, cabinet doors opening to interior shelves, with gilt met...
Category
20th Century French Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble
French Empire 19th Century Painted Wood Four-Drawer Commode with Gilt Busts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style painted wood four-drawer commode from the 19th century with ebonized columns, carved giltwood female busts and bracket feet. Step into an era of refined eleganc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Antique Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire style mahogany desk with gilt bronze mounts, circa 1890-1910. This desk has very fine quality gilt bronze mounts.
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Ormolu
Bookcase Empire Mahogany Veneer Sessile Oak France Early 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
French Empire bookcase, supported by feet, the front ones vase shaped. There are two panelled doors on the front, surmounted by the same amount of drawers in the under the top band, ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Bronze Mounted French Empire Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century French Empire cabinet with bronze mounts and leather top. 2 drawers over 2 door cabinet.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
French Antique Ormolu Mounted Two-Piece Marble-Top Cabinet in the Empire Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French antique ormolu-mounted two-piece marble-top cabinet in the Empire style.
Crafted in solid mahogany with fabulous bronze mounts reminiscent of the Empire style using Egypt...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk.
With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan lea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Mahogany and Bronze Bookcases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany and bronze trimmed 2 plexiglass door bookcases. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cherry
Italian Empire Style Walnut Chest of Drawers, 19th Century, One of a Pair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large-scale Italian Empire period three drawer chest with beautiful figural walnut veneers, and having original gilt bronze hardware. Excellent antique condition with some recent r...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
Museum Essay / Tabernacle Around 1810, Walnut
Located in Berlin, DE
Museum essay/tabernacle around 1810, walnut.
Extremely rare and high-quality tabernacle with very elaborate and rich inlaid marquetry in walnut/root veneer on fir wood.
High construction consisting of 3 elements. The tabernacle has many drawers...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut, Fir
20th Century Empire Style Caryatide Tulip Veneer Commode
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Empire style Caryatide tulip veneer commode
tulip veneer on solid pinewood. Architecturally structured front.
(D-Sam-66).
Category
20th Century Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Tulipwood, Wood
French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk.
With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan leather writing surface, an interior...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Secrétaire consisting of drawer under the plan, tilting door, with cabinet and two drawers at the bottom. Veneered in pedulle walnut and inlaid in various woods. The secrétaire is bi...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Antique Dutch Linen Press in Pine with Sunburst Pediment & Barley Twist Columns
Located in Miami, FL
It is seldom we see an antique pine linen press of this quality and charm! From the Netherlands, a lovely linen press in light honey-colored p...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Solid Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Important and rare antique Italian of the period empire chest of drawers, early 19th century. On the front three useful drawers. Characterized by fine solid walnut wood, a simple lin...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Empire Secretaire, Walnut, France, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Empire Secretary
France
Walnut
Empire around 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 143 x 98 x 49 cm
Description:
Very fine French writing desk with delicate dimensions. The above di...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
c. 1820s-30s French Empire Marble Top Commode
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A French Empire marble top commode, circa 1820s-30s. Flame mahogany front flanked by pilasters featuring Grecian women with bronze busts & feet. Later ring turned lion mask pulls. Br...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble
EARLY 19th CENTURY LUCHESE EMPIRE SIDEBOARD
Located in Firenze, FI
This beautiful empire sideboard, made in Lucca, represents a superlative example of Italian period furniture from the early 19th century (ca. 1810). Its combination of fine materials...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
c1810 French Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1810 French Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary. Opens to reveal lovely storage space. There are nooks, shelves, a pull out writing surface. There are gilt bronze adornments and there a...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Empire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Empire Period commode from Normandy made of solid cherry wood. Three dovetailed drawers with brass knobs and one hidden top drawer. Large brass mounted turned c...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Oak Empire Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A more primitive Empire buffet made of solid oak is in wonderful antique condition. A long single drawer is located under the simple top. A pair of paneled doors are flanked by colum...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
19thc French Large Gilt & Wood Exotic Inlay Bookcase Empire- Burl Wood
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning and Majestic 19thc French Empire Large Bookcase in Exotic Burl Amboyne with Exotic Wood Inlay, Artist Masterpiece! There is also gilt bronze elements, incredible full figura...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive Empire mahogany commode hand crafted in 19th century France; four drawers and neoclassical details comprise this outstanding chest of drawers. This case piece has patinate...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Chest of drawers, Louis Seize around 1790
Located in Münster, DE
Louis Seize chest of drawers, circa 1790
Walnut and plum veneered on a softwood body, band inlays, the edges inlaid all around with maple and ebony, three drawers, original fittings...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Nutwood
Chest of drawers, Louis Seize around 1780
Located in Münster, DE
Rare chest of drawers, Louis Seize around 1780
Germany, walnut, plumwood, maple and ebony veneered on softwood and richly marquetry, elaborate fire shading, two drawers, original fi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Nutwood
Ebonized Chest of Drawers, 1st Half 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Trapezoidal ebonized dresser showcasing three drawers adorned with diamond-shaped fittings. Meticulously hand-polished to enhance its rich, dark finish, this dresser exudes a refined...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
French Early 19th Century Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Wonderful piece made with a beautiful flamed walnut and a grey marble top.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble
French 19th Century Petite Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This wonderful Empire mahogany commode was hand crafted in 19th century France; four drawers and neoclassical details comprise this outstanding chest of drawers or commode. This case...
Category
1860s Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Brass
Stunning French Empire Mahogany and Brass Bookcase with Glass Door
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unveil the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of our French Empire bookcase, expertly hand-crafted from a rich combination of mahogany wood, brass, and glass. This magnificent anti...
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Pine Dresser Base with Two Doors and One Drawer
Located in Baltimore, MD
This handsome two door base features very clear wood, hand-polished to a warm honey glow. The top has a bold crown molding above a single long hand-cut dovetailed drawer which stand...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Pine
Antique Italian Empire cabinet from the early 19th century
Located in Cesena, FC
Antique Italian Empire cabinet from the early 19th century
Small empire cabinet, particular cabinet from the empire era (circa 1840).
Italian, with entire column, ebonized and brass...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Vibrant Swedish Empire Country Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Empire sideboard from Sweden. The sideboard is a country house furniture from 1820 to 1840 and made in pine. It’s an unusual model with a balustrade around the back and sides of the ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Pine
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Semainier Empire Tall Chest of Drawers With Marble Top
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique French Semainier Empire Tall Chest of Drawers. A classic early French Empire semainier in walnut, each of the six drawers (double faux drawer on bottom), has a pair of brass ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Painted Empire Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This wonderful Empire commode was created in 19th century France, circa 1830. Topped with its original marble top with gorgeous colors of charcoal, beige, and a touch of ochre and di...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass
Empire case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Maison Krieger. 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 case pieces and storage cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $336 and tops out at $458,911 while the average work can sell for $6,585.
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