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
Returnable Items Only
French White and Gold Pierced Porcelain Compote Basket Tazza
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Empire Fruitwood Console Table with drawer, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Empire- Biedermeier fruitwood console table with drawer and bronze details
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Ebonized Bookcase
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This handsome Empire style open book shelf has a recent ebonized finish. This antique has the rounded column fronts of the empire style raised on paw feet. The interior is fitted wit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8.2X6.10
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
Antique French Empire Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Early 20th-century French console table in the Empire style, sourced from Provence. Structurally restored and refinished, it features a narrow 4'5" frame hand-crafted from solid maho...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
English Crown Derby Porcelain Potpourri Vessel, early 19th century
Located in New York, NY
An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
Montgolfièr Empire Chandelier Crystal Classic traditional Brass Glass 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 German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, ...
Category
2010s Australian Empire Furniture
Materials
Fur
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers with Secrets
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian chest of drawers dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined chest of drawers, whose characteristics suggest th...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Angel Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space.
Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 99 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 83 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg.
With 18-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience.
Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size.
Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
$8,918 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Early 19th century French Empire Period Burl Elm Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale early nineteenth century French Empire period console table is constructed of solid burl elm and features a black marble top. A single drawer of dovetail constructio...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Mahogany Standing Tilting Floor Mirror from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Stately mahogany adjustable/tilting floor mirror standing over 5.5' tall.
Note the elegant finials and central flourish that crown the mirror, resting on elaborately carved lion's fe...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability
Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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
Chest of Drawers on Paw Feet, France, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
French Empire chest of drawers, crafted around 1810. The clean-lined body features three spacious drawers, made from solid and veneered cherrywood with beautifully figured grain. Top...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Lamps Empire Bouillotte Empire Wall Sconces Regency Gold and Blue A pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
A pair French gold gilded bronze Bouilotte Wall Sconces, Empire Revival.
With matching cyan blue lampshades with a gold interior.
Style: French, Empire, English Mansion, Regency, Hol...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
19th Century Empire Period Marble Top Gueridon
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant guéridon is a fine example of Empire-period craftsmanship, dating back to the early 19th century. Its refined design and high-quality materials reflect the timeless eleg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Late 19th Century Empire Mahogany Arm Chairs
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique Empire style armchairs. The armrest and legs are made of solid mahogany, the backrest is made of veneered mahogany. An elegant design with curved armrests and taper...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
$2,616 / set
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Pair 19th Century Italian Empire Consoles
Located in Houston, TX
A stately pair of 19th Century Italian Empire white marble top mahogany consoles supported by ebonized caryatid columns.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Stunning Gueridon Table, hand carved Dolphin, second Empire, ~1900, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning rare side table, so called Gueridon, from the second Empire, made around 1900 in Italy.
This elaborate structure of the table is composed of a round base with small extens...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Spruce
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
French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century French Hand Painted Room Divider 4 Panel Leather Screen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic leather four panel room divider hand painted and hand crafted screen from the latter part of the 19th century France. Hand painted cherubs with floral accents in outstandin...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box with Floral Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Lid and bottom are covered in the same floral design reminiscent of a bouquet or floral ornament. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Baccarat, Set of Eleven Overlay Crystal Items, Bright Crimson, France 1920
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, set of 10 high-end liquor glasses and 1 Serving plate made by Baccarat. In the colors bright crimson and clear crystal. The glasses and the serving plate are in...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
French Empire Revival Green Leather Top Bronze Griffin Mahogany Desk & Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Revival Style Green Leather Top Mahogany Bureau Plat Executive Writing Desk & Chair with Bronze Griffin Ormolu by Global N.Y. Listing includes a very impressive...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Early 20th Century Empire Center Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th century Empire lacquered walnut dolphin center table.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Antique Monumental French Empire Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat, circa 1870 in date.
The rectangular top has an inset gold-tooled green leather writing surface with a very...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Paris Porcelain Teacup and Saucer Depicting Empress Josephine
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite teacup and saucer in Sèvres style Old Paris Porcelain, depicting the Empress Josephine in ornate dress and wearing her crown. Dating from the early 19th century First Em...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 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
French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome 19th century French Empire secrétaire à abattant made of richly figured, bookmatched walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a hidden drawer, free of hardware and opening by a shallow groove on the bottom of the drawer front. Below is a fold-front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by Empire style columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Elegant vintage classical Empire inspired marble top table by Maitland Smith
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an elegant empire inspired marble topped side table by Maitland Smith. This Empire inspired table has a hand forged wrought iron base with three decorative brass wings. This ...
Category
1990s Philippine Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
French Empire Style Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY SECRETARY DESK
Composed of 19th century elements
ref. 501GWU22P
45 7/8" H x 32 1/8" W x 15 5/8" D; writing area is 15" D x 26 1/8" W
Thi...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Late Empire Light Green Painted Metal Tray Table, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late Empire side table / lamp table with a metal tray featuring a painted brass rim, placed on a later collapsible stand.
The tray dates from around 1820–30, while the stand was mad...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Baker Furniture Regency Burl Wood Writing Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Regency or Neoclassical style writing desk or library table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous burled walnut, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 48"...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Circa 1815 French Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1815 French Empire Secrétaire à Abattant. Mahogany with mahogany & oak secondary wood. Ingenious hidden drawers & locking mec...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire-Style Curule Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An extremely elegant 19th-century Empire-style curule stool standing on veneered, curved X legs linked by a turned baluster-shaped stretcher and terminating in lion's paws. The padde...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Big Large Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability
Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron, Wire
$17,125 Sale Price
40% Off
Napoleonic Porcelain Soup Plates Set of 10 by Nast w/ French Imperial Decoration
By Nast
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of ten beautiful French porcelain soup plates was made by Nast, the Parisian factory renowned for producing porcelain for Napoleon and his imperial court.
During the Napole...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Empire Amphora Vases in Gilded Porcelain with Handles of Swans
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this fantastic pair of porcelain amphora vases, Empire period, first half of the 19th century. The two vases are characterized by a rich decoration. The attention is certa...
Category
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
$2,100 Sale Price
20% Off
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
19TH C Empire Bronze Mounted Marble Top Round Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
19TH C Empire Bronze Mounted Marble Top Round Table
Wood. Bronze mounted. Marble top.
Dimensions: 31 1/4" h x 27 3/4" diameter.
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, 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
Huge molded and cut glass Empire style table lamp by Waterford, Ireland, 1960s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Huge table lamp from Waterford Crystal, Ireland, 1960s. The glass body is 39 centimeters high made of one-piece molded glass with engraved and cutted details. The base and the struct...
Category
1960s Irish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Chrome
Pair of Gilded Wrought Iron Empire Coffee Tables
Located in Miami, FL
This rare 1920's French Empire swan coffee tables are made of wrought iron with gilded accents. Very heavy and sturdy with two tier glass tops. Good vintage condition with normal cos...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
Located in Rome, IT
Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
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
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
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
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
French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Empire bed circa 1960
Full-size bedding
Massive carved iroko and fabric
The fabric has to be recovered
The side boards will be made to have th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish 19th century satin birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century satin birch chest of drawers circa 1870.
Elegant scandinavian chest of drawers, pine carcass veneered in a golden satin birch. Fitted with 3 equal sized drawe...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
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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