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.
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Item Ships From: Benelux
Style: Empire
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble, Early 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire mirror, stuccoed and painted wood, scratched on the mirror
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Open Bookcase In Oak Empire Style - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant large open oak bookcase style retour d'égypte (come back from Egypte / Empire) from the second half of the 19th century - France
This still was made when Napoléon came back f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Charming Large Vintage Chandelier in Gilt Bronze Deknudt Belgium
By Deknudt
Located in Bastogne, BE
Very Beautiful Vintage Ceiling Chandelier in Bronze by Deknudt, Belgium.
Circa 1970s.
A very nicely chased vintage six light chandelier in bronze with...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Sconces Two Wall Lights Gold Bronze Crystal Drops Beads, France, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage sconces bronze with gilding, crystal from France, mid-20th century, each with two lamps, very beautiful and festive!
The crystal droplets are stunning, different shapes and...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
The mirror is made from gilt metal.
I...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A mahogany Empire commode à l'anglaise, Attributed to Jacob Frères
By Jacob Frères
Located in Wijnegem, BE
A top quality Empire commode made in beautiful mahogany veneer (acajou moucheté) on solid oak.
Ornaments of gilded bronze and with a fantastic ( purple -brown -white) Fossil Marble ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Style Mahogany Armchair
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely empire style mahogany armchair from the end of the 19th century
Very good quality bronze and beautiful mahogany
Very beautiful armchair which can be used as a library chair or...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Exquisite French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Light Candelabra ca 1810
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These candlesticks are ornate artifacts from the French Empire period, which dates back to the early 19th century, typically considered as the reign of Napoleon I from 1804 to 1814. ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Bronze
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Gilt Bronze Candlestick, Empire Period, Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Gilt bronze candlestick, finely chiseled and guilloché, Empire period.
Decorated with acanthus leaves and ears of wheat.
French work, early 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Chairs 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style chairs made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition.
PRICE PER PIECE.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Dining or Center Table in Rosewood Veneer 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Empire Dining or Center Table in Rosewood Veneer, 19th Century.
This is a very elegant and large 19th century Empire style dining / center table with a top in expressive rosewood ve...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Set early Empire solid mahogany wood and sheepskin armchairs, France 1820s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1820 / 2 armchairs / mahogany, sheep skin / Romantic / Antique / Empire
Set of two early Empire armchairs constructed of solid mahogany wood and with sheepskin upholstery. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Empire Table Lamp Cut Crystal Diamond Pattern Gilded Bronze
Located in Poperinge, BE
Large and rare Empire style table lamp, made of cut crystal and gilded bronze and brass, dating from around the beginning of the 20th century, France.
This very high quality table l...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century Empire Dutch Bombe Solid Oak Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
An elegant Dutch cabinet or cupboard that was made in The Netherlands, circa 1820s.
It was completely made in the best quality fine European oak. It has a bombe base ending on claw and ball feet. The base houses 4 drawers each with the original brass key plates and drawer pulls. All drawers are equipped with working locks with a key. The upper cabinet has two elegant doors with beautiful recessed panels. Behind the doors, there are three drawers situated at the bottom, above a shelf with two cutlery drawers underneath. The doors can be opened 180 degrees due to the ingenious hinges. The cabinet has a concave and convex molded cornice with a central hand carved pediment The pediment shows scrolls and acanthus and would have showcased the largest piece of the “Kaststel”. The corniche has three flat areas that were meant to support a set of Chinese porcelain or delft earth ware...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
White Wingback Chair With Ottoman, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery;
Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Antique White Candlesticks XL Cast Iron France 19th Century 71cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful and very rare pair of antique candlesticks in white patinated cast iron, XL size, France, ca 1850.
Rare pair of high quality, the candlesticks have a beautifully decorated...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
A dressing table mirror with tiltable mirror, which is fixed to the side with 19th cent...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Solid Brass and Glass Lantern or Pendant Lamp
Located in Verviers, BE
Beautiful solid brass lantern or pendant lamp made in the style of the Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1960-1970, Rome, Italy. The fabulous of vintage light takes three E14 ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century Dutch Solid Oak Empire or Louis Seize Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
A beautiful Empire style or Louis seize cabinet that was made in the Netherlands, circa 1820s.
This high quality piece is completely made in the finest European oak. There are three stepped drawers in the lower section. The drawers are fitted with authentic Dutch cast brass drawer pulls and key plates. All drawers are equipped with a working lock and key. The upper part of the cabinet has two doors with raised panels, chamfered corners and original cast brass key plate with working lock and key. The interior of the upper cabinet houses three drawers below, all with original brass drawer pulls. Above a fixed shelf with two cutlery drawers underneath. Above the mid shelf is a half shelf...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of bronze and black stone candlesticks in Empire style, France ca. 1870
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1870 / 2 candlesticks / bronze, stone / Antique / Empire
A set of two French Empire candlesticks in bronze with feet and body of black natural stone.
The striking contrast...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Antique 19th-century german empire oak and pine inlaid three drawer commode
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful commode was made in Germany in the late 19th century. The commode is made from European summer oak and solid pine and features three drawers. The drawers were enriched...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large 18th or 19th Century Antique Iron Anduze Style Garden Vase / Planter / Urn
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare and highly decorative, architectural cast iron vase.
If you are a private collector or an interior designer with an eye for the rare and wonderful, then this very rare and timeless garden vase could be perfect for your home or for one of your projects. You may have seen French terracotta Anduze vases before, but we are pretty certain that you have never seen one made of cast iron. This large and possibly one of a kind specimen of cast iron has a wonderfully calm design and it is hand painted in a beigy-gray color which makes it even more timeless. Handcrafted using cast iron...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
French Antique Classical Fireplace in Bleu Turquin and Statuary Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional French Antique Classical Fireplace Surround in Bleu Turquin and Statuary Marble – Musical Theme
This rare and refined original period French neoclassical fireplace surrou...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Empire Style Armchair, 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style armchair made around 1850 in black wood and green-yellow velvet.
Has some nice sculptural details carved in the wood. Is easy to mo...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Magnificent Bronze Chandelier In Empire Style Six Light Pendant Lighting
Located in Bastogne, BE
Majestic vintage chandelier!
The material of manufacture of this chandelier is a real 100% BRONZE, which is valued all over the world and is charact...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Bronze Wall Sconces Double Armed Lighting Lamp In Candelabra Style
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of empire style wall lights manufactured in the 20th century.
Bronze construction.
Original gilding. The sconces are decorated with ac...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Cut Crystal Bread Basket With Sterling Silver Handle Voneche Baccarat
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
ntique large crystal bread basket with silver handle
Made of Regency cut crystal
The handle is made & marked jean Francois Warnots
Origin Flanders 1832 - 1838
Condition good
...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency sytyle
By OTHR
Located in Zemst, BE
2 wall sconces in brass and glass
Peacock form
Wonderful condition.
Original wiring, that's still ok: ready for use.
Place of origin: Spain
No manufacturer known
Period: mid 1970...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Heavy gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 55cm/ 21.6"
Diameter glass: 1...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin, Mirror
Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of 19th century Empire wall sconces made of bronze.
This wall scones were originally gas lamps later transferred to electric lamps.
Originates France, circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Dutch Empire Warm Brown Curved Commode in Solid Elm
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant four-drawer commode was made in the Netherlands circa 1860. It was made in solid elm with a pine interior. The commode has a convex-concave curved front. The piece has a two-plank top with a bullnose edge. Below four drawers are situated. Each drawer is equipped with two brass drawer pulls, a keyplate, and a lock. The brass pulls and keyplate is typical Dutch azure cut...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large silver plated copper candlestick, France ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / candlestick / silver plated copper / Antique / Empire
A large French Empire style candlestick with very detailed graphic decorations. This silver plated copper candl...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Italy, 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Carved Wall Sconce Empire Gilded Metal & Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage single sconce in the Empire style from Italy, circa 1950s.
Made of wood and gilded metal with decorative trim and mirror inserts. Decorated in a floral style. A cylindrical ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Two 19th Century French Bronze Partially Gilt Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Two 19th century French partially ormolu bronze candlesticks on cloven hoofed hocked faun legs and feet
Cast in bronze, adorned with floral and acanthus leaf motif.
The candle inse...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Flush Mount Chandelier, Vintage, 1980s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style vintage pendant lighting.
1980s.
The ceiling lamp is a real example of high-quality, beautiful and durable lighting. Wit...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ansiaux Antoine - Attributed To, (1764-1840) Drawing, Portrait Of A Young Woman
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antoine ANSIAUX is an artist born in Belgium in 1764 and died in 1840.
Drawing on paper, unsigned (attributed to) around 1810
Framed in a recent frame
Frame 37 x 38 cm, drawing 17 x ...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Vintage Chandelier With 5 Arms In The Empire Style Bronze Green Gold Lighting
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant vintage chandelier with 5 arms in the Empire style.
The base is made of bronze and metal of green and gold color and is decorated with a floral pattern with good detailin...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Attractive Vintage Vase Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany Porcelain Large Vase
By Kaiser
Located in Bastogne, BE
Attractive vintage vase with handles by Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany.
Baluster-shaped vase made of white high quality porcelain with gilding ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Empire Style Wall Lights
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very nice pair of chiseled bronze wall lights with very beautiful Empire style gilding from the beginning of the 20th century
Circular hook with lion mask holding in its mouth a f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pressed Wood Snuff Box Depicting the Battle in Paris of 30th March 1814
Located in Bilzen, BE
Combat of March 30, 1814. On the heights of Saint Chaumont where an Artillery post served by students of the École Polytechnique fought fiercely and was saved from death by General S...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mirror With Sculpted Coper And Ebony Wood Decoration - Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant ebony and embossed copper pareclose mirror from the beginning of the 19th century
Very beautiful mirror which has a beautiful proportion decorated with embossed and fire-gil...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
Mahogany Architects Table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis, 1810
Located in Hellouw, NL
Beautiful Empire mahogany architects table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis (1765-1864).
Jean-Joseph Chapuis (born in Brussels) was a famous furniture maker. He obtained a master craftsman ti...
Category
Early 1800s Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Mantel Clock by Lepine & Neveu
By Lepine
Located in Zonhoven, BE
A gilded French mantel clock signed "Lepine & Neveu." The movement has a Swiss anchor escapement and a striking mechanism that chimes hours and half-hours on a fine bell.
The clock ...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Antique Silver and Crystal Serving Bowl - Empire Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique silver serving dish, with crystal liner.
Very nice design, in classic Empire style.
Estimated origin and age: Germany, circa 1900.
The bowl is in good condition. ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Louis XVI Console In Gilded Wood, Ardennes Grey Marble, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Louis XVI Console In Gilded Wood, Ardennes Grey Marble, 18th Century
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th century pair of French Empire ormolu candlesticks
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, NL
A magnificent pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks in the maner of Jean Demosthene Dugourc.
Each with fluted, tapered shaft and delicate ornamentation, surmounted by three female heads...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Fire Gilded Mantel Clock, circa 1820
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful fire gilded Empire mantel clock with a shepherdess on top with a wreath and ribbon. On the left a staff with pan flute.
At the bottom of the clo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Antique Ceiling Lantern, France, 1920's
Located in Bastogne, BE
Single-light Pendant Lantern is made of bronze, polished to a mirror shine, covered with gilding. France, 1920's.
An ornate French 19th-20th molded glass hanging lantern has elon...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in Bilzen, BE
Old bronze statue from the beginning of the 19th century of Napoleon Bonaparte of fine quality.
Original aged patina
Total height 22 cm, base 8.8 x 8.8 cm, heigth figure 9 cm
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Double-Armed Wall Sconce Empire Style Vintage Wall Lamp, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Lumalux Paris brass wall lamp in the Empire style.
Manufactured in France.
It features bright gold and green enamel finishes.
The light ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Double Body Cupboard by David Linley
By David Linley
Located in Brussels, BE
Double Body Cupboard by David Linley
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Monumental Antique French 24 lights Chandelier in Gilt Bronze and Crystal
Located in Casteren, NL
A grand and richly decorated French chandelier, crafted around 1880. This impressive piece is a fine example of late 19th-century French lighting design, where technical sophisticati...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Male Portrait, Pastel In Its Frame, Circa 1800
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Male Portrait, Pastel In Its Frame, Around 1800
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Empire-Style Antique Noir de Mazy with Marble Verde Circulation Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Empire-style black marble fireplace.
This extraordinary fireplace is made of Noir de Mazy marble, complemented by the luxurious green marble type Verde. Despite the clean lines, thi...
Category
Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
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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