Empire Furniture
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.
195
4,600
147
112
to
451
2,655
2,027
4,859
4,777
4,799
196,392
118,638
42,960
32,827
15,675
11,723
10,691
10,353
9,617
8,802
7,405
7,046
6,406
6,093
5,931
5,301
4,859
3,655
272
2,955
1,373
259
534
359
207
121
19
93
71
49
56
54
49
34
24
2,571
1,994
1,495
1,017
864
4,028
2,796
388
251
186
40
28
25
18
16
Style: Empire
19th Century Gilt Tole Empire Crystal Chandeliers - a Pair
Located in Canton, MA
A pair of 19th Century gilt tole empire chandeliers. Strands of oval crystals. Spears hang from the crown and from delicate arms that extend from the central ring. Single down light ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Early 19th c. French Empire Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Early 19th c. French Empire Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk. Gray black marble top. Bronze hardware. Unfortunately at this time we do not have keys but we are continuing to ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Walnut Empire Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
Discover the elegance and grandeur of the 19th Century with this Walnut Empire Commode. It is a stunning piece of furniture that epitomizes the luxurious style and impeccable craftsm...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock , France 1810
Located in New York, NY
Resting on four very elegant feet the clock features a rectangular base decorated on three sides with classical motifs. The face features a pair of Sphinx flanking a wreath with lau...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Period Antique Console Table
Located in Austin, TX
Antique neoclassical console table from France from the Empire period. The table is made of Cuban flamed mahogany and supports an intact and original Sainte Ann gray marble slab top....
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass Candlesticks, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of antique French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks from ca. 1890.
A beautiful and compact-sized pair of French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks with removable bobeches (...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Inlaid Mahogany Empire Chest of Drawers, Denmark circa 1810
Located in Round Top, TX
A fine mahogany empire chest of drawers or commode with satinwood inlays.
Top drawer reveals storage compartments with lids and areas to hold bottled ink, envelopes, etc.
This elega...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
G Longhi, Il Genio De La Musica - Cupido, Framed Engraving, 19th Century
By Guido Reni
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
"il genio de la musica vince per fin Cupido" / the Genius of Music triumphant over Love, based on a 17th century work by Guido Reni, kept at the Palazzo Spinola in Genoa.
This frame...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Large Mahogany Bookcase Display Cabinet, Denmark circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Large 6.5' tall/8.5' wide mahogany wood bookcase display or large display cabinet.
Entire cabinet is built in two sections with four upper glass doors over four paneled cabinet doors...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
John The Baptist, Framed Engraving, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
John the Baptist, framed engraving representing John as a young shepherd dressed in a melote, seated next to his cruciform reed staff and the banner "Ecce agnus dei ecce qui tollit.....
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Empire Style Walnut Tub Chair in the Manner of Jacob Desmalter
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire Style Walnut Bergere Chair in the manner of Jacob Desmelter with nicely carved rams head resting on articulated hoof feet.
Category
1850s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Crystal Chandelier
Located in Austin, TX
Antique chandelier from France made with cut crystal elements (cabochons and pendants) on a brass structure. It has been newly wired to fit US standards.
The current overall height i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
French Empire Style Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a very mellow, stylish mahogany French Empire chest of drawers with a light gray marble top with straight edge over frieze drawer and three long, graduated drawers flanked by...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
American Classical Empire Style Over Mantel Mahogany Trident Pediment Mirror 49"
Located in Dayton, OH
American Classical Empire style Pediment Mirror, circa last quarter 20th century. Features a mahogany frame with an arched pediment over acanthus carved spandrels set around a triden...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Campaign Urns
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a stately pair of French Empire campaign urns with a central painting of a naturalistic setting on one side and a gilt medallion on the other on ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire 6 Arm Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Empire style bronze finish chandelier with six candlestick arms. Cleaned and restored. This light hung in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel corridors. Price includes wiring and cleaning. Wa...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 1950s Ceramic Sitting Cat Salt Shaker - 1Y122
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming vintage ceramic salt shaker, designed in the shape of a sitting cat, dates back to the 1950s. It’s a delightful collectible item that adds a touch of whimsy to any kitc...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Round Brass and Enameled Ceramic Box - 1Y111
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique round box, crafted from brass, is adorned with blue enameled ceramic cabochons. Dating back to the early 20th century, this charming piece showcases fine craftsmanship a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Girandoles, Candle sticks, Candelabras, bronze, ~ 1810 Empire, France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning pair of so called Girandoles, made in France around 1810, in the famous Empire period.
The stepped pedestals are beautifully designed with masks and garland décor. On each...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Silver Bouillotte Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of table lamps from France, silver plated on copper. Each lamp has two candelabra arms. The original dark forest green shades are adjustable. They have been newly wired to fit U...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of French Antique Bouillotte Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of table lamps from France made of finely cast bronze, gilded, each featuring three arms. The original red colored shades are adjustable. They have been newly wired to fit US st...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 20th Century French Armchairs
Located in London, England
Pair of reupholstered French armchairs with solid pale walnut frames and recovered in a dusky green velvet.. France circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak.
Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves.
Very fine quality
Made in ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Burl
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene often referred to as "The Astronomy Lesson." A popular motif during this period, Emper...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Neoclassical Empire Ebonized Lion Head Jardiniere Pedestal Planter Stand Bowl
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Neoclassical / Empire style jardiniere / planter / stand with bowl. Made of tessellated stone / marble and composite material featuring gilt lions head accents, twisted pede...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Composition, Marble
Leather Top French 19th Century Writing Table
Located in London, England
Empire style bureau plat with aged leather inset top. Solid Mahogany frame which has been refinished and brass mounts on the legs. Circa 1870.
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Provincial Empire Mahogany Marble-Top 4-Drawer Commode/Chest. France, Circa:1820
Located in Alexandria, VA
While this commode or chest was made in one of France's provincial cities it has the style and form of the best Napoleonic Empire furniture. The size makes it perfect for smaller roo...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Mahogany Gilt Bronze Gentleman's Desk
Located in New York, NY
Procured from an esteemed estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, this desk showcases the timeless craftsmanship of the French Empire period.
Crafted from rich mahogany, this desk features...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Marble Top Gueridon
Located in London, England
Marble top French Empire style mahogany gueridon with brass mounts. Fantastic condition. Fully restored. Circa 1850.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A biscuit tin celebrating The British Commonwealth, both natural & architectural. The 1930s Canadian Rockies train is wonderful! Also featuring Windsor, Parliament House of New Zeala...
Category
Early 20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Empire "Retour d' Egypt" Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Retour d' Egypt" candlesticks.
Patinated Bronze shafts toped with fire gilt bobeches
on top of figural Caryatids standing on a round base
encircled with floral decoration.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Maison Krieger French Empire Sideboard Mahogany Gilt Bronze
Located in New York, NY
This is a luxurious piece that reflects the craftsmanship of Maison Krieger, a distinguished French furniture manufacturing company. This piece was procured from an esteemed estate l...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Napolionic Sevres Style Porcelain Dresser Box / Jewelry Casket
Located in New York, NY
Large antique (late 19th to early 20th century) oval porcelain jewelry casket with bronze mounts, raised gilt decorations and painted pastoral scenes on the sides and lid depicting N...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century Plaster Figurine Tirelire of a Seated Cat -1Y50
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th century plaster figurine tirelire of a seated cat adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the cat figurine and the warm, earthy tones of the plaster make it a delightful addition to any collection.
Features:
Authentic early 20th century piece
Crafted from plaster
Features a figurine of a seated cat
Slot on the back for depositing coins
Ideal for storing spare change or adding a decorative touch to any room
A unique and collectible piece for lovers of antique plaster figurines...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Christian Dior Red Velvet Salon Mirror, Paris, 1950s
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Classic and elegant Empire-style salon mirror by Christian Dior in Paris. Covered in rich red velvet, the front is applied with neoclassical design elements in brass including rosett...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Period Tole & Bronze 6-light Globe Chandelier, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
completely original and in unrestored condition this globe chandelier is constructed entirely of heavy guage painted tole and bronze, hanging from a canopy with finely cast chain the...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Tin
19th Century French Mahogany Table Empire style with Louis Philippe four Chairs
Located in Vigonza, Padua
French mahogany dining table from the early 19th century, Empire style, with four elegant hand-carved Louis Philippe mahogany chairs of the same age, still usable. Elegant table with...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gaetano Sciolari Pair of Solid Brass and Glass Lanterns or Pendant Lamp
Located in Verviers, BE
Pair of Beautiful solid brass lantern or pendant lamp made by Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1960-1970, Rome, Italy. The fabulous of vintage light takes four E14 European s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Pair Of Italian Bronze And Brass Column Table Lamps
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Exce...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Hercules And Omphale, Glass And Silverplated Metal Bowl , Late 19th Early 20th
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Blue glass Bowl, set in a silver-plated metal frame: the decoration represents Hercules and Omphale on one side: Hercules spins wool and Omphale has taken on the attributes of the li...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
A Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, each with a female figure Holding two coronets on base, treangular with elaborate filagree mounts. Frances. Circa 1830
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Bronze Wall Candelabra, France, 1910
Located in Bastogne, BE
Elegant French Empire style two-arm gilt bronze sconce with two arrows on body and round backplate, early 20th Century.
The candelabra will become the highlight of your interior; they will add an atmosphere of romance and mystery.
Luxurious candlestick amaze with their exquisite decor, ornament and material, known for its durability and special charm.
The antique style will decorate the interior of a room or office even without a candle.
A candelabra, a luxurious piece of furniture that will attract the attention of all guests and will delight all your loved ones!
Use candle holders...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Patinated Metal and Brass French Empire Period 8-Arm Chandelier, ca. 1810
Located in Atlanta, GA
skillfully cast in brass with the center section a dark (nearly black) patinated metal with original canopy of acanthus leaves, original chains and a circular body with brass finial ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Hand Painted Room Divider 4 Panel Leather Screen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic leather four panel room divider hand painted and hand crafted screen from the latter part of the 19th century France. Hand painted cherubs with floral accents in outstandin...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Massive French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Mounted Malachite Urn Jardinière 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
An opulent French Empire Style bronze ormolu mounted malachite urn or jardiniere. Features a rim cast with shells, foliage and bellflowers, the body centered on each side by a medall...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Early Empire Tiger Oak Sideboard Server
Located in New York, NY
Dark tone Empire style oak sideboard buffet console with a pull out drawer and bottom shelf. Good condition with appropriate wear from age, with minor scratches. One available. Pleas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
2 Antique French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Candelabras Sculpture Statues 54"
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental pair of large figural French gilt bronze candelabras possibly executed by Pierre Philippe Thomire, circa 19th century. Each candelabra is supported by a Nike-form standing...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Mahogany Tricoteuse Occasional Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Elegant Early 19th Century, French Empire Period, Mahogany Tricoteuse Type Occasional Table, Having Extremely Well Figured Rectangular Galleried Top, Over One Drawer To ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style Pair Of Italian Chairs "King" With "Vienna Straw"
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Empire Style Pair of Italian Chairs (Lucca) "King" with "Vienna Straw"
We kindly suggest you read the entire description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical info...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Walnut
Ebonized Empire Recamiere , Austria Ca. 1800's
Located in New York, NY
Fine ebonized Austrian Empire recamiere. Ebonized wood featuring elegantly curved sides and four highly detailed carved lions paw feet with giltwood accents.This fully restored large...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Russian Tempera Icon Unusual Depiction of Jesus Christ 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
This scarce depiction of Jesus Christ was painted presumably in Moscow in early 19th century. The icon is painted in the author's (improvisational) ...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Mahogany Dining Room / Center Table with Gilt Highlights
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire Style mahogany round dining room table with gilt highlights, circa 1900. With a round top that opens (No Leaves) gilt decoration on edge of table top, a round central ...
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Empire Salesman Sample Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire mahogany and birch salesman sample chest of drawers, circa 1820. With a rectangular birch top, a protruding frieze drawer, two larger lower...
Category
1820s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Double Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, 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 bronze mirr...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Guéridon Centre Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Good Quality Early 19th Century, French Empire Period, Mahogany Guéridon Centre Table, Having Original Dish Moulded Circular Marble Top, Over Elegant Comcave Triangulate...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Elegant Daybed Beautifully Carved and Covered With Versace Fabric, Versace Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant Empire revival daybed beautifully hand carved with gold leaf swans
heads, brass details and covered with a Gianni Versace silk.
Part of G.Versace furniture collection...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Czech Crystal Tent & Bag Chandelier
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Bohemian Tent and Bag, or Sack of Pearls chandelier made of hundreds of crystal strands. This one is particularly special with a skirt of spear-shaped leaded crystals and beaded g...
Category
1930s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $955,603 while the average work can sell for $4,296.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Bronze Drawer Pull
Commode Grey
Flower Commode
Four Panel Asian Art
Fine Wood Inlaid Cabinet
Chinese Gilt Panel
Corner Display Cabinet French
Deco Brass Panel
Clocks With Cherubs
Counter Top Display Case
Wood Door Knobs
Curved Glass Door Cabinet
Desk With Return
Chest Of Drawers Leather Top
Classic Buffet
Commodes With Flowers
Antique Chinese Robe
Distressed Antique Brass