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: England
Style: Empire
Small 19th century Swedish empire birch sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century Swedish empire birch sofa circa 1860
Good quality Swedish empire period birch sofa upholstered in kalim woven fabric.
Small sofa or a very comfortable single cha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Mid 19th Century Swedish center table with writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century center table with writing slope circa 1860.
Fine quality empire period swedish flame mahogany center table. Oval top with the unusual feature of having a fitted wr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century empire revival mahogany pier mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century empire revival mahogany pier mirror circa 1870.
Excellent quality pier mirror using the finest mahogany. Architectural cornice top with cresent shape which showcases t...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Swedish 19th century satin birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century satin birch chest of drawers circa 1870.
Elegant scandinavian chest of drawers, pine carcass veneered in a golden satin birch. Fitted with 3 equal sized drawe...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique French Empire 2 door Walnut Bookcase Bibliotheque 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique French walnut and omolu mounted bookcase / Bibliotheque, dating Circa 1870 in date.
It has been hand crafted from solid walnut and decorated with fine Neo- ...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th century Swedish empire birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish empire birch chest of drawers circa 1870.
Good quality Scandinavian chest of drawers very much in the empire taste.
Rectangular top surface with stepped edge, ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of French Empire Revival upholstered back mahogany armchair fauteuils, circa 1880 in date.
The mahogany is beautiful in colour with superb patina. Th...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Monumental French Empire Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat, circa 1870 in date.
The rectangular top has an inset gold-tooled green leather writing surface with a very...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
18th Century Silk Fabric French Empire
Located in Canterbury, GB
A long panel of Antique Silk
French Empire and dating from 18th century
Beautiful, hard to find Dark Olive Green colourway
Antique gently time worn condition with general signs ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk
Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase circa 1900.
Superb quality piece of Swedish made furniture with influences from Biedermeier and empire periods.
Stepped top...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique Empire Gold Gilt Patinated Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire Gold Gilt Patinated Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock
French, c. 1810
Height 48cm, width 31cm, depth 20cm
A superb example of early 19th-century French decorative arts, thi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine Empire Style ormolu Mounted Box
Lovely Quality and very fine Ormolu mounted
This Box Stands at 40cm in Height and is truly Magnificent
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite
$16,933 Sale Price
35% Off
Late 19th Century French empire mahogany and ormolu cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality french empire revival mahogany cabinet circa 1890.
Generous proportions and as with all furniture of this scale and period it was built to come apart.
Central glazed d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th century flame mahogany tall chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century flame mahogany tall chest of drawers circa 1870.
Fine quality caddy top tall chest of drawers, which is also known as a seminere chest, because of the use of 7 drawers....
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Console Table
Located in Ongar, GB
A nice quality 19th century French Empire console table made from flamed Cuban mahogany. With a Belgian bluestone top and original ormolu ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A Pair of Elegant Louis XVI Style Bergere Armchairs With Cream Damask Upholstery
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Matching Pair of Empire Design Bergere Arm Chairs With Scroll Backs Upholstered in Cream Damask. Perfect For Any Library, Study or Lounge Space.
Height to arms 67.5cm
Height...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Damask
Mid 19th century Swedish birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish birch chest of drawers circa 1860.
Good quality Swedish commode, fitted with 3 near equally sized drawers that open on the key.
Rectangular top with moulde...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Fine Ormolu and Cut Glass Empire Period Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The ormolu finely decorated corona hung with swags of icicle drops and strings cascading down to a corresponding main band supporting fifteen candle branch arranged on two tiers the ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th century Swedish carved birch sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century swedish carved birch sofa circa 1880.
Elegant Swedish formal sofa which seats a comfortable 3. Straight back with shaped birch border. Roll top arms with carved acant...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Danish mid 19th century flame mahogany chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish mid 19th century flame mahogany chest of drawers circa 1850.
Stunning mid 19th century 4 drawer commode from Denmark.
Rectangular top with sloped moulded edge. Below the to...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box
Located in London, GB
A Magnifient Lapis Empire Style Box
This box is Absolutely Stunning,
Ormolu Mounted
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
$15,905 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Empire Period Mahogany Extending Dining Table
Located in London, GB
Large Empire period mahogany extending dining table
French, c. 1810
Fully open: Height 77cm, width 446cm, depth 178cm
Shorter: Height 77cm, width 326cm, depth 178cm
A striking repr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Fine quality early 19th century flame mahogany bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine example of a Regency period bookcase circa 1820.
Very much in the manor of thomas hope. Matching flame mahogany veneers from top to bottom. Comprising of 3 sections, lower ca...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Armoire
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century French Empire period armoire.
With stunning book matched walnut veneer to the two long doors flanked by two columns.
Original restra...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Very Tall 8' Antique Empire Style Mirror, Italian, Walnut, Marble, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an extraordinary 8' tall antique Empire Style console mirror. An Italian extended pier mirror in walnut with a marble plinth, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Of impressive stature and exceptional craftsmanship, this piece is ideally suited to grand reception rooms or palatial entrance halls.
Striking proportion at 99.5'' (253cm) in height, creating an unmissable focal point
Beautifully figured walnut stocks, displaying deep caramel hues and rich grain interest
Topped with a delightful crown pediment, finished with gilt relief moulding for an elegant flourish
Original mercury glass mirror plate, with charming foxing and light, age-related character
Fascia adorned with gilt artistry, elevating the warm walnut tones beneath
Cool grey marble tabletop sits at 85cm, perfect for display or utility in a hallway setting
Serpentine pilaster supports, a classical touch, terminating with darling gilt hoof foot mounts
Stands upon a plinth base with deep apron, grounding the mirror with architectural poise
Presented in two parts for ease of placement, and secures to the wall with brass fittings
Maximum mounting width of 99cm (39'') across the rear edge of the plinth
This antique Italian pier mirror...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
A Pair of Empire Style French Bronze Gueridons with Black Marble Tops
Located in London, GB
France, 20th century
A pair of mid twentieth century Empire style circular gueridon, the black marble tops with polished brass rims, all supported on tripod bronze bases with cross...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Brass, Bronze
Grand French Empire Mahogany Gilt Bronze Mounted Console Table
Located in Benington, Herts
A Very Fine and Extremely Large Mahogany Empire Period Console Dessert With Finely Cast Gilt Bronze Mounts
French Paris Circa 1815-25
The present piece of furniture is rather ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Silk Velvet Altar Frontal
Located in Canterbury, GB
Antique French Altar Frontal / Valance
Finest quality silk velvet. Decorated with gold metallic braid . Edged with the most opulent gold metallic tassel trim
Backed with glazed cot...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet
$1,988 / item
19th Century French Mahogany Empire Console Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A nice quality early 19th Century French flame mahogany Empire console table.
With original brass ormolu mounts and original marble top.
Large single drawer at the front. Circa 181...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Empire Malachite Gilt Torcheres Floor Lamps 8 Ft
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing an incredible pair of large Empire style floor lamps or torchieres
Hand crafted from gilt and faux malachite
The faux malachite is painted porcelain which looks very...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Paint
A Pair Of Early C20th Italian Giltwood & Toleware Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
A Fine Pair of Italian Giltwood and Toleware Wall Sconces from the Early 20th Century in the Empire Style.
The sconces are adorned with delicate ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality mid 19th century French mahogany and leather reclining chair circa 1860.
We are pleased to be able to offer this stunning french flame mahogany reclining chair for sale...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Important and Very Rare Pair of Micromosaic, Malachite and Walnut Console Tables
By Antonio Deangelis
Located in London, GB
Important and very rare pair of micromosaic, malachite and walnut console tables
Italian & Russian, early 19th century
Measures: Height 89cm, width 106.5cm, depth 62cm
These exceptionally beautiful antique console...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Large Empire-Style Ormolu and Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Large Empire-style ormolu and malachite centre table
French, 20th Century
Height 85cm, width 165.5cm, depth 85.5cm
This superb centre table pairs vibrant malachite with classical o...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Large French Empire Style Gilt-Bronze and Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
A large French Empire style gilt-bronze and malachite centre table.
French, 20th century.
Height: 85cm, width: 160cm, depth: 79cm
This superb table, a grand and highly impressiv...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Empire period ebonised commode
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Fab early 19th century Empire 3 drawer marble topped commode
French circa 1820's with original marble top
3 deep drawers , carved hairy paw feet
Height 89 cms or 35 inches
Wi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sapele Wood
Pair French Marble Urns Amphora Cassolettes Empire 1890
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of French Empire marble cassoulets
Classic urns of amphora form
Beautiful tones of marble including salmon pink, orange, cream and burgundy
Ormolu fixtures are original and finely cast
Purchased from a dealer on Marche Biron...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Linke Style Pedestal Stands French Empire Tall Tables Inlay Gilt
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Elegant pair of French pedestal stands after Francois Linke
These really are the ultimate for a high end interior
Crafted from kingwood with intricate inlay work including floral mot...
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils
French, c. 1810
Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm
This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
19th century Swedish gilt and eglomise ornate wall clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish gilt and églomisé ornate wall clock circa 1840.
Fine quality swedish wall clock of the empire period circa 1840. Beautifully carved, surmounted with doves. 2 si...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror circa 1890.
Fine architectural pier mirror made in birch.
Rich golden empire revival birch, with architectural cornice. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Birch
French Porcelain Brass Mounted Shepherd & Sheep Bonbonniere
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful antique French figural shepherd with sheep metal mounted porcelain bonbonniere dating from the early 19th century. The bonbonniere is of oval shape and has a brass hinge...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Empire Column Cabinet from the North of Sweden
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Empire column cabinet from Northern Sweden.
A useful piece of furniture for one of those difficult to fill spaces.
With good storage and scraped to original paint.
Late...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$5,045 Sale Price
20% Off
French Antique Silver Sugar Sifter with Floral Garlands
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique French silver sugar sifter decorated with floral garlands and dating from the early 19th century. The lightly made sugar sifter stands on a wide round foot with a gild...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Stunning French Empire Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer sell this stunning large French Empire style walnut desk having a gilt tooled green leather top with a ormolu edge and scrolling mounts flanked by an arrangement ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Pair of Antique French Ceramic and Gilt Metal Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique French ceramic and gilt metal table lamps. They were made in France, they date from around the 1950’s.
They are of superb quality and are an impressive si...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere
By C. Maniere
Located in London, GB
Fine black marble and ormolu mantel clock of borne (antique milestone) form. Superb proportions and Fine ormolu mounts, well finished with matte and burnished fire gilding. The primary mount represents d'Etude, below this a pair of Lions pawing an Anthemion. To each side a Fine mount of crossed winged torches of ever lasting love purporting to represent Anacreon inspired by Love. Fine white enamel dial and gilt bronze hands, signed Maniere a Paris for Charles-Guillaume working at the Rue Christine...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 55cm, width 43cm, depth 13cm
This fine Empire period mantel clock is wro...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
An Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass And Patinated Bronze Lantern
Located in London, GB
A large Empire style lantern in patinated bronze with gilt brass accents. Four curved glass panels, decorative scrolled inner branch arms. Gilt br...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Wonderful 19th century gilded wall mirror , empire style
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very good quality 19th century gilded wall mirror in the empire style
French circa 1840’s with original backboards and mirror plate Height
It can hang landscape or portrait
Heig...
Category
1840s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt-bronze mantel clock by Deverberie
French, c.1805
Measures: Height 67cm, width 54cm, depth 19cm
This exceptional timepiece was made in Empire period Fr...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pair French Bedside Chests Empire Nightstands Bombe Commode
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair French marble topped walnut bedside commodes with ormulo fittings 1890
In the Empire manner with a slight bombe form
Two drawers to each and marble is smooth and chip free
Bough...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair French Empire candelabra, circa 1800
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of French Empire bronze and gilded ormolu candelabra, each having Caryatid supports to the scrolling foliate four branch candle sconces. Raised on classical gilde...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Side Tables
Located in London, GB
Pair of French neoclassical style malachite and gilt bronze side tables
French, 20th century
Dimensions: Height 85cm, diameter 50cm
These striking octagonal guéridons are crafte...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Pair of Antique French Empire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These fine and large French candelabra date from the Empire period of the 19th century and beautifully contrast the different finishes of gilt ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
$130,259 / set
French Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Marble Desk Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French ormolu mounted Empire style marble desk stand dating from the 19th century. This stylish stand is of rectangular shape with rounded polished ends and is made from a...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Michel-François Piolaine
By Michel-François Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive gilt bronze mantel clock is by the French Michel-François Piolaine. The clock body is raised by an architecturally formed, plinth-shaped base, set to the fr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Early 20th century Scandinavian gilt pedestal column
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Scandinavian gilt pedestal column circa 1900.
Good quality decorative pedestal in original gilt finish. Roman doric style with white painted top, fluting down th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
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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