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
Mahogany double bed 1850s Empire period inlaid and gilded
Located in Cesena, FC
Mahogany bed from the 1850s Empire period inlaid and gilded
Austrian bed 1850s empire period mahogany with inlays and gilding
Important and elegant double bed circa 1850.
Bed of Au...
Category
1850s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Original Painted Empire Table Mirror
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Empire rustic vanity mirror / table mirror.
The Mirror has original paint in colorful color.
This orginal painted mirror ha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Swedish Late 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Stool
Located in Skanninge, SE
A very stylish and elegant 19th century model. Newly upholstered in cream white/yellow fabric. The mahogany frame is in a good unrestored condition. This stool/banquette is free stan...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs.
Dimensions:
Hei...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Mid 19th century 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
Mahogany
Edwardian Brass & Mahogany inlaid 3 tier Etagere
Located in Dereham, GB
Edwardian Brass & Mahogany inlaid 3 tier Etagere
3 Mahogany & Satinwood banded inlaid shelves,
Supported by brass Column frame
with Finials at top, ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair French Empire Caryatids Gilded Bronze Cut Glass 4-Light Lantern Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful pair of antique large French Empire caryatids cast bronze lanterns. Fire gilded solid heavy bronze and cut glass shade with four-light.
Dimensions :
Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm
...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Birch
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
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask Upholstery & Red Velour Piping.
Quality and luxurious designed chairs, elegant but robust with rich ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Empire Furniture
Materials
Damask, Silk, Velvet
Empire Style Belgian Gilt Metal and Glass 6-Light Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style glass chandelier features 6 lights and framework with a golden iron.
Made in Belgium. 1970s.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle transparent glass cut facets.
Surprisingly elegant and memorable ceiling lamp will attract the attention of lovers of the unique and unusual. The luminaire not only performs its task well as lighting interiors, but is also a real work of lighting art.
A fine line between fantasy and reality futuristic lamps...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Beaded Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
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
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
Antique Empire Bed Maple Burl & Brass Ancient Grece Theme French 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique Empire maple and brass bed.
This bed, which has already survived almost two centuries, is in excellent condition: solid and sound, the inlaid illustrations are of exceptiona...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Coat Rack Bronze Clothes Hook, France, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
A great vintage wall hanging coat rack with red velvet and brass hooks from France, 1970s.
The set includes a coat rack and 5 hooks.
A coat rack in the hallway is a convenient and...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Library Chairs
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An excellent quality pair of 19th century mahogany
library armchairs, in the French empire taste, having
swept back and moulded scrolling arms with C-scroll
supports raised on elegant moulded sabre legs
(A relative typical design in the early to mid-19th century
these chairs are in the French Empire taste which was most
popular at the time, with the added benefit of being much
more sturdy and practical than the English Regency Chaise...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 Eagle Arms
Located in Halle, DE
A beautiful 20th Century classic French Empire gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 sculptural Eagle Arms .
The Bouillotte Lamp present a classic dark-green painted tole shade with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century
50cm x 26cm x 15cm
good condition
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Brass and Crystal Glass Basket Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style brass and crystal glass basket chandelier.
Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. This lovely piece has an or...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Backgammon in Curly Karelian Birch with Playing Pieces, Empire 1820/30s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Backgammom Box in Curly Karelian Birch with Playing Pieces, Swedish Empire (Karl Johan) 1820/30s. Complete with two Die made in bone and Playing Pieces for two players.
This beautifully crafted backgammon box...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Corinthian Column Brass Floor Lamp with Fringed Lampshade, England, 1890
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Antique corinthian column brass telescopic floorlamp, Hinks pattern, with wonderful handmade fringed lampshade. Made in England, in the style of James Hinks & Son in 1890.
The lamp ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century 12-Light Chandelier circa 1820-1830, Empire France Bronce
Located in Epfach, DE
This magnificent Empire chandelier exemplifies the grandeur of early 19th-century French design. Crafted from ormolu and patinated bronze, it reflects the Empire style's fascination ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century. Perfect in the kitchen for vinegar and oil or in the hallway for gloves or keys.
Wear consistent with a...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Pink And Gold Empire Lamps 1800 Italian Carved Wood Vases
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Italian Empire Lamps 1800 Lacquered Wood Vases in Pink and Gold with oval lampshade, the bases are two antique palm holders lacquered in soft pink tones. The body of the pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Danish Empire Elm Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish early 19th century empire bowfront chest of drawers veneered in elm wood with a beautiful grain pattern.
Four drawers, the top drawer with a geometrical ebonized inlaid in the...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th century French empire mahogany sideboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century French empire mahogany cabinet buffet circa 1880.
Original white and grey marble top. Large double doors open to reveal 2 fitted drawers with a single large shelf below...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Italian Empire Dining Chairs From Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of Italian early 19th Century Empire dining chairs in solid walnut.
This Tuscan pair of chairs, with swan decoration on the back, was likely crafted in the city of Lucca. This...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal”
The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on engraved tripod with octagonal folding photo holder for 6 photos inside, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and pure gold “pa...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
19th Century Belgian Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a very unusual oxidized original antique fireplace mantle in Green marble from the Empire period with lion claw (griffon)
The front has 2 diamond point details.
The Marble is Vert Maurin with provenance from Hameau de Maurin in the Alpes-De-Haute-Provence ( France ). This marble was also used for the Grave Monument of Napoléon Premiér, in the Invalides...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Empire Antique Chandelier Gilt Bronze and Oxidized 9 light early 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine chandelier with flame decoration at center top of amphora shape body. Weapons technology oxidation finish combined with dore bronze of finest quality – just gorgeous creature of...
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Empire Bronze Figural Swan Chandelier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Very Fine Empire Style Neoclassical Six-Arm Bronze Swan Chandelier, France, 1930s
Gorgeous six lights bronze chandelier with foliage and figural motifs.
Rare French Empire style bronze tole chandelier...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Mirror in Mahogany from the Late Empire perid from about 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique mirror in mahogany wood from the late Empire period from around the 1840s. Light in colour, due to sunlight over the years.
Dimensions in cm: H:1...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte.
If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mid 20th Century French Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in L'AMETLLA DE MAR, ES
A 19th-century French Empire chest of drawers in walnut, with brass pulls and column accents, showcases exceptional period craftsmanship...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mahogany Empire Bow Front Corner Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish empire bow fronted corner cabinet in flame mahogany.
Bow front with a single door, dressed with brass lock in the middle, flanked by f...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This mirror, crafted from hand-polished mahogany and adorned with intricate carvings, is a stunning example of Danish craftsmanship from around the 1880s. The rich, deep tones of the...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair French Gilt Lamps Empire Table Lights
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair elegant French Empire style gilt table lamps
Good size at over three feet tall - 1010 CM
Such a quality to the casting of the lamps
Bought from a dealer on Marche Biron at Paris...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Vintage Polistil Ferrari 308 Die-Cast Model Car - Made in Italy - 2Y190
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage Polistil Ferrari 308 die-cast model car is a collectible piece made in Italy, representing the iconic Ferrari 308. Despite its age, it retains much of its original charm...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 19th Century, Empire Cherrywood Seating Group, 2 Armchairs and 6 Chairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful unique seating group consisting of 2 armchairs and 6 chairs. The group dates back to the Empire period of the early 19th century, circa 1800-1810. All chairs are made of so...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
Early 19th Century Biedermeier / Empire Sideboard, Demi Lune Chest
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Demilune Sideboard
Southern Germany
Cherry
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 90 x 85 x 42 cm
Description:
Two-door cabinet standing on pedestal-like pointed legs. ...
Category
1810s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Cérés À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Empire clock signed à Paris
The mantel clock is in gilded bronze representing Ceres as a goddess of fertility, agriculture, grain crops and motherly relationships. In ancient Rom...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
An exceptional 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock by Hartmann à Paris, meticulously crafted in gilt bronze. This distinguished timepiece showcases a finely detailed white enamel ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI Regency Empire Crystal and Bronze Twelve-Light Wedding Cake Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning large French Empire cut crystal and bronze twelve-light chandelier with crystal drops and swags
Measures:
Diameter 26 in/ 66 cm
Height 40 in / 100 cm
Weight 34 lb/16 Kg
Twel...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Ancient Empire Period Bed, Large and Completely Original
Located in Cesena, FC
Antique Empire Bed, Large and Original
This large and original antique Empire bed dates back to the early 1800s. It is an important Empire bed that has never been restored and is com...
Category
1810s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian mirror dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined mirror.
Made of fine walnut wood and characterized by an el...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold 2
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac-a-Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with mesmerizing crystals, evoking the classic style of the Empire era. This is a new re...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Empire Period Gilt and Painted Wood Three-Piece Salon Suite
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt and painted wood three-piece salon suite
French, c. 1820
Sofa: Height 101cm, width 213cm, depth 72cm
Chairs: Height 101cm, width 61cm, depth 56cm
This exquisite t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Empire Gold Gilt Overmantel Mirror
Located in London, GB
A good sized Gilt Empire antique mirror with applied decorative motif gilt work on a rectangular frame, lambs tongue design inner slip. Mirror in good condition. Original boarded bac...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Lampadario Impero Italiano Dorato con Putti Seconda Metà XX Secolo
Located in Milano, MI
Lampadario Italiano in Stile Impero con Putti alati realizzato in bronzo dorato con fusioni ben cesellate e con una doratura di qualità. Il lampadarario è italiano ed è databile into...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Сrystal Tazza Two Tone 19th century Russian Imperial Factory Fruit Vase
Located in Sweden, SE
Antique and absolutely exclusive, fully hand crafted at Russian Imperial Glass Factory in first half of 19th century. Beautiful combination of colors and unique shape and architectur...
Category
1830s Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Picture Frame miniatures and borders in Russian Empire Fabergé style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and fine hand-painted miniatures of laurel friezes and borders in Ru...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Wooden Bed Italian Manufacture, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage wooden bed entirely hand made and realized in Italy in he early 20th Century.
Can be also used as a sofa.
Good condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE BLOND WALNUT SIDEBOARD
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant sideboard in solid blond walnut, finely carved. The linear design of the sideboard is enriched by two half lateral columns, ending with gilded bronze capitals that give a tou...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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.