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.
Baker Furniture Empire Banded Mahogany Drum Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Empire or Georgian style drum side table or tea table By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Beautiful flame mahogany, with satinwood banding. Measures: 24"W x 24...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century Cup in Egyptian Porphyry and Bronze with Cupids
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing cup in red, Egyptian porphyry featuring three cupids on a circular base. The patinated bronze cupids serve as the supporting stem for the wide-rimmed cup. Two of the cupids ...
Porphyry, Bronze
French Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Vitrines / PAIR
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome pair of Empire-style gilt bronze mounted (ormolu) mahogany marble top vitrines / display cabinets, each with two interior glass shelves, glass on three (3) sides, back and...
Marble, Bronze
Empire Style Chandelier in Bronze, Green Sheet Metal and Molded Glass Flame
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice, elegant and decorative Empire style chandelier is made of green sheet metal and gilt bronze, decorated with swan necks, ornaments and palmettes, and surmounted by a m...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
$2,237Sale 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
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Gilt Wood Antique Rectangula Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant Italian antique mirror dating back to the early 19th century, during the Empire period. An extremely refined mirror. Made with a wooden frame finely decorate...
Poplar
French Empire Centre Table Burr Walnut circa 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
French Empire style burr walnut centre table. Circa 1860 Standing on swept legs with cast gilt Mouldings. This table has 1 x Mahogany lined drawer. The shaped top featuring high ...
Walnut
19th Century Italian Cheval Mirror
Located in London, Park Royal
An elegant and imposing, 19th century, Italian cheval mirror made in solid mahogany. Belonged to a well known Italian actress of the golden age o...
Wood
Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze figural candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi resumes the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by gilt satin br...
Bronze
French Empire Mahogany Commode with Black Marble Top
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is an elegant French Empire-style commode crafted in richly figured flame mahogany, showcasing the bold architectural lines and restrained classical elegance characteristic of t...
Marble, Brass
Very Fine Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze period Empire mantle clock. France, circa 1805. Period Empire clock featuring an stylized Hercules with Lion's pelt. Origin...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Giltwood Wall Appliqués, Hand-Carved Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of Italian 19th century giltwood wall appliqués–decorative elements to enhance the architectural program–likely obtained from a church or cathedral as they are flat a...
Gold
$6,170Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century Silver and Cut Crystal Candy Dish
Located in Paris, FR
A candy dush in silver and blown crystal cut in oves and cut known as "diamond point". The candy dish is decorated with antique motifs representing deities: on one side, Poseidon emerging from the wave trident by hand, on the other side Hermes god...
Crystal, Silver
$544Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Empire Wall Sconces in Bronze with Flower Basket Motif, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of nice sconces. Each fixture requires a European E14 candelabra bulb, bulb up to 40 watts. Each wall light has a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement. Mad...
Bronze
20th Century, French Desk or Bureau Plat with Lions in the antique Empire Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Bird's-eye maple wood on massive beech wood, partially carved and framed. The pedestal is arched on profile shaped washers. Above the four large winged, polygonal standing heads. Th...
Birdseye Maple
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock, signed Ferey au Havre, Ormolu
Located in Greven, DE
Small mantel clock with bas-relief France Bronze, enamel early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 33 x 19 x 9 cm Description: Antique, fire-gilt portal clock with figurative, Gre...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair French Empire Chairs
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Wonderful pair French Empire chairs, ebony legs and recently upholstered in linen, very good overall condition, 32" high 29" wide 30" overall depth 20" seat depth 14" seat height ...
Ebony
Empire Secretaire around 1800 Mahogany Veneer on Solid Oak Aristocratic Property
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality Cuban mahogany on solid oak. gold-plated, finely chased fittings Central lock with a special key. Architecturally structured front. Rectangular body on 2 high feet with...
Mahogany
Pair Empire Period North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, & Tôle-Peinte Cachepots
Located in New York, NY
An extremely rare and unusual Pair Of North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, and Tôle-Peinte Potted Hyacinths/Cachepots, Possibly Baltic, Circa 1815-1825. Each Modeled As A Tôle-Peinte Sp...
Crystal, Ormolu, Tin
Antique Early French 19th Century Empire style Firescreen
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique - Decoration - 19th Measures : 65x42cm H:111cm Large solid wood fireplace screen, Empire period Gilt-painted ornamentation Original tapestry Lion-paw feet. Empire style craf...
Tapestry, Wood
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock with Seated Female Figure Reading Poetry
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and finely executed French Empire mantel clock crafted in ormolu. The clock is modelled with a seated female figure reading poetry. Behind her stands a tablet inscribed "...
Bronze
Pair of Empire-Style Neoclassical Gilt and Patinated Bronze Stands
Located in London, GB
A pair of Empire-style Neoclassical gilt and patinated bronze stands French, 20th Century 42cm high x 31cm wide x 31 cm depth Made from patinated bronze and gilt bronze in the French Empire style, with Neoclassical influences, these excellent stands were made in France in the 20th century. Placed upon four small gilt feet...
Bronze, Ormolu
Gilt and Patinated Bronze Empire Period Mantel Clock by Gaston Jolly
By Gaston Jolly
Located in London, GB
Depicting a young woman seated at a table holding a book and looking at a celestial globe, above the central dial signed 'Gaston Jolly Paris' and flanked by two busts.
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Danish Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would look fan...
Gold
19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French gilt metal figural mantel clock is a striking example of the refined artistry and technical excellence that defined French decorative arts during the nineteen...
Metal
Swedish Empire Tilt-Top Table in Alder Burl Veneer, Mälardalen Sweden
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish Empire tilt-top table from the Mälardalen region, Sweden, circa 1800. The square top is beautifully veneered in alder burl (Swedish: alrot), displaying a rich and lively grain pattern that creates a striking decorative surface. The carefully arranged veneer work highlights the natural beauty of the timber and reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with fine Swedish cabinetmaking of the Empire period. The base is crafted in birch and features a gently twisted central column terminating in three elegantly swept legs. Its restrained proportions and refined construction are characteristic of Swedish Empire furniture...
Birdseye Maple
French 19th century Empire st. Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu centerpiece. This most elegant centerpiece is raised by an oval Ormolu base with intricately sc...
Crystal, Ormolu
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s An exquisite pair of early 19th-century French Empire candelabra, masterfully crafted in finely chased g...
Bronze
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Bronze, Enamel
French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Mirrored Surtout De Table Centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French Mid-19th Century Empire st. ormolu mirrored surtout de table centerpiece. The impressive cent...
Ormolu
Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Offers mahogany frame with inlays in satinwood of flowers and foliage along back crest, "S" scroll arms and slipper feet. Features upholstered seat, back and inside and outside arms....
Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood, Kingwood, Mahogany
French 18th Century Empire Solid Walnut Marble Top Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
A handsome 18th-century French Empire commode crafted in warm walnut and topped with its original gray marble slab. Featuring four spacious drawers with beautifully figured walnut ve...
Marble, Bronze
Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This precious Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features many finely hand chiseled details. This model is typical of French Empire period due to ...
Gold, Bronze
Custom Made Brass Lantern Chandelier Circular Glass Pendant Light 6 Light Fixtur
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional lantern is our own original creation, handcrafted in our workshop with the highest level of precision and attention to detail. Every element is carefully made by han...
Brass
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
$3,950 / set
Pair of 19th Century Bronze-Mounted Decanters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French or possibly Russian. Finely chased bronze details. Handcut crystal. Rare.
Crystal, Bronze
A Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Stunning Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four Light Candelabra, Which Convert to Candlesticks. Each constructed with a circular base supporting a tall fluted shaft and detachable four...
Bronze
Abattant Secretary Desk 20th-century Portuguese style, made of Mahogany Root
Located in Madrid, ES
Abattant Secretary Desk 20th-century Portuguese style, made of mahogany root wood. Top section with two drawers, with a leather-covered flip-top, interior with a central door, four...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Mahogany and Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of English Regency mahogany frame dining chairs, early 19th century. Features exquisite carved back-splats in conjunction with further foliate carvings to the top crest, strip...
Mahogany, Upholstery, Giltwood
Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat by Maison Forest, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat by Maison Forest. Paris, circa 1900. Bearing two labels to the underside: 'FOREST/TAPISSERIE/EBENISTERIE/31 RUE CAMBACERES.PARIS...
Bronze
19th Century Gray Danish Bow Front Small Chest of Three Drawers or Nightstand
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Danish Empire small chest of three drawers or nightstand, crafted in oak. The case has a gentle bow front that gives the piece a graceful and refined look in a compact s...
Oak, Paint
Pair Vintage French Painted Folding Campaign Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair Vintage French hand painted and hand crafted Campaign Chairs, each director form chair carved with Empire details -- taupe paint With gilt and animal print upholstery, Height...
Fabric, Giltwood
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 25" H (to finial) x 17" H (to light socket) x 13" W x 13" D. {3-Way (N...
Brass
19th century pair of French Empire ormolu candlesticks
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A magnificent pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks in the maner of Jean Demosthene Dugourc. Each with fluted, tapered shaft and delicate ornamentation, surmounted by three female heads...
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century French Empire sconces with cherubs body, two lights. originally for candles, newly rewired for US
Bronze
Late 19th-C. French Empire Gilt Bronze Mahogany Side Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 19th century French Empire mahogany side chairs with gilt bronze mounts. Note the griffins on the legs! The fabric appears to be silk. It is vintage and in ver...
Bronze
1900 French Empire Gilt Bronze Two Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire gilt bronze two-light sconces, 19th century, with a flame atop and empire faces design
Bronze
French Early 19th Century Empire St. Walnut, Ormolu and Marble Chests
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive pair of French early 19th century Empire st. walnut, ormolu, and Bleu Turquin marble chests. Each three-drawer chest is raised by elegant square tapere...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Circa 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of French Empire candlesticks in gilt and patinated bronze. Slender, gently tapering fluted stems with gilt bronze mounts to the top and bottom, decorated with acanthus leave...
Bronze
Tobey Furniture Monumental Antique French Empire Mahogany and Brass Dining Table
By Tobey
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding palatial antique French Empire style monumental extension dining table By Tobey Furniture USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 66"W x 5...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s An exceptionally elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, dating from the 1820s–1830s, executed in finely silvered...
Silver Plate, Bronze
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical/Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs. Each wonderful chair is raised on four square curved legs all connec...
Ormolu
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire handcrafted mirror. Oval shaped hand carved wooden structure with silver foil finish.
Silver Leaf
19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent condition with finely chased dore bronze mounts. Has key and pendulum.
Bronze
Large French Empire Style Glass and Gilt Bronze 18-Light Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This 19th century French chandelier is designed in the Empire style and wrought from gilt bronze and strings of cut glass. The chandelier features a lower dome-shaped body below an o...
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Antique French Empire Style Figural Carved Dragons 9 Light Chandelier Measures 37 In H x 27.25 In w x 27.24 D
Metal, Brass
Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps -
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S shipping quote. Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps - a Pair...
Brass
Antique French Porcelain Pitcher Hand Painted Empire Period, Circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
Made in the Napoleonic period, this exquisite French porcelain pitcher was hand-painted in the Empire style. It boasts classical and rococ...
Porcelain
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 ...
Marble
Carl Thieme, Dresden Floral Painted & Gilded Porcelain Urn, Germany, 20th C
By Carl Thieme
Located in Chatham, ON
CARL THIEME (Factory / Manufacturer) - Potschappel (Village / Location) - Empire style Dresden floral decorated and gilded porcelain urn with cover - ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf