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: Pennsylvania
Style: Empire
Antique Alabaster Marble Empire Style Carved Column Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Alabaster Marble Empire Style Carved Column Pedestal Plant Stand. Item features a revolving top, nice slender form, good antique item. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements:...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
Antique American Empire Style Mahogany 4 Section Stacking Barrister Bookcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Style Mahogany 4 Section Stacking Barrister Bookcase. Item features carved paw feet, 4 glass doors, stacking form, very nice antique bookcase. Top 2 sections ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
French Restauration Antique Mahogany Cylinder Roll-Top Desk circa 1830
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FINE RESTAURATION PERIOD ORMOLU-MOUNTED FLAMED MAHOGANY BUREAU À CYLINDER
France, circa 1830
Item # 403ZGP18C
An exceedingly fine bureau à cylinder from the Restauration period in F...
Category
19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Ormolu
French Empire Mahogany Grand Dining Room Table Set
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite furniture piece set from an estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. The set includes a table with four leaves and a total of twelve chairs, eight armless and four with arms. The chairs, crafted from medium-tone wood with lattice backs, showcase a sophisticated brown and tan checkered seating...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman. Item featured is a very rare model, shapely raised box form, beautiful crotch mahogany veneer, black ...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Cast Iron French Empire Style Lion Head Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain White
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cast Iron French Empire Style Lion Head Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain (Black). Item features heavy cast iron construction, desirable weathered patina, approx. 40 lbs each. Does ...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of Antique Old or Vieux Paris Gilt Porcelain & Floral Plates by P A Hannong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French porcelain vases.
In old Paris or vieux paris porcelain.
By the Paris porcelain manufactory of Peter Anton Hannong.
With a scalloped border, gilt rim...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40.5" H x 67" W x 27" D x 19" Seat height x 33" Arm height.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of French antique etched and faceted cut crystal lidded boxes with ormolu mounts, c. early 20th century.
Gorgeous gilt bronze mounted boxes with intricately etched crystal of f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Cornucopia Vases on Marble Bases, Pair
By Baccarat
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This pair of neoclassical rython form garnitures are well detailed and finely cut.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid century vintage Italian brass and porcelain whimsical decorator lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid-century vintage Italian made decorator table lamp. The table lamp features a botanical inspired bouquet flowers with handmade porce...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vtg F.B. Rogers Empire Style Silver Plated Small Trophy Cup Champagne Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage F.B. Rogers Empire Style Silver Plated Small Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket. Item features is a nice small size, engraved "W.A.S., Many Thanks, T.G.W." to center, ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Italian Neoclassical French Empire Green & Gold Painted Wooden Column Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Neoclassical / French Empire Style Green & Gold Painted Carved Wood Column Pedestal. Circa 1900, (painted finish appears to be a vintage addition) Measurements: Over...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Empire 68" Tall Bronze & Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire 68" Tall Bronze & Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps - a Pair. Item featured is a tall impressive size, 7 electrified candelabras, stunning cast bronze ormolu with rouge marble supports, square black painted wooden bases, remarkable quality and overall presence. Approx 60 lbs each. Stunning and rare pair of floor candelabras...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table. Item features mother of pearl and wood floral wreath inlay, carved reeded column-form legs, very nice vin...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Wood Mirror Front Gold Lion Storage Bar Black Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
This piece was acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. French Empire mirrored front wood bar with black marble top. It features two drawers and storage shelves on ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
A crotch mahogany Empire wall mirror circa 1830.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A crotch mahogany Empire wall mirror circa 1830.
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Mid 20th century frame Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian frame bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold details...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Empire Brass Steel Pool Table Double Lantern Light
Located in New York, NY
This piece was acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. This pool table light holds two metal shaded lamps. The arm of the light is made of cast brass. Good conditi...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mid 20th Century Italian Tole Lamp
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid 20th century Italian tole lamp with original shade.
Fine Italian tole column form table lamp in a warm ochre hue. It is intricately painted with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Tôle, Brass
A French ebonized Empire style marble top coffee table with bronze mounts.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French ebonized Empire style marble top coffee table with bronze mounts circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table. Item features beveled glass, inset top, 6 saber legs, 2 tier band...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Century French Empire Style Cherry Wood Black Column 1 Drawer End Tables - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Century French Empire Style Cherry Wood Black Column 1 Drawer End Tables - Pair. Item features one dovetailed drawer, solid wood construction, finis...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Vintage empire style jewelry or trinkets chest of drawers.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a Vintage empire style jewelry or trinkets chest of drawers. This chest of drawers features its original solid brass hardware. This diminutive chest of drawers is made of dar...
Category
1950s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Empire Style Flame Finial Brass and Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Flame Finial Brass and Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early to Mid 20th Century.
Measurements: 20" H x 9" W x 16" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Maitland Smith French Empire Green Greek Key Sunburst Round Dining Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith attributed French Empire Style Green Lacquer Greek Key Sunburst Round Dining/Center Table. Item features thick round glass, green paint lacquered top with sunburst center and Greek Key border, dark brown and gold pedestal...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Brass Spiral Column Andirons- a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Brass Spiral Column Andirons- a Pair. Circa 1900. Measurements: 20" H x 9" W x 17.5" D
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage French Empire Solid Brass and Carrara Marble Top Coffee or Side Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage French Empire solid brass and Carrara marble coffee, cocktail or side table, France, c. 1930's.
This petite, elegant table is beautifully adorned with delicate floral motifs...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique American Empire Walnut Leaf Carved Pier Wall Console Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Walnut Leaf Carved Pier Wall Console Mirror. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 38" H x 22" W x 4.5" D
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Twin Star International 62" Cherry Wood Empire Style Heater TV Stand Fireplace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heavy solid wood construction, nicely carved details, working heater and lighted fireplace with various settings, large impressive size, great style and form. Circa 21st Century, Pre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Black Ebonized Walnut Needlepoint Parlor Arm Chair. Item features a coral floral needlepoint upholstery, torch and flame carved crust, gold painted finish, very...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique American Empire Floral Spiral Carved Mahogany Round Library Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Floral Spiral Carved Pie Crust Mahogany Round Library Center Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 29" H x 30" Diameter.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk, leather top circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk with leather top, circa 1940.
Category
1940s Argentine Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
An Empire style round center library table, late 19th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Empire style round center library table, with faux marble painted top with ebonized legs and carved gilt-wood lion heads. Table has 3 drawers around circumference. Late 19th C
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire Upholstered Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
This set of 10 Empire Upholstered Chairs features 2 arm chairs as well as 8 side chairs. All of the chairs in this set feature a fully upholstered back for maximum comfort. And the d...
Category
2010s Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair Empire Style Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of bronze candlesticks feature Classical motifs including acanthus leaves and reeded tapering shafts.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique American Empire Crotch Mahogany Chest Drawers Step Back Dresser Paw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Crotch Mahogany Chest Drawers Step Back Dresser with Paw Feet. Item features column supports, lift off upper small 3 drawer sect...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Column Form Flame Finial Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Column Form Flame Finial Andirons - a Pair. Item features flame finials, reeded column form shafts, paw feet, very nice antique set. Circa Early 19...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Enormous Italian Blanc De Chin pottery table lamps/a pair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a pair of very large mid century Vintage Italian blanc de chin pottery table lamps. These lamps have shell and empire inspired motifs around the entire surface of the lamps. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Vintage handmade rustic scrubs pine Irish hall bench
By Child & Child
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handmade rustic vintage scrubbed Pine Irish hall bench. This bench is in a country Empire style and features one large drawer with two solid...
Category
1980s Irish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Round Table with Empire Bases 60-115 inch
Located in Annville, PA
The Round Table with Empire Bases 60-115 inch is a high quality 60 inch round table when closed. The field of the table top being produced from the...
Category
2010s Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Mahogany Partner's Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Mahogany Partner's Desk with glass knobs. Top refinished and everything else cleaned and ready to go! Two wide drawers per each side with smaller drawers below. Beautiful c...
Category
1880s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Vintage Empire Inspired Newly Upholstered Bench
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage newly upholstered empire inspired bench. This bench has been upholstered in a black cotton with a large button in the center. The bench has a dark walnu...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
By Thomire & Cie.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks.
With intricate raised decoration in the form of geometric and foliate patterns.
The middle of each candlestick is fluted and ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire Bronze and Marble Campana Form Urns
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of Classical style urns are finely cast featuring acanthus leaves, mask form handles, and laurel leaf wreaths on Sienna marble plinth form bases.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Gilded Brass Bronze Figural Elephant Small Candlesticks, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gilded brass bronze figural elephant small candlesticks - a pair. Item features a gold gilded finish, great elephant form casting, nice small Size, very nice vintage item, gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Low Marble Top Empire Style Pedestal Side Tables by Imperial, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage low marble top Empire style pedestal side tables by Imperial - a Pair. Item features a nice low form, square white marble tops, wooden urn form ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Carved Empire Upholstered Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
The set of 10 Carved Empire Upholstered Chairs comprise of a group with 2 arm chairs and 8 side chairs. All chairs with a carved top rail and featuring a fully upholstered back which...
Category
2010s Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Green Marble Top Fluted Wood Corinthian Column Pedestal Base Round Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
42" round green marble-top fluted Corinthian column coffee table. Item features a substantial green marble top with very attractive "wave" pattern veins. The marble top rests on a ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
20th Century Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Wood Pedestal Plant Stands, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Late 20th century French Empire neoclassical style mahogany wood pedestal plant stands - a pair. Item features solid wood construction, beaut...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Four Light Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This impressive pair of Classical gilt bronze candelabra in the manner of Pierre Philippe Thomire, are beautifully made in cast bronze and have hand chased details. They feature dolp...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Maitland Smith French Empire Regency Leather Top Brass Paw Feet Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith French Empire Regency leather top brass paw feet round drum center table. Item features brass rolling casters, tooled leather top, bra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Style 8 Arm Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Empire style eight-arm chandelier with crest fleur-de-lis design. Cleaned and rewired. This chandelier and it's sisters hung in the corridors of the NYC Waldorf Astoria ...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish.
The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Neoclassical Style Chest of Drawers, Late 19th C
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Empire Neoclassical style mahogany chest of drawers with ormolu mounts, late nineteenth century.
This three drawer waln...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Feet Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Feet Side Tables - a Pair. Item features a claw foot tripod pedestal base, lower shelf, beautiful woodgrain,...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Giltwood Winged Griffin Needlepoint Inlay Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire giltwood winged Griffin needlepoint and inlay parlor arm chair. Item features gold gilt wood winged griffin arm supports, bell flo...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $955,603 while the average work can sell for $4,296.
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