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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 Sceaux Faux Porphyry Tobacco Jars, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The pair of jars with covers with old repairs and chips.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Faience

Empire Style Eglomise Mirrored Center Table E.J. Victor
Located in Toledo, OH
Empire style eglomise mirrored round center table. Black finish painted leaf details and trim in gold. Distressed mirror top. Excellent condition. 38" diameter x 30.5"
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror

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

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...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire ormolu mantel clock, Belgium, circa 1810, Signed "J.B. Romaet a Gand". Decorated with a shepherd scene. Strikes the hour and half hour on a bell. With enamel clock face and si...
Category

1810s Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th century Belle Epoque Period Empire st. Bronze and Ormolu lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most impressive French 19th century Belle Epoque Period Empire st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Marble lamp. The stunning candelabra mounted into a l...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A fine antique French Empire neoclassical gilt and patina bronze chandelier. The chandelier is suspended from a circular corona decorated with a continuous band of gilt laurel leaves...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu candelabra lamps. Each three arm candelabra mounted into a lamp is raised on a square O...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce Set by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

true pair of French 19th century Bronze, Ormolu and Marble candelabra lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive and high quality true pair of French mid 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Vert de Patricia Marble candelabra lamps. Each stunning electrified ca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Revival Lacquered Swan Neck Settee, 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant French Empire style settee offers a truly spectacular silhouette that is sure to impress. Wonderfully detailed featuring a reeded top rail, down swept arms are intricately ha...
Category

1970s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set of Four Swedish Empire Side Chairs by F. Pettersson, Mid 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Swedish Empire side chairs from the mid-19th century by furniture maker F. Pettersson. These antique chairs from Sweden have an elegantly curved backs, with straight wo...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood, Wood

Pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated and Giltwood mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and architectural pair of French 19th century Empire st. Patinated and Giltwood mirrors. Each palatially scaled mirror with it's original mirror plates is raised on a s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

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

Reproduction of "Aquarelle de Didier Boulais – Le Port de La Rochelle" - 2Y65
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This beautiful reproduction of an original watercolor by Didier Boulais captures the serene and picturesque view of the Port of La Rochelle. Signed by the artist, this piece exudes t...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of Early to Mid-19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine pair of bronze Empire style candlesticks. In excellent original condition. France, early 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing a Figure in Neo-Egyptian Style
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting a standing figure in the neo-Egyptian style, Empire Era, 1800-15. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Chair
Located in London, GB
Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze side chair French, late 19th century Measures: Height 94cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm Crafted from mahogany, this unusual side chair...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

A Unique Large Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This unusual Antique French Empire gilt bronze chandelier embodies the refined aesthetics of the Neoclassical style. It features multiple gracefully curved arms, each delicately ador...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Palace Size French Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
The Palace Size French Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier is a grand and luxurious lighting fixture that exudes elegance and sophistication. With its intricate design and exqu...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder Vinyl "We Are the World" - 2Y07
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Own a piece of musical history with this vintage 45 RPM vinyl record of USA for Africa's iconic single "We Are the World." Featuring legendary artists M...
Category

1980s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Plastic

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

Antique 19th/Early 20th Century Commemorative Bronze Plaque - Gadzarts - 2Y183
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exceptional antique bronze plaque, dating from the 19th century or early 20th century, is a rare and significant piece associated with the ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of chests of drawers 1810 Empire walnut and briar high class
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Empire elegance: a pair of chests of drawers of rare refinement The beauty of early 19th-century cabinetmaking takes shape in this extraordinary pair of Empire chests of drawers fro...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Nutwood

Vintage French Empire Mahogany Pedestal Base Round Brass Gallery Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Pedestal Base Round Center Table with Brass Gallery. Item features a pierced brass gallery, pedestal base, gold gilt details, beautiful wood grai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s A magnificent pair of French candlesticks in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, made during the he...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s A refined pair of French candlesticks from the 1820s, crafted in gilt bronze and richly decorated in the classic ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Consulate-Inspired Fireside Chair in H&S Tweeds – Tent by Darren Henault
Located in New York, NY
The Fireside Chair, inspired by the classic French consulate chair, is designed with both historical significance and modern versatility. Its low seat,...
Category

2010s American Empire Furniture

Materials

Beech

Large Late Empire Chatol Made In Mahogany From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
The large Late Empire hand-polished mahogany chatol with marquetry from the 1820s is an impressive piece of furniture that exudes an aura of elegance and historical significance. The...
Category

1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Style Walnut Tub Chair in the Manner of Jacob Desmalter
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire Style Walnut Bergere Chair in the manner of Jacob Desmelter with nicely carved rams head resting on articulated hoof feet.
Category

1850s American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Vintage 1974 Matchbox Sherman Tank by Lesney - Battle Kings Series - 2Y194
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This collectible piece from the 1974 Matchbox Battle Kings series features the iconic Sherman tank. A must-have for vintage toy enthusiasts or military memorabilia collectors, this t...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Bisque Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Vase 19th century 4 Seasons Putti Allegory
Located in Sweden, SE
Empire Vase (Tazza) produced in bisque porcelain by top level manufacture, possibly in Germany or France, in the second half of the 19th century and decorated with finely crafted fin...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold, Bronze

French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock of a Seated Roman Emperor
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late French Empire period mantel (fireplace) clock showing a seated Roman emperor in finely chased patinated bronze holding a sword in one hand and a Roman banner in the other. He ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Secretary W/ Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite early 19th century French Empire secretary, meticulously restored and sourced from Paris, France. Masterfully hand-crafted from rich mahogany, the piece is topped with i...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

A French mid 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble fireplace mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and finely detailed French mid 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble fireplace mantel. This beautiful mantel is raised by striking elegantly scrolled jambs with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

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

Pair of Fine Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Four-Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of fine antique French Empire gilt and patinated bronze four-light neoclassical wall sconces embellished with figural masks.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Pair of Spanish Empire Style 7-Light Crystal-Cut Chandeliers
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Pair of Spanish Empire Style 7-Light Crystal-Cut Chandeliers, in the Style of the Spanish Royal Factory of Glass and Crystal of La Granja A large pair of Empire style 7-light ...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal

19th Century Painted Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A 19th Century Swedish bench from the Empire period, the back panel decorated with a classical scene of a pair of griffon. New seat cushion in plain linen.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Unique Austrian Empire Secretary/Writing Desk, Material Mahogany, Wien 1820-1829
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. We guarantee safe a the cheapest air ...
Category

1820s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu, Wood and Marble Pedestals
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style ormolu, wood and marble pedestals French, 20th Century Height 83cm, diameter 52cm This superb pair of French 20th century pedestals celebrates the ver...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French Bronze Figure of Napoleon
Located in London, GB
An early 19th Century well-cast bronze statue of Napoleon in full uniform, standing on square socle with applied ormolu laurel leaf wreath, ending o...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Drexel Heritage Empire Style Sideboard or Bar Cabinet With Carved Lions
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Empire or Egyptian Revival style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage, "Pavilion" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Walnut and birch, with e...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Birch, Walnut, Giltwood

Small Round Tray with Red Carrara Marble Top and Brass Edging
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round barware tray with red carrara marble top and brass edging. This tray was most likely an old table top, that is now being used as a tray.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Zabihi Collection Distressed Antique Lavar Kermanshah 19th century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Highly decorative 19th century Persian Lavar Kermanshah rug. 4' x 6'4''
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Russian Empire Period Desk Chair
Located in Pembroke, MA
Lovely burled birch wood ("loupe de bouleau de Carélie") desk chair from the Russian Empire, and recently reupholstered in French damask fabric wi...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Damask, Upholstery, Burl, Birch

French Empire Style Mahogany Bow Front Large Chest Dresser w/ Bronze Paw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Quality French Empire Style Mahogany Bow Front Large Chest Dresser w/ Bronze Paw Feet...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany, Ormolu And Vert Campan Marble Console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Ormolu and Vert Campan marble console. The solid Mahogany console is raised on a rectangular plinth with a mottled edge on the thr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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 Empire Period Chest w/Black Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period commode, with black and brass accents, from the early 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped top, with case which houses th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Period Candelabras
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of period Empire gilt patinated brass and bronze candelabras. Born in France in the early 19th century, fine quality and detailing, elaborately decorated, unique d...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock By Jouquet a paris
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock signed by Jouquet a Paris.. This unusual clock is surmounted by a s...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

Elegant octagonal empire column bedside table
Located in Cesena, FC
Elegant empire column nightstand, octagonal. Origin: emiliana (Bologna) Empire-era (early 1800s) Entirely veneered in poplar burl with a special stain that enhances the intricate gr...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Poplar

Green Bouillotte Bronze Three Lights Table Lamp, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Empire style period desk lamp, boasting three bronze lights and an adjustable screen, is complemented by a verdant tole shade in hues of vivid green. Take into account that...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper

Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Ground Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
These excellent gilt ground vases are high quality antique pieces, dating from the Empire period in France at the start of the 19th century. Each vase is set on a square base, is mounted with twin scrolling handles inset with neoclassical masks, and has a flared gilt ground neck. Both vases are also decorated to the front with depictions of winged putti on gilt ground; one vase shows the putti playing musical instruments, while the other shows them holding writing tablets and laurel wreaths. The reverse of each vase is Neo-Gothic in character, showing medieval church arches...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large 18th or 19th Century Antique Iron Anduze Style Garden Vase / Planter / Urn
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare and highly decorative, architectural cast iron vase. If you are a private collector or an interior designer with an eye for the rare and wonderful, then this very rare and timeless garden vase could be perfect for your home or for one of your projects. You may have seen French terracotta Anduze vases before, but we are pretty certain that you have never seen one made of cast iron. This large and possibly one of a kind specimen of cast iron has a wonderfully calm design and it is hand painted in a beigy-gray color which makes it even more timeless. Handcrafted using cast iron...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Napoleon III Royal Rouge Griotte Athenienne
Located in New Orleans, LA
Royal Rouge Griotte Marble Athenienne After Pierre Gouthière Late 19th Century This monumental pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze-mounted Royal Rouge Griotte athenienne perfume vases ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Pair Empire Console Tables Kingwood 1890
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a pair of antique French Empire style console tables Clean and minimal design and circa 1890 on this pair Ormolu fixtures are original Offered in great shape ready fo...
Category

1890s Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Kingwood

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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