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.
Vintage Napoleonic Hat Cachepot, Tole, Antique Design, France
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage French Bicorne Tole Hat jardinière / planter. This piece is designed in the shape of a Napoleonic Bicorne hat to house a flower pot within its decorative hat shaped frame. Th...
Tôle
19th C French Yellow Toleware Tiered Tray Table Stand Chinoiserie Pastoral Scene
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique 19th-century French Empire toleware tier table, also classified as a table à ouvrage, chiffonière or gueridon, is a stunning example of late Louis XVI or Directoire revi...
Metal
19th Century French Ebonized Bibliotheque, Empire Style, Brass Accents
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th-century French bibliotheque is petite yet stately. It is an exceptional example of the Empire style with its ebonized finish and brass accents. The top of the piece is a ...
Brass
French Empire Gilt Mounted Day Bed or Lit en Bateau Sleigh Bed of Flame Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French Empire daybed - historically referred to as a lit en bateau (boat or sleigh bed) due to its iconic curved shape - from the early to mid 19th-century, featuring a decora...
Bronze, Ormolu
Exceptional 19th Century Empire Mirror – Original Scraped Finish
Located in Kvidinge, SE
This striking 19th-century Empire mirror commands attention with its robust architectural form and vibrant, contrasting color palette. Carefully dry-scraped to reveal its authentic, ...
Pine, Paint
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Desk, Refinished
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome French Empire desk made of mahogany that has been recently refinished to preserve the beautiful color and grain of the wood. The top surface is a gold-tooled leather in a ...
Brass
French 19th Century Empire Gueridon with Oyster Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th-century Empire-style gueridon with dark grey marble atop a mahogany base. The marble is punctuated with stunning inclusions of light grey fossilized shells. The stone is in ...
Marble, Brass
Rare French Empire Wooden and Brass Folding Console or Card Table, circa 1820
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning antique table for unforgettable games of poker, bridge etc. At first sight, this is an exceptionally elegant Empire console table: narrow, architectural and beautifully bal...
Brass, Bronze
Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical Empire Queen Size Maple Wood Sleigh Bed
By Thomasville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical French Empire Style Queen Size Maple Wood Sle...
Maple
French 19th Century Painted Empire Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant French 19th-century Empire console featuring a painted finish, long rectangular top, and architectural column supports with decorative carved capitals. The lower shelf and sy...
Walnut, Paint
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Mahogany
Antique Pair French Empire Ormolu Mounted Bedside Cabinets 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A thoroughly delightful pair of antique French Empire mahogany, ormolu and marble-topped bedside cabinets, circa 1830 in date. They are freestanding, finished on all four sides and ...
Carrara Marble, Brass, Ormolu
Huge Palace Throne Arm Chair W Carved Swan Head Finials on Block & Ball Arm Rest
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Palace Throne Arm Chair W Carved Swan Head Finials on Block & Ball Arm Rests & Leg.
Giltwood
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s. One retains its original foil Maitland S...
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Round Table in Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present an elegant antique Italian round table dating back to the early 19th century. The table features the typical characteristics of the Empire period, when large, smooth woode...
Walnut
$13,544Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Neoclassical X Frame Bench, Ebonized Wood, Leather, Circa 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique 19th century ebonized neoclassical X frame bench with newly upholstered leather seat. This bench is in the "Curule" style featuring elegant, sweeping S curve legs. Finished i...
Leather, Ebony
French 19th Century Empire Bleached Chestnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
French 19th-century Empire commode crafted in bleached chestnut, featuring three spacious drawers, elegant columnar sides, brass pulls, and decorative escutcheons. Its warm, naturall...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Swan Neck Mahogany Daybed, Paris
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant early 19th-century French Empire daybed sourced from Paris, France. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features the iconic swan-neck ends with finely carved heads, floral ros...
Fabric, Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Trumeau Mirror with Gold Gilt Frame
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large 19th-century French Empire-style trumeau mirror that is bold yet refined. Its frame is topped with a gold-gilt cornice, and the upper panel features a gold urn flocked by tw...
Gold Leaf
Antique Empire Tile Top Table with Dutch Tiles Denmark 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or perhaps Swedish empire tile top table with dutch tiles and 1 drawer. It's made in the 19th century period by a skilled carpenter of soli...
Ceramic, Wood
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Northern Swedish Antique Handmade Rustic and Charming Empire Country Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish empire sideboard. Genuine country house furniture from northern Sweden made around 1840 during the empire period. The frame is made by hand in solid pine and has a wo...
Pine
French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Chandelier, circa 1900
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XVI style chandelier dating to circa 1900, beautifully combining an architectural gilt and patinated metal frame with an exceptionally rich arrangement of fac...
Bronze
1950s Italian Empire Style Gilt Brass and Bohemian Crystal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian Empire-style chandelier dating to the 1950s, featuring a finely detailed gilt brass structure richly adorned with cascading Bohemian crystal prisms and faceted crysta...
Crystal, Brass
Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined Paris porcelain tea service dates from the early 19th-century and beautifully reflects the elegance and technical mastery of F...
Porcelain, Paint
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 36 Piece Set Champagne, Wine, Water, Liqueur Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...
Crystal
19th Century French Hand-Carved Marble Column Pedestal, Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous late 19th century carved marble display pedestal from France, to elevate precious artwork, décor, or greenery in your interior. Geometric elements distinguish the capital ...
Marble
French 19th Century Empire Marble Top Mahogany Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
French 19th Century Empire Marble-Top Console Table — Elegant Empire-style console featuring a richly figured mahogany veneer, rectangular Carrara marble top, single frieze drawer, a...
Marble, Bronze
Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Bronze
French Chandelier Ceiling Pendant Lustre Bronze & Glass Empire Style circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Bronze chandelier with granita glass. Made in France circa 1890, beautifully ornemented in the style of the Napoleon the 1st Empire. One central light recovered of a glass and six l...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Antique Baccarat Crystal Empire Armorial Crest 34 Piece Stemware Service for 8
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Historically significant Baccarat Empire Simson Armorial Crest stemware service for 8 - champagne, wine, water and liqueur glasses and two superb wine decanters, each piece bearing the Simson crest 19th Century The Armorial crest is almost certainly that of Sampson Simson (1780-1857), a Jewish American philanthropist most notably remembered as the Father of Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson was born in Danbury, CT and expressed an early interest in law, attending Columbia University where he studied under Aaron Burr. He was admitted to the bar in 1802 and became one of the first Jewish lawyers in New York City. He retired several years later to devote himself to charitable work. In 1852, nine men, including Sampson Simpson, joined together to establish the Jew's Hospital in New York which later became Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson served as the first president of the hospital's Board of Directors, personally covering many of the expenses and donating the land upon which the hospital was originally built on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Baccarat introduced their iconic Harcourt pattern in 1841 and this service is from approximately the same time period, circa 1850. The Baccarat Empire pattern elevates the Harcourt design model with fine gilded decoration identical at the foot and rim to the Simson service. Armorial crests were executed by special commission which included the 1828 Louis de Bourbon Ewer, the Duke of Aosta service, Service de L'Elysee, Countess of Paris Service and those of other prominent individuals. The service includes: Wine decanter with handle: 10.5 inches high, 5.5 inches diameter Wine Decanter: 10.38 inches high, 5 inches diameter 8 champagne coupes: 5 inches high, 4 inches diameter 8 wine glasses: 5 inches high, 2.63 inches diameter 8 water glasses: 6.63 inches high, 3.57 inches diameter 8 liqueur glasses: 4.13 inches high, 2.13 inches diameter Condition: Very Good. very light age appropriate surface wear Baccarat registered its trademark in 1860 at which time a paper label began to be attached to pieces, very few of these labels have survived. Prior to this period, Baccarat pieces were unsigned, with the exception of some early paperweights bearing the letter B. Early Baccarat is identified by quality, pattern and references. References: Christie's, Auction 2814, January 23, 2014 for a silver brandy warmer by Myer Myers with an identical crest, the lot essay identifying the crest as that of Sampson Simson _ we are grateful to Jill Waddell, Christie's VP, Senior Specialist, Silver Department for her assistance with identifying the Simson crest. A Baccarat wine decanter...
Crystal
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Barrel Back Desk Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Provence, France, this late 19th-century French Empire style desk chair is crafted in mahogany and distinguished by its elegant barrel-back silhouette. The curved back flo...
Leather, Mahogany
Napoleon I vs Alexander I Monumental Sterling Silver and diamonds Chess Set
By Konforti
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
“Napoleon I vs. Alexander I” is a monumental sculptural chess set conceived as a collectible work of art, created within the Konforti family atelier in the spirit and artistic tradit...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,745Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer this elegant antique chest of drawers from the early 19th century. Its features are typical of the Empire period: imposing and linear, free of excessive ornamentation, yet w...
Walnut
French Empire Mahogany 'Egyptian' Bergère Attributed to Desmalter, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and important circa 1805 'Egyptian-style' bergère believed to be an early work of famed French Empire furniture-maker François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter of 'tub-chair' fo...
Upholstery, Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire Bleached Solid Walnut Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant French Empire commode featuring three spacious drawers in beautifully aged, naturally figured walnut, with the top painted black for a striking contrast. The restrained archi...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somno or Drum Table with Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period mahogany somno or drum table features a black marble top and a hinged curved door with bronze pull. Its cylindrical form and clean ...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Letter Opener Silver-Gilt & guilloché Enamel attr. to Fabergé Circa 1900
By Fabergé
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Russian silver-gilt and guilloché enamel letter opener attributed to Fabergé, with illegible hallmarks , possibly Faberge cyrillic mark / 88". The finial in the form of a carv...
Jade, Silver, Enamel
French Empire Armoire, Walnut & Steel, Hand-Carved, Circa 1820, France
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive French Empire-style armoire from the early 1800s. The pronounced cornice makes a statement above the pair of paneled and carved doors all crafted of solid, book-matched...
Brass, Steel
French Empire Secrétaire à Abattant, Walnut & Marble, Circa 1810
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome 19th century French Empire secrétaire à abattant made of richly figured, bookmatched walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a hidden drawer, free of hardware and opening by a shallow groove on the bottom of the drawer front. Below is a fold-front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by Empire style columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers...
Marble, Brass
Antique Empire Sofa or Settee Constructed in Mahogany with Horsehair Upholstery
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique Empire Sofa or Settee Constructed from Mahogany and Upholstered in Horsehair. Our Exquisite looking Empire Sofa looks to have been made in the early 1800's and typically we w...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage Empire Style Bronze and Lucite Console Table Base with Ram Heads
Located in Yonkers, NY
A striking vintage Empire-style console table base combining clear Lucite columns with a patinated bronze framework and sculptural classical details. Four transparent columnar suppor...
Bronze
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...
Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Chandelier, Bronze with Gilt Finish, Swan Heads, France, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century French Empire style chandelier with swan’s heads and starts on globe.
Bronze
$4,071Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian Column Six Light Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian column six light chandelier Priced each Additional information: Materials: Lights Color: Black Pe...
Metal
Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round Danish late 18th Century snuffbox or pillbox featuring elaborate engravings. Very versatile piece that could also hold jewelry or small trinkets on a vanity. This piece m...
Wood
Antique Spelter Table Lamp In Empire Style. French C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful spelter table lamp Amazing old bronze patina The lamp has been re-wired. Shade included The measurement relates to the lamp base not including shade Free UK shipping ...
Spelter
Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of six French Empire-style side dining chairs, each featuring a remarkable carved swan neck decorative motif. The chairs are constructed from radiant mahogany with arc...
Fabric, Damask, Mahogany
$21,619Sale Price / item|30% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Big Large Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Antique French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Empire-style “Sac à Perles” chandelier, featuring an impressive cascading arrangement of delicate crystal beads and richly decorated gilt bronze mounts. The chandelier displa...
Crystal, Metal
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space. Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience. Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size. Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Brass, Wire
Rare Fine French Empire Mahogany Bed by Jacob-Desmalter ca. 1805-15
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE MAHOGANY AND GILT BRONZE MOUNTED BED BY FRANÇOIS HONORÉ GEORGES JACOB DESMALTER Paris, France circa 1805 to 1817 62" H x 58 1/2" D x approximately 81" W 74 1/8" L x 52" W ap...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed or Lit de Repos
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant early 19th century French lit de repos with a richly figured wood frame and distinctive outscrolled ends. The long paneled front rail is detailed with carved borders and a ce...
Upholstery, Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire Solid Walnut Nightstand
Located in Carmine, TX
French 19th-century Empire nightstand crafted in solid walnut, featuring a rich warm finish, a single paneled door, and elegant cylindrical columns accented with brass ormolu mounts....
Bronze
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Mahogany
19th Century Ebonized Italian Empire Style Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonized Italian Empire style side chair featuring brass ormolu, claw feet, and a lattice-work back. This piece has a newly upholstered feather down seat cushion. 20" Seat height inc...
Brass, Ormolu
Antique Russian Silver & Cloisonné Enamel Cigarette Case Circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A remarkable antique Russian silver cigarette case dating to the late Imperial Russian period, circa 1900, distinguished by its elegant craftsmanship, colorful cloisonné enamel decor...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Baltic Long Bench, Mahogany, Silk Upholstery, Circa 1830-1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is stand...
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany