Empire Furniture
EMPIRE STYLE
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Empire
Period: 20th Century
1920's Persian Sarouk Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79018 Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug, 04'02 x 06'06. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is a testament to the opulent artistry and enduring legacy of Persian weaving....
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
French Antique Swan Neck Recamier Chaise Lounge
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine antique French walnut recamier or chaise lounge with carved swan heads at posts, lovely neutral vintage upholstery and bolster pillow, circa 1930. The chaise rests on four ca...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Rarity Pair Low Plafonnier Basket Chandelier Crystal Empire Brass Lustre Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Presenting a pair of exquisite basket chandeliers, designed to complement each other perfectly. Both chandeliers have been thoughtfully restored and revitalized to their original gra...
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Italian Florentine Hall Glass Chandelier by Banci Gilt and Green Wrought Iron
Located in Milano, MI
Italian Banci Firenze wrought iron verdigris painted lantern with glass bowl 1980s. Elegant three-light vintage bell jar lantern with a verdigris scav...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Iron
20th Century Mirrored Top & Mahogany Wood Sideboard/Credenza By Dessin Fournir
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite sideboard, crafted by the renowned Dessin Fournir company in the mid-20th century, exemplifies superb craftsmanship and elegant design. Constructed from beautifully gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Collection of Large Regal Acorn Milk Glass Pendents
Located in Peekskill, NY
We have a matching collect of these very elegant pendents. They are priced per lamp so you ability to buy just one or the whole collection. This lamp has one of the largest milk glas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of silver plated tableware from the French brand SFAM (Société Française d'Alliage de Métaux). The cutlery is beautifully decorated in Empire style. SFAM ceased to exis...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
French Empire Style Green Glass Inkwell with Gilt Mounts
Located in Nashville, TN
Second Empire green glass inkwell circa 1870 .rare color .Encased in gilt metal Empire styled mounts ,swans drinking from a fountain. The lid shows a woman with bust . The ovoid gree...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass
Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past
Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Dutch Brass Umbrella Stand with Lion Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
A Dutch brass umbrella stand with lion paw feet and blue and white Delft pottery handles, circa mid-20th century, Holland. Dimensions: 8.25" Depth x 11" Width (handle to handle) x 16...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Italian Empire Carved Mahogany Pedestal Breakfast Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Empire or Neoclassical style round pedestal dining breakfast table, game table, or center table.
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection.
Italy, circa ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
English Silver Plate Covered Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...
Category
20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs.
Dimensions:
Hei...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Baker Furniture Italian Empire Cherry Wood Pedestal Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Empire or Neoclassical style round pedestal extension dining table.
By Baker Furniture.
USA, Circa Late 20th...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Edwardian Brass & Mahogany inlaid 3 tier Etagere
Located in Dereham, GB
Edwardian Brass & Mahogany inlaid 3 tier Etagere
3 Mahogany & Satinwood banded inlaid shelves,
Supported by brass Column frame
with Finials at top, ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair French Empire Caryatids Gilded Bronze Cut Glass 4-Light Lantern Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful pair of antique large French Empire caryatids cast bronze lanterns. Fire gilded solid heavy bronze and cut glass shade with four-light.
Dimensions :
Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm
...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Gilt Cast Bronze 5 Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style chandelier made of bronze with a gilt finish. It has multiple arms extending from a central foliate motif, each holding an exposed light bulb, and is suspended by...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Empire Revival Gondola Dining Chair Finished With An Ebonised Frame, Grey Damask Upholstery & Red Velour Piping.
Quality and luxurious designed chairs, elegant but robust with rich ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Empire Furniture
Materials
Damask, Silk, Velvet
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Bronze Glass Dish Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light chandelier featuring a diamond textured cast glass dish. Main pendant body has been done in black and features bronze f...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Empire Style Belgian Gilt Metal and Glass 6-Light Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style glass chandelier features 6 lights and framework with a golden iron.
Made in Belgium. 1970s.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle transparent glass cut facets.
Surprisingly elegant and memorable ceiling lamp will attract the attention of lovers of the unique and unusual. The luminaire not only performs its task well as lighting interiors, but is also a real work of lighting art.
A fine line between fantasy and reality futuristic lamps...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage Coat Rack Bronze Clothes Hook, France, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
A great vintage wall hanging coat rack with red velvet and brass hooks from France, 1970s.
The set includes a coat rack and 5 hooks.
A coat rack in the hallway is a convenient and...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style French “Chiffonier”
Located in Austin, TX
French antique chiffonier in the Empire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany that has been fully ebonized and finished with a lustrous French poli...
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Empire Gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 Eagle Arms
Located in Halle, DE
A beautiful 20th Century classic French Empire gilded Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with 3 sculptural Eagle Arms .
The Bouillotte Lamp present a classic dark-green painted tole shade with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
French Empire Style Brass and Crystal Glass Basket Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style brass and crystal glass basket chandelier.
Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. This lovely piece has an or...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Impressive Pair of Empire Black Leather & Gilded Club Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive pair of Empire style black and gilded wood club chairs having black leather upholstery, curved backs and arms in the form of swans resting on saber shaped legs. The backs...
Category
1990s American Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
1920’s French Empire Small Chandelier 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Unusual 3 lights. Green color
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Superb 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This exceptional French 19th century Empire mahogany dressing table is complete with its original mercury glass mirror and white Carrara marble top. The oval mirror is framed with be...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
English Plant Flower Pot Holder Cachepot Jardiniere Lion Head and Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
An English copper plant or flower pot holder cachepot jardiniere with lion head and paw feet design, circa early-20th century, England. Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 6.94" Height.
Category
Early 20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on engraved tripod with octagonal folding photo holder for 6 photos inside, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and pure gold “pa...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
French Empire Style Painted & Gilded Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
French Empire Style Painted & Gilded Mirror is the perfect size for the dressing room, bath, or any cozy niche. The design also lends itself to either horizontal or vertical hanging...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Vintage French Empire Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket w/ Lion Heads
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket with Lion Head Drop Rings. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9.5" H x 9" Diameter.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Empire Antique Chandelier Gilt Bronze and Oxidized 9 light early 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine chandelier with flame decoration at center top of amphora shape body. Weapons technology oxidation finish combined with dore bronze of finest quality – just gorgeous creature of...
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Empire Bronze Figural Swan Chandelier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Very Fine Empire Style Neoclassical Six-Arm Bronze Swan Chandelier, France, 1930s
Gorgeous six lights bronze chandelier with foliage and figural motifs.
Rare French Empire style bronze tole chandelier...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chapman Neoclassical French Empire Style Brass Torch Shaped Table Lamp Paw Foot
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1997 Chapman Brass table lamp in the shape of a neoclassical torch with black accents on a square base with paw feet. A stunning lamp ...
Category
1990s Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Gilt Bronze Pedestal Plant Stand Empire Style
Located in New York, NY
A substantial French gold gilt bronze pedestal column plant stand, in the Empire design style, attributed to maker, Maison Jansen, circa 20th century, France. Round top is a copper g...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Bleached Fruitwood French Swan Leg Side Table
Located in Houston, TX
This bleached fruitwood French swan leg side table from the early 20th century showcases elegant craftsmanship with its gracefully curved legs resembling swan necks and inset Carrara...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Mid 20th Century French Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in L'AMETLLA DE MAR, ES
A 19th-century French Empire chest of drawers in walnut, with brass pulls and column accents, showcases exceptional period craftsmanship...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair French Gilt Lamps Empire Table Lights
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair elegant French Empire style gilt table lamps
Good size at over three feet tall - 1010 CM
Such a quality to the casting of the lamps
Bought from a dealer on Marche Biron at Paris...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Mid-Century Empire Style Pacel Gilt and Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An impressive mid-century Empire Style parcel gilt and carved Mahogany coffee / cocktail Table.
Measures 46" in width, 27.75" in depth and standing 17.5" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Vintage Polistil Ferrari 308 Die-Cast Model Car - Made in Italy - 2Y190
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage Polistil Ferrari 308 die-cast model car is a collectible piece made in Italy, representing the iconic Ferrari 308. Despite its age, it retains much of its original charm...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Empire Style Gilt Metal Crystal Chandelier
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Empire Style Ten-Light Gilt Metal Crystal Chandelier, with suspended crystal canopy and swags with drop crystal prism accents. 40" H x 24" Diameter. Provenance: From a New Yo...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal
An Ebonized Dining Table, Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ebonized mahogany dining table, attributed to Maison Jansen, features intricate rosettes and classic and contemporary elements, making it a versatile addition to various...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XVI Regency Empire Crystal and Bronze Twelve-Light Wedding Cake Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning large French Empire cut crystal and bronze twelve-light chandelier with crystal drops and swags
Measures:
Diameter 26 in/ 66 cm
Height 40 in / 100 cm
Weight 34 lb/16 Kg
Twel...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire style Brass Column Lamp with an Eagle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A highly decorative French empire style lamp likely made in the early 20thC. The polished brass column was likely the stem of a candelabra which was later embellished with an eagle ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Lampadario Impero Italiano Dorato con Putti Seconda Metà XX Secolo
Located in Milano, MI
Lampadario Italiano in Stile Impero con Putti alati realizzato in bronzo dorato con fusioni ben cesellate e con una doratura di qualità. Il lampadarario è italiano ed è databile into...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Picture Frame miniatures and borders in Russian Empire Fabergé style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and fine hand-painted miniatures of laurel friezes and borders in Ru...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1900's Persian Sarouk Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79155 Antique Persian Sarouk Rug, 11'02 x 18'05. This magnificent hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug exudes timeless elegance, evoking the golden age of Persian rug weaving...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Wooden Bed Italian Manufacture, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage wooden bed entirely hand made and realized in Italy in he early 20th Century.
Can be also used as a sofa.
Good condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Table Bouillotte Lamp with Metal Shade
Located in Malibu, CA
Bouillotte lamp with two arms of light, Empire style, in patinate.
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Empire Style Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Upholstered Recamier
Located in Hanover, MA
Very dramatic and theatrical Empire/Regency style recamier chaise in ebonized mahogany with carved parcel-gilt and verde antique stained winged paw feet.
Original upholstery is salm...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Italian Empire Style Beech Wood Round Pedestal Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality Italian empire style round pedestal table in beech wood. The top is supported by three pairs of refined columns. In the lower part the columns end with a deligh...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Pair 20th Century Empire Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form 7-Light Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form Seven-Light Candelabra.
Each candelabrum has seven candle holders.They are made of patinated bronze and green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Regency Petite Five-Arm Chandelier Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Regency Petite Five Candelabra Light Chandelier, This Fixture Comes With Shades That Maybe Removed
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style walnut and marble eight-piece salon set with golden and light yellow fabric and bronze mounts.
Impressive French Empire style eight-piece salon suite made of waln...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique Turkish Oushak Floral Rug 10'x7'10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Turkish Oushak Floral Design 10'x7'10''
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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
Empire Style Rectangular Wall Mirror with Beige and Gilt Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Empire Style Mirror, France, 1930s.
Beautiful Empire style rectangular mirror in beige patina with neoclassical relief foliage and floral ornamentation with gilded details .
The fra...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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.