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.
Style: Empire
Color: Silver
Pair Of Antique Empire Silver Candle Holders, Austria-Hungary, Dated 1821
Located in Vienna, AT
Two elegant plain Empire silver candle holders on round stand, central raised smooth shaft, lower third constriction by profiled bead ring, shaft widening conically upwards, vase-sha...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Christofle, Paris - Large Vintage Malmaison Silver Plated Tray
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous vintage silver plated tray by the creme de la creme of makers, Christofle of Paris.
Named after the Château de la Malmaison, ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Georgian Silver Mustard Pots Blue Glass Liners 1st Empire Tableware a pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Museal Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Mustard pots
Style: Empire, Georgian, Antique, Regency, Napoleonic
Material sterling Silver with cobalt blue...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Angel Motif Sterling Silver Snuff Box
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. The lid and sides are covered in an intricate floral design with musical instruments and a scene of two playing cherubs in its ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Plated Sauce Bowl Made by Christofle Model Malmaison
By Christofle
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful silver plated sauce bowl with fixed saucer by the French brand Christofle. This bowl is from the Malmaison series. The bowl looks like it has hardly been used, it is in top...
Category
1990s French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
English Silver Plate Covered Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...
Category
20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Snuff Box Light Blue Ornament in Relief, Empire Style Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pocket snuff box with oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, with laurel ornament in relief in Empire style. Wit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
A 1790 Sterling Basting Spoon in Old English Pattern by Thomas Liddiard
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A 1790 sterling basting spoon, London, Old English pattern by Thomas Liddiard(?). "O" monogram. 3.20 troy oz.
12 1/2" x 2".
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Elegant Table/Wall Mirror in Plated Silver. Empire Style, 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant table/wall Mirror in plated silver. The mirror can be used both as a table mirror and for a wall ( see photos ). Beautifully decorated in Empire style and made in France duri...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Candlesticks Empire Pattern by WMF Art Nouveau Silverplated
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Beautiful pair of antique candlesticks by WMF are stunning examples of silverplated pewter craftsmanship, made during the Art Nouveau period around 1900. They are part of the "Empire...
Category
1890s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Pewter
119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of silver plated tableware from the French brand SFAM (Société Française d'Alliage de Métaux). The cutlery is beautifully decorated in Empire style. SFAM ceased to exis...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
21th Century Italian Sterling Silver Empire Style Centerpiece Dish on Feet
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large round centerpiece in sterling silver.
The centerpiece plate was made in the Empire style, without using borders but embossing and chiseling the ancanthus leaves inside the ext...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Louis XVI White Photo Frame Sterling Silver Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and hand-painted miniature of a garland of flowers with oval border interna...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Inkstans Empyre Style
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Empire style 800 silver inkstand
The base of the inkstand, completely handmade, is shaped like a "cathedral". The classic "palmettes" of the Empire style have been chiseled around i...
Category
1990s Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
French Napoleonic Empire table set "return from Egypt"
Made of sterling silver and cobalt blue liners
Collectible for it's beauty and hallmarks that were only used during
Napoleons E...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Square Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Antique Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Experience Timeless Opulence with the Empire Sac a Pearl Crystal Chandelier
Indulge in the allure of the past with the Empire Sac a Pearl crystal chandelier, an exquisite blend of v...
Category
1940s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Pair of Antique Austro-Hungarian Silver Candlesticks with Chased Flowers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of silver candlesticks are hallmarked by an unknown maker, and believed to have originated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and date to approximately 1850, and done in the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Italian Completely Beaded Basket Crystal Prisms Silver Chandelier, c 1940
Located in Modena (MO), Modena (Mo)
Housing four lights in beaded cups. Completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning crystal prisms on top and in bottom. This chandelier has two widths... 19.5 and 14 inches. A...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish, Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire handcrafted mirror. Oval shaped hand carved wooden structure with silver foil finish.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a captivating blend of Art Deco charm and Empire sophistication, our lead crystal chandelier is a testament to opulence and craftsmanship. Crafted in-house, we offer the flexibility of both smaller and larger sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for your space. Our team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring a seamless experience for you.
Key Features:
- Measures: Diameter 100 cm, Height 150 cm
- Accommodates 34 x E14 bulbs
This chandelier is an embodiment of refined style, fusing the allure of Art Deco aesthetics with the grandeur of Empire design. Crafted from premium lead crystal, it radiates luxury and timeless beauty.
Its measurements, with a diameter of 100 cm and a height of 150 cm, ensure a commanding presence that captures attention and admiration. With 34 E14 bulb sockets, it bathes your surroundings in a luminous glow, creating an ambiance that's both inviting and sophisticated.
Whether for an intimate setting or a grand hall, this chandelier offers a touch of regal elegance that complements various spaces. Its exquisite construction and lead crystal elements evoke a sense of luxury and refinement.
With a commitment to exceptional quality, we offer various sizing options to suit your needs. Our experienced team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring the chandelier becomes an integral part of your space seamlessly.
Experience the allure of the Art Deco era with this crystal chandelier that exudes timeless beauty and sophistication. Its Empire sac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Wire
Napoleonic Silverplated Tray by Christofle circa 1850
By Christofle
Located in New York, US
Our Christofle silverplated tray features fine engraved designs including the French coat-of-arms, and Napoleonic cipher and imperial bees. Reverse has the maker's mark in oval carto...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Oval hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Gianmaria Buccellati Caviar Bowl
Located in VALENZA, IT
Important bowl for caviar by Gianmaria Buccellati. The body was made in two parts, cup and base. The welded edge with small leaves characterizes the Classic Empire style.
A wire circ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Empire Style Souce Boat with Little Ladle
Located in VALENZA, IT
Important Empire style souce boat in 800 silver made in Italy at the end of the 20th century entirely by hand.
The Empire style is a current of Neoclassicism that affected 19th c...
Category
1990s European Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Empire Style Sugar Bowl on Feet
Located in VALENZA, IT
Important Italian sugar bowl in 800 solid silver made in Florence.
The Empire style is characterized by the Classic leaves, embossed and finely chis...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping
Located in Sofia, BG
Vintage Russian German silver Melchior set of:
12 forks (six x two different ornaments)
Six (Two dessert or cake and four tea ) spoons
Three knives
Four soup spoons ( one is differen...
Category
1970s Russian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Silver Candy Dish, Egyptian Style, First Empire
Located in Paris, FR
Early 19th century silver drageoir or candy dish adorned with Egyptian head and on the collar with openwork palmette motifs. On the two spiral handles are suspended two twisted rings. The base is decorated with curving tubular patterns. The removable lid features floral finial. The interior of the candy dish is entirely lined with vermeil. The candy dish is characteristic of the Egyptian style that developed after the return of the Egyptian campaigns of Napoleon the first. With the «Description of Egypt...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Vintage Russian Soviet Classic Large Crystal and Silver Circular Bowl, ca. 1945
Located in New York, NY
A Russian Classic, silver and hand-cut crystal circular serving bowl of unusually large dimensions, manufactured in Moscow, circa 1945. Silver rim features repeating oak leaf design,...
Category
1940s Russian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Russian Silver Niello Tobacco Box, Moscow, circa 1820-1830
Located in Gainesville, FL
Russian silver niello tobacco box with finely etched pastoral scenes and interior gold wash. The box is marked on inside with "84" for Russian si...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
19th Century Silver and Cut Crystal Candy Dish
Located in Paris, FR
A candy dush in silver and blown crystal cut in oves and cut known as "diamond point". The candy dish is decorated with antique motifs representing deities: on one side, Poseidon emerging from the wave trident by hand, on the other side Hermes god...
Category
1830s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
19th Century French Silver Two-Bottle Cruet Stand
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
The central loop carrying-handle w...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
20th Century Sterling Silver Empire Style Centerpiece, Italy, 1990
Located in Cagliari, IT
Wonderful oval Empire style centerpiece with foot made in sterling silver by Ilario Pradella for Bellezza Cagliari. New, never used
Pradella Iario, founded in 1920, was the greatest Italian silversmith of the second half of the 20th century, famous for his collaboration with Buccellati. We have had the honor and privilege of collaborating with them for over fifty years until its closure.
With silversmith marks for Pradella Ilario...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Pair of Candlesticks Period of Classizism Augsburg Germany Haller
Located in Vienna, AT
Gorgeous pair of candlesticks / period of classizism.
Made in Augsburg (circa 1800)
Master: Johann Rudolf Haller (1757 - 1844)
The silversmith received licence of manufacturing...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique Empire Furniture
German Empire Period Seven-Piece Silver Candelabra Set
Located in London, GB
German empire period seven-piece silver candelabra set
German, circa 1810
Meaures: Largest: Height 66.5cm, diameter 30cm
Smallest: Height 51cm, width ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Late 18th Early 19th Century Italian Silver Wax Jack
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
The round-shaped bowl flat chased ...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
20th Century antique Empire style Chandelier with 8 Silver Swans brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Galvanized bronze and partly red patinated. Bowl-shaped body with pine finish. Starting from this, eight candlestick arms designed as swans with cylindrical spouts over a round eaves...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Silver Augsburg Empire Huilière Spice Set Master Johann Matthias Lang Made, 1802
Located in Vienna, AT
Gorgeous as well as rarest silver Augsburg Empire Huilière or spice Set
Period: Empire
Dating: 1802
Material: solid silver 800 and opal glass
Manufactory:
Johann Matthias Lang (Master Since 1782), died after 1806 or this master created for example a gilded Torah Shield...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Empire, Sterling Silver-Mounted Two-Piece Fish Set in Original Box, Paris
Located in New York, NY
Empire, French, sterling silver-mounted, two-piece fish serving set in original box, Paris, circa 1875. Monogrammed with a script letter B. Original box (which comes with the set) has the same gilt letter B monogram on its lid. Fish serving knife measures over 12 1/2 inches long x 2 inches (at widest point) x 1 inch high when lying flat; serving fork measures 11 inches long x 2 1/2 inches wide (at widest point) x 1 inch high when lying flat. Handles of both pieces are engine turned in design. Blade of knife (which is silver...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
20th Century Empire Style Handmade Sterling Silver Inkwell, Italy, 1991
Located in Cagliari, IT
Wonderful handcrafted sterling silver inkwell.
A refined piece of Empire style silverware perfect for an extremely elegant home or office.
Made for us by Argenteria Auge, one of th...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Silver Soup Tureen Empire Style by Vittorio Manzoni, Milan
Located in VALENZA, IT
Gorgeous solid silver tureen in Empire style on feet with handles.
The body of the tureen is completely hammered by hand, embossed and chiseled with the typical designs of the Empire...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Silver Coffeepot Empire Style, Rome, Italy
Located in VALENZA, IT
Impressionante caffettiera italiana in stile impero, realizzata alla fine del 18° Secolo.
Di forma tonda, è caratterizzata dalle classiche palmette che la collocano con il pieno sti...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
20th Century Seven Lights Italian Solid Silver Candelabra Empire revival
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Magnificent Empire style candelabra in solid 800 silver
The base is square with lion paw-shaped feet.
Two frames with the typical palmettes of the Empire style frame a second smaller square decorated with 4 central flowers. The stem of the candelabra is a statue of a woman (goddess) with her hair gathered and holding a cornucopia in one hand ending with the main candle holder.
The candelabra has 7 lights.
The arms of the candelabra, made with the casting technique, have candle holders and wax collectors also made with the casting technique and finely chiseled.
The central candle holder stands out for its height which surpasses all the other candle holders, making the candelabra slim and balanced in shape and proportions.
A classic example of high quality Italian silverware suitable to be placed in elegant and prestigious homes.
Made in Milan - Italy by Fassi silverware
Silver 800°°/°°° Candelabra Empire...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
19th Century, Silver Dredging Spoon
Located in Copenhagen, K
Danish silver dredging spoon from circa 1820.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
19th Century Tea Coffee Water Silver Pot Rechaud Vienna 1817 Arms of Nobility
Located in Epfach, DE
Tea, coffee or water pot with rechaud, Vienna about 1817
silver 15 lot, like more as sterling silver Engraved coat of arms
The weight is 860 gr Silver, the content of the jug is 0...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
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.
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