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: 18th Century and Earlier
Antique 18th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 23'' X 10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th century French tapestry pillow. 23'' x 10'' x 6''.
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 18"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,080 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19'' X 12''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19'' X 12''. Empire and Traditional, handmade and needlework.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid 17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
Mid-17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1660 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
1660s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Travel clock officier suoneria ore quarti, sveglia “LeRoy et Fils” XVIII century
Located in Milano, IT
Rara pendola da viaggio detta “marescialla” con suoneria di ore e quarti, ripetizione a richiesta e sveglia.
Cassa: in bronzo dorato con modanatura “gradinata” arricchita da fregi ed incisioni floreali, cimasa rastremata, maniglia pieghevole a forma di serpente che si morde la coda. La cassa poggia su quattro piedini a zampa di leone. Sul fronte, sportello con vetro per accedere ai fori di carica e per impostare l’ora, i minuti e la sveglia. Due cordoncini laterali per azionare la ripetizione e per armare la sveglia. Sul retro sportello per accedere al movimento.
Quadrante “a fascia” circolare in smalto bianco con numeri arabi e fascia tratteggiata in smalto nero. Nella parte centrale decorazione in bronzo dorato con bassorilievo raffigurante la ninfa Clizia (figlia di Oceano) che osserva il sole (allegoria di Apollo, suo amato) appoggiata ad una ancora di nave. Due fori di carica decentrati per il tempo e la suoneria. Lancette in acciaio brunito.
Movimento: in ottone, doppia platina, scappamento a verga, bilanciere monometallico, doppio bariletto, dispositivo di “advance – retard”, suoneria a rastrello su due campanelli. Dispositivo suona – non suona posto sotto il fondo della cassa.
Firmata sul quadrante “LeRoy et...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Parcel-Gilt Clock
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical parcel-gilt clock. Roman military Empire period mantel clock of obelisk form topped by an extraordinary eagle with outs...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Settee has a mahogany frame with tapered hand front legs with hand-carved decorative flowers on each leg and the seat back. The cushion is upholstered in a modern striped fabric.
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Pair of Sevres Style Swan Cream Cups
Located in Copenhagen, K
A beautiful pair of Sevres Style cream cups, in the form of gilded Swans.
Category
18th Century and Earlier European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,080 Sale Price / set
22% Off
A Superb 18th Century French Empire Walnut Dresser
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A superb late 18th century French Provincial walnut dresser demonstrating a three shelf plate rack with an elegant canopy displaying carved acorn like finials.
The base features unique Empire style columns flanking the two-door cupboard.
Displaying three drawers, with the central drawer housing its original lock and old replacement key.
Raised on block feet united by a shaped apron.
This dresser displays a rich patination and warm grain throughout.
Previously purchased...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Brussels 16th Century - 17" x 13"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Brussels 16th Century - 22" x 20"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Andorran Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 21" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 21" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 18" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" X 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 14" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
$1,680 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow 20" X 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique & Rare Collection, Straw Marquetry Bottles, 18Th. C. Set of 7
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this rare and exceptional collection of seven French 18Th C. Straw Marquetry Bottles.
These were made by convicts in the 18Th century.
This is a very rare collection, you ...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Blown Glass
Russian Crystal, Cobalt Glass and Gilt Bronze Chandelier Attributed to Zekh
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare and important Russian late 18th Century twelve candle crystal chandelier attributed to the renowned firm of Johann Zekh. Crafted in Sa...
Category
Late 18th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Two Antique Meissen Plates in Pierced Porcelain with Hand Painted Floral Motifs
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two antique Meissen plates in pierced porcelain with hand painted floral motifs.
Museum Quality. Dated 1773-1814.
Measures: 23 cm.
In very good condition.
Stamped: Marcolini.
Category
1770s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Late 18th Century Golden Painted Eagle Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 18th century gold painted papier mache eagle with wings spread and on a rectangular wooden base. Originally from Birr Castle, Ireland.An impressive late 18th century gold pain...
Category
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
17th Century Flemish Pillow 24" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
$2,480 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 22" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Feathers
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Feathers
$1,120 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 18" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
$2,700 / item
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 20'' X 14'', Needlework and Handmade, Brussels.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 20'' X 16''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 17th century Brussels tapestry pillow. 20'' x 16'' x 6''.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Circa 1640 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1640 Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
1640s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Napoleon I French Giltwood Trumeau Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
Giltwood Trumeau with Beautiful Lyre Trophy
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
18th Century Painted French Empire Style 4 Drawer Commode in Pale Blue
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Painted French Empire Period 4 Drawer Commode in Pale Blue is a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The commode features a stunning pale blue / ...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Classic French 18th Century Empire Walnut Kneehole Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Found near Paris, France, we purchased this museum quality 18th century Empire style desk for its impeccable quality and style. Made predominantly from walnut and featuring Empiric s...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair French Miniature Portraits Of Commander Jean-baptiste Raymond De Lacrosse
Located in Bilzen, BE
A Pair of Napoleonic Portrait Miniatures Commander of Jean-Baptiste Raymond de Lacrosse
Jean-Baptiste Raymond de Lacrosse (1760-1829)
Career
Joined the French Navy in the 1780sPartic...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Transition Period secretary c. 1760 Jean-Francois Dubut
Located in Münster, DE
Secretary à battant - Jean-Francois Dubut
Elaborately crafted bureau à battant, Paris circa 1760, Transition, Jean-Francois Dubut
rosewood, amaranth, violet and ebony veneered on o...
Category
1760s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$16,978 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century French Neoclassical Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an exquisite 18th century French neoclassical side table, an exceptional piece of furniture that exudes timeless elegance and so...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$1,840 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Russian Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite and superbly detailed gilt bronze and crystal chandelier for candles, can be electrified.
Category
Late 18th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$34,700
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by Breguet Raised by Lion Paw Feet
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An extremely rare mantel clock with a figured mahogany-veneered case by A-L Breguet
Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), who was of Swiss origin, is undoubtedly the most celebrated clockmaker of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in France. He is responsible for the invention of the self-winding watch, the tourbillon and the sympathetic watch ( a watch that is placed in a cradle of a special clock. It is then linked by means of a pin fixed behind the clock dial. Built into the motion work which, when released by the clock, automatically sets the hands to the clock's time as well as correcting the watch's regulator necessitated by any degree of inaccuracy registered at the moment of synchronisation) and many other horological improvements and developments. Around the year 1807 Breguet brought in his son, Antoine-Louis (born 1776), as a business partner, and from this point, the firm became known as Breguet et Fils. Breguet had previously sent his son to London to study with the great English chronometer maker John Arnold...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
2 armchairs Classicism - Empire Walnut
Located in Würzburg, DE
✓ Top condition
✓ Wonderful wood carvings
✓ High quality walnut
Dimensions: W: 60cm H: 92cm D: 48cm
Item: Antique armchair
Item no.: 927
Epoch: Empire around 1800
Material: Walnut
...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Europe, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these p...
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Regiment Des Dromedaires Camel Saddle
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798-1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver, Brass, Iron
18th Century Italian Empire Style Repousse and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 18th century Italian Empire style Brass and crystal basket style chandelier. Featuring glistening crystals and a repousse' Greek key design around the base. Stunning!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Antique 18th century Large French Empire Ceramic Glazed Vase
Located in Doha, QA
This is an absolutely magnificent one of a kind French Empire hand crafted Vase with dragons and angles. It’s a perfect example of the Parisian craftsmanship of the French empire per...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
18th Century Gold French Gilded Wood Barometer, Antique Parisian Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 20" x 20", Authentic 16th Century piece handmade
Category
16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Throw Pillow Made from 17th Century Brussels Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19" x 11"
Category
17th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Black and White Marble Mantel Clock by Thiéry, Paris
By Thiéry Paris 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Louis XVI ormolu-mounted black and white marble mantel clock by Thiéry, Paris.
Thiery Paris, late 18th century.
The drumcase con...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Bronze
17th Century Woolen Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Woolen Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Set of Six Bird Coffee Cup Trios
Located in New York, NY
Set of six bird coffee cup trios. Strikingly modern looking antique set of six FB&B Worcester trios of six teacups and six coffee can with six saucers ...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$3,850 / set
Antique Lithograph by François Boucher "Vue des Environs de Beauvais" - 2Y169
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique lithograph by François Boucher, titled "Vue des Environs de Beauvais," offers a glimpse into the picturesque landscapes of Beauvais as envisioned by the renowned 18th-ce...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$202 Sale Price
50% Off
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 18" x 12", authentic 16th century European piece
Category
16th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Small Empire Chest of Drawers in Mahogany with Marble Columns, Sweden, c. 1790
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Empire commode in Cuban mahogany with marble columns flanking two drawers and resting on tapered square feet. Brass key plates and pulls were added in the late 1800s. Fre...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 19" X 12", handmade piece , from mid-16th century
Category
16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
18th Century Large Scale Italian Empire Gilt Tole and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exquisite 18th century large scale Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal chandelier with 8 lights. An impressive fixture that is a classic beauty. Gorgeous!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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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