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
Duncan Phyfe American Empire Mahogany Sideboard
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire mahogany sideboard with two pedestal cabinets and 4 carved column supports centering a lower mirror under 3 drawers ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Mirror
Preparatory Drawings Empire Antique Inspirations 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very nice sketches of characters. Representing different emotions, clothes and personalities. We have a portrait of a strong woman with arrows. Below this woman, there is a representation of oriental characters, also called barbarians during Antiquity. Finally, on the left, another woman is represented with her head in her hands and sitting on a Klismos chair. This chair is typical of the ancient period. It is written at the bottom right "March 15", surely the date of creation of this sketch.
The Empire style and period are inspired by Greco-Roman art, it is called the neoclassical. The woman on this drawing wears an empire style dress...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Empire Portal Clock, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Portal clock on a rectangular, stepped base in mahogany veneered with small bun feet. The stepped architrave is supported by four smooth columns, the capi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$3,629 Sale Price
20% Off
French Aubusson 1800 - 17.5" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
XXL French Empire Jardinieres done in bronze on marble base, France 1805
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of extra large French Empire jardinieres. They are done in bronze and have the base made of two types of ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Lot of 5 Crystal Wine Glasses - Mid 20th Century - 2Y27
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your dining experience with this set of 5 crystal wine glasses, likely from the mid-20th century. Crafted from fine crystal, these glasses are a sophisticated addition to any...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$124 Sale Price
87% Off
Antique Oversize Indian Rug - 18'0'' X 12'7''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Indian Rugs – Not all the rugs that were woven in India are easy to categorize. That is why we created this antique Indian rugs section. Here you will find Indian rugs of whi...
Category
1920s Indian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 21" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,480 Sale Price
20% Off
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 19" X 12"
Category
16th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Rare Empire Clock Cabinet Sideboard, Antique Northern Swedish Country Gustavian
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique clock cabinet from Sweden made during the transitional time between the gustavian and empire period. The cabinet is from Northern Sw...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A striking pair of late French Empire mahogany armchairs, highly decorated with gilded bronze mounts on the upper back rail and all round the bottom of the seat as well. The curved open front arms terminate in carved dolphins. The chairs have been re-upholsterd in a cream and dark green striped antique silk fabric...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
$5,600 Sale Price
30% Off
Beautiful Early 19th Century Portrait
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful early 19th century portrait dated and signed at the back.
Portrait attributed to Berthon, student of David "The young girl and the c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
$5,120 Sale Price
20% Off
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
17th Century Florentine Silk & Metallique Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Florentine Silk & Metallique Pillow
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk
19th Century Italian Console with Marble Top
Located in Millbrook, NY
Italian Marble Console Table. Exquisitely hand carved wood table with floral details, carved tassels and animal "hoof" legs. Crafted with intricate detailing with bronze and silver a...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Empire Octagonal Mahogany Sunburst Inlay Pedestal Base Side Table w/ Paw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. American Empire Octagonal Mahogany Sunburst Inlay Pedestal Base Side Table with Paw Feet. Item features an octagonal central column with satinwood pencil inlay, tripo...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children at Play 7X7.8
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
19thc Antique French "Empire" Bronze Fish/ Dolphin/ Sea Creature/ Koi Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Rare 19thc French Antique Empire Bronze Fish/ Sea Creature/ Dolphin Chandelier. 3 fish with curled tails. Floral Art Glass shades. Parisian Estate a...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$3,080 Sale Price
20% Off
French Empire Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Mahogany Parcel Gilt Console Table, with green marble top on two maiden supports and brass mounts on four bun feet. 33" H x 48.5" W x 19.25" D. Provenance: From a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Italian Completely Beaded Basket Crystal Prisms Silver Chandelier, c 1940
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing four lights in beaded cups. Completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning crystal prisms on top and in bottom. This chandelier has two width...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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
French Early 19th Century Empire Neoclassical Style Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular French early 19th century Empire style mahogany, ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble center table. The most impressive circular center table is raised by three stunning ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Photograph Frame Large Imperial Style White Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver shaped photograph frame with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and rich friezes in Louis XVI French Empire style. External measurements...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Period Large Porcelain Lidded Apothecary Jar
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A wonderful Empire period porcelain lidded apothecary jar, dating from the 19th century. Exuberantly decorated with a vibrantly enamelled design of exotic birds and butterflies on a ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
A dressing table mirror with tiltable mirror, which is fixed to the side with 19th cent...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
French Empire Gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 Eagle Arms
Located in Halle, DE
A beautiful 20th Century classic French Empire gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 sculptural Eagle Arms .
The Bouillotte Lamp present a classic dark-green painted tole shade with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Very Large French 19th Century Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock by Gaston Jolly, Paris, Circa 1810s, with original pendulum.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period decorations.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Silvered Bronze Fire Fender, Late 19th Century French
Located in El Monte, CA
This fire fender is a quintessential example of the opulent yet authoritative style of the Empire period. A patinated bronze frame in geometric form is adorned with ormolu bronze mou...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Important First Empire Mahogany Clock by Charles Oudin
By Jean-Ferdinand Schwerdfeger 1, Charles Oudin
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
First Empire repeating mahogany cabinet Clock ca 1804
Clock movement by Charles Oudin (1743-1803)
Mahogany case attributable to Ferdinand Schwerdfeger (1734-1818);
Charles Oudin,
The Oudin name is one of the oldest French horology firms. It was founded in Paris at the end of the 18th century by Jean-Charles (known as Charles) Oudin, who came from a family of clockmakers in Northwest France. There were four generations of Oudins who were clockmakers, as of the mid 18th century, first in the Meuse region and later, in Paris. Several members of the Oudin family worked for the master watch and clockmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Charles Oudin, the best-known member of this horological dynasty, established his business toward the end of the 18th century, devoting himself to luxury and precision clocks and watches. T
he first clocks and watches signed "Ch. Oudin, eléve de Breguet" (Charles Oudin, student of Breguet) date from 1797 to approximately 1806 . Sometime after that, he signed his pieces Ch, Oudin Paris
Jean-Ferdinand-Joseph Schwerdfeger, a Parisian cabinetmaker received master on May 26, 1786. The cabinetmaker developed a collaboration with Antide Janvier for clock cases. At the death of his wife (1803), eight clock...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Impressive French Empire Chandelier, Firegilded Bronze with Alabaster 1830s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Impressive fire-gilded Empire chandelier with very fine imperial and classicist ornaments, which are
shade is made of alabaster,
The lamp body is framed by a surrounding leaf frieze,...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 15" X 11", Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Atelier Musee Du Louvre after Pilon Germain, King Henri II Bust, 1850s, France
By Atelier de moulage du Louvre, Germain Pilon
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A French Grand Tour 19th century plaster, bust of French King Henri II made by Atelier de moulage du Louvre between 1854-1865 after Pilon Germain...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Russian Empire Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Twelve-Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An Empire Cut-Glass Mounted Ormolu Twelve-Light Chandelier
Russian
Early 19th century
Consisting of a palmette and anthemeon-cast corona top suspending four chains and a circular ...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Antique Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt bronze clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
French, Early 19th Century
Height 45cm, width 29cm, depth 19cm
This superb gilt bronze clock, created by the renow...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Set of Ten French Empire Mahogany Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of ten mahogany dining chairs made in the neoclassical French empire taste. The chairs feature decorative bronze mounts ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Mahogany Headboard with Silk Embroidery
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Empire Style Mahogany Headboard with Silk Embroidery
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
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
Wonderful 19th century gilded wall mirror , empire style
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very good quality 19th century gilded wall mirror in the empire style
French circa 1840’s with original backboards and mirror plate Height
It can hang landscape or portrait
Heig...
Category
1840s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Copper Cauldron - "Poitiers" Engraved, Decorative Piece - 2Y14
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique copper cauldron, engraved with "Poitiers," is a stunning decorative piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to any setting. Its classic design and fine craftsmanship ma...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
$119 Sale Price
47% Off
Porcelaine de Paris - Ajour Centerpiece Coupe
Located in DELFT, NL
Gilt Porcelaine de Paris Openwork Coupe Centerpiece to be placed centrally on the table, for fruit or flowers. Empire Style. French, 19th century center basket, rond form with reticu...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt, Patinated, and Burnished Bronze & Brass Candlesticks, circa 1920
Elegant pair of French Empire style candlesticks, crafted from a harmonious combin...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Pair Montgolfièr Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Ceiling Lamp NEW
Located in Berlin, DE
A Piece of History Recreated – Timeless Beauty, Faithfully Reborn
Every now and then, you come across a piece that leaves a lasting impression. For me, it was this chandelier a stu...
Category
2010s European Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
$19,101 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
19th Century Swedish Fall Front Desk with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century fall front desk from Kalix, North of Sweden.
The overhanging rectangular top abowe a drop down writing surface enclosing a fitted interior with drawers and a central cu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mahogany table, Western Europe, circa 1880.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Mahogany table, Western Europe, circa 1880. Based on a three-legged base with brass rollers.
Currently under renovation.
dimensions height 77 cm diameter 119 cm
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Feathers
$1,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Empire Sewing Table, Austria Circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Empire sewing table with socketed saber legs and a basket tray, adorned with an oval frame featuring fire-gilded fittings. The table includes a lockable drawer with diamond-shaped fi...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Figural Gilt & Patina Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of unusual Antique French Empire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze multi light figural neoclassical chandeliers. Each circular patinated bronze chandelier is embellished with eight gilt bronze neoclassical winged figures of ladies holding flames which represents light and further adorned with neoclassical gilt bronze motifs in relief depicting owls. Finally each chandelier is connected to the top crown...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Burlwood Chair
Located in Houston, TX
A 19th Century French Empire burl wood chair featuring stylized ormolu to include swans, lyre, acanthus and ribbons with lion's paw sabots. Seat newly...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Empire 'Chest on Chest' Mahogany, Danish West Indies ( Virgin Islands) C. 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A tall Empire chest of drawers, also known as a 'Chest on Chest,' composed of two pieces. This model is expertly crafted from solid, high-quality Cuba mahogany with original brass fi...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Marble and Bronze Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality 19th Century bronze and green marble lamp base is of columnar form. It features Neoclassical motifs including floral swags and...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Aubusson French 1800 - 24" x 20"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small, elegant Danish Empire bench crafted from mahogany, featuring delicate string inlays in satinwood on the ends.
The seat has been newly upholstered in light gray linen, accented...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass door...
Category
1840s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
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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