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.
Pair of French Empire Brass Candle Sconces, Swan Design, Antique, 1820
Located in Austin, TX
Candle holder sconces from France from the Empire period. This finely cast pair of sconces features a solid brass structure with a swan holding two chained candle...
Bronze
Circa 1920s Vintage Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1920
Wool, Cotton
Chinoiserie Gilt Painted Cup
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie Gilt Painted Cup. Paris porcelain footed coffee can with richly painted chinoiserie figures within gilt arcade on brown ground with gilt Interior on gilt feet. France,...
Porcelain
"The Artist in his Studio", Oil on Canvas, Italian School, circa 1810
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful circa 1810 Italian school oil-on-canvas painting of an artist or painter in his studio seated legs-crossed in a chair facing the canvas on easel with palette and brush in...
Canvas, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
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...
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, France, Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
An elegant gilt bronze mantel clock, finely chased and gilded, depicting a Rococo-inspired scene with two youthful male figures reclining atop a cart overflowing with sheaves of whea...
Metal, Bronze
Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Regency Petite Eagle Head Chandelier Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze & Dark Green Patinated Regency Petite three Candelabra Light Eagle Head Chandelier
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Icon "January Menaion", Russia (Russian Empire) Painting, Middle of 19th Century
Located in Rīga, LV
Icon "January menaion", Russia (Russian Empire), middle of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: Wood, gesso, gilding, tempera Vintage from the 19th century Place of ...
Gesso, Wood
Mid 19thC French Empire Kingwood Occasional Center Table
Located in Altrincham, GB
Mid 19thC French Kingwood Occasional Centre Table - with ormolu banding and scroll decorations - sunburst veneered top - reeded and capped legs and single frieze drawer - 24" diam x...
Ormolu
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...
Metal, Bronze
$5,800 / set
Late 19th Century French Empire Arrow Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Empire style sconces with two Roman warriors on black backplate.
Bronze
Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military, Brass Frame
Located in Knivsta, SE
Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military Figure, Brass Frame An exquisite miniature watercolor depicting a mounted military figure, dating from the late 18th ...
Brass
Large Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns and Carved Capitals, c. 1810
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An exquisite Empire mirror in Cuban mahogany with carved anthemions as antefix decorating the crown molding and columns with carved acanthus capitals flanking the mirror and frieze, ...
Mirror, Mahogany
Pair of Empire Style Bronze Wall Lights, Quiver Model
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of Empire style wall lights is made of bronze. It represents a Quiver. This is a French work. Circa 1880
Bronze
French Empire 19th Century Carved Walnut Bergeres
Located in Sunshine, LA
This pair of French Empire walnut armchairs embodies the enduring appeal of Neoclassical taste, where every curve and carved detail speaks to balance, proportion, and restraint. Dati...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,215Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century Dutch Empire Oak and Gold Leaf Trumeau or Sideboard
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant Empire sideboard was made in the Netherlands in the early 1800s and is also known as trumeau. It was made in the finest quality watered oak an...
Gold Leaf
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
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
$832Sale Price / set|46% Off
c1810 Pair Antique Empire Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair c1810 French Empire Dore Bronze Candlesticks/ Candle Holders. Highly detailed. When I saw these I was thinking that they are stunning.
Bronze
Four Italian Empire Vases 1700 Gilded and Carved Wood Lamp Bases
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Lamp Bases 1700 Set of Four Palm Vases with square base and circular turned and carved body made of pine wood, water-gilded in fine gold leaf on red bole preparation. T...
Gold Leaf
Mid 19th century Danish empire mahogany mirror on cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Danish mahogany mirror on cabinet circa 1860. Beautiful piece of mid 19th century Danish furniture strong in the influence of the regency period. Comprising of 2 p...
Mirror, Mahogany
$6,088Sale Price|20% Off
Empire style bronze chandelier with Royal Eagle heads and flame. This chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 6 arms Empire style chandelier is made of chiseled bronze with Royal Eagle heads around a center flame. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Bronze
Antique Empire Wall Mirror, Gold Gilt Wood Frame, France, 1880s
Located in High Point, NC
This mirror carries genuine presence, its gold gilt frame, rectangular immediately setting the tone for the piece. The piece dates to 1880s, sourced from France, and carries the hall...
Glass, Wood
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Figural Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality lamp base features a gilt classical frieze, and a patinated bronze figure of a classical maiden.
Marble, Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Bronze
Circa 1820 Honey Empire Buffet with Brass Accents in Original Patina
Located in High Point, NC
This cabinet carries genuine presence, its medium honey walnut, paneled door immediately setting the tone for the piece. Originating in France during 1820s, it shows the construction...
Brass
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
Empire Style Ebonized Cocktail Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century rectangular cocktail table executed in the Empire style. The ebonized wood base is fitted with applied bronze ormolu mounts with shaped supports joined by a lower ...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
By Hester Bateman, Barbour Silver Co., Charles Nicolas Odiot, Gorham CO., Towle Silversmiths
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Sterling Silver tea caddy / box Style Georgian, French Empire, Napoleonic, Dutch A sterling silver very stylized tea box with good working lock Decorated with embossed pearl...
Silver
Elegant Plaque in cast iron, Swedish King Karl XVI Johan from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Plaque in cast iron. Swedish King Karl XVI Johan as a Roman General from the 1820s. Made by Finspång Bruk in Östergötland, Sweden Wear consistent with age and use
Iron
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
$1,633 / 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
Late 20th-century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table.
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th-century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table with bookmatched top. Measuring 18" in width, 14" in depth and 29.25" in height.
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light. Price per pair
Bronze
Beautiful French Empire Caryatid Candlesticks with Carrara Marble Bases
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Caryatid Candlesticks with Carrara Marble Bases An elegant and finely composed pair of French Empire candlesticks, crafted in the early 19th century and embodying the...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
19th Century Italian Walnut Side Table with Column Supports and Brass Details
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A refined and architecturally balanced 19th-century Italian walnut side table, distinguished by its strong geometric presence and elegant structural design. The square top, with sof...
Bronze
Empire Bronze and Ormolu Cartel Clock by Bailly, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
A wall clock with gilt bronze ribbon bow joining a gilt bronze ribbon attached to the clock case with patinated bronze back section and laurel leaf mounted surrounding a circular glass hinged cover opening to an enamelled dial signed Bailly a Paris. An eagle with spread wings at the base seated on a plinth. All finely cast. The laurel leaves signify victory and the eagle represents strength and power. Bailly is considered on of the finest French clock makers...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$4,449Sale Price|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...
Brass
$2,800 / set
1930's French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1930 French Empire style sconces
Bronze
Antique French Empire Bronze Green Candlestick Column Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Wreath Ormolu Dark Green Bouillotte Table Lamp with Dark Green Paper Shade (Not metal). Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 22.5" H (to finial). Base...
Metal, Bronze
$2,962 / set
Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s A striking and substantial pair of French Empire table lamps in bronze, dating from the 1820s and originally conceived as large Empir...
Bronze
Grand Prospect Hall Empire Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This Empire style chandelier was repurposed from a larger light in the main ballroom in Brooklyn, New York's Grand Prospect Hall. Grand Prospect Hall was built in 1892 and has witnes...
Crystal, Brass
Black Iron Empire Wall Mirror with Cut Glass, France, 1940s Design
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a mirror, distinguished by black with gold rope-twist edge. Originating in France during 1940s, it shows the construction techniques typical of the time. The i...
Iron
Corinthian Column Marble Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style Corinthian column table lamp in marble. A decorative carved spiral, twists around the marble column, which is topped and tailed with a brass capital...
Marble, Brass
Pair Italian Heavy Brass Empire Style Candle Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of heavy, un-wired single arm sconces from Florence, Italy. Features a sunburst back plate with concave bowl and eagle-head motif. Masterful casting with wonderful detail. Candle cup measures...
Brass
Darte Freres (?) - Cup and saucer, chinoiserie decoration, early 19th century
By Darte Frères
Located in DELFT, NL
Marvelous cup and saucer, elaborately decorated with geometrical forms in red, blue and gold. Beautifully worked gilding, little details of Chinese figures and Chinese characters. ...
Porcelain
$328Sale Price|54% Off
Vieux Paris 'Old Paris' Tea Caddy or Apothocary Jar Painted with Harbor Scene
By Old Paris
Located in Mobile, AL
This empire period Old Paris tea caddy, canister or jar from the 1830's is sure to delight. It was likely designed and sold as a tea canister, but a lidd...
Porcelain
$940Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Detailed Ovoid Form Candle Holders
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Ovoid Form Candle Holders/ Candlesticks. Highly detailed antiquity.
Bronze
$1,430Sale Price|35% Off
French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell. This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Bronze
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
C A. 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Wool, Cotton
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Color Pewter and Frosted Glass Table Lamp
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautifully shaped French Empire-style table lamp, which is an electrified petroleum lamp, features a bronze-colored pewter body adorned with three el...
Brass, Pewter
Antique Spelter Table Lamp In Empire Style. French C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful spelter table lamp Amazing old bronze patina The lamp has been re-wired. Shade included The measurement relates to the lamp base not including shade Free UK shipping ...
Spelter
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
Pair of French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Two Branch Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French Empire patinated bronze and ormolu figural two branch candelabra. Set on square ormolu socle with cylinder ormolu stem wit...
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Bronze
Antique Empire Bronze Wall Candle Sconce, Italy, Late 19th Century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique bronze wall candle sconce made in Italy, late 19th century. They are made of bronze, heavy, with a beautiful patina. These wall sconces can be left in their original form, or...
Bronze
Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Royal Vase 6.2X2.3
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
A Large Antique French Empire Statuary White Marble And Ormolu Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A large impressive French Empire period Statuary white marble and Ormolu mounted chimneypiece of superior quality. Elegantly drawn with well cast Ormolu, Lightly veined Statuary marb...
Statuary Marble, Ormolu
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Wool, Cotton