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
French Empire Style Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Early 19th-century French design anchored by a sleek quartz top with a refined moulded surround and elegant canted corners, this table blends architectural grace with timeless luxury...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Furniture
Materials
Quartz, Brass
Empire Secretaire, Vienna, circa 1810/15
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant Empire secretary featuring a two-door lower cabinet, a smooth writing flap, and a top drawer. The piece is adorned with fine inlays depicting stars, lyres, and palmettes, ...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian midcentury Empire style painted bench with carved ram heads and new upholstery. This exquisite Italian painted bench features a nicely curved seat that has been recovered ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Candelabras 5 Arms French Silver Plate 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Candelabras 5 Arms French Silver Plate 19th Century France . A pair of French silver plated candelabras. Decorated with leaves and flowers.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Carl Thieme, Dresden Floral Painted & Gilded Porcelain Urn, Germany, 20th C
By Carl Thieme
Located in Chatham, ON
CARL THIEME (Factory / Manufacturer) - Potschappel (Village / Location) - Empire style Dresden floral decorated and gilded porcelain urn with cover - ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Pair of Early 19th Century French Boulle Cabinets
By Etienne Levasseur
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An important pair of early 19th century French cabinets, made by Pierre-Étienne Levasseur.
gilt bronze mounted ebony and ebonised, cut-brass, pewter and faux tortoiseshell marquetry cabinets in the Boulle style. The rectangular top with brass-mounted rim over decorated ormolu frieze above four reeded brass inlaid pillars with brass capitals, the exceptional centre door profusely decorated with ormolu scrolls and head mounts, flanked by two glazed doors decorated in red boulle and silver inlay, the interiors fitted with shelves, the base with four Bacchic masks terminating on turned tapering toupie ormolu-mounted feet.
Provenance: Kilkenny Castle, Ireland. Purchased new by either, Walter Butler, 1st Marquess of Ormond, (2nd creation in the Irish Peerage, 1770-1820) or James Butler...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique French Empire Style Walnut Dining Table with Leaf
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire Style Walnut Dining Table with Leaf will bring understated elegance to your dining experience! Hand-crafted from sumptuous walnut, it features six tapered legs...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture French Empire Fruitwood Pedestal Center Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire style fruitwood pedestal breakfast table or center table
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection
USA, late 20th century.
Measures: 38.25"W x 3...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Classic French 18th Century Empire Walnut Kneehole Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Found near Paris, France, we purchased this museum quality 18th century Empire style desk for its impeccable quality and style. Made predominantly from walnut and featuring Empiric s...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Tall Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Westwood, NJ
Chest of drawers showcases Empire-style grandeur with walnut veneer and solid brass accents. Its classic white marble top adds a luxurious touch, making it a striking focal point.
W...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Empire Style Bronze, Brass and Cut Crystal chandelier, France ca. 1950
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful Chandelier depicting what appears to be a glass waterfall coming out of a "jeweled" crown manufactured in bronze and cut crystal pearls and lancets.
The wires have been re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Balkans Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany Nightstand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique Balkans Empire style marble-top bedside cabinet. circa 1830
Born in Southeastern Europe in the first half of the 19th century, most like...
Category
Mid-19th Century Balkan Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
12 Limoges Raised Gilt Enameled Napoleonic Plates, circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
12 Limoges raised gilt enameled Napoleonic plates, circa 1900, each one decorated with gilt laurel surround, filled with golden bees, the center with Napoleonic crest of laurel wreath and monogrammed 'N'.
The porcelain is made by Charles Ahrenfeldt Limoges...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs.
Measures 22" in width x 22" in depth x 34.5" in height . Seat height is 20".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Upholstery, Paint
Early 19th Century French Walnut Buffet with Original Fossilized Marble Top
Located in Richmond, VA
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Buffet with Original Fossilized Marble. The buffet or credenza features three cabinet doors enclosed by bronze mounted columns and stands prou...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Italian Yellow Tole Obelisk Urn With Paw Feet
Located in Stamford, CT
A charming neoclassical yellow tole water or tea urn in the form of an obelisk balanced on a square plinth by fours balls supported by brass paw feet. Decorated on four sides with ma...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, 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
Le Tallec Golden Bees Porcelain Demitasse Cups and Saucers, circa 1957 Set/11-12
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exquisite neoclassical demitasse set comprised of fine porcelain and 24K gold by Camille Le Tallec. The pattern is from the Abeilles Collection featuring Napoleonic golden bees hand ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1920's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Charming French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1920s.
This lovely piece has an ornate bronze frame hung with prisms of crystal glass.
The crystal glass pr...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Exotic Animals 5 X 3
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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
Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Danish early 19th century empire armchairs.
Crafted in mahogany with ebony and satinwood marquetry on backrest and apron.
Apron and upper part of backrest decorated...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
French 19th Century Empire-Style Dressing Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This exceptional mahogany dressing table is complete with its original mercury glass pivoting mirror and white marble top. The mirror has foxing and is framed with beautiful mahogany...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique French Empire Mahogany Commode with Lion Paw Feet, French Polished
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Commode with wonderful lion paw feet, in the Empire style, although we have seen this style referred to as restoration as well. Old plank has a history of purchasing anything with animal related feet and especially the lion paw style. Just take a peek at our lion paw sofa...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Empire Style Double-Arm Brass Chandelier With Flame Shades, France, Circa:1890
Located in Alexandria, VA
This striking Empire style fixture is made of hand-cast brass components with 2 frosted glass flame shades. The design is inspired by the oil lamps of the ancient Romans. It would be...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Empire Ormolu mantel clock resting on four turned feet supporting an oval base with raised garland and zig-zag rope decoration...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
Rider Two-Tier Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Parisian Flair. A fab storage solution for an entryway or a bathroom, our Rider two-tier side table is an updated take on French Empire style. Blacke...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique French Brass Napoleonic "Le Grand" Snuff Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique French Brass Napoleonic "Le Grand" Snuff Box
Step back into the glorious era of the French empire with this stunning Antique French brass Napoleonic "Le Grand" snuff box. A ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Antique Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
About
This is a beautiful antique Spanish flame mahogany and marquetry wall mirror, circa 1840.
The mahogany frame is beautifully inlaid with a continuous marquetry border.
The qua...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
French Empire Style Marble Top Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany and bronze trimmed round center table with inlaid marble top supported on a pedestal base.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Swedish 19th Century Empire Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This Swedish Empire style trumeau exudes a simple refinement in its symmetry and composure. A simple pediment sits atop a painted black and decorative gilt cornice...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow 19'' x 18''
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Louis Seize style sideboard, 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Demi-lune sideboard in Louis Seize style with red and white marble top and two doors and three drawers. The doors are framed with brass profiles. The sideboard is veneered in mahogan...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Cleaned and restored. Small quantity available at time of posting. Please inquire. Priced each. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
An Empire Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Commode, Marble Top, French, ca. 1820
Located in Banner Elk, NC
An Empire Commode in figured mahogany with a Belgian black fossilized marble top above a frieze drawer and three uniform drawers flanked by two squared columns, each with ormolu moun...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Style Hot Air Balloon Chandelier In Gilt Bronze And Crystal
Located in BARSAC, FR
Hot air balloon chandelier in gilded bronze decorated with crystal garlands, Empire style decorated with palmettes and pine cones.
Illuminated by six lights.
Beautiful and very ele...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century American Empire Mahogany Green Marble Top Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th Century American empire mahogany green marble top console table. Item features green marble top, serpentine column supports, art print...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Dutch Empire Burl Wood veneered desk or sofa table
By Chapuis
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Dutch Empire Burl Wood -veneered sofa table ,On Iron casters
On four shaped scroll feet joined by a baluster turned beech stretcher, the top ...
Category
1820s Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Burl
French Empire Mahogany Bergere With Blade Leather Upholstery
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
French Empire Mahogany Bergere With Blade Leather Upholstery. Circa 1810.
Gorgeous piece purchased in France. Beautiful proportions.
Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos.
Messa...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French Empire Sofa Bench Settee
Located in New York, NY
French Empire settee late 19th century 1870- 1890. Ebonized mahogany frame, French polished (Black) with captivating carved female heads under armrest, legs terminating into animal...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Antique Paris Porcelain Golden Mantle Vases Made in France Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this pair of golden Paris Porcelain mantle vases made in the Empire style, circa 1840. The gilding on these vases is dazzling. The delicate band of flowers an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Original Engraved Print by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1802, Les Liliaceés
Located in New York, NY
A stunning original engraving from The Lilies (Les Liliaceés) by P.J. Redouté, considered the greatest botanical artist of all time.
Produced between 1802 and 1816 under the patron...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Large 19th Century French Empire Period Floor Candelabrum
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinary period Empire gilded gold dore bronze rolling floor candelabrum.
Born in France, the stunning Neo-classical style architectural antique...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Bohemian Cut Crystal Tiered Basket Chandelier Circa 1920
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly breathtaking and sumptuous antique basket chandelier, resplendent in hand cut, multi-faceted Bohemian lead crystal, with 8 lamp holders in bronze with embossed decorative flo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
20th century Russian Miniature Brass Samovar Set
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Of typical form in the Russian imperial style, a classic samovar set tooled in brass comprising a miniature brass samovar, drip bowl and tray. The samovar ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
1920’s French Empire Small Chandelier 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Unusual 3 lights. Green color
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1920’s French Empire Chandelier with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s French Empire three lights chandelier with swans and beaded crystals
Category
1920s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Side Tables
Located in London, GB
Pair of French neoclassical style malachite and gilt bronze side tables
French, 20th century
Dimensions: Height 85cm, diameter 50cm
These striking octagonal guéridons are crafte...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Mahogany Marble Top Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Empire mahogany marble top buffet is a marvel of the cabinetmaker's art! First, exotic imported mahogany was employed to create a rich, beautiful background using...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
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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