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
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
$2,080 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
Empire Frame, Italy, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wood stuccoed and gilded.
Rectangular frame with cymatium frieze and pearl strip, alternating shell and dolphin decorations in relief.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Wall Mirrors, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of pillar mirrors in gold-patinated and stuccoed frame with profiled molding. The mirror panes are divided in the upper third. Patination is rubbe...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
$13,918 / set
French Empire Nightstand with Drawer and Door 19th Century in Solid Walnut
Located in Milano, MI
Antique Bedside Table in Empire Walnut with an elegantly threaded brass drawer surmounting a door concealing two interior shelves. The cabinet is solid walnut and has been fully line...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Maitland Smith Mahogany Game Table
Located in MC Leansville, NC
This Maitland-Smith Mahogany Game Table is where luxury meets leisure in timeless harmony. Crafted with precision and elegance, the table shows a rich mahogany finish complemented by...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu-Mounted Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality empire ormolu-mounted patinated bronze and rouge royale marble mantel clock.
The patinated bronze figures depicting cupid and psyche. Attributed to Pierre-Victor Ledure...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Consulate Empire Console
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century French Consulate Empire Console with Eagles
Gorgeous piece purchased in France
Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos.
Message us with questions.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
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 Pair of American Gilt-Bronze Three Light Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gorgeous twisted cornucopia sconces by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Three scrolling cornucopia supports joined by a scroll form rose with tudor rose style on and off switch, hard...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Empire Style Fireplace Mantel in Breche Marble
Located in London, GB
An antique French fireplace in quality breche marble with ormolu mounts and original cast iron chamber. In typical Empire Style, and well-proportioned having fine tapering columns supported on square foot blocks and ormolu mounts, again caped with ormolu egg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Regency Crystal and Gilt Bronze 12-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 45 in (32 in+ 13 in/chain) / 115 cm (7...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1990s John Widdicomb Neoclassical Double China Cabinet No 5588
Located in Hartville, OH
Spectacular Widdicomb piece. Two independent display cases join together and are capped by a single crown that finishes off the piece brilliantly. Incredible details. The cabinet fea...
Category
1990s American Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch, Cherry
$12,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Wonderful French Empire Regency Louis XVI Ormolu Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire / Regency Louis XVI Style Ormolu & Black Patinated Bronze 5 Candelabra Light Chandelier
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of French Empire Green Marble Barbedienne Table Lamps
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th Century) green marble column candlestick lamps with bronze dore trimmed capital and square base (signed F. BARBEDIENNE) (PRICED AS Pair).
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
French Empire Bronze Mantle Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Of majestic scale with the ormolu gilding in very good condition in working order.
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant French Empire Bronze Patinated and Crystal Neoclassical Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Elegant French Empire doré bronze and patinated crystal neoclassical two-tone fixture with four eagle head arms. This chandelier has a beautiful cut crystal ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$3,950 Sale Price
31% Off
Vintage Haviland Limoges Set of 4 Dinner + 4 Salad Plates Rivoli Pattern
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of 4 dinner plates and 4 salad plates was made by Haviland, Limoges in rare Rivoli pattern. The decor consists of a wide band of leaves and berries or flower buds in war...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique French Tapestry Pillow 18th Century - 14" X 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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
French Empire Style Gilt Composition Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Gilt Composition Mirror. 42" H x 29" W. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Composition
$1,300 Sale Price
27% Off
Waldorf Astoria Brass & Crystal Empire Wall Sconce Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
Large scale 20th Century brass and crystal Empire style wall sconces. These were retrieved from the Vanderbilt Room which was located off the right side of the main lobby entrance on...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Paris Porcelain Campagna Form Table Lamps with New Shades
Located in Essex, MA
With a classical scene on a campagna form vase with handles.
Category
1840s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mid 19th century Swedish ebonised dressing table with classical detail
Located in London, GB
A decorative and functional ebonised Swedish dressing table in a Empire style with angular cornice and applied gilt rosette detail to the support columns of the mirror.
The dressing ...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Provenance:
Private Melbourne Collection.
Description:
In full military dress, his sword sheathed and arms folded over his chest, his ri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A Gilt-Bronze Mounted Empire Style Mahogany Settee
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Gilt-Bronze Mounted Empire Style Mahogany Settee.
France, Circa 1890.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century.
Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
$135 / item
19th Century French Empire Style Circular Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Empire style circular side table, or nightstand, made of beautifully patterned veneer of mahogany on pine with a dark gray St. Anne marble top. Door with small ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. Cast glass vessels are intact at their original place. Candy sugar bowl along with...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Cut Glass, Mahogany
Vintage French Empire Style Large 30" Cast Iron Urn Form Garden Planters - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Vintage French Empire Style Large 30" Cast Iron Urn Form Garden Planters - a Pair. We...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pressed Wood Snuff Box, 19th Century "Fete Flamande"
Located in Spencertown, NY
Dancing scene with violinist and dancing couple.
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
French Empire Bergere
Located in Hudson, NY
A classical French chair from the early 19th century. The form is good and the wood selection is detailed and in great shape. The closed arm style makes the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,200
Set of 6 Empire Barrel Chairs, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique and original set of 6 early 19th century Empire barrel chairs stands out for its elegant design. The chairs feature a beautiful walnut...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$12,000 / set
French Empire Sofa, 1810-15
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique Empire settee dates back to around 1810-15 and comes from France. The elegant settee has a cherry wood frame with hand carved details on armrests and front legs. The sett...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$4,640 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 19th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 24'' X 15''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French tapestry pillow. Tribal and traditional.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Throw Pillow Made from Mid-18th Century French Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 23" x 9" , handmade, authentic 18th century piece in great condition
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
19th Century Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
19th century beech gueridon with 3 legs on wheels. Legs are detailed with black lacquer at the top and at the base of each column.
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
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
1900 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 17''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson tapestry pillow, 17" X 17" x 6" Made in the 1900s.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Circa 1880 Antique Bessarabian Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1880 Antique Bessarabian Pillow
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1860 Antique French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1860 Antique French Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique 19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 24'' X 26''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French tapestry pillow. 19th century. 24'' X 26''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1880 Antique Bessarabian Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1880 Antique Bessarabian Pillow
Category
1850s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1880 Antique Bessarabian Pillow - 27 X 13
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1880 antique Bessarabian pillow 27 X 13, handmade authentic, tribal and traditional.
Category
1850s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
$1,680 / item
Circa 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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
Circa 1880 Antique Uzbak Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1880 Antique Uzbak Pillow
Category
1880s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair French Bedside Chests Empire Nightstands Bombe Commode
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair French marble topped walnut bedside commodes with ormulo fittings 1890
In the Empire manner with a slight bombe form
Two drawers to each and marble is smooth and chip free
Bough...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of Four Empire Rams Head Carved Mahogany Armchairs, Bergeres
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular suite of four Empire period carved mahogany armchairs custom upholstered in close nailed fine crimson leather with down filled seat cushions. Each stamped Jacob on the ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Early 19th Century Empire Crystal-Cut and Gilt-Bronze Basket Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
French Early 19th Century Empire Crystal-Cut and Gilt-Bronze Basket Chandelier
A finely proportioned Empire gilt bronze and crystal-cut nine light tent and bag Chandelier. With an a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Patent Secretaire, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Patent secretaire with mahogany veneered frame and columns with bronze capitals and bases.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Brass Empire Style Andirons
Located in Sheffield, MA
Classic pair of Empire style antique brass andirons with aged patina. Wonderfully handsome, will add style and character to any fireplace.
OAL ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,100 / set
Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup
By Dagoty
Located in Paris, FR
This very rare set of 12 delicate cups swan shape with their saucers is signed by Dagoty, one of the favorite manufacturers of Empress Joséphine's first Napoleon wife well known for ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of French Empire Andirons done in gilt brass, featuring snakes and ram head
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of very rare French Empire andirons or chenets, completely done on brass. They feature carefully and precisely sculpted snakes in motion, as well...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine French Neoclassical Russian Baltic Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French Made Elegant Russian / Baltic Empire / Neoclassical Style Doré Bronze And Crystal 8 Candelabra Light Chandelier, Wiring Is Up To Date.
...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Napoleon III Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Cheval Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century Napoleon III Empire style mahogany and ormolu-mounted freestanding Cheval swiveling mirror. The oval framed mirror plate surmounted with Empire style ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
$18,950 Sale Price
23% Off
French 19th Century Tole Sinumbra Lamp from the Estate of Paul and Bunny Mellon
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine classical carcel lamp would originally have had a burner and glass shade but now is fitted for electricity and will require a tole or cloth shade...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
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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