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.
Antique Empire Chest of Drawers in Cuban Mahogany with Interior Writing Surface
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very fine Empire chest or commode with bowed front offering four drawers on tapered feet in the finest book-matched Cuban (West Indies) mahogany. Satinwood inlays depicting two sph...
Mahogany, Satinwood
French Gilt and Marble Occasional Table in the Empire Style
By Jacob Frères
Located in London, GB
A fine gueridon in the Empire manner after a model by Jacob Freres. Based on designs by Percier and Fontaine. Of circular form, constructed in Amboyna, rising from giltwood bun feet, the platform base of tripartite incurved form, centered with a fire gilt bronze waisted vase...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Continental 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Giltwood pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant Continental 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Giltwood pedestal. This handsome rectangular shaped pedestal is raised by fanciful toupie shaped supports with palmette le...
Mahogany, Giltwood
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Empire Clock
Located in Bronx, NY
Tis stunning vintage 19th century French Empire white marble mantel (fireplace) clock was made for Tiffany & Co. The clock has a lyre shape body accented with doré' bronze sculpted embellishments of the period. The top of the clock features a radiating sun burst disc with the face of the North wind. The white enamel clock face has Arabic numerals & garlands of flowers &, also, garlands of flowers that surround the Tiffany & Co. name. There is a glittering ring of faceted paste stones attached to the pendulum &, as the pendulum moves, so does this jeweled ring, creating a dazzling effect. The clock has a key wind movement with a French bell. The clock key is present. This clock runs, but will require a cleaning/service to keep accurate time & is sold as is. This wonderful antique time piece...
Marble, Enamel
Empire Satinwood Figural Gilt Bronze Mounted Fauteuil de Bureau, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious 19th century French Empire, Napoleon III period, 1852-1870, satinwood gilt bronze mounted desk chair. Fine hand chased figural bronze mounts depicting classical maidens at the arm rests, rosettes, laurel leaf garlands...
Bronze
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...
Brass
Ancient Majapahit Temple Stone Block from Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Worn by time and whispering centuries of forgotten devotion, this weathered block of stone once stood proudly as part of a sacred Majapahit temple in the heart of Java. Carved in the...
Stone
Antique empire secretary desk in hand-polished mahogany with marquetry, 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Empire secretary desk made in hand-polished mahogany with marquetry from the 1840s. The piece features a stepped upper section with columns and m...
Mirror, Mahogany
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
$1,620 / set
Set of 2 Bedside Tables In Mahogany, 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of bedside tables in mahogany from the 1920s with curved front and hand-polished surface. Classic design with an elegant appearance. — Origin: Europe — Period: 1920s — Materi...
Mahogany
$1,046Sale Price|30% Off
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
French Empire Walnut Commode with Bronze Mounts, Early 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French Empire commode dates from the early 19th century and exemplifies the refined architectural strength and symmetry characteristic of the period. Crafted in solid wa...
Bronze
Pair of French Brass and Crystal Sconces in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light. This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen of Paris, a renowned interior design firm...
Crystal, Brass
$3,577Sale 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
Pair of Bronze Vases in Greek Style, France, End of 19th century
Located in Rīga, LV
A Pair of bronze vases in Greek style, France, end of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: Bronze, marble, gilding, patina Vintage from the 19th century Place of Ori...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Cast Iron Sculpture Fragment Candle Pillar Holder Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast iron sculpture with unbeatable patina. Originally this fragment had a glass shade and was used as a hurricane. We see this being repurposed with a pillar candle on top as a cand...
Iron
Mid-19th Century European Aubusson Style Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-19th Century European Aubusson Style Rug 5'7'' x 4'5'' , handmade and hand-knotted, empire traditional style
Wool
Early 20th C Empire Bronze & Gilt Mounted Mahogany Console / Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Empire Neoclassical Brass Mounted and Mahogany Wall Mirror in good condition. Solid Mahogany frame. Measures 18" in width and 36" tall. Mirror glass is 15"W x 2...
Mahogany
Pair of Italian Carved and Gilded Frames Rome 18th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Roman Gilded Frames 1700, rare pair of antique carved and gilded wooden frames, Rome 18th century. Rectangular in shape, with three orders of carving, this pendant of ancient Ro...
Giltwood
$3,800 / set
1920's French Empire Black Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1920's empire style sconces with Blackmoore putti.
Bronze
19thc French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural 5 Arm Candleholder Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Grand French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Wall Sconce. Large Sconce with 5 Candleholders. This piece is in its original unelectrified state. This Sconce has majes...
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Torch Form 3-Light Sconces / Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage French empire style torch-form 3-light sconces (wall lights) with candelabra size sockets, faux wax candle covers and on/off switch measuring 23 1/4 by 16 1/2 by 10 1...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Russian Lacquer Painted Snuffbox Trinket Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th century Russian snuffbox or pillbox featuring an elaborate painting on the lid of a turkey and children. Very versatile piece that could also hold jewelry or small trinkets. Thi...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabra Italian Gilt Bronze Three-Arm Flambeaux
Located in Milano, MI
Coppia di Candelabri a Tre Fiamme Impero in Bronzo Dorato della prima metà del XIX secolo, di origine italiana, si presentano in buono stato di conservazione con segni di usura nell...
Bronze
$696 / set
Pair of Empire style lamps
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of Empire-style lamps Good condition Thank you
Brass
Small Empire Chest of Drawers in Mahogany with Marble Columns, Sweden, c. 1790
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A beautiful Empire commode in Cuban mahogany with marble columns flanking two drawers and resting on tapered square feet. Brass key plates and pulls were added in the late 1800s. Fre...
Mahogany
$2,800 / set
1930's French Empire Sconces with Lion's Head
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with lion's head and crystal hangings
Bronze
$3,600 / set
Pair of Empire Gilt Chinoiserie Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...
Porcelain
$1,533Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Bronze Bookends Sculptures with Horn and Ram 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of decorated bronze bookend sculptures in the shape of a horn and ram, made in the 20th century Ø cm 20.5 Ø cm 11 h cm 20.5 Aries is rich in symbolism, intertwining astrologic...
Bronze
Maitland-Smith Empire-Style Pedestal Jardinière Planter, circa 1980
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very handsome vintage jardinière in the Empire style manufactured by Maitland Smith in the 1980s with cylindrical polished-chrome planter trimmed with brass over a cast and fabrica...
Brass, Chrome
Late-19th Century Spanish Woolen Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Late-19th Century Spanish Woolen Rug 6'3'' x 4'10", made in Spain around late 19th century by villagers at the time
Wool
Early 19th Century Antique Brass Spoon Rack Wall Mounted Holder
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming antique brass spoon holder or rack featuring intricate detailing throughout. Wonderful addition to any kitchen displayed on the wall or countertop.
Brass
Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Man, Late 19th Century, Oval Gilt Frame –
Located in NANTES, FR
**Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Man, Late 19th Century, Oval Gilt Frame – This oil on canvas depicts a man from the late 19th century. The work is finely executed with great precisio...
Canvas
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-19th Century Italian Clock Painting, Oil on Canvas, Empire Style
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early/mid-19th century Italian clock painting indistinctly signed on the lower right corner. The oil painting is set in a period Empire gilt frame and d...
Canvas
Elegant Empire Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ornate and elegant Empire style table lamp having patinated bronze figural goddess form with marblized base.
Marble, Bronze
$2,183Sale Price|20% Off
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
Bronze
$8,782Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
French Empire Nightstand with Drawer and Door 19th Century in Solid Walnut
Located in Milano, MI
Antique Bedside Table in Empire Walnut with an elegantly threaded brass drawer surmounting a door concealing two interior shelves. The cabinet is solid walnut and has been fully line...
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century American Empire Ottoman
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique 19th century American Victorian Empire box seat ottoman or stool featuring large crotch flame mahogany wood veneer with rolling casters. The ottoman has a large size seat mak...
Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5.7X6.7
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
Empire Style Bronze Ram's Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and bronze, nice and heavy. Has great patina. In good working condition. Original ceiling cap ...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Three-Light Candelabra ca. 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE THREE-LIGHT CANDELABRA Paris, France ca. 1815-35 raised on antico verde marble plinths 25 1/2" H x 9" W x 4 1/2" D A very finely chiseled ...
Marble, Bronze
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
$1,232Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
By Palwa
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Austrian Empire style 24K Gold Framed "Bag and Tent" form Wall sconces. Manufactured by Palwa. Labelled.
Glass
$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
$216Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Porcelain
1820-1829 France Rich Mahogany Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
Mahogany pedestal cabinet in Rich Mahogany. Its rich mahogany finish sets off black marble top, brass mounts, plinth base, a hallmark of of the empire period France craftsmanship in ...
Stone
Stunning 16-Light Murano Crystal Chandelier, circa 1920s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A wonderful very large sixteen light Murano glass and cut crystal silvered chandelier, Italy, circa 1920s. This beautiful handcrafted fixture is made of silvered brass elements, Mur...
Crystal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
European 19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet featuring a mirror glass locking door. This versatile piece could be used to store jewelry or collectables. We also see th...
Mirror, Wood
French Empire Cuban Mahogany "Somno" Side Table, circa 1805
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful "Somno" side table made of high quality Cuban mahogany with a grey marble top. This French Empire piece dates from the early 19th century, circa 1805. Meaning sleep in ...
Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Grape Harvest 7.8X4.11
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
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19'' X 12''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 19'' X 12''. Empire and Traditional, handmade and needlework.
Wool, Cotton
$1,620 / item
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 10'', Wool , Handmade, Traditional
Wool, Cotton
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Wool, Feathers
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.
Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Lion Flame Urn Chenet Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Patinated Bronze Figural Lion Mask Flame Finial Urn Form Chenet Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 16" H x 16" W x 6" D.
Bronze
Icon "The Virgin of Kazan" Painting, Russia, second half of 19th Century
Located in Rīga, LV
Icon "The Virgin of Kazan", Russia (Russian Empire), second half of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: Wood, gesso, gilding, tempera Vintage from the 19th century ...
Gesso, Wood
Mantel Clock, France, Douai, by Cochet, End of 19th Century
Located in Rīga, LV
Mantel clock, Cochet, France, Douai, end of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: Bronze, wood, gilding Vintage from the 19th century Artist/Maker: Cochet Style: Emp...
Bronze
Tall Antique Danish Empire Floor Candelabra Gilded and Brown Metal 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique tall empire style 3-armed floor candelabra made of a combination of gilded and brown-patinated metal and bronze. Made in Denmark by skilled metalworkers circa 1880-1900 Very...
Metal, Bronze
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...
Porcelain