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
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 24" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique Chinese Runner
Located in New York, NY
Rare short and narrow antique soft blue Chinese runner.
Category
20th Century Chinese Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Russian Soviet Classic Large Crystal and Silver Circular Bowl, ca. 1945
Located in New York, NY
A Russian Classic, silver and hand-cut crystal circular serving bowl of unusually large dimensions, manufactured in Moscow, circa 1945. Silver rim features repeating oak leaf design,...
Category
1940s Russian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 50cm, width 36cm, depth 12cm
This mantel clock, wrought from gilt bronze during the French Empire period, features a rectangular base, set above four bun feet, the front of the base adorned with a gilt bronze relief panel...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century, French Empire Ground Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase Centrepiece
Located in IT
19th century, French Empire ground crystal and gilt bronze vase centrepiece
This Empire centerpiece, made in France at the beginning of...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Exquisite Petite Empire Candlesticks
Located in Toronto, CA
An exquisite pair of early nineteenth century small candlesticks from France, made of gilt bronze on small, square alabaster bases. These candlesticks feature neoclassical columns sw...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Napoleonic Empire Cushion French Silk Thread Cannetille Green Cream Throw Pillow
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Napoleonic Empire cushion silk, cannetille and metallic gold thread embroidered
Cushion with a rich and luxurious appaerance.
Made of genuine silk satin and 19th century embroidered ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Satin, Silk, Down
Necessaire antique XIX century Napoleonic period
Located in Torino, IT
very rare writing set in original condition and never used, belonging to an aristocratic production of the mid-19th century.
The finish and great quality of execution attribute its a...
Category
1840s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950.
Each with Berainesque gilt bronze tracery cast everted rim above a ves...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Empire Period Gilt and Painted Wood Three-Piece Salon Suite
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt and painted wood three-piece salon suite
French, c. 1820
Sofa: Height 101cm, width 213cm, depth 72cm
Chairs: Height 101cm, width 61cm, depth 56cm
This exquisite t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Impressive French Empire Chandelier, Firegilded Bronze with Alabaster 1830s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Impressive fire-gilded Empire chandelier with very fine imperial and classicist ornaments, which are
shade is made of alabaster,
The lamp body is framed by a surrounding leaf frieze,...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Pair of Early 19th c Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Early 19th C Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes. With a classic egg and dart pattern on the rim, the pair are adorned with two sets of winged male figures. The pair rest atop rec...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Woven Floral Scene Tapestry 7.7X5.7
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
French Empire Green Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th century) mahogany armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Marble Top table with bronze mounts
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant tall side table made of mahogany with black marble top. It
Is well made with exceptional bronze dore gilt mounts in the empire
Style with a tapered leg ending in bronze dore ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Circa 1870 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1870 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair French Empire Cabinets - Painted Vernis Martin Commodes
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of French Empire style cabinets with painted fronts
Hand painted doors and side are in the style of Vernis Martin
In French interior design, vernis Martin is a type (or...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Empire White & Gold Rectangular Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful large Empire gold gilt and ivory mirror which is an elegant statement piece. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely early painted white washed gesso patina, and t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Antique Chandelier, Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Superb quality eight-light Empire style bronze chandelier, exquisite detail. Originally for candles, now electrified.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Very Handsome Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Brass Candlesticks, Circa 1820
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & tall pair of early 19th century French Empire gilt brass candlesticks.
Both showing reeded columns rising up from circular bases decorated by hand with finely chiseled motifs, to similarly addressed urn-shaped nozzles with detachable bobeches.
Constructed in three sections, with the nozzle and column firmly attached to the base by means of a full length threaded metal post...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Gianmaria Buccellati Caviar Bowl
Located in VALENZA, IT
Important bowl for caviar by Gianmaria Buccellati. The body was made in two parts, cup and base. The welded edge with small leaves characterizes the Classic Empire style.
A wire circ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Cut Glass Dish Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light with a cast glass dish and bronze decorative frame. These elegant lights graced many of the main corridors of the Waldorf Astoria. This requires three stan...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry
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
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
A Fine French Early 20th Century Gilt-Bronze Center Table Attr. Francois Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French early 20th century Empire style ormolu and figural patinated bronze-mounted amboyna and veined Verde d'Alps marble top "Gueridon" attributed to François Linke (185...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Mahogany Bedside Table with Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870 and built of mahogany wood, the elegant antique cabinet stands on front rounded columnar supports embellished with decorative bronze mounted rings at the...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Gold French Empire Pair of Embossed Brass Candlesticks
Located in Savannah, GA
This graceful pair of antique French candlesticks are made of hand crafted brass and are in very good condition. Details include downward tapering on fluted shafts supported by a rou...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Romweber Empire Mahogany, Burl Wood, and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Empire or Neoclassical style nightstands
By Romweber
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany cases, with gorgeous book...
Category
1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 22" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
French Empire Paris Porcelain Vase Converted into a Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire period porcelain vase. The vase is totally gilt with matte and burnished highlights. The twin handles each show a modeled classical female head and on the front of the vase is a painted classical scene. The scene depicts a Roman/Greek seated young warrior...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp. This Frederick Cooper lamp is handpainted in the Empire style with tones of dark cobalt blue, gold and green. Th...
Category
1990s American Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Wonderful Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Figural Regency
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large pair of French Empire gilt and patinated bronze figural Regency candelabra raised on paw feet, each figure holding a 6-branch cand...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Four Doors Cabinets, Armoire or Dry Bar
Located in Firenze, IT
These imposing solid mahogany cabinets with gilt bronze mounts in the style of the Louis XVI French Empire furnished the luxurious Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel. It has recen...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair Empire Console Tables Kingwood 1890
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a pair of antique French Empire style console tables
Clean and minimal design and circa 1890 on this pair
Ormolu fixtures are original
Offered in great shape ready fo...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood
Late 19th Century Large Empire Style Painted Gilt Wood Wall Mirror
Located in Berlin, DE
Late 19th century large empire style painted gilt wood wall mirror or trumeau
Large rectangular mirror with architectural structure: the central field, consisting of a lower mirro...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 26" X 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Mid-19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Marble-Top Commode
Located in Houston, TX
The rectangular gray and white marble top above a conforming case
Having three recessed long drawers, flanked to either side by an ormolu-
Mounted pilaster, raised on turreted fee...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Black & Gilt Bronze Eagle Empire Chandelier, Early 1800's
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Empire-style, black and gold chandelier made in Sweden circa 1830. In a bowl-form with 5 candle-style lights with finely cast, eagle head...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 21" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 18" x 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk having bronze mounts, claw feet and resting on slabs of green marble (optional) C 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" x 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Bouillotte Lamps or Table Lamps, 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Empire gilded bronze finely chiseled Bouillotte lamps with dark green painted tole adjustable shade.
Two E 14 light bulbs.
We can deliver wired for US standard.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
Offers mahogany frame with inlays in satinwood of flowers and foliage along back crest, "S" scroll arms and slipper feet. Features upholstered seat, back and inside and outside arms....
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood, Kingwood, Mahogany
Italian Buffet Sideboard Bar Empire Style Rolling
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
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Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Vintage Italian Made Empire Style Lacquered Burlwood Dry Bar...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Italian Florentine 18th Century - 16" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
18th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow 29'' X 11'', Silk, Turkish Traditional.
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Silk
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 22" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
French Empire Style Table or Desk Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Unusual petite size neoclassical style table or desk lamp, dark green reservoir encircled by bronze band raised on cloven hoof tripod feet over circular marble base. Later converted ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Aubusson French 1800 - 19" x 17"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 19'' X 19''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French Aubusson tapestry pillow. 19'' x 19'' x 6''.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Empire Style Pair Of Italian Chairs "King" With "Vienna Straw"
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Empire Style Pair of Italian Chairs (Lucca) "King" with "Vienna Straw"
We kindly suggest you read the entire description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical info...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Walnut
Empire Secretaire with Writing Desk, Richly Inlaid Wood. Italy Late 18th Century
Located in Torino, IT
"Empire" cylinder writing desk, secretaire with pull-out top, internal drawers and four external drawers.
Origin
Italy
Period
Late eighteenth century
Model
Cylinder writing des...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 18" X 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair. Item features carved alabaster columns, 4 candelabras each with one central light. Fixture with mult...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 23'' X 22''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 23'' x 22''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique 1810 France Cast Iron Bookcase Shelves Flowers
Located in Munich, DE
Charming and elegant shelves made out of cast iron. The front of this slim piece of furniture and the struts are decorated with flowers.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Cut Crystal Bronze Ormolu Urn Centerpiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
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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