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
Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1980s
Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, an...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and 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
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Frederick Cooper French Empire Brass Patina Trumpet Candelabra Table Lamp Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Frederick Cooper French Empire Style Lacquered Patinated Brass Trumpet Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 28" H (to l...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Hand-Painted Chinese Vase Signed "L'art de Chine" - Macau - 2Y72
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite Chinese vase, signed "L'art de Chine," is a hand-painted piece created in Macau. The vase features intricate designs and delicate gilding, making it a stunning additio...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$944 Sale Price
50% Off
French Empire Neoclassical Style Chest of Drawers, Late 19th C
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This three drawer walnut chest is raised by elegant square tapered legs below ebonized architectural columns with ormolu caryatids.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of Bronze Crossed Arrows Wall Sconces
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of bronze wall sconces present a chiseled macarrons with two crossed arrows. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Napoleonic Empire Style Gondola Chairs with Dolphins
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of carved walnut gondola chairs featuring dolphins. Crafted in the grand Napoleonic French empire taste with a curved crestrail and intricately carved splat centered by...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
French 19th Century Empire St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock. The clock is raised by fine rectangular ormolu supports below the Vert de Patricia marble base. A str...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Center/Library Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and ormolu center/library table. The large scale circular table is raised by three most exceptional scrolled ta...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Swedish Empire Style Cut-Crystal Tent and Basket Chandelier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Swedish Empire style gilt-bronze and cut-crystal tent and basket chandelier.
Swedish, Circa 1825.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Wall Sconce
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A precious gilt bronze two-light wall sconce in the Empire style, France, 1920-1929. Finely elaborate with hand chiseled details. Typical design of French Empire period due to its rich ornamentation with faces and acanthus leaf motifs. The bottom is characterized by a man head supporting a pedestal with the lamp-arms. Two scroll light...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Russian Empire Malachite, French Bronze Centrepiece/Tazzas by Thomier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of Russian Empire Period malachite, French doré bronze and cut crystal Tazzas, signed THOMIRE A PARIS. The square malachite bowls are...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Malachite, Bronze
Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Figures on Islands 6.5X5.5
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...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Empire Console Tables with Bronze Details, circa 1820
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This pair of Empire console tables features unusual, turned mahogany legs in the front that are decorated with beautiful, fire-gilded bro...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of Neoclassical Marble and Glass Swan Vases
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of neoclassical marble and glass swan vases.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$2,750 / set
French Aubusson 1800 - 17.5" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century French Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewood, gilded frame adorned with water leaves and pearl friezes, in good condition. The mirror is consisting its original mirror glass...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
1850 English Needle Work Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 17''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Extremely unique and fine an english needle work tapestry from mid-18th century. And it's retrieved from the story of: The little red riding hood. Beautiful design and amazing loyal ...
Category
1850s British Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Fabric
Perod Signed White and Gold Porcelain Cup
Located in Roma, IT
Perod Signed White and Gold Porcelain Cup
Beautiful fine white porcelain bowl
Features beautiful eighteenth-century Venetian hand-painted figurines taken in a pose of rare eleganc...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Empire Style Gilt X Frame Stool
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century Empire style gilt X frame stool.
A superb antique neoclassical X frame stool in the Empire style, the stool has relatively new upholstery and the show wood is carved ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
A Pair Of French Empire Patinated Bronze And Marble Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A Large Pair of Empire Patinated Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Each candelabra features a classical winged Victory figure holding stylised oil lamp candleholder with gadrooned nozzles. The winged figure wears a flowing dress with finely detailed, crisp lines and stands atop a gilt bronze orb...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock of Aurora in Her Chariot Pulled by Her Winged
Located in London, GB
Fine antique French Empire Ormolu mantel clock of a chariot drawn by two winged horses carrying the chariot with a female figure. Thi...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French Silk Tapestry Pillow 1850
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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
$132 Sale Price
60% Off
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillows
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 17th Century Tapestry Pillows.
1) Tapestry panel of brightly a brightly colored parrot amidst lush fruiting branches, representing a harmonious balance of nature, and applie...
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Textile
Early 19th Century Antique Figural Pictorial Baloutch Rug 4'11'' X 3'0''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Baloutch Rug Made for a Noble Man 4'11'' X 3', handmade and hand-knotted, inspired by the story of beauty and the beast
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,637 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful Plaster House with "April 214 S.G.D.G" and "Bremail Inscription - 2Y35
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a charming and unique piece to your collection with this beautiful plaster house, inscribed with "April 214 S.G.D.G" and "Bremail." This detailed model is perfect for collectors ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Plaster
$129 Sale Price
47% Off
Antique Candelabra Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
Magnificent pair of Empire candelabra, gilt and patinated bronze, now turned into electric lamps.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$8,500 / set
Antique Vintage Lamp Base in Alabaster and Brass with Lampshade - 2Y231
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Good
Comments: The lamp is in working condition, though the electrical wiring does not meet modern standards. The alabaster and brass lamp base is in good condition, with ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
$330 Sale Price
65% Off
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s.
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Book Sunday and Feast Day Missal - Editions Brépols - 2Y188
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage missal, Missel des Dimanches et des Fêtes, published by Editions Brépols, is a classic religious book ideal for collectors or those interested in liturgical history. It includes readings and prayers for Sundays and feast days, making it a valuable addition to any religious collection.
Title: Missel des Dimanches et des Fêtes
Publisher: Editions Brépols
Language: French
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good condition. The cover shows slight wear, and two pages have been taped back together (Please see photos for details).
Dimensions:
Height: 13.8 cm (5.4 inches)
Length: 8.5 cm (3.3 inches)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 inch)
Weight: 186 g (0.41 lbs)
This missal is perfect for those who appreciate vintage religious items...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$132 Sale Price
55% Off
Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Empire clock in bronze with two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th century
Weight: 11.00 kg
Sizes: H 51cm x L 39cm
France
very good condition.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Circa 1820 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1820
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Dinky Toys Peugeot 403 - Vintage Toy Car - 2Y40
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of classic automotive history to your collection with this vintage Dinky Toys Peugeot 403. This small but charming toy car is a classic example ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$135 Sale Price
75% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible pair of spirited early 19th century French Empire bronze candlesticks celebrating the arts with individually cast and applied painters' palettes with brushes, sculptors' hammers and compasses, writers' books, musicians' harps, drama masks...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 20'' X 14'', Needlework and Handmade, Brussels.
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of French Empire Gilt-Bronze & Tole Bouillotte Candlesticks, E 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
****Can be wired if requested. Please contact first. ****
A handsome pair of French Empire-style bouillotte candlesticks, each composed of richly fire-gilded bronze with its origina...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Antique French Empire Burl Wood Bibliotheque Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1880s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique French Empire knockdown bibliotheque bookcase cabinet
In the manner of Louis Majorelle
France, Circa 1880s
Gorgeous burl wood, with bronze mounts and trim.
Me...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th C. Sicilian Glass Pharmacy Jar Set, 3 Pieces
Located in Ross, CA
Originally handblown in Sicily in the early 19th century, this impressive pharmacy pot incorporates two separate containers and a lid, and would have been...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
$2,640 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Europe, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these p...
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Bronze Eagle Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French mid 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze eagle on a Vert de Patricia marble base. The richly detailed eagle is raised by a substantial and impressive square mottled Vert de Patricia base with cut corners. The fierce and richly chased open winged eagle stands...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, 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
Pair French Empire Bronze and Marble Campana Form Urns
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of Classical style urns are finely cast featuring acanthus leaves, mask form handles, and laurel leaf wreaths on Sienna marble plinth form bases.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French rectangular wall mirror made of hand carved gilded Pinewood with its original mirror glass, in good condition. The arched mirror is particularized by detailed flower carvings and fittings. The Parisian décor piece represents the First French Empire...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Pine, Giltwood
19th Century Swedish inlaid burr birch oval occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid burr birch oval occasional table circa 1870.
Good quality swedish burr birch center table that could be used for multiple purposes around the home. Oval shape w...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
19th century pair of French Empire ormolu candlesticks
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, 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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1920's Persian Mohajeran Sarouk Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79263 Antique Persian Mohajeran Sarouk Rug, 08'10 x 10'07. Radiating an aura of timeless prestige, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug embodies the artistic height of e...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
$7,728 Sale Price
20% Off
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and 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
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1840s Empire Veneered Mahogany Wood Sicilian Round Tilt-Top Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Sicilian tilt-top table is a distinctive piece of furniture, reflecting the design aesthetics of the Empire style popular during the early to mid-19th century, it's a testament ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Sicilian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Chandelier, with applied putti busts and molded acanthus leaf motif. 21" H x 9.5" Diameter. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Circa 1920 Antique Suzani Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Suzani Pillow
Category
1920s Uzbek Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of vase Porcelain, Valentine, Old Paris, flowers pattern, France 1860
By Old Paris
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain Pair of Vase Ofs Valentine Old Paris Decor Of Bouquet Of Flowers XIXth Century
Manufacture of "Valentine" in Saint-Gaudens. Decorated with a bouq...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$614 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique 19th-century german empire oak and pine inlaid three drawer commode
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful commode was made in Germany in the late 19th century. The commode is made from European summer oak and solid pine and features three drawers. The drawers were enriched...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Bronze Ormolu 4 Light Candelabra Table Lamps, Manner Rabiat, a Pair
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Manner of Claude-Francois Rabiat. Each modeled as a classical maiden holding aloft a basket of fruit issuing four candlearms on raised engine turned column and plinth base.
Shade me...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Woven Scene Tapestry 7.7X6.55
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
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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