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
Antique Pair French Empire Armchair Fauteuils Chairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique pair of French Empire Revival upholstered back mahogany armchair fauteuils, circa 1880 in date.
The mahogany is beautiful in colour with superb patina. Th...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Semainier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French Empire mahogany semainier featuring artful neoclassical hardware. Hand-crafted in France circa 1810, this semainier is fitted with seven drawers to provide a dr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Bureau a Cylindre Gentleman's Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally rare Period French Empire (1804-1814) walnut bureau a cylindre.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in France, most likely Parisian work, dating to the early 19th century, the large antique cylinder desk...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with leafy cornucopia carvings, carved top rail, great antique sofa. Cir...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Fruitwood Empire Style Buffet a Deux Corps
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A substantial 19th century Empire-style French buffet a deux corps, handmade of fruitwood accented with brass hardware, composed of a glass-fronted vitrine above three drawers and a ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Period Giltwood Large Italian Empire Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame.
Early 19th century.
Internal measurements cm 37.5 x 45.5.
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certific...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful painted serving tray. Empire, early 19th Century. Made in painted tin plate.
Some minor color loss and wear damages, but overall in good condition in relation...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Antique Empire Mahogany Sleigh Bed, Cabinet Makers Example, as Dog Bed
Located in Huntington, NY
This rare cabinet makers example of an antique Empire mahogany sleigh bed,
As Dog bed. With new poly foam bed covered in black & white ticking.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French 19th Century Empire Walnut & Marble Top Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A monumental French Empire buffet made of figured walnut in a rich auburn hue, coordinating with the dark marble top surface for a classic & Neoclassical look. The original marble sl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Antique Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamp in with Tole Lampshade
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A late 19th century three-light 'Bouillotte' table lamp in gilded bronze and brass, with unusual duck's head styled arms and a typical green lacquered metal (tole) shade. Designed in...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Baltic Mahogany Long Bench - Antique Empire Silk Sofa, Canapé
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is stand...
Category
Mid-19th Century Baltic Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
19th C. Kirk & Son "Repoussé" 117-Piece Sterling Silver Flat Service, 111.8 Oz
By Kirk & Son
Located in Germantown, MD
A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 13" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 13" X 11", Floral Style
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small mahogany and walnut veneered table or writing desk with brass holders in the lyres formed sides. The top is provided with inlaid green leather; the drawers have divided small...
Category
Early 1800s Scandinavian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
By Wiggers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810
The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Mid 19th century French empire mahogany and leather reclining chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality mid 19th century French mahogany and leather reclining chair circa 1860.
We are pleased to be able to offer this stunning french flame mahogany reclining chair for sale...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Set of Twelve 19th Century Empire Chairs in Mahogany, Brass and Velvet
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Set of Twelve Early 19th Century Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany, Inlaid Brass and Velvet
This is a very large and rare set of twelve elegant dining chairs from the (late) ‘em...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire period mahogany pedestal round table, 19th c.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mahogany and mahogany veneer pedestal round table, side table, dining table, tea table column shaft, black granite top with basin, Empire period. France, 19th c.
Category
Late 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
Swedish Empire Karl Johan Wood Sofa 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Empire Karl Johan style sofa dating c. 1830
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Rolled Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with cornucopia carvings, spiral carved top rail, great antique sofa to reup...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19th century French Empire daybed.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Four Shelves Etagere
Located in Miami, FL
This tall late nineteenth century French Empire style walnut console table features columns at the front corners and four shelves.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine French Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Metal Six Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Classical French Empire gilt bronze, patinated metal and gilt wood six light chandelier.
19th Century
Well proportioned central gilt and patinated bronze Empire tazza with a large gi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
French Mahogany Empire Style Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pierced brass gallery surrounds the round, white marble top on this terrific 19th Century French Empire style gueridon. The top is lifted by three column-form legs that are joined ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Empire Walnut Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome French Empire walnut commode from the 19th century, circa 1850. The stunning top planks are in good antique condition with a few signs of wear. The apron houses a hidden d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Ebonized Empire Console Table with White Marble Top, 1808
Located in Berlin, DE
This striking console table, crafted in France circa 1808, embodies the grandeur of the Empire style. Its ebonized wood frame, finished to a deep, lustrous black, provides a dramatic...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11", Authentic 17th Century Piece , Woolen Pillow
Category
17th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Empire Charles X Enfilade Boiserie Buffet Lavabo Alcove Fountain Cabinet Sink LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Empire Charles X Enfilade Boiserie Buffet Lavabo Alcove Fountain Cabinet Sink LA . Very Important and Large Enfilade De Boiserie Buffet Lavabo C.1810 Empire Transition Charles X A great patron of the arts. Light colored woods, yellow or bleached were dominant. This Piece is made of the Bois Clairs in warm blond tone typical of the period 1810-1830.
We have another video of the interior to share with you if you wish.
Wall Paneling Cabinets and a trumeau Mirror at the center of the Curve, in Front of it a nicely carved Stone Urn with Sphere finial top creating a back splash of a Sink. A very elegant architectural element “La Haute Société ". Focal point of a grand room . These pieces make for a truly special interior to any residence. Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA Melrose Ave La Cienega Blvd . Two Very Large Wall mount Cabinets with very large Doors and original hardware hinges , keys and locks , interior of each cabinet with 3 dividers that makes 4 compartments, a great space to store your dinner service , your porcelain , wine , your glassware etc . painted a beautiful light green on the interior.
A very large Marble Hand Carved Urn, on a pedestal and the Swan Fountain...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass, Metal
Coppia di Comò Impero Italia Inizi '800
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di comò del periodo Impero, in noce lastronati in noce rigatino fiammato, presentano sul fronte quattro cassetti di cui il primo sotto piano aggettante, poggiante sui montanti...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19thc French Empire Gold Bordered Crystal Candle Holder /Candlestick by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Antique Cut Crystal/ Gold Bordered Deluxe Candle Holder. This piece is stunning! The detail is amazing.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabras Sconces
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of 19th-Century French Empire gilded bronze three arm light wall sconces, circa 1850-1870. These beautiful sconces have a lovely gilt patina with foliate and floral d...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large French Empire period gueridon from the 1800’s. The original fossil black marble top has been professionally repaired. Its refined mahogany base has a simple apron above a col...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Danish Early 19th Century Empire Tobacco Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming mahogany tobacco box in an architecturally intriguing form. The top of the lid is adorned with a small knob of bone.
Great quality and craftsmanship.
Empire. Denmark, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Empire Bench in Mahogany
Located in Valby, 84
A refined and elegant Empire-style bench, crafted from rich mahogany and featuring a beautifully curved and detailed backrest. The symmetrical design is highlighted by an interwoven ...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Mahogany
Set of Ten White and Gilt French Empire Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of ten white and gilt French Empire plates. Set of ten Empire white and gilt plates with under-glaze red markings for L. Ernie 61 Rue du Bac., France, e...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique American Empire Style Cuban Mahogany Game Table
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant American Empire style game table, circa 1835. This versatile piece showcases classic design with a practical function. The swivel top, supported by a graceful cylinder column...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish 19th century flame mahogany breakfront bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Scandinavian empire flame mahogany breakfront bookcase circa 1820.
Stunning bookcase of grand proportions veneered in golden flame mahogany. Bookcase comprises o...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
French Ebonized Empire Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Classic, French Empire round end table of white marble top on a tripod base with recent painted finish. The mottled stone top is mostly white with faint gray veining and offers a rai...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830.
solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with
lace up padding.
very com...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Empire Style Gueridon with Black Marble Top
Located in Sheffield, MA
A very handsome classical Empire-style round center table with a dark gray/black marble top, raised on a hand turned ebonized black center pedestal. The table lends itself to be use...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire buffet made of rich flame bookmatched mahogany is classic in style. The original marble top of charcoal with white veining sits at the top of this buffet and is remov...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Period French Empire Buffet from Bordeaux
Located in Birmingham, AL
A fine 19th century French Empire period buffet, expertly handcrafted of solid walnut by skilled artisans in the historic port city of Bordeaux, circa 1810. Renowned for its rich her...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Large Antique French Patinated Bronze/Gilt Seven-Light Candelabras After Moreau
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of large 19th-century French candelabras, inspired by Moreau, combines classical beauty with exceptional craftsmanship. Each candelabra is crafted in patinated ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century Silk Fabric French Empire
Located in Canterbury, GB
A long panel of Antique Silk
French Empire and dating from 18th century
Beautiful, hard to find Dark Olive Green colourway
Antique gently time worn condition with general signs ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk
Wilhelm Hofmann opaline glass vase late 19th century
By Wilhelm Nikolaus Hofmann
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Wilhelm Hofmann late 19th century opaline glass vase: timeless elegance and refinement
If you would like to enrich your space with an authentic and fascinating piece of art, this op...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
1840s Empire Veneered Mahogany Wood Sicilian Round Tilt-Top Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Sicilian tilt-top table is a distinctive piece of furniture, reflecting the design aesthetics of the Empire style popular during the early to mid-19th century, it's a testament ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Sicilian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of 19th Century French Empire Chairs.
Offered is a lovely pair of early 19th century French period Empire chairs, fauteuils or side chairs. This pair of chairs are adorned with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving
Early 19th century
Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late Empire Flamed Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oval pedestal cabinet, late empire.
Mirror-cut flamed mahogany with beautiful grain. Door flanked by columns with wood-carved capitals.
Behind the door 3...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Porcelain Tea Service 19th Century, Empire Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Porcelain tea service with Napoleon decorations, Sèvres Imperial Manufactory, 19th century, Empire style.
A Sèvres porcelain tea service with Napoleo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Framed Upholstered Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Very beautiful North American Empire style mahogany wood framed upholstered sofa with matching bolster pillows and mahogany frame scroll...
Category
1820s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Carlo X Italian Walnut Side Table, 1820s
Located in Viterbo, VT
Empire / Carlo X side table hand-made in Italy in the early 1800s using walnut and decorated with book-matched walnut veneer. The side table has elegant lines and lyre-like legs, con...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak.
Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves.
Very fine quality
Made in ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Antique French Walnut Empire Style Center Table With Stone Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique French walnut empire style gueridon table with beveled grey stone top. The moulded stone top above a three sided concave base that is raised up on carved paw feet with lappet...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone
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
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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