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
Super Rare Pair Of Paris (Darte Freres) Porcelain Gold-Ground Models Of Temples
By Darte Frères
Located in New York, NY
An Ultra Rare and Impressive 19th Century Pair Of French Paris (Darte Freres) Porcelain Gold-Ground Models Of Temples with Iron-Red Stenciled Marks. Each round dome with biscuit lau...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage French Empire Style Painted Console Table Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful vintage French Empire style painted gilded and ormolu mounted console table, Mid 20th century in date.
The rectangular faux marble top with an ormolu plaque to t...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Putti Empire Period 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
From a luxury villa at Como Lake a stunning pair of early 19th century Empire four-light gilt bronze figural candelabras, of French origin, dating back to circa 1810, measure: 31.50 ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Dore Patinated Bronze Urns on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of quality bronze Dore Urns on Pedestals. The pair are in wonderful vintage condition. one small bend to the lip or edge of one - not greatly noticeable or offense...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Bronze
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$10,658 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Baker Furniture Regency Burl Wood Writing Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Regency or Neoclassical style writing desk or library table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous burled walnut, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 48"...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
24-Karat Gold Leaf Giltwood Empire Beveled Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Spanish 19th century gold leaf giltwood rectangular mirror with beveled glass.
Empire style.
Made of carved wood, gesso and 24-karat gold leaf finish. It has a nice aged pa...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Meissen Snake Handled Vases 19th Century
Located in Hudson, NY
A large and decorative pair of Meissen porcelain vases, of ancient Roman krater form, with handles shaped as entwined serpents.
Highly ornamental, these vases represent an interesti...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
$4,500 / set
19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Original Painted Empire Table Mirror
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Empire rustic vanity mirror / table mirror.
The Mirror has original paint in colorful color.
This orginal painted mirror ha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair Of Empire Style Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Lampshade diameter 17 inches. Relatively modern nice quality in the French empire style.
Category
Late 20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,500 / set
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
This nineteenth-century gilded bronze clock exemplifies the grandeur of the Empire style, featuring a rectangular base with four legs, each intricately carved with subtle patterns. A...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Console
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This console is made of flamed mahogany and a white marble with grey veines.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame.
Early 19th Century
Internal measurements cm 13 x 10
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th c. French Empire Style Napoleon Bust by F.B. Launay
By Chaudet, F.B. Launay
Located in Queens, NY
Nineteenth century French Empire patinated bronze bust depicting Napoleon. The work is labeled "Napoleon" and signed by F.B. Launay after the 1804 model by Antoine-Denise Chaudet.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Circa 1860 Antique French Textile Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Textile Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow With Figures In A Landscape In A Sepia Tones Ca.1850
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Empire period side table or nightstand made of solid walnut and veneer of walnut and finished on all four sides. Book matched veneers with beautiful swirli...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French early 19th century 1st Empire Period Mahogany and Ormolu armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stately and high quality French early 19th century 1st Empire Period Mahogany and Ormolu armchair. This solid Mahogany desk/armchair is raised by 'S' scrolled Mahogany legs decorat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisitely restored old chandelier from Berlin! This stunning piece has been professionally refurbished with care and love, and its electrical wiring is compatible w...
Category
1970s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
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
$3,446 / set
Viennese Portal Clock, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant Viennese portal clock resting on a rectangular mahogany base. The ebonized case is richly adorned with fire-gilded bronze appliqués. Flanking the clock are carved decorati...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Baker Furniture Italian Empire Carved Mahogany Pedestal Breakfast Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Empire or Neoclassical style round pedestal dining breakfast table, game table, or center table.
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection.
Italy, circa ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, and orig...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dutch Brass Umbrella Stand with Lion Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
A Dutch brass umbrella stand with lion paw feet and blue and white Delft pottery handles, circa mid-20th century, Holland. Dimensions: 8.25" Depth x 11" Width (handle to handle) x 16...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Gueridon Side Table with Tripod Columns Brass and Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful French Empire style gueridon table from 19th century. Beautiful black fossil marble over a mahogany body. A simple apron showcases the deep toned wood. Three columnar leg...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Neoclassical Empire Mahogany Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Empire style Mahogany Pedestal Plant Stand. Measures 15" in diameter at the base, 12" in diameter at the top and stands 55.75" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Empire Style Commode
Located in Houston, TX
1900s Italian Empire mahogany chest of drawers with gilt bronze ormolu, keys and black marble top.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix Bronze Sculpture After Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Finely modeled and cast antique (19th century) patinated bronze sculpture depicting Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix after the original model by the Italian master, Antonio Canova....
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 30" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid 19th Century Empire Style Bronze Patinated Candleholders
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of fine French Empire style brown patinated bronze candlesticks from the Napoleon III period. A fluted column beautifully decorated with ivy, rises on a tripod with claw-shape...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Bookcase in Walnut
Located in Doylestown, PA
An early 19th century French provincial biblioteque in walnut, with upper case with adjustable shelves and wire-grill doors over a lower pair of paneled cabinet doors, circa 1810.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Auguste Cain Silvered Bronze Lion & Ostrich Sculpture 19th Century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Auguste Cain Silvered Bronze Lion & Ostrich (1822-1894). This fine bronze shows a male lion standing proud, his front right foot is perched on a rock and his left stands firmly on his pray, an ostrich; he has a full mane and a curling tail, has good detail in the fur and the feathers of the ostrich. Signed "A. Cain" and a foundry mark. Perfect Size to locate on a desk.
Auguste Nicholas Cain (1821 – 1894) was a Paris born French sculptor in the Animaliers school who was known for his bronze sculptures...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,550 Sale Price
25% Off
Early American Classical Empire Period Flame Mahogany Sewing Stand Work Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare fine quality Federal period American Empire flame mahogany sewing stand work table from the early 19th century.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the northeastern United States, most likely Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1820, having a hinged top, opening to reveal contrasting Birdseye maple marquetry oval cartouche inlay, a fitted maple divided compartment interior, the front having two nicely shaped curved drawer fronts, consisting of a faux drawer front over a single dovetailed ogee drawer, above a vasiform pedestal standard, molded stepped platform base, rising on bracket feet, resting on casters.
Attractive highly figured crotch cut swirl mahogany with striking grain patterns, rich and deep antique wood color...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Pair Of French Empire Bronze and Faux Marble Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Empire bronze and faux marble paint on wood bases. Each have two light. Base paint probably later enhanced.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century. Perfect in the kitchen for vinegar and oil or in the hallway for gloves or keys.
Wear consistent with a...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Empire Carved Mahogany & Cut Velvet Upholstered Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking armchair is a fine example of 19th-century Empire furniture, marrying neoclassical authority with updated decorative luxury. The frame, likely crafted from mahogany or ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Iron Lantern Light with Acanthus Leaf Detail
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Iron Lantern Light with Acanthus Leaf Detail
Enhance the ambiance of your outdoor or indoor space with our Antique Iron Lantern Light fe...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Signed Hingre Bronze Sparrow on Gold Marble Base
Located in Pearland, TX
19th century antique bird paperweight/hunting trophy in chased and patinated bronze on a gold marble base. Signed HINGRE (Louis Théophile Hingre...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
George Jacob Desmalter Empire Gueridon Round center Table Estampille 19th C. LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
George Jacob Desmalter Empire Gueridon Round center Table Estampille 19th C. LA . Rare Exquisite Early 19th century Empire Gueridon with classic...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs.
The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields.
The seat has be...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Trajan's Column Ormolu Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century Empire Trajan's column ormolu candlesticks in the manner of P.-P. Thomire (1751-1843):
Pair of large Empire ormolu candlesticks, the stem ressembling th...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
English Crown Derby Porcelain Potpourri Vessel, early 19th century
Located in New York, NY
An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Large French Empire Style Gilt-Bronze and Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
A large French Empire style gilt-bronze and malachite centre table.
French, 20th century.
Height: 85cm, width: 160cm, depth: 79cm
This superb table, a grand and highly impressiv...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Early 20th century Scandinavian gilt pedestal column
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Scandinavian gilt pedestal column circa 1900.
Good quality decorative pedestal in original gilt finish. Roman doric style with white painted top, fluting down th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Beaded Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$8,881 Sale Price / item
25% Off
1920 European Antique Empire style Cut/ Beaded Cascading Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1920's Euro Antique Cut and Beaded Cascading Flow of Crystal Chandelier/ Pendant. This piece is lovely!
Category
1920s Czech Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Gilded Crystal 18 Light French Empire Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Empire style gilded bronze chandelier with 18 lights. This has been newly restored and rewired and is ready to ship. This was retrieved from an estate located in Green...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
European 19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet featuring a mirror glass locking door. This versatile piece could be used to store jewelry or collectables. We also see th...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian mirror dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined mirror.
Made of fine walnut wood and characterized by an el...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair Of Pink And Gold Empire Lamps 1800 Italian Carved Wood Vases
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Italian Empire Lamps 1800 Lacquered Wood Vases in Pink and Gold with oval lampshade, the bases are two antique palm holders lacquered in soft pink tones. The body of the pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Antique Book by J. Girardin - "Le Locataire des Demoiselles Rocher", 2Y120
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a classic piece of literature with this antique book by J. Girardin, titled "Le Locataire des Demoiselles Rocher." Published by Hachette, this novel offers a glimpse into historical storytelling and is a notable addition to any vintage book collection...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$138 Sale Price
70% Off
Antique Empire Bed Maple Burl & Brass Ancient Grece Theme French 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique Empire maple and brass bed.
This bed, which has already survived almost two centuries, is in excellent condition: solid and sound, the inlaid illustrations are of exceptiona...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Historical English Painting David Wilkie
By Sir David Wilkie
Located in Roma, IT
Sir David Wilkie RA (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841)
“The Parish Beadle”
Oil on canvas
This important painting is probably a sketch for the large painting exhibited at Tate Britain....
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
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
$19,897 / set
Walnut Display Cabinet Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves, Sweden circa 1850-70
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning walnut display cabinet standing at 7' tall/ and 8' wide will make a grand and elegant statement piece.
Enlarge close up photos to appreciate the exceptional grain of th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
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
Important and Very Rare Pair of Micromosaic, Malachite and Walnut Console Tables
By Antonio Deangelis
Located in London, GB
Important and very rare pair of micromosaic, malachite and walnut console tables
Italian & Russian, early 19th century
Measures: Height 89cm, width 106.5cm, depth 62cm
These exceptionally beautiful antique console...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
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.