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: Florida
Style: Empire
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Granite Five-Arm Lamps
By Claude Galle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite true pair of French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and granite five arm lamps, after a model by Claude Galle. Each lamp is raised by a squar...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Polished Ebony Nightstand - Single Antique Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique French Empire nightstand, bed side table made of hand crafted shellac polished Ebony, in good condition. The si...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
A French mid 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble fireplace mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and finely detailed French mid 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble fireplace mantel. This beautiful mantel is raised by striking elegantly scrolled jambs with ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
19th Century German Empire Antique Cherrywood Freestanding Floor Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique German floor mirror made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Cherrywood in good condition. The tall freestanding mirror is consisting its origina...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century French Faux Bamboo Burl White Marble Chest Drawer Sideboard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A good antique 19th century French Empire faux bamboo & white marble pine small sideboard /chest of drawer. The chest having the original veined white marble top above four drawers, ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French 19th Century Empire St. Burl Elm, Ebony, Tulipwood, and Ormolu Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and high quality French 19th century Empire st. burl elm, ebony, tulipwood, and ormolu cabinet. The large scale three door cabinet is raised by a straight base with an ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console. This impressive six leg console is raised by three maiden caryatids with lion's paw feet in t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Slate, Bronze
c1810 French Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1810 French Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary. Opens to reveal lovely storage space. There are nooks, shelves, a pull out writing surface. There are gilt bronze adornments and there a...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Continental early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany Fruitwood center table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most handsome Continental early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ebonized Fruitwood center table. The wonderful table is raised on Ebonized Fruitwood bun feet belo...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu and Marble Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu mounted on Alabastro Sardonico and black Belgian marble pedestal. The pedestal is raised by a protruding square ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century French Pair of Bronze Egyptian Candle Holders - Marble Sticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of Egyptian women figure candle holders made of hand crafted marble and patinated bronze, in good condition. The candle sticks are resting on an urn-shaped base. The particularized Parisian décor...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze
French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu fire screen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A decorative and most handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu fire screen. This stunning square fire screen is raised by a long slender rectangular patina...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Japy Frères et Cie Empire Marble & Bronze Mantle Clock
By Japy Frères
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Introducing the Japy Frères et Cie Empire Mantle Clock, a remarkable timepiece with a rich history and exquisite craftsmanship. This antique clock is a true representation of the Empire style, showcasing the exceptional artistry and design prevalent during the 19th century.
The movement of this clock is a testament to its prestigious heritage, bearing the registered mark Grande Médaille d'honneur 1855, earned at the renowned Paris Exposition universelle of 1855. This recognition signifies the superior quality and precision of the clock's movement, a hallmark of Japy Frères et Cie's dedication to horological excellence.
The clock's case is crafted from black Belgian marble, displaying medallions featuring the Arethusa head type, inspired by ancient Greek coinage, specifically the decadrachm from Syracuse, Sicilia, minted circa 400 BC. These historical motifs, combined with the Empire style's characteristic elements such as tiger feet...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Ormolu Chandelier With Trumpet Light Fittings, c.1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French Empire style ormolu bronze chandelier fitted with an allegory of trumpets. The item has been converted to accommodate modern day lightbulbs.
CONDITION...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and unique French 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu mirror. The mirror is raised by a straight base with a fine mottled design. The original central mirror pl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire St. Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely French 19th century Empire st. verdigris patinated bronze and ormolu chandelier. The patinated bronze base is decorated with an ormolu inverted finial and acanthus leaves an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Early 19th Century Empire St. Walnut, Ormolu and Marble Chests
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive pair of French early 19th century Empire st. walnut, ormolu, and Bleu Turquin marble chests. Each three-drawer chest is raised by elegant square tapere...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Russian Antique Veneered Mahogany Secretary by Heinrich Gambs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian secretary with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, designed and produced by Heinrich G...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique French Empire Fruitwood Console Table with drawer, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Empire- Biedermeier fruitwood console table with drawer and bronze details
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire St. Burl Walnut, Ormolu and Marble Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. burl Walnut, ormolu and Jaune de Sienne marble side table. The oblong shaped table is raised by impressive richly...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Bureau Plat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome French 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu Bureau Plat. The desk is raised on straight tapered legs with ormolu sabots and pierce...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
20th Century French Oil Painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor by S. Chapin
By Chapin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French oil on canvas painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor in a hand carved original gilded wooden frame, painted by S. Chapin in good condition. The wall décor art pie...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
French 19th Century Empire St. Oval Ormolu Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite French 19th century Empire st. oval ormolu inkwell. The inkwell is raised by pawed feet below a lattice design with rosettes in the center. Above are two ink dispensers ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Giltwood Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and giltwood stools. Each circular stool is raised by three square tapered legs with the front leg displaying a handsome pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
20th Century Black French Pair of Large Marble, Gilded Bronze Table Lights
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, vintage French pair of large table lamps made of hand crafted marble with a new round shade, in good condition. They are composed with its original switch, particularized by...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze
French Empire Style Table Lamps by Stiffel, a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of French Empire style table lamps made by Stiffel. Brass columns are turned with large ceramic fonts in white trimmed in gold. Bases are decorated with dentils on a square ba...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Gilt Gold Leaf Bench Oversized 48"
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
1990s Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Empire Style Milk Glass Lamps with Hand Painted Gilding
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of lamps, in Empire style, of milk glass, each columnar form handpainted with gilt festooning, on round brass base.
Stock ID: D7199
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
c1810 Pair Antique Empire Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair c1810 French Empire Dore Bronze Candlesticks/ Candle Holders. Highly detailed. When I saw these I was thinking that they are stunning.
Category
1810s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat & Greatcoat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat and Greatcoat
France, circa 1920s
Capture a piece of French history with this exquisite Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Period 19th Century Rosewood Card Table English
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant English mid-19th Century well figured card table of serpentine form having carved decoration.
A very good quality table that can be used in any space. The rectangular top wi...
Category
19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Gold French Empire Pair of Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Sticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders with loose candle cuffs, made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candlesticks have downwardly tapering, fluted shafts, supported by a round footplate. The base is particularized with palmettes and leaves. The Parisian décor pieces represent the First French Empire time...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Fine Bronze and Crystal Period Empire Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite Empire chandelier, having a frame of finely chased gilt bronze, basket shape, draped in beaded crystals; floral swags connect the four external candlearms, four additional ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th C. French Silver Commemorative Three-Dimensional Napoleon Portrait Spoon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century French Silver Commemorative 3-Dimensional Napoleon Portrait Spoon
Unmarked, France, 19th Century
A remarkable 19th-century French si...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
18th Century Gold French Gilded Wood Barometer, Antique Parisian Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
19th Century French Antique Empire Crystal Glass Chandelier, Parisian Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French chandelier, pendant made of hand crafted polished brass, in good condition. The hand blown cut crystal prisms are attached, halted to the ceiling lamp brass f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Brass
French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany, Ormolu and Mirror planter/console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most unique French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany, Ormolu and Mirror planter/console. This exquisite freestanding elongated demi lune console is raised by on thick f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19thc Antique French Empire style Bronze & Cut Crystal Cascading Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Empire style Bronze and Crystal Chandelier. Cascading crystal form. Bronze frame. Purchased in France.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Empire Painted Globe Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
An antique Empire style brass lamp with a hand painted glass globe. A slender central column topped with an urn finial has two sockets that light with brass chain pulls. A blush and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror - Antique Wall Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black-gold, antique French wall mirror made of hand crafted gilded Pinewood with its original mirrored glass, in good condition. The particularized carved Parisian mirror...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Pine
19th Century French Pair of Bronze Girandoles Attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of girandoles made of hand crafted gilded bronze attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt, in good condition. Eac...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Side Table or Nightstand
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Empire style side table or nightstand made of solid walnut and veneer of walnut and finished on all four sides. Expertly crafted tambour door made of preci...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of Signed, 19th Century, Converted Milkglass Lamps Hand Painted with Ivy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of columnar table lamps, in Empire style, of milkglass. Each a round, faceted column, handpainted with scrolling vines of ivy. Lamped on round, pierced metal bases. Signed, "Pee...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell.
This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Late Empire Ormolu and Patented Bronze Figural Candelabra Lamps, C. 1815
By Louis Isidore Choiselat 1
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of period Empire figural candelabrum. Each modeled as a winged figure of Victory, of patented bronze, with both arms supporting a floral wreath, and three horns-of-plenty, of or...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Pair of Bronze Girandoles Attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of girandoles made of handcrafted gilded bronze attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt, in good condition. Each...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century Russian Pair of Antique Beechwood, Brass Wall Mirrors and Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian pair of wall mirrors and console tables, nightstands made of hand crafted Karelian Beechwood in good condition. The floor mirrors are supported by two arched legs ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
By Palwa
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Austrian Empire style 24K Gold Framed "Bag and Tent" form Wall sconces. Manufactured by Palwa. Labelled.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass
19th - 20th Century French Pair of Antique Empire Porcelain Cassoulettes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of small Cassoulettes made hand crafted porcelain, in good condition. Each of the Parisian Athenians are composed with four gilded bronze maidens, particulariz...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
A 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Giltwood, Ormolu and Leather armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stately and most handsome Continental 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Giltwood, Ormolu and Leather armchair. This wonderful chair is raised by curved Mahogany legs leading to a c...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pr. 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze "Lions Head" Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Very highly detailed and ultra high quality. French Estate.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs. This statement making pair of throne armchairs are raised by patinated Brass casters the scr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
French Empire Mahogany Cheval Mirror with Brass Inlays & Ormolu, circa 1790
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Empire cheval mirror in mahogany with brass inlays & ormolu mounts, on double lyre-pedestal with original mirror. France, circa 1790.
Dimensions: 34" wide x 19 3/4" deep x ...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Gold Bronze Male Mask Figural Candelabra. Very nice detail and stately candelabra.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Demilune Console Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Empire demilune console table with a pair of large hand-carved mahogany swans. Good craftsmanship and beautiful stylized sculptural swans wit...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Small Empire Chest of Drawers in Mahogany with Marble Columns, Sweden, c. 1790
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Empire commode in Cuban mahogany with marble columns flanking two drawers and resting on tapered square feet. Brass key plates and pulls were added in the late 1800s. Fre...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Centerpiece Crystal Attrib. to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent Late 19th - Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Centerpiece with Crystal attributed to Baccarat.
Imagine this breathtaking centerpiece on your center table, countert...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, 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.