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
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted.
Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat,
green uniform with medals, draped with a coat.
On the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Military Toy Car by France Jouets – Used Condition - 2Y38
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a piece of history with this vintage military toy car from France Jouets. This classic collectible is a testament to mid-20th-century cra...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Italian Empire Wall Sconces, circa 1950
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Gilded empire style wall sconces in the shape of ribbons cast in solid bronze with inlaid hand painted porcelain decor. Produced in the 1950s. Comes with lime green lamp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Empire Style Childrens Chair
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant and rare childrens 'Bergère chair made in Empire style. Made of finely carved beechwood. At the top swan heads, which is a typical ornate of the Empire style. Upholstered ...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Jules Verne "Un Capitaine de Quinze Ans" - Second Part, Hetzel Edition - 2Y81
Located in Bordeaux, FR
A classic from Jules Verne, "Un Capitaine de Quinze Ans" (Second Part), published by Hetzel. This vintage edition is in good condition, featuring slight wear on the cover and spine. ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Beautiful Hand-Carved Bas-Relief Storage or Jewelry Box - 2Y51
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite storage or jewelry box features hand-carved bas-relief detailing, showcasing expert craftsmanship. With its generous size and elegant design, this piece is perfect for...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
EARLY 19th CENTURY GOLDEN WALL CLOCK WITH MUSIC BOX
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid wall clock set in an elegant opening wooden case, with carved frame and golden tablet. The internal finishes of the clock are also in golden tablet and brass. The decoration...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
Empire-Style Curule Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An extremely elegant 19th-century Empire-style curule stool standing on veneered, curved X legs linked by a turned baluster-shaped stretcher and terminating in lion's paws. The padde...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful Empire clapper secretaire is made of burr walnut. It has very elegant detached columns with Fine chiseled bronze elements on top and bottom of each column. Inside of the secretaire there is leather desk and several drawers including a secret drawer...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany
Located in Valby, 84
A refined and elegant Empire-style bench, crafted from rich mahogany and featuring a beautifully curved and detailed backrest. The symmetrical design is highlighted by an interwoven ...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Mahogany
EARLY 19th CENTURY PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN UNIFORM
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid oil portrait on canvas of a gentleman in uniform, identified as Professor Moses Bosisio, mayor of Monza, who died in 1846, as reported on a plaque on the back of the paintin...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
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
Monumental Empire Style Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Austria, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian crystal chandelier with a solid bronze frame and faceted crystal, circa 1930s or older. This chandelier is perfect for large spaces, entryways, and hallways. A unique waterf...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Bouillotte Lamps or Table Lamps, 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Empire gilded bronze finely chiseled Bouillotte lamps with dark green painted tole adjustable shade.
Two E 14 light bulbs.
We can deliver wired for US standard.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire style bronze chandelier with Royal Eagle heads and flame. This chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 6 arms Empire style chandelier is made of chiseled bronze with Royal Eagle heads around a center flame. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Gold Green Painted Giltwood Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
An old French Directory period, hand-carved trumeau mirror in gilded wood and painted in green, and its base in off-white. The mirror glass is origina...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Empire Brass Chandelier Crystal Lustre Ceiling Light Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing an exquisite Empire Brass Chandelier, adorned with sparkling crystals, and professionally restored with love in Berlin. This timeless piece has been thoughtfully re-wired...
Category
1940s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very stylish 19th century Empire style 'Bouillotte' table lamp in gilt bronze, lit by three curvaceous 'swans head' arms and topped with a green lacquered metal (tole) shade adorne...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Big Large Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability
Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron, Wire
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Empire Psyche, France around 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Large standing mirror with rotating mirror in an arched frame. The mirror is held by lateral columns which end in fire-gilded bronze urns. The bases are also fire-gilt. The psyche st...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A late 19th century Louis XV-style Bouillotte table lamp, with original, green, gilt- decorated tole lampshade, above a base of three upturned decorative brass candle arms supported ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Exceptional French Empire Brass Table Lamp, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Exceptional French Empire Brass Table Lamp, 1820s
An outstanding French Empire brass table lamp, circa 1820–30, originally designed as an oil...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Wall Sconces Louis XVI Style By Massive, Belgium Pair Of Bronze Light
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Paired wall sconces in beautiful bronze from the Massive, Belgian manufacturer.
Set of Wall Lighting lamps in Louis XVI Style with 2 horns on each.
Very noble and sensual! ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 20th Century Wooden Crucifix with Christ Figure in Spelter - 2Y189
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage 20th-century crucifix is a beautiful and reverent piece, featuring a wooden cross and a Christ figure made of spelter. It would make a meaningful addition to any religio...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Spelter
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
Secretaire "a Abbatant" Napoleon III Empire, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Title: Secretaire "a Abbatant"
Date/Period: 19th century
Dimension: 147cm x 105cm x 51cm.
Material: Mahogany wood
Additional Information: Secretaire "a Abbatant" French, Empire Style...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire period portico clock in white marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Empire period portico clock in white marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
This Empire period clock (circa 1800-1810) is composed of a marble terrace topped by two flat columns decor...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak.
Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves.
Very fine quality
Made in ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Empire Chest of Drawers with Granite Top, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Empire chest of drawers in cherry with lateral pilasters with blackened caryatids on lion's paw feet. The black granite top complements the ebony carved details beautifully. The fitt...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Brass
Swedish 19th century flame mahogany breakfront bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Scandinavian empire flame mahogany breakfront bookcase circa 1820.
Stunning bookcase of grand proportions veneered in golden flame mahogany. Bookcase comprises o...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Empire Style Sugar Bowl in 800 Silver, Italy, 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Empire style sugar bowl in 800 silver, Italy, 1950s
It belonged to my maternal great-grandparents and is in excellent condition. Very small signs of the time. Gr. 166,00.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French empire style gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century.
A pair of fine French Empire-style gilt bronze candleholders. A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet. These antique candleholders...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. High quality work of applied arts in Neoclassical (Biedermeier) style. The fork of...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs.
The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields.
The seat has be...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Signed Portrait of a Young Gentlewoman Painting
By Francesco Vinea 2
Located in Roma, IT
Francesco Vinea portrait of a woman
Portrait of Empire taste
Work by painter Francesco Vinea ( Forli 1845- Florence 1902).
Oil on panel, depicting a young woman in Empire style in re...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 7 piece 19th century empire mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
7 piece 19th century french empire mahogany salon suite circa 1880.
Rare 7-piece salon suite made in rich mahogany. Set comprises of a 2-seat sofa, 2 armchairs and 4 open armchairs....
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability
Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Category
2010s Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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
19th Century Empire French Semainier Commode
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Empire Semainier,
Mahogany,
France, 1825-1830
,,The Empire style is an early-nineteenth-century design movement in architecture, furniture, other de...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk.
With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan lea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Category
1840s Danish 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
Rarity Pair Low Plafonnier Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass Lustre Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Presenting a pair of exquisite basket chandeliers, designed to complement each other perfectly. Both chandeliers have been thoughtfully restored and revitalized to their original gra...
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Italian Florentine Hall Glass Chandelier by Banci Gilt and Green Wrought Iron
Located in Milano, MI
Italian Banci Firenze wrought iron verdigris painted lantern with glass bowl 1980s. Elegant three-light vintage bell jar lantern with a verdigris scav...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Late Empire French Walnut Chest of Drawers with Bronze Handles
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Mid 19th Century Empire Style Bronze Patinated Candleholders
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of fine French Empire style brown patinated bronze candlesticks from the Napoleon III period. A fluted column beautifully decorated with ivy, rises on a tripod with claw-shape...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Empire Period Armchairs and Bergere by P.BELLANGÉ
By Pierre-Antoine Bellangé
Located in Paris, FR
EXCEPTIONAL seats by Pierre Bellangé
PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS, circa 1805
Mahogany with mahogany veneer. Powerful tapered front legs with three scalloped rings, and sabre back legs.
Slight...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
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
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.