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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
Pair of Italian Empire Early 19th Century Silver Candlesticks, Rome, circa 1811
Located in Firenze, IT
This pair of elegant 19th century Italian Empire period (1811-1817) silver chiseled candlesticks show a simple but elegant design and shape. The conical structure embellished with festoon and garlands rests on an unfilled round base decorated with acanthus leaves offset olive-shaped grommets adorned with a frieze of palmettes and a flat, plate-shaped drip edge. Smooth design of the surface divided by delicate leaf and cord friezes. These candleholders were crafted between 1811 and 1817 in Rome during the occupation of city by the French Empire. The style was called ‘Regency’ in England and USA, ‘Empire’ in France and Italy. Branded by the Roman French occupation control hallmark dated 1811-1814 Fineness mark: Silver 800 for large objects...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Mirror in Mahogany from the Late Empire perid from about 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique mirror in mahogany wood from the late Empire period from around the 1840s. Light in colour, due to sunlight over the years. Dimensions in cm: H:1...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Nickel Plated Brass Bouillotte Lamp, Early 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Empire period nickel and nickel plated brass oval shape Bouillotte two candle lamp, now electrified. Having a black painted tole adjustable shade and u...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Antique Empire Carved Flame Mahogany Drop Leaf Sewing Work/Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Empire Carved Flame Mahogany 2 Drawer Drop-Leaf Sewing Work/Side Table This gorgeous 19th century balanced and proportioned drop-leaf sewing work/side table is crafted from ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Painted Empire Table
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A Regency design circular marble topped painted and decorated centre/lamp table with elongated turned feet. Bespoke sizing, design adaptations and finishing available. We are c...
Category

18th Century British Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Paint

Early 19th Century Pendule Portefaix, Mantel Clock, Paris and Brussels, c. 1810
By J. J. Hanset Bruxelles 1
Located in Greven, DE
Empire Pendule Portefaix Paris, Brussels Bronze, enamel Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 36 x 28 x 11 cm Description: Beautiful, fire-gilded and patinated bronze mantel c...
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

Baker, Knapp & Tubbs Empire Style Cocktail Table with Italian Portoro Marble
Located in Miami, FL
Baker, Knapp & Tubbs Empire Style Cocktail Table with Italian Portoro Marble Offered for sale is an elegant Baker, Knapp & Tubbs Empire-style coffee table. The table is created wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

French Empire Style Bronze Dore Caryatid Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze and dore trim 8 scroll arm chandelier with 4 caryatid females.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Mahogany Gueridon or Game Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Empire Period mahogany gueridon, or game table, with Grey St. Anne marble top. A versatile table with removable top, one side with green felt and the other with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

19th Century Russian Antique Veneered Mahogany Secretary by Heinrich Gambs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian secretary with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, designed and produced by Heinrich G...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Superb Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent "Maria Theresa" (or Maria Teresa) Empire style traditional crystal chandelier features 24 lights and framework with a golden iron, with glass encased arms and rosettes. This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle crystals. The Maria Theresa chandelier was named after the Archduchess of Austria who was the Empress of the...
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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

Pair of French Empire Bronze Dore Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Charles X (19th Century) bronze dore 3 arm candelabras with candlestick bases in two sections. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire Mahogany Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany veneered console table with two drawers. Fine geometric herringbone inlays throughout and raised on tapering square legs and a Y-frame stretcher. Dimensions: 54" W x14" D...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English 19th Century Walnut Two Door Glazed Cabinet C.1850
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th Century Walnut Two Door Glazed Cabinet C.1850 A walnut cabinet, mid-19th century, in the French style, with applied gilt brass mounts, on a shaped plinth base. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Pair French Empire candelabra, circa 1800
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of French Empire bronze and gilded ormolu candelabra, each having Caryatid supports to the scrolling foliate four branch candle sconces. Raised on classical gilde...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Napoleon III Carved Griotte Marble and Ormolu Mounted Fireplace Mantel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Important French Napoleon III carved Rouge Griotte Marble and ormolu mounted figural fireplace mantel chimneypiece. The rectangular carv...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Russian Cut-Glass, Ormolu, and Blue Porcelain Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Russian cut-glass, ormolu, and blue porcelain chandelier Russian, 19th Century Height 120cm, diameter 90cm This stunning Russian chandelier brings together vibrant turquoise porcela...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Figural Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Spectacular Large Antique French Empire style Gilt bronze, patinated bronze and griotte marble figural candelabras in the neoclassical taste. Each tall candelabra depicting...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Arrow Wall Sconces Lamp Featuring Goddess Ceres
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces effortlessly blends classical grandeur with subtle Art Deco influences, making them a rare and elegant addition to any in...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Six-Arm Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze and ormolu six arm chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a richly chased ormolu bottom finial amidst decorative foliate...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

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

Empire Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Chandelier, circa 1815
Located in Rome, IT
Finely chiseled gilt bronze and cut crystal Empire elegant chandelier with six arms. Six E 14 light bulbs.
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantle Clock by André Antoine Ravrio
Located in New Orleans, LA
Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantel Clock André Antoine Ravrio Circa 1800 This monumental Empire mantel clock by André Antoine Ravrio, whose case is crafted entirely of gilded...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Turn of the Century Empire st. Ormolu and Crystal centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and finely detailed French Turn of the Century Empire st. Ormolu and Crystal centerpiece. The stunning cut Crystal bowl is raised on four straight legs displaying clawed f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

19th Century Empire St. Mahogany, Ormolu, Bronze & Fruitwood Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome Continental mid 19th century Empire st. mahogany, ormolu, patinated bronze and ebonized fruitwood drop front secretary. The secretary is raised by four square tapered...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Sofa Bench French Empire Mahogany Brass Brown France
Located in New York, NY
A rare sofa made in France during the Empire period, circa 1790-1810. Mahogany frame with gilded brass decor shaped as palm leaves. Tapered legs en...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Vanity Table in Mahogany, Probably Denmark, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Danish Biedermeier dressing table with adjustable mirror with an architectural layout and fire-gilded fittings. The dressing table is equipp...
Category

1830s Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Troy, NY
Elegant French Empire bureau-plat or partners desk, The top, inlaid with a center-star-motive and small decorations on each corner, above five drawers, the middle one opening from th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Consulat Ebony-Inlaid Birchwood Armchairs Stamped Jacob Frères
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The curved pierced back with a palmette-inlaid shaped splat terminating in dolphin supports raised on an upholstered seat, on front carved joined hairy animal legs (pieds de bîches) and hoof feet and back sabre legs; stamped: JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE under the front rail. For a similar dolphin support, see Madeleine Jarry and Pierre Devinois, Le Siège Français, pp. 267 and 271 illustration 264 for an armchair at the Musée Marmottan stamped G. Jacob and executed in 1792. Provenance: Millicent Rogers her son, Arturo Peralta Ramos II Jacob Frères was the stamp used by brothers Georges II (1768-1803) and Francois-Honore Jacob (1770-1841) from 1796 to 1803. They were sons of Georges Jacob (1739-1814), arguably the best-known chair maker who worked for aristocracy and royalty during the reign of Louis XVI. The Jacob Frères firm's most famous client was Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She would have most likely seen the work of their father during the revolution in a progressive aristocrat's house. She used them to decorate various Imperial residences, such as the Tuileries palace, and remained a loyal customer, using them almost exclusively, until her death. When Georges II (the elder brother) died in 1803, Georges came out of retirement to help the remaining son, Francois-Honoré (who changed his named to Jacob Desmalter) from a new partnership called Jacob Desmalter Et Cie. (stamped Jacob D. R. Meslée, on two lines), which continued to be an influential supplier for the Imperial period and is credited with helping to define the Empire style as it is known today. Millicent Rogers, born Mary Millicent Abigail Rogers, was a Standard Oil heiress, but she wasn’t a poor little rich girl...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE BLOND WALNUT SIDEBOARD
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant sideboard in solid blond walnut, finely carved. The linear design of the sideboard is enriched by two half lateral columns, ending with gilded bronze capitals that give a tou...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th Century Measures: Height 52cm, width 28cm, depth 17.5cm This superb Empi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Doré Bronze Patina Figural Lion Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French empire neoclassical doré bronze and patina lady figure chandelier adorned with four lion masks supporting each light.
Category

1910s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

X-Design Bed, 20th Century
Located in San Marino, CA
An Empire bed in queen-size, (king also available) headboard and footboard with a crisscross pattern, four tapered posts ending in bracket feet and finials.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Empire Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Sofa ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Empire Style Painted Sofa ~ Canape with cut silk velvet recalls the glory days of Napoleon and Josephine creating what many experts consider t...
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Silk, Walnut, Paint

Early 19th Century Empire Venus Sculpture
Located in Ljungby, SE
A decorative sculpture depicting Venus emerging from the bath. The sculpture was made of plaster during the Empire period, likely in Sweden. The color is the original, restored finish.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Empire Work Table with Griffin Decoration, Vienna, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Rectangular Viennese work table with one drawer and fine bronze fittings. The unusual partly blackened, partly gold-patinated frame features carved griffins above gold-patinated lion...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Brass and Crystal Sconces in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light. This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen of Paris, a renowned interior design firm...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Empire Gilt Bronze 9 Light Empire Style Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Restored French Empire 9 light chandelier. Gilt bronze finish. Requires nine E-12 bulbs. Cleaned and restored. Please note, this item is located in our NYC location.
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Malachite, Lapis Lazuli and Ormolu Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style malachite, lapis lazuli and ormolu vases French, 20th Century Height 78cm, width 47cm, depth 30cm Skilfully crafted by French craftsmen, the unusual mixt...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu

Baker Furniture Regency Burl Wood Writing Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Regency or Neoclassical style writing desk or library table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous burled walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48"...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Empire Brass Bronze Column Flame Finial Fireplace Andirons - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Brass Bronze Column Flame Finial Fireplace Andirons - Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 8" W x 19" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Iron

1980s Empire Style Sculptural Daybed Bench Ottoman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile piece you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the be...
Category

1980s English Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Neoclassical Gilt Empire Mirror, France
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Giltwood. Empire mirror. france 20th century Patinated art glass. brass ornaments. compact messurements!
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of French Empire Period Gilt & Green Tôle Peinte Wall Appliques à Quinquet
Located in London, GB
A Pair of French Empire Appliques à Quinquet The body constructed from forest green tôle peinte with gilt metal, modelled as classical herms with busts of Diana, the tapering backpl...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Tin

A pair of French Empire painted servers, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each with a faux marble molded top overhanging a case with over two cupboard doors separated and flanked by 3 fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, above a stepped apron resting o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of French Early 19th Century Empire Gilt-Bronze Candlesticks, circa 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of French early 19th century Empire gilt-bronze candlesticks, circa 1820 Pair of Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, each with a fluted stem, highlighted on top by a finely chas...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Style Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire style light chandelier with blue painted dish having Empire style cast bronze mounts and detailed cast bronze charioteers, suspended ...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Pair Empire Dore Bronze Winged Putti Candelabras
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Wonderful pair of French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassical four-arm candelabra with finely cast decorated detail. Each lamp features a classical w...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Fireplace Mantel in Verdi Antico and Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An antique Empire style fireplace in Verdi Antico marble with Statuary white marble semi detached columns to Jambs. The capitals in the Corinthian manner again carved in Statuary Mar...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Table Mirror with Caryatid in French Empire. Gilded and dark.patinated bronze
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very elegant Table Mirror with Caryatid in French Empire from the 1820s in gilded and dark.patinated bronze. High quality of the casting. The original glass with patina. (See pict...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1900 French Empire Sconces With Swams
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Barber Piece Empire Period Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant barber furniture in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer from the early 19th century Empire period Very beautiful barbière composed of 5 drawers. interior of the drawers in oa...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire 19th Century Painted Wood Four-Drawer Commode with Gilt Busts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style painted wood four-drawer commode from the 19th century with ebonized columns, carved giltwood female busts and bracket feet. Step into an era of refined eleganc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Four 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four French Empire fauteuils-armchairs in carved and veneered mahogany with beautiful carving and scale.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Exceptional armchair, Empire around 1800/10 Walnut
Located in Münster, DE
Exceptional armchair, Empire around 1800/10, solid walnut, patina condition, carved armrests with dolphin-shaped finials, upholstery with old leather cover Height: 81 cm, width: 60 ...
Category

1810s German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Nutwood, Leather

A Pair of Danish Empire Style Mahogany 3-Drawer Marble Topped Bow-Front
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome pair of Danish empire style mahogany 3-drawer marble-topped bow-front chests with brass inlay and bronze mounts; each with thick Napoleon machete mable top above a bowed cabinet...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with incurved back sloping to join a tight seat flanked by bowed arms ending in swan neck terminals; raised on cabriole legs; adorned overall with giltwood acanthus leaves, bell...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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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