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
Vintage Bird Tapestry 9X2.4
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
Late Empire French Walnut Chest of Drawers with Bronze Handles
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Restored Empire Small Cabinet, Spruce, Cherry, Revived Polish, Czech, 1870s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This two-door cabinet from the second half of the 19th century originates from the Czech Republic and is made from a combination of cherry and spruce wood. Its design resembles a min...
Category
1870s Czech Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Cherry, Spruce
1948-1951 Bing & Grondahl coffee service for 8, Denmark
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1948-1951 Bing & Grondahl coffee service for 8, Denmark. In their rare & elegant "Empire" pattern with swags of flowers over fish scale molded borders. Consisting of 8 cups & saucers, 8 cake plates, leaf shaped sweetmeat, round shaped sweetmeat, cream & sugar with tray, and coffee pot with cover...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Style Bronze Ram's Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and bronze, nice and heavy. Has great patina. In good working condition. Original ceiling cap ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Brass
French Empire Giltwood Bed Corona
Located in Essex, MA
With acorn and oak leaf crest and scrolled swans. Probably used over a bed.
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Other
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa late 19th century French Empire sconces with eagle's heads and woman's faces. Original finish and patina, *8 available
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Empire Gilt Carved Painted Beech Wood Swedish Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Munich, DE
This beautiful beechwood trumeau features fine carvings of two columns and a basquet filled with fruit and flowers. The high relief woodwork is partially guilt and has retained it's ...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
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
Ca.1700 Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19'' X 14''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1700 Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19'' X 14'', Wool, Empire Traditional, Handmade and Needlework,
Category
Early 1700s Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique book "Retour en Chrétienté" - Collection by J. Servel - 2Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore the insightful collection titled "Retour en Chrétienté" by J. Servel, a notable work reflecting on religious themes. Published by Édition du Chalet, this book is an essential...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Late 19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th century Empire 8 lights chandelier it’s unusual bronze fittings, from Waldorf Hotel in NYC
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Circa 1820 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1820
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow 18th Century
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
French Empire Walnut Pedestal Table with Round Marble Top and Tripod Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period walnut table from the 19th century with circular marble top, pedestal and tripod base. Evoke the elegance of 19th-century France with this resplendent French E...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1670 Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1670
Category
1670s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Large French Neoclassical Mahogany Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French mahogany Empire desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Napoleonic Column Table Lamps French Rosewood Gold Gilded Bronze, a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Napoleonic gold gilded brass and faux rosewood column table lamps
With gold/bronze matching lampshades ( new condition )
Style: Empire, Regency, Neo classical, Napoleonic, Vintage, Antique
Design: In the manner of Caldwell, Chapman manufacturng company, Stiffel
Origin: France, 1980s
Description: Vintage Napoleonic style tabl lamps.
Made faux rosewood ( patinated metal) and brass Tuscan capitals.
The lampshades are handmade and in ew condition.
Condition: The lamps are in a good condition,one lamp have minor wear on the back ( see pics) socket E27, 230 volt and max 60w, black wired with switch.
The lamps are US compatible but a adapter for plug is required
Create the right ambience, good well positioned lighting can make a room!
All our lamps are fully working condition, however, we are shipping from Europe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Antique French Ceramic and Gilt Metal Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique French ceramic and gilt metal table lamps. They were made in France, they date from around the 1950’s.
They are of superb quality and are an impressive si...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Empire Style Center Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Early 19th-century French design anchored by a sleek quartz top with a refined moulded surround and elegant canted corners, this table blends architectural grace with timeless luxury...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Furniture
Materials
Quartz, Brass
1820s Rare and Elegant Empire Walnut Sicilian Console
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An original conditions Walnut console hand-crafted in Sicily in 1820s. The elegance of saber feet it's typical of the Empire period as the gilded friezes...
Category
Early 19th Century Sicilian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Empire Bronze Column Table Lamp, Early 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th century Empire brass column table lamp
Additional information:
Materials: Brass
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Styles: Empire
Lamp Shade: Not Included
...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A courtly, Empire mirror from France with its original mirror plate. The frame is made of beveled mahogany decorated with gilt bronze stars, a motif commonly found throughout the Emp...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Patinated Brass Candlesticks
Located in Barntrup, DE
Very nice pair of French Empire style gold-plated, patinated and burnished bronze and brass candlesticks. Each candlestick features finely engraved decors and is raised on a round or...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
French, Early 19th Century
Height 68cm, width 77cm, depth 39cm
This beautiful antique stool is a class...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage West Kéramik Grand Vase with Knight Decoration – W. Germany - 2Y195
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your collection with this grand vase from West Kéramik, featuring a charming knight decoration. Made in West Germany, this piece showcases a classi...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Mirrored Surtout De Table Centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French Mid-19th Century Empire st. ormolu mirrored surtout de table centerpiece. The impressive cent...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Antique English Empire Console Writing Side Table, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful small antique English Empire Gonçalo Alves console with integral writing slide and pen drawer, circa 1820 in date.
This dual purpose table has a drawer above a p...
Category
1820s English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Dark Oak Square Side Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
The tables seamlessly blend classic design with refined craftsmanship. The table's symmetrical lines are complemented by the rich oak surfaces and sturdy columns, which are inspired ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th CENTURY EMPIRE CONSOLE IN MAHOGANY AND FIR
Located in Firenze, FI
This console from the Empire period (early 19th century) is made with fine mahogany wood paneling, while the columns are made from fir wood. Its structure is embellished with refined...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' X 20''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' x 20". Empire and Traditional
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Giltwood Candlesticks or Prickets
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of giltwood French Empire period prickets or candlesticks was originally used on the altar of a church. They were hand-carved and exquisitely gilded on only one side as a m...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Small French Empire Giltwood Busts, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
During the period of French history known as the Empire style, design reflected Napoleon’s belief that ancient civilizations (such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt) were the only societies...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Nordiska Kompaniet, desk in beech from Hotel Knaust, Sweden 1931.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk in beech from Hotel Knaust by Nordiska Kompaniet / NK, Sweden 1931.
With brass details and signed with NK badge and tracking number (easy to see who ordered the furniture and w...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
19th Century French Mahogany and Ormolu Bookcase in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and fine library breakfront bookcase by Antoine Krieger of Paris
In the Empire taste, this wonderful piece shows careful selection of matched flame mahogany veneers, contrasted by finely chiselled mercury gilded ormolu bronze mounts. The glazed, four door upper section is surmounted by ormolu laurel wreath victory garlands, and acanthus leaves to the cornice, the lower four blind doors having central caduceus mounts, emblematic of Mercury’s staff; the outer doors showing central Apollo masks, with acanthus leaves in a cruciform pattern; the cornered motifs being rosettes with conforming acanthus leaves; the pilaster columns are capped by stylised Tuscan capitals. The four oak lined drawers have Grecian Lyre backplates to the handles, and the locks are signed by the maker. The bookcase is elevated on toupie ‘cotton reel’ feet.
The very finest workmanship has gone into this piece, as evinced by the ethereal ‘gold dust’ ormolu mounts, with the crispest of ciselure, and the breathtaking quality of the mahogany veneers. This piece, originally conceived by Percier and Fontaine, adopting the decoration from the Antique, is signed by Antoine Krieger of Paris. Circa 1860
Percier and Fontaine published in 1812 the ‘bon ton’ design collection, ‘Recueil des Decorations Interieurs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
Set of Eight Empire Floral and Gilt Decorated Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of eight Empire floral and gilt decorated plates. Paris porcelain transitional Empire gilt plates with flowers. France, circa 1830
Dimensions: 9....
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Crystal and Gilt Bronze Seal, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Crystal and gilt bronze seal, Empire Period"
Cachet of Empire period in crystal and gilt bronze, XIXth century, with the initials CC, very ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Large Basket Chandelier, 1st Third 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Large ceiling chandelier with six brass candle holders. The hanging of glass prisms, drops and beads is guided over two hoops and ends in a basket with hanging drops.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Empire Style Lion Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Empire style lion armchair
Imperial stylish lion armchair in Empire style.
Finely detailed carving work on solid ebonized beechwood....
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
19th Century French Retour d'Egpyte Antique Veneered Mahogany Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique French Retour d'Egpyte freestanding console table made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The rectangular table is composed with one small drawer, consisting a grey Belgian marble top, standing on four legs, resting on a thick wooden base. The front part of side table is particularized by star-shaped brass décor, the front legs are enhanced by black carved large caryatids. The décor piece represents the First French Empire...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Vintage Woven Forrest Tapestry 7.2X6.0
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
Pair of Empire Candelabra with Green Marble Bases & 4 Candle Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
These pair of Empire candelabras feature angles holding 4 candleholders atop a green marble base.
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Small Round Tray with Red Carrara Marble Top and Brass Edging
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round barware tray with red carrara marble top and brass edging.
This tray was most likely an old table top, that is now being used as a tray.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Circa 1880 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1880 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Rare French, Early 19th Century Napoleonic Medal Cabinet
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Rare French early 19th century Napoleonic medal cabinet on four gilt bronze pawfeet, a hinged door to the top and front opening to reveal four drawers containing 184 very fine bronzed plaster medals...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiseled details.
The backplate of this sconce is a central round plate wit...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French candlestick is a stunning example of French craftsmanship, made of brass with intricate detailing. The candlestick features a textured body resembling scales...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Bronze Scuplture "Venus Bather" by H.S. München
By H.S. Munchen
Located in Firenze, FI
Lost wax cast Italian bronze sculpture, the subject reproduces 'Venus bather'. The base is made of Bardiglio red marble. Italian manufacture, early 19th century. Made by H.S. München...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This mirror, crafted from hand-polished mahogany and adorned with intricate carvings, is a stunning example of Danish craftsmanship from around the 1880s. The rich, deep tones of the...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Mahogany Bedside Table Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France, circa 1850, the elegant antique cabinet stands on front rounded columns ending with bun feet and embellished with decorative brass mounts at the shoulder and the b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique French Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers W/ Black Marble Top
Located in Astoria, NY
A striking mid-19th-century French Empire chest of drawers, sourced directly from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted from walnut, it boasts a naturally aged patina that highlight...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Russian Tazzas, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of dolomite tazzas, Shelyabinsk region (Urals), fire-gilt bronze. Russia, Ekaterinburg, 19th century. Provenance: Ex collection Dolf Selbach (1929-2010).
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Bronze
19th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
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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