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.
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Finest Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
Crystal, Ormolu
$18,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Early 19th C. Patinated and Dore Bronze Egyptian Revival Chenets
Located in New York, NY
This pair of French chenets from the Early 1800s is a stunning example of Egyptian Revival design. The chenets feature a stately dark patina bronze sphynx...
Bronze
Regiment Des Dromedaires Camel Saddle
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798-1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel...
Silver, Brass, Iron
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell with Borzoi Finial, 19th Century
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is an elegant French Empire-style gilt bronze writing stand, richly cast and ornamented with neoclassical and animalier motifs. The removable domed cover is surmounted by a fine...
Brass
French Empire Style Wall Mirror with Cue Rack Circa 1900
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, Empire style pool or billiards cue rack to hold up to sixteen sticks, now a wall mirror. Concealed by the pediment are the holes where the tips of the cue would be safely ins...
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany, Satinwood
Pair of Early 19th Century Mahogany Bergères Armchairs
Located in London, by appointment only
A pair of Austrian Empire period large scale mahogany bergères, the square chamfered backs are enriched with bold pierced flutes and the arms terminate in column supports with brass ...
Mahogany
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$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gilded Trumeau Mirror, Painted Wood, France, Circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Painted trumeau with gilded bas relief figures on pale blue field. All paint appears to be original. The mirror is not original.
Mirror, Wood
French Empire Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Griotte Marble Vase
Located in London, GB
A magnificent quality French Empire/Directoire urn in superb original condition. Constructed of lovely patinated bronze, fire gilded Ormolu and griotte marble. In the gout d'Egypt or...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$24,302 / set
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A pair of Empire gilt and patinated bronze candelabra. Each with a winged Victorian female figure carrying a torchère on their hea...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock by Ledure with Apollo or Eros
By Claude Hemon, Pierre-Victor Ledure
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The clock is signed on the enamel dial by the famous Parisian bronzier ”Ledure Bronzier à Paris” and the clockmaker ”Hedon Hr" (horloger). Patinated and fully sculpted bronze figure ...
Bronze
Extremely Fine Pair of Large 19th C French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine pair of 19th century French Empire gilt bronze large two light sconces. Fine Egyptian heads below the candles with a finely cast Eagle at the to...
Bronze
$13,500Sale Price|50% Off
Fornasetti Decorated Antique Italian Writing Desk
By Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite antique table desk, shown here, represents the first collaboration between foley&cox HOME and Fornasetti. The desk was purchased in Italy and hand-decorated by Fornasetti using...
Mahogany
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
A French Empire Clock of the Roman Goddess Aurora Announcing a New Day
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A period French Empire allegorical mantel clock with a case of finely chased and gilt bronze. Aurora stands to the left of the circular clock plinth draping a starry cloak over the g...
Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Empire Figural Basket
Located in Atlanta, GA
First quarter 19th century, in the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751–1843), gilt bronze and marble, figural basket, possibly Nike, holding aloft a flared, reticulated b...
Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Chandelier with Eagle Heads and Arrows, 1930s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large French empire style six-light gilt and patinated bronze chandelier with eagle heads and arrows, circa 1930s. Socket: 6 x E14 for standard screw bulb.
Bronze
19th Century Empire Marble Fireplace Mantelpiece, Carved Columns and Lion Heads
Located in GB
19th century unique Empire style brown Bois-Jourdan marble fireplace mantelpiece, with a white statuary Carrara hand carved Roman Rosette on the cent...
Statuary Marble
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils French, c. 1810 Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Ormolu, Enamel
French Painted Toleware and Brass Desk Lamp A lovely piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Painted Toleware and Brass Desk Lamp A lovely piece, adapted from an original oil lamp, the lamp has a single brass sconce and opposite we can see the secretary bird both set...
Brass
C1810 Petite French Empire Commode with Grey Marble Top & Ormolu Mounts
Located in Phoenix, AZ
C1810 Petite French Empire Commode with Grey Marble Top Ormolu Mounts Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Message us with any questions.
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Candlesticks in Silvered Bronze, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candlesticks in silvered bronze. Fluted shaft. Base adorned with a frieze of palmettes. Circular molded feet. English work realized under the French Empire (1804-1815). !Th...
Bronze
$1,624Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery; Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Empire Wall Sconces Gilt & Ebonized Wood, 2 Metal Arms, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant pair of Empire-period wall sconces crafted from finely carved gilt and ebonized wood, retaining all original elements and displaying a richly aged patina acquired over mor...
Metal
$8,703Sale Price|25% Off
Empire Mantel Clock in Mercury-Gilt Bronze, France, early 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Empire mantel clock in mercury-gilt bronze, France, early 19th century Magnificent French Empire-era clock, made in mercury-gilt bronze with a fine allegorical scene: an angel playin...
Bronze
French Sèvres Style Bronze-Mounted Cobalt Blue Hand Painted Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A large French Sèvres style gilt bronze ormolu-mounted cobalt blue hand painted porcelain urn table lamp, first half of the 20th century. Bronze figurine handles, front side with han...
Bronze
Two Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These magnificent candelabra were cast entirely of gilt bronze in the French Empire period of the early 19th century. Each candelabrum is formed as a cornucopia of scrolled branches holding four lights with drip pans, set on a single torch-form stem, held aloft by a Classical style figure. The figures, one male and one female, are shown draped in swathed clothing, with the male figure depicted holding a quill in his other hand, whilst the female figure clutches a delicate bouquet of flowers. The figures stand upon circular bases, set onto ovoid vases which featured fluted details and central bands of laurel leaf motifs. The vases themselves stand on undulating roundels formed of acanthus leaves, which are further set atop square-form plinths. Classically influenced works were popular during the French Empire period, when the Emperor Napoleon I sought to create a place in history for France alongside the ancient dynasties...
Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu And Baccarat Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and very high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal chandelier. The twelve arm sixteen light chandelier is centered by a striking solid cryst...
Crystal, Ormolu
Unusual Empire Style Bookcase, France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Quirky and unusual Empire style breakfront bookcase, the wood painted with a faux bois trompe l'oeil, and decorated with plaster moldings painted gold....
Pair of Large and Important Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large and important antique French Empire gilt bronze chandeliers, each of circular form with a white enamel central dish and multiple ormolu-mounted branches. The dishes a...
Bronze
Antique Green & Sienna Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This surround was reclaimed from a property in Ascot, UK. It features carved Sienna marble end blocks and fluted Sienna frieze and jambs. Opening Height 90 cm (35.43 in) Opening Wi...
Siena Marble, Marble
$1,589 / set
Pair of French Empire Candlesticks Bronze gilt
Located in Münster, DE
Pair of candlesticks, Empire style, France, ca. 1810, gilded and patinated bronze, round base, fluted shaft, patina condition Height 29.5 cm, base diameter 13 cm The shaft has the...
Bronze
Empire Style Balloon Chandelier with pendants
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large Empire-style hot-air balloon chandelier with tassels and ormolu mount with palmettes. It is lit by eight lights in the lower part and four more in the upper crown. The name Mo...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Empire Ebonized Opera Chairs With Custom Tiger Upholstery-Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
An unexpected marriage of old-world elegance and playful sophistication, this pair of late 19th century Empire opera chairs has been refreshed with striking tiger-inspired upholstery...
Walnut, Upholstery, Paint
Secretaire "a Abbatant" Napoleon III Empire, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Title: Secretaire "a Abbatant" Date/Period: 19th century Dimension: 147cm x 105cm x 51cm. Material: Mahogany wood Additional Information: Secretaire "a Abbatant" French, Empire Style...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke Dimensions : 36.5" Tall X 25" Wide X 21" Deep SH - 17.5" AH...
Bronze
EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE PERIOD BED HEADBOARD
Located in Firenze, FI
This beautiful Empire period shield headboard, dating to around 1810, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship made entirely of cherry wood. The gilded and carved wood finishes give a touch...
Wood
Pair of Early 19 Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of early 19 century French empire gilt bronze neoclassical candlesticks. A tapering stem with rich and finely chased ...
Bronze
19th Century Unique Empire Armchair Around 1820, France, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Unique Empire armchair around 1820, France, Mahogany Solid mahogany wood, France around 1820/30. Finely carved swan's heads on each armrest. Extremely high quality a...
Mahogany
Italian antique empire style wooden cabinet with door and drawer, 1850s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique empire style wooden cabinet with door and drawer, 1850s. Empire style cabinet, in veneered wood with winged columns, central drawer and hinged door. Perfect as a side...
Wood
Early 19th Century French Tole Monteith or Jardiniere Cachepot
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique early 19th century French tole monteith or jardiniere cachepot decorated with gilt bands in the neoclassical taste. With removable zinc liner. The top opening measures 10 1/4...
Metal
$10,675
Antique Sienna Marble Mantel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique French Empire style Siena marble mantel with gilt bronze ormolu and original bronze surround.
Siena Marble, Bronze
$116Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Fine China Square Plate Floral Yellow Gold
By Tirschenreuth Bavaria, Hutschenreuther
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Fine China Square Selb Bavaria Germany Floral Yellow and gold. Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria with gold rimmed square decorative plate. Gorgeous square platter with a beautiful hand painted 22 karat golden filigree...
Porcelain
Early 20th C. Refinished French Regency Tiered Tea Side Table with Brass Accents
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Refinished French Regency Tiered Tea Table / Side Table with Brass Accents. Measures 30" in width and 29.75" in length and 29.5" in height. Lower is 11" high wi...
Brass
Set of Three Painted Pine Children's Chairs
Located in Baltimore, MD
These delightful plank seat children’s chairs are in a rustic Empire style, with a scroll at the top of the back rail and turned legs at the front. In old worn buttermilk paint. Seat...
Pine
French Napoleon Empire Style Marble Bronzed Wall Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and petite wall console table crafted out of gilt bronzed metal and variegated green marble in a French Napoleonic Second Empire style. The table features a two-legged con...
Marble, Metal
$7,833Sale Price|55% Off
19th Century Extendable Table, Made in France, Fully Restored Mahogany, Empire
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Unique Empire folding table. The table's legs feature bronze lion paws, with spherical glass wheels on which the table moves. The table is designed for ...
Bronze
$4,000Sale Price|38% Off
Table Game Table Swedish Karl Johan, 19th Century, Light Mahogany Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Game table made during the Karl Johan period 1810-1830 in Sweden. Made from light mahogany and decorated with brass hardware. Tapered legs. Felt interior with backgammon and chess ga...
Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Pair of Empire Armchairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Empire Armchairs Mahogany Frame with Saffron Yellow Wool and Vintage Tape Trim France, Circa 1830 23”W x 24”D x 36”H
Wool, Mahogany
$5,686Sale Price|30% Off
Italy 18th Century Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers with Bronze Handles
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant Empire chest of drawers made in Italy by master cabinetmakers at the end of the 18th Century. Entirely handcrafted in solid walnut, with handles and some bronze details on th...
Bronze
Elegant 19th-Century Brazilian Empire Bench - Settee - Recamier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Elegant 19th-Century Brazilian Empire Bench with Cane Seat and Rare Provenance A refined and architectural 19th-century Brazilian bench, exquisitely crafted in solid tropical hardwoo...
Wood
19th century French Empire Tole Monteiths or Cachepot Jardinieres
By Thomas Hope
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique early 19th century French Empire neoclassical tole monteiths or cachepot jardinieres circa 1820. Oval shape with handles at the side. Decorated with gold winged horses o...
Metal
French 19th Century Empire Solid Walnut Chest of Drawer / Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
19th Century French Empire Commode from France. Made of solid walnut, the wood has been finished with a lustrous French polish, it has four drawers with beautiful bronze Harward and ...
Bronze
Empire Style Bronze Chandelier, Nine Lights, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire style chandeliers tend to be quite hefty and large, This bronze example is unusually delicate. The dished circular pan is hung from three flat pierced suspension chains, and s...
Bronze
$2,209Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th century warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box
Located in Casteren, NL
This exquisite antique writing box was meticulously handcrafted using traditional joinery techniques, with beautifully visible dovetail joints at the corners. Made in the Southern Ne...
Steel
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Table Lamp with Winged Victoria
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Empire table lamp in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, circa 1810. Originally made as a candelabrum and later converted into an electric table lamp, circa 1950. The cylindrica...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock with Cupid in a Chariot
By Marie Prevost
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Exceptional gilt bronze mantel clock with its key depicting a winged Cupid in a chariot. The chariot is pulled by two doves that are resting on a platform adorned with water-leaf. Th...
Bronze
$5,500 / set
Pair of Candelabra Lamps in the Empire style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Magnificent Pair of Empire style Candelabra, now turned into lamp. Gilt & Patinated Bronze on Marble Bases. 4 lights each Great Quality. France, circa 1880. Dimensions: Height ...
Marble, Bronze
$3,500Sale Price|43% Off
Table Swedish Mahogany Floral 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Table Swedish Mahogany Floral 19th Century Sweden. A Swedish mahogany Tray Table with floral painted top. 4 smaller trays for candlelight holder.
Mahogany
An Empire Style Table de Salon, with Tiger's Eye Gemstone Top
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Table de Salon, with Tiger's Eye Gemstone Top. The rectangular top is veneered in Tiger's Eye gemstone in radiating geometric patterns. ...
Ormolu
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Russian Crystal, Cobalt Glass and Gilt Bronze Chandelier Attributed to Zekh
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare and important Russian late 18th Century twelve candle crystal chandelier attributed to the renowned firm of Johann Zekh. Crafted in Sa...
Crystal
Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Malachite Allegorical Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50m, width 21cm, depth 14cm This fine mantel clock is an excellent ex...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze