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: Europe
Style: Empire
Antique Pair French Empire Ormolu Flame Mahogany Console Tables 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique pair of French Empire marble topped and ormolu mounted flame mahogany console tables, Circa 1840 in date.
Each with a rectangular breche violette marble top...
Category
1840s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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
Pair Fine Brass Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Antique Empire Sac-à-Perle Chandeliers – Lovingly and Professionally Restored
This stunning pair of antique chandeliers has been carefully and expertly restored in Berlin. T...
Category
1950s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
French Antique Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamp in with Tole Lampshade
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A late 19th century three-light 'Bouillotte' table lamp in gilded bronze and brass, with unusual duck's head styled arms and a typical green lacquered metal (tole) shade. Designed in...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful painted serving tray. Empire, early 19th Century. Made in painted tin plate.
Some minor color loss and wear damages, but overall in good condition in relation...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Period Giltwood Large Italian Empire Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame.
Early 19th century.
Internal measurements cm 37.5 x 45.5.
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certific...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of Twelve 19th Century Empire Chairs in Mahogany, Brass and Velvet
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Set of Twelve Early 19th Century Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany, Inlaid Brass and Velvet
This is a very large and rare set of twelve elegant dining chairs from the (late) ‘em...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870.
Fine quality pair of swedish gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Slipper like shaped backs, the shaped arms supported by...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech, Giltwood
Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small mahogany and walnut veneered table or writing desk with brass holders in the lyres formed sides. The top is provided with inlaid green leather; the drawers have divided small...
Category
Early 1800s Scandinavian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
By Wiggers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810
The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Swedish Empire Karl Johan Wood Sofa 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Empire Karl Johan style sofa dating c. 1830
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
Paris Porcelain Teacup and Saucer Depicting Empress Josephine
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite teacup and saucer in Sèvres style Old Paris Porcelain, depicting the Empress Josephine in ornate dress and wearing her crown. Dating from the early 19th century First Em...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Big leaf
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past
Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Early 19th Century Empire Clock, Miniature Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage", circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Miniature Empire Bronze Clock - Matelot
Paris
fire-gilded and patinated bronze
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 18 x 14 x 9 cm
Description:
Very rare miniature of the famous Pendule Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage". The depiction deals with an important topic of the time, trade with the colonies.
The rectangular base stands on pressed ball feet. Attached to the front, we see two cornucopias filled with exotic fruits and held by a bow.
A young sailor, dressed in a raffia skirt and feather jewellery...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from France made during the 1820s. The middle part in the form of a column. Richly decorated with leaf and period Empir...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire period mahogany pedestal round table, 19th c.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mahogany and mahogany veneer pedestal round table, side table, dining table, tea table column shaft, black granite top with basin, Empire period. France, 19th c.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Coppia di Comò Impero Italia Inizi '800
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di comò del periodo Impero, in noce lastronati in noce rigatino fiammato, presentano sul fronte quattro cassetti di cui il primo sotto piano aggettante, poggiante sui montanti...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes
Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Wire
20th Century French Empire 5 Light Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 19th century French Empire style chandelier with 5 lights. Beautiful decorative detail on the base and arms.
A classic fixture that is sure to impress!!
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Danish Early 19th Century Empire Tobacco Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming mahogany tobacco box in an architecturally intriguing form. The top of the lid is adorned with a small knob of bone.
Great quality and craftsmanship.
Empire. Denmark, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Mahogany
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
Mid-19th Century Empire Venetian Sofa Attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel
By Valentino Besarel
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious mid-19th century Venetian sofa attributable to Valentino Panciera Besarel in hand-carved walnut, restored and finished to wax. Coated with precious original Venetian brocade...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Early 19th Century Ebonized Empire Console Table with White Marble Top, 1808
Located in Berlin, DE
This striking console table, crafted in France circa 1808, embodies the grandeur of the Empire style. Its ebonized wood frame, finished to a deep, lustrous black, provides a dramatic...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Empire Secretaire, Vienna, circa 1810/15
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant Empire secretary featuring a two-door lower cabinet, a smooth writing flap, and a top drawer. The piece is adorned with fine inlays depicting stars, lyres, and palmettes, ...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late Empire Flamed Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oval pedestal cabinet, late empire.
Mirror-cut flamed mahogany with beautiful grain. Door flanked by columns with wood-carved capitals.
Behind the door 3...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1840s Empire Veneered Mahogany Wood Sicilian Round Tilt-Top Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Sicilian tilt-top table is a distinctive piece of furniture, reflecting the design aesthetics of the Empire style popular during the early to mid-19th century, it's a testament ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Sicilian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 'Swan Neck' Bed c1900 France
Located in Trensacq, FR
Handsome and rare antique swan neck bed c1900 France.
Rich warm brown cherry frame with gorgeously carved naive swan detailing at each of the four corners. A wonderfully naive take ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Early 20th Century French Birdcage Chandelier Ormolu with Crystal Spires
Located in Milano, MI
A stunning Empire style crystal and gilt bronze chandelier of French origin, a thirteen-light pendant dating back to the very early 1900, with a very original vertical structure, a b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Porcelain Tea Service 19th Century, Empire Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Porcelain tea service with Napoleon decorations, Sèvres Imperial Manufactory, 19th century, Empire style.
A Sèvres porcelain tea service with Napoleo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving
Early 19th century
Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830.
solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with
lace up padding.
very com...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Style 1918 Genuine Silver Teapot and Solid Ebony Handle by August Thomsen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Empire style teapot made by silversmith August Thomsen in Denmark, 1918
The teapot is made of genuine silver 830s, stamped with the Danish three towers (see the stamp) and with a ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
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
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Three-Tired Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal glass and brass three-tired chandelier, the 1930s.
Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1930s. This lovely...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Pair of Empire mahogany armchairs - swan shaped armrest - attributed to Bellange
By Lelièvre Paris, Pierre-Antoine Bellangé
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of Empire mahogany armchairs in the style of French cabinet maker Pierre Antoine Bellangé (Bellangé was an official supplier to Imp...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
Located in Rome, IT
Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Wilhelm Hofmann opaline glass vase late 19th century
By Wilhelm Nikolaus Hofmann
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Wilhelm Hofmann late 19th century opaline glass vase: timeless elegance and refinement
If you would like to enrich your space with an authentic and fascinating piece of art, this op...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Swedish Empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite circa 1900.
We are pleased to offer this empire revival suite from Sweden.
Set consists of 2 armchairs with matching table. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Set of 14 Dining Chairs, Empire Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very smart set of fourteen solid and elegant dining room chairs dating from 1820' s between the Empire and the Restauration period.
Although very similar...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
19th century French School after F. Gerard : mythological scene picturing Homere
By François Pascal Simon Gérard
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Early 19th century French school featuring poet Homer and Glaucus' daughter after Francois Gerard's work, oil on canvas circa 1815 - 1820.
The painting depicts the time when Homer ha...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Carlo X Italian Walnut Side Table, 1820s
Located in Viterbo, VT
Empire / Carlo X side table hand-made in Italy in the early 1800s using walnut and decorated with book-matched walnut veneer. The side table has elegant lines and lyre-like legs, con...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Canon Prima Zoom 76 Camera with 38-76mm 1:3.8-7.2 Lens - 2Y212
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore the charm of film photography with this vintage Canon Prima Zoom 76 camera, featuring a versatile 38-76mm 1:3.8-7.2 lens. This classic point-and-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 Chinese Porcelain Rice Bowls with 3 Spoons - 2Y49
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This set includes 6 beautifully crafted Chinese porcelain rice bowls and 3 matching spoons. The elegant design and traditional craftsmansh...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Italian Empire Period Flamed Walnut Two Sleigh Beds or Daybeds
Located in Firenze, IT
These two exceptional Italian 19th century Empire period sleigh beds dating back to 1790-1830 were sourced in Lucca, Tuscany. The beds, that can serve also as a daybeds or settee, sh...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Side Chair by Friedrich Rambach, master carpenter, Stockholm active 1834-1861.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique Empire lounge chair with brass detail on neckrest. By master carpenter Friedrich Rambach, active in Stockholm, Sweden between 1834-1861. Beautiful "Emma" chair like style wi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Four Italian Dining Chairs Empire Style Red Gold Upholstery 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A set of four solid walnut chairs in the fabulous Empire style with ormolu decorations, made in Italy in the 20th century, in good condition.
The walnut frame is beautiful in color ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Canopy Bed Napoleon III 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Empire Canopy bed
France
Napoleon III
From the 19th Century,
In mahogany wood with appliqués in gilded bronze and classical figures.
Fluted columns with Corinthian capitals.
Ceilin...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 48cm
Ref.: 84654522
21
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
Large Empire period boat bed and canopy
Located in Paris, FR
Large boat bed in solid flamed mahogany, mahogany veneer, richly decorated with finely chased and gilded bronzes, from the Empire period. Four baluster jambs, adorned with fleurons, ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire period bed with its canopy
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period bed in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer, richly decorated with finely chased and gilded bronzes, with its canopy. The front of the bed features a lyre in the center, framed by two sheath feet with shafts decorated with caduceus and Mercury busts...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Empire style cassolettes in sea green marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Empire style sea green marble and gilt bronze cassolettes, 19th century
Pair of polished sea green marble and gilt bronze cassolettes resting on square bases decorated with laurel l...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Big Crystal Beaded Empire Dome Chandelier circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
I have two similar, if interested. Housing one light, will be rewired and ready to hang. We use certified UL US sockets and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Strands and ...
Category
Early 1900s Czech Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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.