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.
Magnificent Pair of Gilt-Bronze Figural Empire Period Candelabra, circa 1815
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A magnificent and highly important pair of gilt bronze figural empire period candelabra. French, circa 1815. A Magnificent and Highly Important Pair of gilt bronze Figural Empi...
Bronze
Italian Solid 800 Silver Tea-Coffeset Empire Style with oblong tray
Located in VALENZA, IT
Impressive Empire-style tea and coffee set on a base with a tray. The set is in the classic Napoleonic Empire style, with a base and gilded interior for the milk jug and sugar bowl. ...
Silver
Round dining table inlaid top and wooden tripod base handcrafted by Cupioli
Located in Rimini, IT
Round dining table inlaid top and wooden tripod base handcrafted by Cupioli "Verbena " round dining or center table. This table with scagliola art inlay takes inspiration from the c...
Scagliola, Wood
Antique French Empire Brass Converted Oil Lamp Mahogany Wood Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Brass Converted Oil Lamp Corinthian Column Table Lamp With Mahogany Wooden Column. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 31.5" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light ...
Brass
X-Small Egg style Faberge Aquamarine Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of table Lamps in Brass Gold Color Silk original Shades France 19th US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BUYERS
Brass
$3,500Sale Price|27% Off
Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Empire fruit wood chest of drawers with gilt bronze hardware and ebonized columns, 19th century. No keys.
Bronze
French 19th Century Large Tole Candelabra
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This generously scaled five-arm candelabra has gained a wonderful patina since its creation during the 1890’s in France. A single arm is raised above the rest while four scrolling ar...
Tôle, Metal
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Mounted Figural Partners Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 31.75 inches high x 63.5 inches wide x 30.25 inches deep An exceptional example of early 20th-century French craftsmanship, this antique Empire style partners desk datin...
Bronze
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s An exquisite pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled gilt bronze, likely crafted in Paris during the 1820s...
Bronze
Louis Vuitton Eiffel Tower Trunks Monogram Art Print in Gold Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage European gold leaf frame. Artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically formed in the shape of the Eiffe...
Wood, Giltwood, Paper
Small Painted Tole Trinket Tray Dish Floral Pattern, 1830's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming black toleware metal tray with scalloped corners, featuring hand-painted flowers. We see this early 19th Century versatile piece on a cocktail table or used for trinkets in ...
Metal
Dutch 18th Century Painted Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This Dutch trumeau is a fantastic find, crafted during the 1790’s, it retains its original mercury mirror plate within a perfectly worn, amber-tone paint...
Glass, Mercury Glass, Mirror, Paint
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Wood, Paper
Early 19th Century French Empire Figural Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Pair of rare early 19th century French Empire figural bronze candlesticks featuring patinated putti figures dressed in stylized costume, each supporting a foliate ormolu candle branc...
Marble, Bronze
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
By Wiggers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810 The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Pewter
$14,400Sale Price / set|48% Off
Pair of crystal and bronze vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of french empire style late 19 century crystal cut ormolu bronze original gilting You have eagle that embeds the base at the 4 corner, on the side of the vase you have magnifi...
Crystal, Bronze
Darte Frères Faux Tortoise and Gilt Partial Coffee Service
By Darte Frères
Located in New York, NY
Darte Frères Faux Tortoise and Gilt Partial Coffee Service. Antique Empire Paris porcelain by Darte Frères 1795-1825 in a rich mocha faux tortoise pattern with neoclassical decorativ...
Porcelain
Italian Empire Period Carved Giltwood & Gilt-Gesso Mirror, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
of rectangular shape and having a coved form with a rabbet of carved gesso, now fitted with a modern mirrorplate
Giltwood
French Empire skeleton clock, fire-gilded, engraved bronze With calendar display
Located in Berlin, DE
SKELETON-PENDULUM Directory The Pendulum 1795-1810 Golden Bronze Height 50 cm Width 32 cm Depth 15 cm fire gold-plated bronze Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze m...
Gold Plate
19th Century, Pair of French Gitl Bronze Appliques
Located in IT
19th Century, Pair of French Gitl Bronze Appliques This particular pair of appliques, in chiseled and gilded bronze, dates back to the first half of the nineteenth century. Made ...
Bronze
18th Century Antique French Needlepoint Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique French Needlepoint
Wool, Cotton
A Pair of French Empire Style Corner Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
French Empire or Napoleon III style mahogany corner armchairs with ormolu mounts, arms rest on seated sphinx. Original upholstery, good original condition. New upholstery and also co...
Brass
'60s Monumental Empire 24K Gold Plated Bronze Amethyst Crystal Chandelier Palwa
By Palwa
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1960's Monumental Empire style 24K Gold Plated Bronze with Amethyst Cut Crystal Waterfall Semi Flush Mount Chandelier by Palme & Walter Palwa. This is a very high quality Chandel...
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 ...
Bronze
Pair Antique French Paris Porcelain Hand-painted Dog Vases by Darte Frères 1810
By Darte Frères
Located in Portland, OR
A large & wonderful pair of antique French Porcelain de Paris Darte Frères hand-painted & gilded portrait vases, with scenes of dogs, and painted in the manner of Fragonard, circa 18...
Porcelain
Sumptuous Circular French Aubusson Carpet – Empire Period, 19th Century – N 1598
Located in Paris, FR
This magnificent rug, having undergone a thorough cleaning, hand-lined with 100% linen fabric, and meticulous inspection by our experts in our artisan workshop, is now ready to grace...
Wool
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabra, sleek and sophisticated in design, each one fitted with three lights, fire gilt details, raised on an...
Bronze
Ice Bucket with Lion Head Design
Located in New York, NY
A copper and brass ice bucket with lion head design, in the Empire style, circa mid-20th century. This copper ice bucket with lid has brass lion head and loop design on sides (or fro...
Brass, Copper
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...
Bronze
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Wool
French Empire Revival Ram Head Motif Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Revival Ram Head Motif Floor Lamp, with tessellated hardstone globe surrounded by ram's heads and white pleated shade. Overall: 67" H x 19" Diameter. Provenance: From...
Stone, Brass
Monumental Empire Style Bronze and Crystal Chandelier, Austria, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian crystal chandelier with a solid bronze frame and faceted crystal, circa 1930s or older. This chandelier is perfect for large spaces, entryways, and hallways. A unique waterf...
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate
Late 18th Century Danish Pewter Tankard Jug with Lid
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Found in a market in Copenhagen, this Danish tankard dates from the Early-19th Century. This jug features a handle as well as a lid. Charming jug standing alone or would make a wonde...
Pewter
$3,572Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century Dutch Empire Warm Brown Curved Commode in Solid Elm
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant four-drawer commode was made in the Netherlands circa 1860. It was made in solid elm with a pine interior. The commode has a convex-concave curved front. The piece has a two-plank top with a bullnose edge. Below four drawers are situated. Each drawer is equipped with two brass drawer pulls, a keyplate, and a lock. The brass pulls and keyplate is typical Dutch azure cut...
Brass
Near Pair Empire Mahogany Fauteuil de Bureau, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A rare near pair of finely crafted Empire-style desk chairs, attributed to renowned French cabinetmaker Jacob Desmalter, dating from circa 1800–1809. These elegant chairs feature bol...
Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany Mantel Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An architectural, Empire-style mantel mirror from France with some light foxing throughout the original mercury mirror plate. The carved mahogany has gained a fine patina, composed o...
Metal, 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
Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with translucent fired enamels and featuring a handpainted monochrome miniature on guilloche of a sailing ship on the lid, depi...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Bronze
Pair of Early Chiavari Chairs by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary light and strong, probably out of rosewood. Early version in untouched condition. Missing their rush seating-one chair retains remnants of early (if not original) rushing. These chairs were originally designed in 1807! in answer to a Challenge to design a 'modern' chair. These chairs were very popular amongst the nobility in the 19th century, and were the model for Gio Ponti's update Classic Super Leggera Chair.
Wood
French Silver-Plated Bronze Three-Light Bouillotte Lamp attributed to Christofle
By Christofle
Located in leucate, FR
This exquisite three-light Bouillotte lamp is a quintessential example of French Neoclassical design, combining the rigorous elegance of the Empire style with the world-renowned craf...
Metal, Silver Plate, Bronze
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 13" X 11"
Wool
X-Small Egg style Faberge Ruby Red Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Christian VIII Empire Oval Pedestal Tea Table in Mahogany, Denmark, circa 1835
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome Christian VIII neoclassical-style tea or breakfast table in mahogany with oval top on foliate-carved baluster-turned column resting on quatre-form pedestal base with carve...
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century French Part Metallic Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Part Metallic Tapestry Pillow - 23" x 9"
Wool, Feathers
Antique Meissen Empire Coffee Pot with Gold Decoration, 19th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Meissen Empire coffee pot with gold decoration. 19th century. Measures: 27 x 20 cm. 1st factory quality. In good condition with wear in the ...
Porcelain
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9", Authentic and Antique , Woolen
Wool, Feathers
Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings. Oil on canvas Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind, 1837 and 1838. See text on the back. In original gilded damgaard frames. ...
Canvas
Antique Danish Late Empire Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late empire secretary bureau in mahogany veneered oak with beautiful grain. In 2 parts. Desk top offers three bowed doors. A concave door in the middl...
Oak, Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8X6.5
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...
Wool, Cotton
Elegant Large Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Large Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, France, 1820s An elegant and imposing pair of Empire candlesticks, France, circa 1820, crafted in gilt and dark pati...
Bronze
Danish Golden Age Painting of a Soldier and a Lady at Rosenborg Castle
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oil painting from the Danish Golden Age (c. 1840-1860) portraying a soldier engaged in conversation with a lady, with the historic Rosenborg Castle elegantly positioned in the backgr...
Canvas
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs. Dimensions: Hei...
Crystal, Brass
Charming brass and glass centerpiece, classic style , 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Stunning centerpiece made of cobalt blue glass with fine embossed decoration and gold details along the edge. The wide and scenic bowl is supported by a richly worked base made of gi...
Crystal, Bronze
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s A magnificent pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled and fire-gilded bronze, France, circa 1820. These e...
Bronze
French Empire Mahogany Vanity with Marble Top, Circa 1804-1814
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Vanity is made of mahogany with a white marble top. It has some bronze pineapple on each side of the mirror. dimension from the floor to the marble top 30.8''H dimension from th...
Marble
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Soliders of War 5.10X6.9
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...
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass Candlesticks, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of antique French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks from ca. 1890. A beautiful and compact-sized pair of French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks with removable bobeches (...
Brass
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Empire Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu & Patinated Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Empire-Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patinated Candelabra, France, 20th Century A pair of exquisite Empire-style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patin...
Bronze, Ormolu