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
Fine and Rare Pair of French Gilt Bronze , Porcelain and Marble Pedestals
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of French gilt bronze, porcelain & marble pedestals
19th/20th century
Each with portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma
Measures: 44 x 14...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th century Swedish empire elm marble top console table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish elm marble top console table circa 1860.
Fine quality console table of grand proportions. Shaped marble top standing on an elm base. Single concealed draw...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Empire Style a Russian Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid mahogany. Straight frame on saber-shaped legs with laid sheet. Strongly curved supports for slightly rising armrests. High-profile, contoured backrest frame with a wide finish....
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish 19th century 5 drawer chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century 5 drawer chest of drawers circa 1870.
Fine quality Scandinavian chest of drawers made in mahogany. Stepped top with moulded edge, below which are 5 5 graduatin...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century
An exquisite late Empire miniature piece, crafted in central Paris around 1850. Made of fine mahogany (Swietenia maho...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency style
By OTHR
Located in Zemst, BE
2 wall sconces in brass and glass
Peacock form
Wonderful condition.
Original wiring, that's still ok: ready for use.
Place of origin: Spain
No manufacturer known
Period: mid 1970...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Gilded Bronze 5 Light Petite Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and fine, petite, 5 light, gilded bronze Empire chandelier with chain and canopy. 3.5" off-white wax candle sleeves.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Russian Cut-Glass, Ormolu, and Blue Porcelain Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Russian cut-glass, ormolu, and blue porcelain chandelier
Russian, 19th Century
Height 120cm, diameter 90cm
This stunning Russian chandelier brings together vibrant turquoise porcela...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
$49,415 Sale Price
34% Off
Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, circa 1820
Elegant and richly detailed pair of French Empire candlesticks from the 1820s. Crafted in gilt and dark ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock Depicting the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine early 19th century French Empire gilt bronze clock representing an allegory of astronomy; featuring two classically draped maide...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant French Empire Table Lamp in Patinated and Gilded Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Table Lamp in Patinated and Gilded Bronze, 1820s
Elegant French Empire table lamp crafted in patinated and mercury-gilded bronze, dating from the 1820s. Originally pa...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Oil on Canvas, Interior Bed Chamber with Figure & Dog, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
the interior scene featuring a richly furnished bedroom from the early 19th century with a woman and dog, retaining its period ebonized and giltwood frame
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paint
Hammered Copper Bas-Relief of Poseidon's Head – Exquisite Detail - 2Y59
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This finely detailed hammered copper bas-relief depicts the majestic head of Poseidon, showcasing the craftsmanship of this stunning piece. The intricate detailing highlights the pow...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
$168 Sale Price
75% Off
Antique 20th Century Bonbonnière in Genuine L.F. Porcelain, Coach Scene - 2Y128
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your collection with this exquisite antique bonbonnière, crafted from genuine L.F. porcelain and featuring a charming coach scene. This del...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$171 Sale Price
75% Off
19th Century Continental Gilt Bronze Sculpture of Soldier
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Continental Gilt Bronze Statue of Soldier. Continental gilt bronze figure of a Classical soldier, late 19th century, with sword extended, resting on a gilded octagonal m...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pr. 19th Century Russian Cobalt Blue & Gold Ground Swan Handle Porcelain Vases
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic quality pair of Russian Empire cobalt blue and gold ground swan handle porcelain vases. Each piece is of Amphora form with a gorgeous 24K gold matted, burnished, and shiny front and backside decoration. The front panels consist of a young girl and a young boy, where the young girl is seen holding food on her head with a water pale in her hand walking through the town, while the boy is seen holding a basket of fruit up and walking it back home. The reverse of each of the vases is also elaborately decorated with one of the scenes being a comfy home with a beautiful woody landscape with a deer running through the backyard, while the other vase has a gorgeous landscape scene with a man riding a horse in the background. On either side of the vases are two-tone matte and burnished 24K gold swan form handles. Underneath the handles are 24K gold hand-painted decorations over a cobalt blue ground. The body runs down a waisted gold neck onto a rounded base which sits on a square gold plinth...
Category
1810s Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century French Parisian Vases
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine pair of antique porcelain vases, dating from the early 19th century in the Empire period, set on a square base and spreading socl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$15,178 / set
Antique Сrystal Tazza Two Tone 19th century Russian Imperial Factory Fruit Vase
Located in Sweden, SE
Antique and absolutely exclusive, fully hand crafted at Russian Imperial Glass Factory in first half of 19th century. Beautiful combination of colors and unique shape and architectur...
Category
1830s Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique American Empire Carved Oak Glass Front Bookcase, Circa 1890
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique American Empire or Arts & Crafts bookcase cabinet
In the manner of Stickley Brothers
USA, Circa 1890
Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with mullioned glass front doors...
Category
1890s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Mahogany Settee, Early 19th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Settee
An Empire finely carved dark figured mahogany three seat settee, the back is surmounted by facing scrolls with strigilated flutes be...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage French Empire Tole Metal Oval Shade Small Brass Bouillotte Desk Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Tole Metal Small Brass Bouillotte Desk Lamp with Adjustable Height Oval Shade. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H (to finial) x 8.5" H (to light socket...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This grand Empire bureau is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the 1820s, crafted from hand-polished mahogany adorned with intricate inlaid wood detailing. Its imposing pr...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A pair of elegant candelabra with caryatids, Empire, early 19th century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of elegant candelabra with caryatids, Empire, early 19th century
A very elegant and high-quality French pair of candelabra in gilt and dark-patinated bronze. Each candelabrum...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Italian Console Tables
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fine pair of early 19th Century Italian Empire walnut console tables, Lombardy. With very good Breche d'Alep moulded rectangular tops above a single drawer with brass moulding supp...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$11,195 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Bronze and Ormolu Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Napoleon III bronze and ormolu table lamps columnar form.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,240 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Ten Empire Floral Decorated Gilt Banded Plates
Located in New York, NY
Antique set of ten Empire white and gilt plates with center floral bouquets; with underglaze red markings for L. Ernie 61 Rue du Bac., France, early 180...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Design of Lady Face Sconces Gold Dore' Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast in bronze with real 18K gold Dore' finish. Contemporary hi-quality castings in fine details. From the original French pair. Look fantastic on the wall a...
Category
1990s North American Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
An Italian early 19th century Mahogany, Giltwood and veneered marble console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stately and most decorative Northern Italian early 19th century Empire st. patinated Mahogany, Giltwood and veneered marble console. This stunning cons...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchair in Blue Patterned Stripped Silk Blent - Pair
This Antique French Empire armchair...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
German Two Chandeliers Silver, Friedlander Brothers, Germany, circa 1890
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver German nicest pair of chandeliers
Transition period / Empire (made circa 1880-1900).
Silver 800
branded by German Crescent with Crown.
Silver weight: 1479 grams / 3257 Lb
...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Impressive Empire Style Buffet by Maison Krieger
Located in London, GB
Impressive Empire style buffet by Maison Krieger
French, circa 1900
Measures: Height 199cm, width 217cm, depth 66cm
This magnificent Empire style c...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
$82,359 Sale Price
20% Off
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 ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Commode
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French Empire Commode in book matched flame mahogany and Black Marble Top
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Villa Garnelo French Empire Style Crotch Mahogany 4 Drawer Commode Dresser Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Villa Garnelo French Empire Style Crotch Mahogany 4 Drawer Commode Dresser Chest. Ite...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A Pair of custom Empire style crotch mahogany console tables.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and finely crafted, this pair of custom console or pier tables showcases the bold symmetry and classical influence of the Empire style. Each table features richly figured cr...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Antique Mahogany, Marble Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique French single chest of drawers made of hand crafted shellac polished Mahogany, veneered on Oakwood in good condition. The rectangular cupboard is composed with a grey-white marble top, the inside is consisting one shelf, enhanced by its original brass hardware and keys, standing on two wooden feet and two lion feet. The detailed carved cupboard represents the First French Empire time...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century Large Empire Style Painted Gilt Wood Wall Mirror
Located in Berlin, DE
Late 19th century large empire style painted gilt wood wall mirror or trumeau
Large rectangular mirror with architectural structure: the central field, consisting of a lower mirro...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
$4,420 Sale Price
35% Off
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
French, Early 19th Century
Height 68cm, width 77cm, depth 39cm
This beautiful antique stool is a class...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
$3,514 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19 Century French Empire Crystal Candlesticks
Located in San Marino, CA
Pair of French candelabrum with crystal stems, sitting on marble.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
French Empire Gueridon Side Table with Tripod Columns Brass and Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful French Empire style gueridon table from 19th century. Beautiful black fossil marble over a mahogany body. A simple apron showcases the deep toned wood. Three columnar leg...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu and Marble Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu mounted on Alabastro Sardonico and black Belgian marble pedestal. The pedestal is raised by a protruding square ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Elegant brass table lamp in the form of an amphora urn, late 19th century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant brass table lamp in the form of an amphora urn, from the late 19th century
Striking and elegant table lamp in polished brass, shaped as a classical amphora urn with sweepin...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Chandelier. Empire style chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite and rare Empire style chandelier with elaborate gilt bronze frame and crystal pyramids and pendalogues. France, circa 1900.
Dimensions: Height 58" Diameter 34"
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Bouillotte French Lamp Gild Bronze 4 lights Flora Motive Empire Style
Located in Sweden, SE
Stylish antique Bouillotte lamp. Square foot with a four candleholders in flora motive candleholders and adjustable fabric shade with fixation bolt in form of an arrow feather. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Pedestal Plant Stand Empire Style
Located in New York, NY
A substantial French gold gilt bronze pedestal column plant stand, in the Empire design style, circa 20th century, France. Round top is a copper gilt bronze, pillar and tripod hoof b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century France Furnished Armchair Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid maple. Curved frame on curly legs. Strong curved supports in rolled volutes ending for slightly rising armrests. High-profile, contoured backrest frame with a wide finish. Seat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Maple
$7,294 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Ormolu and Turquin Grey Marble Wall Mahogany Framed Armorial Plaques
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of armorial Ormolu mounts and Turquin grey marble wall plaques presented in mahogany frames with gilded bronze mounts and banding.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage French Bourgeat Saucepan "Série Collectivité" Aluminum 18" - 2Y67
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This beautiful vintage Bourgeat saucepan from the "Série Collectivité" collection is crafted from durable aluminum and made in France. Perfect for both collectors and culinary enthus...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
$130 Sale Price
50% Off
Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Figural Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A grand and finely cast pair of French Empire style ormolu and patinated bronze three-arm figural wall sconces. Each sconce centers on a striking classical maiden, beautifully render...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Russian Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (18th Century) mahogany secretary bookcase with brass gallery pediment and trim with 2 front doors revealing 3 drawers and shelves ...
Category
Late 18th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Jules Verne's "Hector Servadac" - Second Part, 9th Edition by Ed. Hetzel - 2Y76
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This is the second part of Jules Verne's captivating novel "Hector Servadac," 9th edition, published by Ed. Hetzel. The book is in good condition, with a slightly worn cover and spin...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$160 Sale Price
75% Off
Italian Empire Style Walnut Chest of Drawers, 19th Century, One of a Pair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large-scale Italian Empire period three drawer chest with beautiful figural walnut veneers, and having original gilt bronze hardware. Excellent antique condition with some recent r...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Mahogany and Brass Centre Table
Located in New York, NY
With round red fossil stone top over a frieze raised on three columnar supports with gilt metal capitals and bases headed by brass inlaid diamonds, joined by platform stretchers. Nic...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire period gilt bronze obelisk inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
Chased and gilded bronze inkwell on a canted base with a frieze of interlacings centered on rosettes. Leobelisk model, topped by a seeded fruit. It features two covered cups decorate...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Empire Style Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incredible pair of Empire style candelabra of gilt and patinated bronze. The backs are flat in order that they might be close to a wall.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$9,650 / set
Fine Old Paris Porcelain Coffee Can and 'En Grisaille', French circa 1810
By Paris Studio
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful porcelain coffee can made by a French Old - Paris maker, dating to the early 19th century, circa 1810.
The very fine Paris Porcelain coffee...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Woven Fight Scene Tapestry 8.0X3.6
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Green Marble Military Urns
Located in New York, NY
Each urn in this magnificent and unique pair showcases a tall, baluster-shaped body crafted from dark green marble featuring beautiful white and grey veining. They are elegantly set ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Gilded Classical Wooden Column / Pedestal, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This exquisite hand-carved wooden column, adorned with gleaming gold leaf, exudes timeless elegance and grandeur. Standing at an impressive 43.9 inches (111.5 cm) tall, the column fe...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,605 Sale Price
20% Off
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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