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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: USA
Style: Empire
French Empire Style Alabaster and Brass Chandelier 27 X 27 X 27
Located in Long Branch, NJ
French Empire Style Alabaster and Brass Chandelier 27 X 27 X 27 Dimensions : 27 X 27 X 27 This gorgeous chandelier was made in the French empire style and was most likely made in I...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

French Empire Revival Green Leather Top Bronze Griffin Mahogany Desk & Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Revival Style Green Leather Top Mahogany Bureau Plat Executive Writing Desk & Chair with Bronze Griffin Ormolu by Global N.Y. Listing includes a very impressive...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Crystal Eleven Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique French 19th century Neoclassical gilt bronze and cut crystal eleven light chandelier 19th Century Height: 34 inches Diameter: 22.5 inches Superbly detailed gilded bronze...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Round Empire Style Gold Mirror by Randy Esada Designs, 2010s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round Empire style gold mirror by Randy Esada Designs. Beautiful gold gilding and beveled mirror. Additional information: Materials: Giltwood, Gold, Mirror Color: Gold Brand: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Antique North German/Danish Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1815
Located in Miami, FL
From the Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein region of Germany, once part of Denmark, a very handsome Empire secretary with bookcase in ash with inlays and marquetry silhouettes of neoclassical Roman images. Cylinder top opens to a pull-out desk which offers a felt-lined lectern or writing surface flanked by sliding storage compartments, as well as a series of small drawers and a central cabinet. Above desk, are three cupboards and below, there are three long drawers. Northern Germany or from the Danish Jutland region, circa 1815. Note: Green baize on writing surface can be replaced with leather. Measures: 46" wide x 21" deep x 83" high (With desk top open...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ash

Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Regency Petite Five-Arm Chandelier Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Regency Petite Five Candelabra Light Chandelier, This Fixture Comes With Shades That Maybe Removed
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Empire-Style, Antique, Carved Gilt Wood Chandelier with Six Arms.
Located in Houston, TX
Antique bois dore, carved gilt wood chandelier from France, circa 1890. Empire in the Neoclassical style. Masterfully hand-carved with a torch flame f...
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

French Empire Mahogany 3-Fold Screen with Bronze Mounts
Located in Miami, FL
French Empire style (19th century) mahogany 3 fold screen with bronze trim.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock of Ceres, circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A fine Empire period mantel clock with bun feet raising a rectangular base with a central portrait of Bacchus flanked by exquisitely chiseled motif of swirling foliage surmounted by a figure of the goddess Ceres grasping in her lowered hand a wreath woven with foliage and berries while in her garment she collects a bountiful harvest; she rests beside the clock tower with a framed lens opening to access the white enamel dial with black Roman numerals inscribed Etn. Tavernier set with Breguet style hands, raising an urn filled with fruits of the soil; against the tower rest the implements of labor, a shovel and flat rake. The movement is engraved "B". A significant clock movement maker, Etienne Tavernier (French, 1756-1839) is listed in Tardy's horology reference as working closely with the house of Abraham-Louis Breguet as well as providing clock movements...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Solid Tiger Oak Curved Glass China Cabinet Carved Claw Feet Lion Heads MINT!
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Tiger Oak Curved Glass China Cabinet Carved Claw Feet Lion Heads MINT!
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

French Empire Portrait of Boy, circa 1810
Located in Doylestown, PA
A fine, lifesize oil-on-canvas portrait of a young boy dressed in period attire, holding a book titled “Dictionaire de France” In a period appropriate giltwood frame. Empire period, ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Paint

Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in San Francisco, CA
Elegant Empire Period black lacquered walnut chaise or daybed with brass ormolu decoration. Has its original horsehair mattress. Sturdy and sound, b...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Walnut

Baker Empire Chest of Drawers
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

1960s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Empire Chest of Drawers
Baker Empire Chest of Drawers
$1,421 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Neoclassical Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamp a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 20.5" H (to light socke...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Pair of Petite 19th Century Empire Period Urns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French Empire period Old Paris Porcelain vases, circa 1810, with painted landscapes and figural scenes on each side. The Classical amphora profile features a gold-banded mo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

Italian Empire Classical Sterling Silver 5-Light Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire sterling silver 5-light candelabrum. Raised socket on ovoid shaft to which are mounted four leaf-mounted arms terminating in same. Sockets bellied on wax pan. Shaft mo...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Elegant Polladio of Italy Sculpted Iron Mirror with Wall Console Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1960s signed "Palladio" of Italy wall-mounted Carrara marble console table with mirror. Elegant piece sculpted of iron with gold gilded paint. Fabulous foyer piece.       
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Metal

Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps with Adjustable Height Finials - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5"- 27.5" H (to finial) x...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Silk Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
The history of Aubusson textiles dates back to the 14th century. The town of Aubusson is located in the La Marche area of France, which is located at the base of the Creuse River. It...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

French 19th Century Empire Inspired Walnut Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A charmingly patinated solid walnut buffet, exhibiting French Empire flair tempered by Louis Philippe, circa 1860. The simple plank top is held with visible tongue & groove joinery,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Empire Secretary Desk, Germany 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
German Empire Secretary Desk, circa 1810–1820 – Walnut Veneer, Brass Details, Shellac Finish This elegant early 19th-century Empire secretary desk was crafted in Germany between 1810 and 1820. It features exquisite book-matched walnut veneer with rich, natural grain patterns that highlight the refined craftsmanship of the Empire style. The lower section includes two paneled doors that open to reveal three spacious interior drawers, offering ample concealed storage. The upper section features a fall-front writing flap, which opens to a well-organized interior with several small drawers and open compartments—ideal for correspondence and personal items. Above this is a wide additional drawer for extra storage. Two striking full-length columns with brass capitals and bases frame the piece, adding a classical architectural touch. The entire desk has been beautifully restored with a traditional hand-applied shellac polish, enhancing its depth and sheen while preserving its historic character. Key Features: Authentic Empire period desk, Germany, circa 1810–1820 Book-matched walnut veneer Original architectural details: brass-mounted columns Writing flap with interior drawers and compartments Large drawer above writing section Fully restored with hand-applied shellac polish Ships from Germany – shipping to Boston included This antique Empire secretary desk...
Category

1810s German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category

1850s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

19th Century Italian Empire Chest of Drawers / Dresser in Bleached Walnut
Located in Carmine, TX
Empire chest of drawers hand-made in Italy in the early 1800s using walnut. The dresser features four inset drawers, all showing beautiful hand-made dovetail joints. The top is made ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Empire Candelabra with Green Marble Bases & 4 Candle Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
These pair of Empire candelabras feature angles holding 4 candleholders atop a green marble base.
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Louis Marie Moris French bronze Napoleon on horseback . (1818-1883)
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large French bronze of Napoleon on horseback . Crossing the Alps on Marengo. Fine detail on a marble base . Large and impressive scale
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Maitland-Smith Empire-Style Pedestal Jardinière Planter, circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome vintage jardinière in the Empire style manufactured by Maitland Smith in the 1980s with cylindrical polished-chrome planter trimmed with brass over a cast and fabrica...
Category

1980s Asian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

French 19th Century Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A captivating three-piece mantel clock, from 19th century France, crafted in Siena marble and gilt bronze, with multiple stylistic reference points from the Grand Tour of Europe. The...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Pier Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
A handsome and stately French Empire mirror with gilded hand carved detail.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Giltwood

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

Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabras Sconces
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of 19th-Century French Empire gilded bronze three arm light wall sconces, circa 1850-1870. These beautiful sconces have a lovely gilt patina with foliate and floral d...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category

17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with cornucopia carvings, spiral carved top rail, great antique sofa to reup...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Fruitwood Four-Drawer Commode with Ebonized Corinthian Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire fruitwood four-drawer commode from the early 19th century with ebonized columns, gilt Corinthian capitals and bronze hardware. This exquisite French Empire style frui...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Carved Italian White Marble Victorian Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Carved Italian White Marble Victorian Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 22.5" H (to light socket) x 6" W x 6" D....
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century Bronze and Bronze Dore Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Empire style patinated and gilded bronze chandelier, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Six 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Dining Chairs W/ Floral Tapestry
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant set of six late 19th century French Empire dining chairs sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid mahogany wood with handsome gondola frame. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Tapestry, Mahogany

Crystal and Bonze Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a rock crystal and brass chandelier with 24 lights. A larger size chandelier that is approx. 47" in height and 37.5" in width.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Rock Crystal, Brass

Early 19th Century Framed Napoleon Medallion by Bertrand Andrieu
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th-century French round cast pewter medallion, a masterpiece by Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822), captures the Napoleonic era's essence. The laurel-crowned Napoleon, reminis...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Pewter

19th Century French Empire Marble Top Carved Veneer Elm Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique chest of drawers was crafted in France, circa 1870. With small proportions, and built of elm, the traditional commode sits on round feet over a straight bottom p...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Bronze Glass Dish Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light chandelier featuring a diamond textured cast glass dish. Main pendant body has been done in black and features bronze f...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry and Burl Wood Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Empire style nightstands or end tables By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Cherry wood, with burl wo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Mahogany Desk Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The desk chair with carved diamond motif on crest and richly carved griffin wings above articulated paw feet with tan colored leather upholstery. Height: 30" Seat height: 17" Depth: ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Rare early 19th century American Late Empire inlaid mahogany Bowfront Chest
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
A rare and important Antique American mid-Atlantic region Late Empire Inlaid mahogany large Bowfront Chest of Drawers with checkered inlays, rosewood crossbanding (inlay), half-turne...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

21th Century Authentic Wall Hanging Tapestry 7'4'' X 6' Ft
Located in Los Angeles, US
Est. Delivery from Los Angeles, CA
Category

Early 2000s French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery Antique condition. Show...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Empire Style Swan Chairs attributed to Maitland Smith
Located in Newtown, CT
Vintage Empire Style pair of Swan Chairs. Good condition with fading to the fabric would need reupholstery. Wood has a few chips and losses. Attributed to Maitland Smith
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A statley 19th century mahogany secre´taire a` abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional charcoal marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the apron. Just below the top drawer, the front of the desk folds forward to reveal a work area inset with vibrant red leather detailed with gold tooling. The leather is in great antique condition making this a comfortable place to work. When open, you can see the theatre is equipped with five drawers and a large, arched top cubby flanked with column forms. With the desk down the maximum depth is 32”; the writing surface is 28-½” heigh. The desk front...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage French Empire Brass & Italian Black Marble Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Italian Black Marble & Polished Brass Column Table Lamps With Black Textured Shades - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 27.5" H (to finial) x...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Circa 1920 Antique American Hook Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique American Hook Pillow
Category

1920s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

French Empire Style Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany bookcase cabinet with bronze trim and 2 glass doors.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Empire Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Experience the grandeur of the 19th century with this elegant French Empire-style chandelier. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the piece features a sturdy bronze framewor...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console with Ebonized Marble Top & Bronze Dore Details, ca. 1810
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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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