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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Style: Empire
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
19th Century Black French Empire Ebonized Wood Center Table - Antique Game Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French Empire sofa table made of hand crafted ebonized wood, in good condition. The round Parisian side table is composed with a shellac polished clear glass top to protect the surface, supported by a detailed carved gold-patinated octagonal column...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Ebony
Empire period ebonised commode
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Fab early 19th century Empire 3 drawer marble topped commode
French circa 1820's with original marble top
3 deep drawers , carved hairy paw feet
Height 89 cms or 35 inches
Wi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sapele Wood
French 7 piece 19th century empire mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
7 piece 19th century french empire mahogany salon suite circa 1880.
Rare 7-piece salon suite made in rich mahogany. Set comprises of a 2-seat sofa, 2 armchairs and 4 open armchairs....
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Early Chiavari Chairs by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary light and strong, probably out of rosewood. Early version in untouched condition. Missing their rush seating-one chair retains remnants of early (if not original) rushing. These chairs were originally designed in 1807! in answer to a Challenge to design a 'modern' chair. These chairs were very popular amongst the nobility in the 19th century, and were the model for Gio Ponti's update Classic Super Leggera Chair.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE PERIOD BED HEADBOARD
Located in Firenze, FI
This beautiful Empire period shield headboard, dating to around 1810, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship made entirely of cherry wood. The gilded and carved wood finishes give a touch...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of English Regency mahogany frame dining chairs, early 19th century. Features exquisite carved back-splats in conjunction with further foliate carvings to the top crest, strip...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery, Giltwood
19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome mid-19th-century French Empire chest of drawers, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid walnut, it features a naturally aged dark patina with ri...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Secretaire in Thuja Root Veneer, probably France, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary desk with a white marble top and thuja root veneer. The front of the desk is designed as a highboy, with the top three drawers forming a door. Below, there are three additi...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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 Empire Style Ormolu and Bronze Chandelier
Located in London, GB
French Empire style ormolu and bronze chandelier
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 100cm, diameter 64cm
This chandelier is a beauti...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Empire Two Drawer Worktable or Stand in Flame Mahogany
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique 19th century Empire stand with two drawers in flame mahogany. It features dovetailed drawers with original wood knobs, a finished back and boldly carved legs with acanthus le...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Marble Top Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent 19th century French empire gilt wood console table featuring a marbleized limestone top with partial shell fossil remnants. The marble specimen is...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Finest Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 18" X 13" , Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Empire Sideboards, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of trumeau sideboards with flanking carved caryatids in the Retour d'Egypte style. The sideboards are fitted with two doors and a wide drawer. The carved figures are blackened a...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13", Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vieux Paris 'Old Paris' Tea Caddy or Apothocary Jar Painted with Harbor Scene
By Old Paris
Located in Mobile, AL
This empire period Old Paris tea caddy, canister or jar from the 1830's is sure to delight. It was likely designed and sold as a tea canister, but a lidd...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Napoleonic Antique French Empire Cabinet Bronze Officer Twisting Mustache
Located in New York, NY
A debonair French Napoleonic era patinated bronze high ranking officer in full regalia leans against a gnarled tree trunk while twisting his handsome mustache in this delightful and ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Adjustable Table Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th century French Empire mahogany adjustable height tabletop desk, made for writing or reading in bed. Beautifully crafted desktop has a green leather writing surface, wit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Columnar Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome gilt and patinated columnar lamp base features Classical motifs including acanthus leaves and paw feet.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Chest of Drawers with Columns, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large cherrywood chest of drawers with four drawers and metal escutcheons in the shape of coats of arms and wooden handles. The chest of drawers is flanked by smooth full columns wit...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19th Century mahogany and brass tall chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century directoire influenced mahogany tall chest of drawers, circa 1890.
Fine quality tall chest in the directoire style. Fitted with 6 drawers of equal proportions and detail...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Neo-Egyptian French Empire Style Desk
Located in New York, NY
This mahogany desk in the French Empire style features extensive gilt bronze mounts on every face. Its craftsmanship is very high, comparable to works by Maison Krieger. The drawers ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Empire patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 55cm, width 43cm, depth 13cm
This fine Empire period mantel clock is wro...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A courtly, Empire mirror from France with its original mirror plate. The frame is made of beveled mahogany decorated with gilt bronze stars, a motif commonly found throughout the Emp...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 24" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Exceptional 19th Century French Bronze Frame w/ Portrait Painting of Josephine
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite miniature portrait is attributed to Empress Josephine, capturing her regal presence with remarkable detail and sophistication. She is dressed in a sumptuous white gown...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Verdi Green Marble Top French Empire Pedestal End Table Circa 1870
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Marble top. Brass accents and claw feet. Wood frame. 29 1/2" h x 15 5/8" diameter.
Condition
Loose trim. Splits in seams. Previous repair. Veneer bubbling.
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of Fine Bronze Mounted Empire Beds
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An outstanding pair of period Empire bronze-mounted beds in overall very good condition. The figural end column forms feature well cast busts and feet, and there are wreaths, Angels,...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Gilt Chinoiserie Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Ormolu and Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century directoire bouillotte table lamp. Lamp features original elements and original black tole lampshade with gilt brass leaf applied detailing. Newly rewired with side ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Tôle, Brass
Antique French 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
19thc French Empire Cascading Cut Crystal Chandelier attributed to Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Absolutely Beautiful 19thc French Empire Cascading Cyt Crystal Bag and Tent Form Chandelier attributed to Baccarat France. This is an exceptional piece, the detailed crystal elements...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Pair, French Empire Gilt Bronze Crane Motif Candlesticks Circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, circa 1815.
This exquisite pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, crafted circa 1815, embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Each candlestick feat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Tole Table Lamps, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A unique pair of 19th century French tole oil lamps from the end of the Empire period, decorated in yellow painted finish with transferred lithograph scenes of country life, electrif...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Tin
French Empire Style Mahogany Roll Top Desk with Bronze Gilt Trim
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany roll top desk with bronze trim.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian, Lucca Empire Walnut Giltwood Ebonized 1-Drawer Center Table circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a circular hand painted scagliola top resting atop a circular frame, the thick walnut veneer of a pronounced grain, the ebonized columnar standard with carved giltwood rings r...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Giltwood
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps in silver-plated bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Elegant Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Empire armchairs crafted from Cuban mahogany, featuring classic details from the period.
The backrests have an oval recess, adorned with line inlays in satinwood an...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Victorian Bronze Ormolu Walnut Vatican Wall Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Victorian Bronze Ormolu Walnut Vatican Wall Clock. Item features a glass dome front and bronze ormolu. Has not been tested. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurement...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Florentine 18th Century Pillow - 15" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Fauteuils Bergères Aux Dauphins, circa 1830
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1830s pair of Empire mahogany French bergères Aux Dauphins Empire armchairs in the manner of Pierre Bellange (1760-1844). The mahogany frame with sabre front legs continuing as arm...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare French Napoleonic Empire Sienna Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A very important 19th century (circa 1820) French Empire Sienna marble fireplace with elaborate ormolu enrichments to frieze and jambs. The flu...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Siena Marble
Antique Venetian Silk Velvet Pillow
Located in Canterbury, GB
Large Impressive Cushion
Finest quality Venetian silk velvet panel Circa 1900
Edged with 18th century metallic tassel fringe
Backed with antique Mohair velvet
Good antique condi...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metallic Thread
Large Empire style pedestal table in Mahogany and Mahogany veneer
Located in Paris, FR
Very handsome Empire-style pedestal table in mahogany and superb ormolu mount after a model by Jacob-Desmalter, the circular top in verde antico marble surmounting a mahogany frieze mounted with a band of laurel leaves between rosettes, supported by the heads of three finely chased ormolu female caryatids, each facing outwards, hair braided, bare feet and arms crossed, wearing armbands and a diaphanous gown, the brace centered by a chased covered urn flanked by three elegant squatting winged sphinxes wearing Nemean headdresses and braids tied in front, all resting on claw feet.
The design of this superb pedestal table was inspired by a famous table-console or "double-sided console" made by the renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Jacob-Desmalter, itself based on designs by Napoleon's chief architects and ornamentalists, Charles Percier (1764-1838) and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th C. Hand Carved Wood Round Table & Marble, Top Center Entrance Hall Gueridon
Located in West Hollywood, CA
19th C. Hand Carved Wood Round Table & Marble, Top Center Entrance Hall Gueridon Elegant French Circa 1830-1848 King Louis Philippe with Hand Sculpted Saint Anne marble-top center ta...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
19th Century Large Mahogany Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
Large mirror made of mahogany, the mirror itself consists of two panels in a large mahogany frame with two candleholders on each side.
Originates...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Period Empire Mahogany and Gilt Chest of Drawers, Denmark, circa 1800
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish late 18th Century pair of period empire chest of drawers.
This rare pair was recently found here in the USA, which makes them very attractive because of the new UN/US import restriction of rare and protected wood sorts. More to the point, it is highly unlikely to locate a pair of chests...
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Inlaid Portico Empire Style Mantle Clock
Located in Kingston, NY
French 19th-century mantle clock features a bronze and inlaid veined wood veneer portico design. The clock is adorned with gilded ornaments, including a decorative pendulum and intri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Nécessaire de Voyage
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
French Bronze Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
French bronze Empire style chandelier with the goddess Demeter as the center finial.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Period Antique Mahogany Fauteuil Arm Chairs circa 1825-35
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF EMPIRE MAHOGANY FAUTEUILS WITH SPHERICAL ARM TERMINALS
In the manner of Jacob-Desmalter France circa 1825-35 stamped 1635 in legs
Item # 407JEP18P
A fine pair of late Empi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
A Pair Of Very Large Gilt French Torchiere Hand Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
A pair of huge Giltwood carved torchiere wall lights with opaque glass flame shades. Converted for electric, finished very well with bronze mounted shade holders. The large torchiere...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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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