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
Italian antique wooden chest of drawers or dresser with bronze friezes, 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique wooden chest of drawers or dresser with bronze friezes, 1800s.
Antique wooden chest of drawers with drawers decorated with bronze friezes.
Dating back to the Empire p...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely elegant French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal chandelier. The eight arm chandelier is centered by a striking solid crystal ball below a ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Mahogany desk, Northern Europe, around 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique desk from the late 19th century, Northern Europe.
The piece of furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation.
Dimensions: 88 cm / width 135 cm / dep...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Empire Console in Carved, Polychrome and Gilded Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
Swedish Empire console table in carved, polychrome and gilt wood, early 19th century.
Rectangular marble top in a low white, frieze decorated wi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of vases Barbediene foundry France Napoleon III
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pair of Barbadians of Napoleon III
Pair of vases with enamel Barbediene French foundry
Very good condition (some natural wear)
Gilt bronze and enamel
Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Pressed Wood Snuff Box of Place Vendome, French, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The circular box depicting Place Vendome with quote on bottom 'COLON DE LA PLACE VENDOME.' The interior with collectors label 'EVAN THOMAS COLLECTION 408.’
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire Bronze and Ormolu Cartel Clock by Bailly, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
A wall clock with gilt bronze ribbon bow joining a gilt bronze ribbon attached to the clock case with patinated bronze back section and laurel leaf mounted surrounding a circular glass hinged cover opening to an enamelled dial signed Bailly a Paris. An eagle with spread wings at the base seated on a plinth. All finely cast. The laurel leaves signify victory and the eagle represents strength and power. Bailly is considered on of the finest French clock makers...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
A French Empire Ormolu Mounted Guéridon/Center-table w/ a Green Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire Guéridon/Center-table with Egyptian Revival Bronze winged Figural Mounts with a circular Green Verde Antico marble top, supported by a mahogany base with gilded bronz...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Oak Dining Chair with Decorative Ears of Wheat Hand Carved, Made in Italy
Located in Barlassina, IT
Oak wood chair, with decorative ears of wheat hand carved on backrest and counter back. This armchair is inspired by Russian Empire style ( zar Nicola II )....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Pair of Late Empire Armchairs in Birch from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Late Empire birch armchairs, upholstered in red fabric and from around the 1840s, make a beautiful and period feature in any interior with their...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval photo frame inserted into a harp-shaped object, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché inspired by a model created by Peter Carl Fab...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Splendid French Saloon Table, Bronze Gilt
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely chased and gilded bronze in wax casting. Three curly legs connected with gutter. Medium with garland-shaped decoration. The legs are in the form of three winged, fully plastic...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
20th Century French Mahogany Empire Style Vitrine, 1920s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 20th century French mahogany Empire style vitrine from the 1920s.
This vitrine has a music scores compartments.
Brass net finish. Brass hooves...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire style Console Square Column Legs Hand Carved Decoration White Pine Marble
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Console inspired by the Empire style characterised by square column legs with Doric-Corinthian capitals, carved decorations of garlands of leaves and rosettes.
Materials
In patinate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
18Th. C French Empire Collection of Rare Straw Marquetry Bottles, Set of 7
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this rare and exceptional collection of seven French 18Th C. Straw Marquetry Bottles.
These were made by convicts in the 18Th century.
This is a very rare collection, you ...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Blown Glass
19th Century Pair of French Empire Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th century) bronze wall sconces with 5 arms, swan tops and a double ball design (Priced as pair).
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Empire style thread table, Western Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A thread table from the mid-19th century, Western Europe.
The furniture is in very good condition.
Dimensions: height 79 cm / width 38 cm / depth 31 cm
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
Located in IT
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
Measures: cm H 103 x W 52 x closed D 9. Open D 59 cm
This particular travel desk was made in France, in the earl...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Settee has a mahogany frame with tapered hand front legs with hand-carved decorative flowers on each leg and the seat back. The cushion is upholstered in a modern striped fabric.
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Antique French Empire Neoclassical Style Brass Harp Lyre Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Neoclassical Style Brass Harp / Lyre Back Side Chairs - a Pair. Item features solid wood construction, harp backs, finely cast brass or bronze mounts, white dis...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four French Empire Armchairs, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of four Empire armchairs dates back to around 1810. The elegant armchairs have a pretty cherry wood frame. The armrest and front ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Petite Empire Console with Marble Top, France 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Empire Period mahogany console table of small size. The rectangular top inset with a white and green variegated marble top and the frieze inset with a drawer and flanked by paint...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Late Empire Tobacco Box in Nobel Wood, Lid with Walrus Tooth
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late empire tobacco box in rosewood.
The top of the lid is adorned with a walrus tooth.
Denmark 1830-1840.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Empire Sevres Style Porcelain Bronze Mounted Mantel Picard Clock
By Henri Picard
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Sevres style porcelain ormolu bronze mounted mantel clock. The frontal cobalt blue porcelain panel is hand painted with a winged cherub holding a basket of flowers. Below him,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany, Ormolu and Marble Buffet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Empire st. flamed mahogany, ormolu and fossilized black marble Buffet. The buffet is raised by elegant circular feet below striking architectural colum...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Center Table with Bronze Ormolu Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
A French 19th Century Empire mahogany center table with bronze doré mounts and a marble top. This handsome table features beautifully executed bronze pieces mounted throughout the a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cut crystal. Bronze mounted. Swan motif. Finely chased. Measure: Base is 3.5" by 3.5".
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Empire round French Table
Located in Austin, TX
Library table in the French Empire style. This piece is made of solid ash and burled ash. Four curved legs are connected with an x-stretcher. Each leg boasts a bronze lion's paw foot...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Early 19th Century French Empire "Bureau a Gradin" Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
The rectangular superstructure centred by two drawers above two shelves, flanked by an pair of cupboard doors flanked and separated by patinated and gilt bronze caryatids, the lower part with a leather lined writing slide above three drawers around a slight kneehole each side fitted with a writing slide raised on square supports joined by stretchers and fitted at the front with painted and parcel gilt wood female torsos...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This truly stunning French mantel clock was crafted during the Empire period, and reflects the Neoclassical interests of the Emperor Napoleon I, whose influence over the decorative arts contributed toward a profound revival of beauties of the ancient empires.
The mantel clock is crafted entirely in gilt bronze, and features a stepped base on four block feet. The base depicts a Classical relief panel to the front, showing female dancing figures and putti, as well as musical instruments. Surmounting the base is an arch featuring a central mask fountain and basin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Terracotta Bust Of Alexandre Brongniart After Jean-antoine Houdon
Located in BARSAC, FR
Patinated terracotta bust representing Alexandre Brongniart (1770-1847) son of the architect Alexandre Théodore Brongniart (1739-1813), future mineralogist and director of the nation...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
The mirror of hand-polished mahogany is a beautifully crafted piece of furniture that was made in Denmark during the late Empire period, around the 1840s. The mirror is made from hig...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of chairs, Poland, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Very good condition, after professional renovation.
Wood: oak
dimensions
height 95 cm seat height 47 cm width 43 cm depth 48 cm
Category
1920s Polish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Empire Tole Water Heater
Located in New Orleans, LA
Painted and gilded tole water heater.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Pair of French Empire Bronze Dore and Marble Console Tables
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze and dore trim bracket console tables with half round marble top supported on a single leg ending in a square marble base. (PRICED AS...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Style Metal Opaline Noire Glass Electrical Converted Oil Lamp
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Empire style tall large oil lamp that was converted to an electrical one. It consists of a cylindrical long chimney lamp clear shade attached to a brass burner holder; this in turn is connected to a semilunar shaped milk glass font joined to a faceted opaline noire glass conical shaped body. A gold metal band are between both glass parts. There are two long gilt metal scroll formed handles adorned with a relief of acanthus leaves at the upper and bottom part in each side of the conical body. Also, there are a relief of flowers and branches of leaves in the center of it. This conical body is supported by a patinated heavy metal pedestal embellished by acanthus leaves, gilt metal ornaments...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Antique French Empire Mahogany Double Pedestal Dining ~ Conference Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire Mahogany Double Pedestal Dining ~ Conference Table will make an impressive statement in any room of the home or office! Crafted from exotic imported mahogany, it features a tailored design for the top (which is removable for transport) accented by a brass trim all around and brass foliate castings centered on each of the four aprons. Below is where the architecture becomes intriguing, with octagonal columns embellished with elaborate brass castings and four alternating full length corbels which are also adorned with brass castings, and carved with lions' paws feet, all resting on a foot3ed pediment with brass trim and concave sides for added visual appeal. The visual effect is equal from all angles, making it a great choice for the opulent office environment, or for a formal dining application. The size and design enables 6 to 8 diners in comfort, and 4 to 6 big office chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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. ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Atrium Form Dutch Fruitwood Gilt Metal Mantel Clock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The top tier with the clock works decorated with a pair of gilt putti above a gilt garland, and outer enamel dial. The corners with gilt herons and leaves. ...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
Empire Acajou Mouchete Mahogany Mounted Commode, Attributed to Bernard Molitor
By Bernard Molitor
Located in Berlin, DE
A fine Empire acajou mouchete mahogany commode in the manner of Bernard Molitor (1755-1833). A rectangular oak corpus veneered with acajou mouchete mah...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1900's Swedish Empire 6 Lights Chandelier with Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1970′ French Guéridon in the Style of Adam Weisweiler Maison JANSEN
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze guéridon with a veined awhite marble top, is supported by three pairs of faux-bamboo ormolu legs, joined by a triangular stretcher with incurved sides
the lower spacer receive...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of French Empire-Style Sconces With Etched Hurricane Shades
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French empire style gilt bronze wall sconces with neoclassical details having antique etched glass hurricane shades. Circa 1980
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Fine Late 19th C Empire Bronze Gueridon Center Table with a Micro Mosaic Top
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and rare 19th century Empire gilt bronze and patinated bronze center table with a micro mosaic and marble top with a malachite border. Scenes of Roman architecture in micro mo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Venus Clipping the Wings of Cupid Mantel Clock by Thomire & Cie
Located in New Orleans, LA
This splendid Empire gilt bronze French mantel clock, signed on the dial by bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire and watchmaker Louis Moinet, features an exquisitely detailed scene of Ve...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair Of Russian Neoclassical Style Cabinets or Commodes Marble Top
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Maison Jansen Russian neoclassical style cabinets. These massive and impressive cabinets are wonderfully bronze mounted and each support a greenish black and white veined mar...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique 19th Century Meissen Egg Floral Gilt Trinket Box, France, 1875, Cobalt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Egg-shaped box, Meissen (Germany) dated to 1875 based on its mark, with gilding, cobalt blue accents and tremendous floral design.
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th century French Empire Period Elm Barometer signed Gabriel
Located in London, GB
Empire Cistern Barometer by Gabriel
Of rectangular form, with the case waisted, veneered in burr elm with mounts in the manner of Percier and Fontaine, of cistern type, with bronze ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Stool with Giltwood Lion Heads and Paw Feet, Sweden, Circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Swedish Empire stool with giltwood lion heads and paw feet, Sweden, circa 1810.
Featured in our gallery windows (photographs attached) p...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
19th Century French Empire Polished Ebony Nightstand - Single Antique Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique French Empire nightstand, bed side table made of hand crafted shellac polished Ebony, in good condition. The si...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Unique Austrian Empire Secretary/Writing Desk, Mahogany, 1820s Austria
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Empire secretary or writing desk, (Cylinder)
Material: Mahogany.
Completely restored, Shellac polish.
Period: 1820-1829
Source: Austria, Wien.
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany, Lacquer
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
French Empire Style Bronze Dore Eagle Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore chandelier having 6 arms with eagle heads emanating from a 6 sided tapered center post with a bottom acorn finial.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Empire Style English Roll Top Desk with Bronze Mounts
Located in Queens, NY
19th century Empire style English dark-brown wooden desk with roll top that opens to reveal drawers and letter holders and a gold embossed leather desk surface, topped with a bronze-filigree framed tray, and supported by two columns of drawers, each with a gold drawer pull...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, 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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