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: 20th Century
Vintage Oxblood Leather Tufted Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning vintage tufted oxblood leather Chesterfield sofa, exuding timeless elegance. The rich, smoky burgundy hue adds depth and sophistication, truly coming to life when illumina...
Category
1970s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather
French Empire Round Marble Top Mahogany Column Pedestal Cabinet End Table Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Round Marble Top Mahogany Reeded Column Form Pedestal Cabinet End Tables - a Pair. Item features single cabinet door, brass door pull, white Italian marbl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
20th Century French Empire 5 Light Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 19th century French Empire style chandelier with 5 lights. Beautiful decorative detail on the base and arms.
A classic fixture that is sure to impress!!
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Stunning French Empire Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer sell this stunning large French Empire style walnut desk having a gilt tooled green leather top with a ormolu edge and scrolling mounts flanked by an arrangement ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Sherle Wagner Empire Gold Bathroom Faucet Set Mounted on Travertine Stone Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Sherle Wagner International is still manufactured in their Massachusetts factory staffed by highly skilled artisans dedicated to preserving old world craftsmanship. Sherle Wagner has been producing the highest quality bathroom sinks and lever sets for 80-years. We are offering another example of one of their classic designs, the Empire Onyx Lever set complimented by a Gold Glazed Scalloped Ceramic Over Edge Sink, mounted on a Stone travertine Vanity top. Vitreous China, Integral overflow drain, 1-3/4˝ discharge drain, 6˝ water depth. Onyx Bathroom Sink Handles with Ribbon and Reed Spout model number 818. Nothing makes a statement quite like a powder room adorned with a Sherle Wagner Sink...
Category
1970s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Travertine, Gold, Gold Plate
Pair of Chic French Empire Style Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large French Empire style mahogany armchairs reupholstered in Ralph Lauren silk/linen fabric.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Empire Style Walnut Lamp Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Baker Furniture Empire Style Walnut Oval Lamp Table, with central drawer having brass ring handles, on four fluted tapered legs and brass tips, with "Baker Furniture" and "McMillen C...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century French Birdcage Chandelier Ormolu with Crystal Spires
Located in Milano, MI
A stunning Empire style crystal and gilt bronze chandelier of French origin, a thirteen-light pendant dating back to the very early 1900, with a very original vertical structure, a b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Empire Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Urn Table Lamp - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Urn Form Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 28.5" H (to finial) x 19" H (to light socket) x 4.5" W x 4....
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted leather top writing desk. C 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted, leather top writing desk. C 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Wonderful French Empire Regency Louis XVI Ormolu Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire / Regency Louis XVI Style Ormolu & Black Patinated Bronze 5 Candelabra Light Chandelier
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Empire Style 1918 Genuine Silver Teapot and Solid Ebony Handle by August Thomsen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Empire style teapot made by silversmith August Thomsen in Denmark, 1918
The teapot is made of genuine silver 830s, stamped with the Danish three towers (see the stamp) and with a ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box
Located in London, GB
A Magnifient Lapis Empire Style Box
This box is Absolutely Stunning,
Ormolu Mounted
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Three-Tired Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal glass and brass three-tired chandelier, the 1930s.
Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1930s. This lovely...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Czech Crystal Tent & Bag Chandelier
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Bohemian Tent and Bag, or Sack of Pearls chandelier made of hundreds of crystal strands. This one is particularly special with a skirt of spear-shaped leaded crystals and beaded g...
Category
1930s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Antique Alabaster Marble Empire Style Carved Column Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Alabaster Marble Empire Style Carved Column Pedestal Plant Stand. Item features a revolving top, nice slender form, good antique item. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements:...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
Swedish Empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish empire revival mahogany 3 piece lounge suite circa 1900.
We are pleased to offer this empire revival suite from Sweden.
Set consists of 2 armchairs with matching table. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of 1970s Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Vintage Baccarat Empire Harcourt Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Fine Baccarat Empire Harcourt cocktail/water pitcher.
The Empire Harcourt pattern is one of Baccarat's most sought after designs. A classic since 1841, it has graced the tables of n...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa with Leopard Fabric
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Category
1950s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 Chinese Porcelain Rice Bowls with 3 Spoons - 2Y49
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This set includes 6 beautifully crafted Chinese porcelain rice bowls and 3 matching spoons. The elegant design and traditional craftsmansh...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Four Italian Dining Chairs Empire Style Red Gold Upholstery 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A set of four solid walnut chairs in the fabulous Empire style with ormolu decorations, made in Italy in the 20th century, in good condition.
The walnut frame is beautiful in color ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 48cm
Ref.: 84654522
21
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted.
Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat,
green uniform with medals, draped with a coat.
On the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Military Toy Car by France Jouets – Used Condition - 2Y38
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a piece of history with this vintage military toy car from France Jouets. This classic collectible is a testament to mid-20th-century cra...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Italian Empire Wall Sconces, circa 1950
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Gilded empire style wall sconces in the shape of ribbons cast in solid bronze with inlaid hand painted porcelain decor. Produced in the 1950s. Comes with lime green lamp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Jules Verne "Un Capitaine de Quinze Ans" - Second Part, Hetzel Edition - 2Y81
Located in Bordeaux, FR
A classic from Jules Verne, "Un Capitaine de Quinze Ans" (Second Part), published by Hetzel. This vintage edition is in good condition, featuring slight wear on the cover and spine. ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions. Item feature bulbous open planter form, paw feet,...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Arrow Wall Sconces Lamp Featuring Goddess Ceres
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces effortlessly blends classical grandeur with subtle Art Deco influences, making them a rare and elegant addition to any in...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Hand-Carved Bas-Relief Storage or Jewelry Box - 2Y51
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite storage or jewelry box features hand-carved bas-relief detailing, showcasing expert craftsmanship. With its generous size and elegant design, this piece is perfect for...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Baker Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
1960s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Ottoman Empire Silver Jewelry Casket
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 20th century Ottoman Empire Grand Scale Silver Jewelry Casket. Velvet lining; with a presentation case. 900 standard silver guarantee hallmark, SK mark unidentified, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Monumental Empire Style Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Austria, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian crystal chandelier with a solid bronze frame and faceted crystal, circa 1930s or older. This chandelier is perfect for large spaces, entryways, and hallways. A unique waterf...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate
Early 20th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Brighten an entry or a powder room with this sophisticated six light antique chandelier. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1920 and built of bronze, The lighting fixture features an in...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1930s Hickory Chair Empire Klismos Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Hickory Chair Company Empire Klismos style Mahogany and Upholstered Seat Side Chairs. Measure 18" in width, 21" in depth 34.5" tall. Seat height is 18".
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set.
Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire style bronze chandelier with Royal Eagle heads and flame. This chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 6 arms Empire style chandelier is made of chiseled bronze with Royal Eagle heads around a center flame. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Brass Chandelier Crystal Lustre Ceiling Light Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing an exquisite Empire Brass Chandelier, adorned with sparkling crystals, and professionally restored with love in Berlin. This timeless piece has been thoughtfully re-wired...
Category
1940s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Empire Style Marble Topped Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage Empire style side table handcrafted in France. A wonderful square piece of emerald green marble featuring black veining and hazy white patterns sits atop a cast iron base w...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Iron
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Maitland Smith French Empire Iron Bronze Figural Maiden Plant Stand Jardinière
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive cauldron or planter by Maitland-Smith, circa 1990s. Made from iron and bronze in French Empire styling. Features a tessellated marble plater or bowl over a figured scro...
Category
1990s Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Wall Sconces Louis XVI Style By Massive, Belgium Pair Of Bronze Light
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Paired wall sconces in beautiful bronze from the Massive, Belgian manufacturer.
Set of Wall Lighting lamps in Louis XVI Style with 2 horns on each.
Very noble and sensual! ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 20th Century Wooden Crucifix with Christ Figure in Spelter - 2Y189
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage 20th-century crucifix is a beautiful and reverent piece, featuring a wooden cross and a Christ figure made of spelter. It would make a meaningful addition to any religio...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Spelter
Pair French Empire Style Arrow Horn Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Antique French Empire style brass horn and arrow motif wall sconces. Each with 2 candelabra size lights with black and gold clip on shades. Newly wired, added are 5" round ba...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Painted Pine Children's Chairs
Located in Baltimore, MD
These delightful plank seat children’s chairs are in a rustic Empire style, with a scroll at the top of the back rail and turned legs at the front. In old worn buttermilk paint. Seat...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine
1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George S...
Category
1940s English Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase circa 1900.
Superb quality piece of Swedish made furniture with influences from Biedermeier and empire periods.
Stepped top...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Mid 20th Century Italian Tole Lamp
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid 20th century Italian tole lamp with original shade.
Fine Italian tole column form table lamp in a warm ochre hue. It is intricately painted with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Tôle
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Hanging Chandelier Pendant
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Empire style chandelier pendant with cast glass dish and bronze details. These elegant lights graced many of the main corridors of the NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Empire Style Sugar Bowl in 800 Silver, Italy, 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Empire style sugar bowl in 800 silver, Italy, 1950s
It belonged to my maternal great-grandparents and is in excellent condition. Very small signs of the time. Gr. 166,00.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
19th Century French Empire Round Mahogany Side Table - Antique Marble Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French Empire side table made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Honduran Mahogany in good condition. The detailed small center table is composed with a black marble top, standing on three arched legs, supported by a wooden base, resisting on three round feet. The Parisian table is enhanced by detailed gilded wood carvings...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
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.