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
Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping
Located in Sofia, BG
Vintage Russian German silver Melchior set of:
12 forks (six x two different ornaments)
Six (Two dessert or cake and four tea ) spoons
Three knives
Four soup spoons ( one is differen...
Category
1970s Russian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
1950s Tole Dressing Mirror
Located in Charlottesville, VA
We love tole and dressing mirrors. This is an Empire period dressing mirror. It has one drawer.
Category
1950s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
1920's Antique Persian Sarouk Carpet with Timeless Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79151 Antique Persian Sarouk Rug, 09'00 x 12'00. This exquisite hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is a magnificent example of the enduring artistry and craftsmanship that ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Copper Cauldron - "Poitiers" Engraved, Decorative Piece - 2Y14
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique copper cauldron, engraved with "Poitiers," is a stunning decorative piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to any setting. Its classic design and fine craftsmanship ma...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
20th Century Italian Florentine Empire Style Gilt Mirror by Chelini
Located in Milano, MI
From Italy, by Chelini Firenze, a lovely late 20th century gold leaf gilded mirror with Empire style hand carved elements like quiver and torch.
Manufactured circa 1990s by Chelini Florence...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Empire Double Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s.
Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass.
This bronze mirr...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Bronze French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Empire style bronze chandelier.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Corinthian Column Marble Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style Corinthian column table lamp in marble. A decorative carved spiral, twists around the marble column, which is topped and tailed with a brass capital...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Italian Black & Gold Tole Cachepot Jardiniere Lion Head Planters, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Italian black and gold metal tole cachepot jardiniere planters in the Empire style, circa late-20th century, Italy. Pair are oval in shape with gold trimmed scalloped edge, black ground and gold star design, finish with gold lion head and loop detail on sides. Marked "Made in Italy" on bottom as shown. Dimensions: 4" D x 5.63" W x 4.25" Height.
Larger Italian cachepot...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Italian Empire Classical Sterling Silver 5-Light Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire sterling silver 5-light candelabrum. Raised socket on ovoid shaft to which are mounted four leaf-mounted arms terminating in same. Sockets bellied on wax pan. Shaft mo...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Regency Bronze Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical / Regency bronze and graduating crystal basket form chandelier with medusa heads and six candelabra sockets around the outer frame and a beau...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Large Empire-Style Ormolu and Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Large Empire-style ormolu and malachite centre table
French, 20th Century
Height 85cm, width 165.5cm, depth 85.5cm
This superb centre table pairs vibrant malachite with classical o...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century. This Empire style box makes a wonderful addition to a collection of these classic brass boxes. This box is ve...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Monumental French Bronze and Alabaster Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Alabaster. Bronze. 53" h x 40" diameter.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation. Crack in top globe. No shades. Some light fixtures broken. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category
1980s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of French antique etched and faceted cut crystal lidded boxes with ormolu mounts, c. early 20th century.
Gorgeous gilt bronze mounted boxes with intricately etched crystal of f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Blue Opaline Glass Table Lamp
Located in Rochester, NY
1930's French blue opaline glass table lamp w/ brass fittings. 40" h to top of brass finial / 25" h to top of electric socket x 6 1/2" diam...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Iron & Inlaid Stone Round Center Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching handmade Breakfast, Centre or Foyer table by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. Features a rounded top with inlaid and tessellated stone in the shape of shells and tulips. ...
Category
1990s Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Iron
Thomasville French Louis Philippe Burlwood Marble Top Four-Drawer Dresser Chests
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of French Empire or Louis Philippe style four-drawer dressers or chests of drawers
By Thomasville
USA, Late 20th Century
Gorgeous burl wood, with thick beveled ma...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair Empire 2 Arm Brass Crystal Candelabra Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
These pieces were acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. Pair of two arm Empire style wall sconces with a brushed brass frame and icicle shaped and draped faceted...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow 29'' X 11'', Silk, Turkish Traditional.
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Silk
Pair of French Lion and Tiger Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Pair of French Lion and Tiger Bookends
A pair of bookends. Each bookend features a metallic sculpture of a big cat, with one being a lion and the other a tiger. The sculptures are mo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
Pair 19th C French Mahogany Empire Upholstered Armchairs With Bronze Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of period French Empire mahogany bergeres with stylized carved dolphins decorating the arm and gilt bronze mounts. The central bronze mount depicting the helmeted god Mercury an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Baker French Empire Style Cherry Lattice Door Credenza Buffet Sideboard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Baker French Empire Style Cherry Lattice Door Credenza Buffet Sideboard. Item features 4 swing doors with curtains, working locks and key, original label, quality American cr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Fine Estate Baccarat Crystal Empire Style Jonzac Decanter
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate Baccarat decanter in the rare Jonzac pattern which pairs beautifully with Empire and Harcourt patterns- the stopper is identical to Harcourt an...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Fine Baccarat Crystal Harcourt Serving Piece
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful, luxurious Baccarat Harcourt serving piece makes a perfect gift and an elegant addition to any dining table. It is an ideal vessel for caviar at an intimate dinner, wo...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
French Empire Style End Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A vintage, French Empire style mahogany end table by "Weiman Heirloom" featuring a French pen pillard case with long elegant tapered legs. This table h...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair Empire Malachite Gilt Torcheres Floor Lamps 8 Ft
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing an incredible pair of large Empire style floor lamps or torchieres
Hand crafted from gilt and faux malachite
The faux malachite is painted porcelain which looks very...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Paint
French Empire Style Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a very mellow, stylish mahogany French Empire chest of drawers with a light gray marble top with straight edge over frieze drawer and three long, graduated drawers flanked by...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase by Boin-Taburet
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A classic and opulent crystal and gilt bronze Louis XVI-style vase, its goblet-shaped heavy crystal bowl diamond cut and fluted to refract the light...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Marble and Brass Round Pedestal Lion Paw Feet Plant Stand
Located in New York, NY
A substantial European round marble and brass pedestal with Lion paw feet base in the Empire style, circa 20th century. Images #5 and 6 show size comparison. Marble top is a combinat...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
Bohemian Cut Crystal Tiered Basket Chandelier Circa 1920
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly breathtaking and sumptuous antique basket chandelier, resplendent in hand cut, multi-faceted Bohemian lead crystal, with 8 lamp holders in bronze with embossed decorative flo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Lovely Pair of French Style Black Lacquer Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A Striking Pair of French Style Side Tables with Black Lacquer Finish and Floral Decoration
Lovely Detail
Dated C20th
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
French 20th Century Mahogany Vitrine
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Display your treasured objects in this beautiful early 20th century French Empire style mahogany vitrine. Beveled glass panels can be found in the case antique’s door and sides, allowing one to view the contents placed inside on its two glass shelves. A mirrored back gives the illusion of a completely transparent cabinet. The vitrine has recently undergone a refinishing, giving the antique a ‘like new’ appearance. The wonderful brass hardware found at the capital and base of the pilaster columns which flank the door has been polished to a brilliant luster - along with the sabots that cap the front feet. Inside, two additional finished mahogany lower shelves can be used to house objects...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Circa 1930 Suzani Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1930 Antique Suzani Pillow
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Empire-Style Marble Top Gold Gilt & Painted Pedestals
Located in Southampton, NJ
Pair of Italian Empire-style gilt and painted pedestals topped with Kastoria Red Marble from Greece, circa 1960.
In very good vintage condition having polished marble and solid frame...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Empire bed circa 1960
Full-size bedding
Massive carved iroko and fabric
The fabric has to be recovered
The side boards will be made to have th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique French Empire Fruitwood Console Table with drawer, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Empire- Biedermeier fruitwood console table with drawer and bronze details
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Bench
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Carl Thieme, Dresden Floral Painted & Gilded Porcelain Urn, Germany, 20th C
By Carl Thieme
Located in Chatham, ON
CARL THIEME (Factory / Manufacturer) - Potschappel (Village / Location) - Empire style Dresden floral decorated and gilded porcelain urn with cover - ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vase candelabra with 13 arms of light
Located in Warsaw, PL
Exquisite Gilt Brass & Malachite Vase Candelabra - A Masterpiece of Opulent Design
Elevate your interior with this truly exceptional vase candelabra, a harmonious fusion of luxuriou...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Brass
Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights
Located in San Francisco, CA
the rectangular upholstered seat above an ebonized wooden frame raised on splayed swords with gilt handles; newer upholstery
Category
1960s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Style Swan Chairs attributed to Maitland Smith
Located in Newtown, CT
Vintage Empire Style pair of Swan Chairs. Good condition with fading to the fabric would need reupholstery. Wood has a few chips and losses. Attributed to Maitland Smith
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg White with blue garlands is in 925/1000 sterling silver.
Egg White with blue garlands has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand.
Egg White with blue garlands i...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Crystal Chandelier
Located in Austin, TX
Antique chandelier from France made with cut crystal elements (cabochons and pendants) on a brass structure. It has been newly wired to fit US standards.
The current overall height i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Picture Frame oval photos French Empire Napoleon III style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche and hand-painted miniature of a garland of flowers with oval border, intern...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Italian Midcentury Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Bench with Ram Heads
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian midcentury Empire style painted bench with carved ram heads and new upholstery. This exquisite Italian painted bench features a nicely curved seat that has been recovered ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Empire Style Burlwood Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century Empire style leather top desk constructed with hardwood and burl wood veneers featuring ormolu, three drawers and stretcher.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
An Empire Style Cobalt Blue and Gilt Porcelain Krater Vase, by Hutschenreuther
Located in New York, NY
An Empire Style Cobalt Blue and Gilt Porcelain Krater Vase, by Hutschenreuther. A cobalt blue and gilt porcelain covered krater vase with a stepped circular pedestal base. The base ...
Category
1910s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Empire Style Console Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire style mahogany console table with a marble top, circa 1900. With a rectangular grey and white marble top with slightly rounded front corners, a frieze drawer with a we...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique Mahogany Dining Room / Center Table with Gilt Highlights
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire Style mahogany round dining room table with gilt highlights, circa 1900. With a round top that opens (No Leaves) gilt decoration on edge of table top, a round central ...
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940s Italian Completely Beaded Basket Lavender Purple Chandelier, circa 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 4 lights in beaded cups. Completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning rare lavender purple crystal prisms throughout and huge smooth lavend...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Brass and Onyx Base Floor Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A striking example of early 20th-century neoclassical design, this elegant floor lamp showcases the perfect fusion of timeless style and exquisite craftsmanship. The lamp features a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Baker Furniture French Empire Inlaid Cherry and Burl Wood Coffee Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or neoclassical style coffee or cocktail table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Inlaid cherry wood top, with burl wood banding, ebonized co...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Large Gilt Bronze Mounted Crystal Glass Urns / Vases with Covers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large (45 inch tall) gilt bronze mounted French crystal glass urns or vases of ovoid form with gadrooning at the shoulder and stylized guilloche motif around the waist, ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
First French Empire Style Chandelier, Six Lights
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and heavy first French Empire style chandelier in Bronze made in France in the 1940.
Takes six lights 60 watts max per bulb.
Original patin...
Category
Mid-20th Century French 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.