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 French Empire Brown Painted Column Small Metal Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Brown Painted Column Small Metal Table Lamps with Paw Feet and Lion Heads - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 17.5" H (to light socket) x 7" W x 7...
Metal
Empire-style Mahogany Chest Of Drawers, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Empire mahogany commode, 19th century, marble top. Elegant Empire period commode in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer, resting on ringed column uprights, richly decorated with fine...
Wood
X-Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths 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 and hand-painted miniature of garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl F...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Wooden chest of drawers with raised feet, 1890s
Located in Ravenna, IT
Antique 19th-century chest of drawers with an Empire-style design. The shelf and frame are made of polished walnut. The container has three drawers, two main ones with handles and lo...
Wood, Walnut
Swedish mid 19th century inlaid burr birch occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century inlaid burr birch occasional table circa 1860. Fine quality Swedish tilting near circular side table. Ideal for use in multiple rooms around the home, such as a la...
Birch
Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French sofa from the 19th century in Empire style with a silk seat
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique French bench in Empire style features a silk upholstered seat with an elegant pattern and a wooden base with brass details. The bench has been reupholstered an...
Silk, Wood
1930 Louise XIV Style Sunburst Shape Bronze Sconces 2 lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930 French Louise XIV style bronze sunburst sconces with 2 lights
Bronze
Elegant brass "Regal Gold" Cachepot with feet, 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Refined gold-plated brass cachepot with a classic and elegant design, embellished with a decorative worked band and shaped feet that give it a distinctive touch. The warm and bright ...
Brass
Italy 18th Century Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers with Bronze Handles
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant Empire chest of drawers made in Italy by master cabinetmakers at the end of the 18th Century. Entirely handcrafted in solid walnut, with handles and some bronze details on th...
Bronze
Large European Low Cut Crystal Glass Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Most likely an English bowl with floral decorations and unbeatable wear. Very versatile piece that is both form and function, standing alone on a coffee table or used as fruit bowl o...
Crystal
$4,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
New Art Deco Crystal Style Chandelier: Custom Empire Elegance Introducing our latest addition, the Art Deco crystal style chandelier, a captivating fusion of Empire opulence and the...
Crystal
Vintage Russian Soviet Classic Large Crystal and Silver Circular Bowl, ca. 1945
Located in New York, NY
A Russian Classic, silver and hand-cut crystal circular serving bowl of unusually large dimensions, manufactured in Moscow, circa 1945. Silver rim features repeating oak leaf design,...
Crystal, Silver
Large Gilt Bronze French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in London, GB
A large very well cast and gilt bronze chandelier or plafonnier from the late 19th to early 20th century. The large acanthus leafed ceiling rose suspending five rope twist bars, whic...
Bronze
$720Sale Price|40% Off
Empire French Pressed Wood Snuff Box, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The circular lidded box depicting a woman reclining on a Recamier playing the harp. The underside with a star surrounded by banding with stippling decoration.
Wood
Empire Revival Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Pendant Chandelier, circa 1910
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Revival gilt-bronze and cut-glass pendant chandelier. French, circa 1910. Of globular form this fine chandelier has a central gilt-bronze band cast with vases issuin...
Bronze
19th C. Balkans Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany Nightstand Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A fine and rare antique Balkans Empire style gilt bronze mounted mahogany marble-top bedside cabinet. circa 1830 Balkan Peninsula, first half of the 19...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
Five-Panel Screen in the Empire Style, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Five-panel screen in the Empire style with triangular upper sections and brass fittings. The frames are made of solid walnut. The screen has been professionally restored and newly up...
Brass
19th Century German Empire Antique Cherrywood Freestanding Floor Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique German floor mirror made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Cherrywood in good condition. The tall freestanding mirror is consisting its origina...
Metal, Brass
A Pair of Danish Empire Style Mahogany 3-Drawer Marble Topped Bow-Front
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome pair of Danish empire style mahogany 3-drawer marble-topped bow-front chests with brass inlay and bronze mounts; each with thick Napoleon machete mable top above a bowed cabinet...
French 19th Century Empire Style Walnut Stool / Upholstery Seat
Located in Carmine, TX
This elegant 19th-century French Empire-style curule stool features a finely crafted walnut frame with graceful X-shaped legs inspired by classical Roman design. The upholstered burg...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
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
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (C) - Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Lacquered Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (C) - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H (to finial) x 27" H (to light socket) x 6.5"...
Brass
$6,779Sale Price|50% Off
Silver - Austria-Hungary silver box - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Silver - Austria-Hungary silver box - 19th century. 19th-century Austria-Hungary; in silver with profuse decoration inspired by the Crimean War; in which Russia lost to an alliance o...
Silver
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
Empire Inkwell with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Inkwell with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820 A rare and finely crafted Empire inkwell, dating from around the 1820s. Made of richly grained myroxylon balsamum with contrastin...
Bronze
Swedish Empire Decanter Box with Three Cut Crystal Bottles, circa 1820S
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Empire Decanter Box with Three Cut Crystal Bottles, circa 1820–1830 A refined Swedish Empire flask cabinet in richly figured myroxylon balsamum veneer, dating to the years c...
Crystal
Mid Century Bronze Casing Embossed Bataille Scene
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible Mid Century bronze representation casing scene of the Balawat gate, which hails from Balawat (also known as Imgur-Enlil) in northern Mesopotamia, Iraq, and dates back to t...
Bronze
A Fine Ormolu And Bronze Empire Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The patented bronze frame mounted with finely chased ormolu, issuing six eagle heads supporting candle nozzles and save-alls, suspended on three chains from a foliated corona.
Bronze, Ormolu
French Napoleon Empire Style Marble Bronzed Wall Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant and petite wall console table crafted out of gilt bronzed metal and variegated green marble in a French Napoleonic Second Empire style. The table features a two-legged con...
Marble, Metal
French Empire Style Custom Made Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Empire style custom made cabinet, hand made by Lion Crest Woodworking of Sarasota, FL. The cabinet top has rounded edges with a decorative beaded section in front. A single ...
Wood
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Nightstand End Table
Located in Forney, TX
A period French Empire (1804-1815) mahogany chest of drawers nightstand with beautifully aged patina. Born in France in the early 19th century, hand-crafted of warm rich solid mahog...
Belgian Black Marble
French Empire Period Miniature Bronze Doré Portico Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant miniature French Empire-period portico clock crafted in bronze doré. The architectural case features four classical columns above a rectangular plinth with rounded feet, c...
Bronze, Enamel
1982-2006 Pair of Italian Demitasse Cups & Saucers by Richard Ginori
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1982-2006 Pair of Demitasse Cups & Saucers by Richard Ginori. Elegant for espresso or demitasse. Rapallo pattern in Empire taste. 3.75" dia. saucer, 3 1/8" h. We are a family bu...
Ceramic
19th Century Marble Gueridon Table With Turned Wood Column & Brass Paw Feet
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful French 19th Century Marble & Sapele Mahogany Gueridon Pedestal Table With Turned Wood Column Over a Tripod Base Terminating With Brass Paw Feet. Elegant antique occasion...
Marble
Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Brass
Pair of Empire Style Sconces Wall Lights, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming pair of sconces. Perfect to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway as a charming welcom...
Metal
Pair of Massive Patinated and Gilt Bronze 5-Light Sconces, Wall Appliques
Located in Germantown, MD
A Massive Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Five-Light Wall Appliques or Sconces, 20th Century, in the style of E.F. Caldwell. This pair is large and features a patinated putti form ...
Metal, Bronze
19thc French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Table Lamp / Candelabra
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Tall Table Lamp/ Candelabra Featuring Medusa. Originally for 5 candles now a stunning Table Lamp electrified for 2 bulbs. Intricate Neocla...
Bronze
Early 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Wool, Cotton
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency style
Located in Zemst, BE
2 wall sconces in brass and glass Peacock form Wonderful condition. Original wiring, that's still ok: ready for use. Place of origin: Spain No manufacturer known Period: mid 1970...
Brass
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers, circa 1810–1820
Located in Belmont, MA
This elegant German Empire chest of drawers, dating to the early 19th century, combines strong architectural proportions with beautifully figured walnut veneer and finely detailed gi...
Walnut
Gilded Bronze Floor Lamp attributed to Edward F. Caldwell & Co
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous antique floor lamp attributed to Edward F. Caldwell has a sleek design with a strong gilded cast bronze base with foliage motif and wreath lip. A fluted pole extends fr...
Bronze
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 Tall Antique Danish Empire Candelabra of Gilded Metal + Bronze 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of large Empire style 3-armed candelabras made of a combination of gilded and brown-patinated metal and bronze. Made in Denmark by skilled metalworkers circa 1880s. Very nice c...
Metal, Bronze
Vintage 3 Arm Brass & Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique French Napoleonic tole lamp has gold toned brass base and arms. Arms have ornate s curve structures. Each arm has candlestick style bulb socket at ends. Top of lamp has eagle...
Brass
Pair of Gianni Versace Armchairs from the Vanitas 1994 Collection
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of elegant and unique mahogany and gilt armchairs designed by Gianni Versace, part of the 1994 Vanitas Furniture collection. The front legs have columnar shaping and taper do...
Mahogany
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
Empire Style Dining Table in Cherry Wood with "Curule" Legs, 20th Century
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Empire style dining table with "Curule" legs. Made of solid cherry wood, it is of very high quality...., with a rare width of 115 cm It can be completely restyled after being fully...
Cherry
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
$911Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Empire Style Beech Wood Round Pedestal Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality Italian empire style round pedestal table in beech wood. The top is supported by three pairs of refined columns. In the lower part the columns end with a deligh...
Beech
19th Century French Bronze Ormolu Mounted / Patinated Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with timeless elegance using this exquisite 19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier, designed in the form of a Greek oil lamp. This chandelier is a r...
Metal, Bronze
$813Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Carved Giltwood Wall Mirrors, circa 1780
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
Pair of wall mirrors, circa 1780. Carved wood with original gilding. Each frame is rectangular, with a carved crest of scrolling leaves and a central leaf, and two carved consoles at...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Silver Empire Candelabras Napoleonic Obelisk a pair 925 Sterling
By Sheffield Silver Co., Empire Furniture, Empire Art Silver, Gorham, Odiot
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Empire Candelabra Sterling Silver Obelisk Form with Chains and Tassels Style: Empire, Napoleonic, Antique Origin The Netherlands, Amsterdam 1802, Empire period The candlehold...
Sterling Silver
Mid Victorian Giltwood Fauteuil Arm Chair
Located in Altrincham, GB
Mid Victorian Giltwood Fauteuil Arm Chair with Reeded Pillar Supports to Padded Upholstered Back, Scroll Acanthus Leaf Arms, Beeded Rim and Turned Reeded Legs all with Rosette Decora...
Giltwood
$18,078 / set
Pair of Empire Semainières, Vienna circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of tall chests of drawers, each with six drawers and side pilasters adorned with caryatids. Veneered in mahogany and hand-polished. The slightly projecting top drawer rests upon...
Mahogany
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
Large 19th Century French Empire Period Floor Candelabrum
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinary period Empire gilded gold dore bronze rolling floor candelabrum. Born in France, the stunning Neo-classical style architectural antique...
Bronze, Ormolu