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.
A Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Stunning Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four Light Candelabra, Which Convert to Candlesticks. Each constructed with a circular base supporting a tall fluted shaft and detachable four...
Bronze
A Pair French 1st Empire Period Ormolu & Verde Antico Marble Figural Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Fine and Unusual Pair of French 1st Empire Period Doré Bronze and Verde Antico Marble Figural Neoclassical Five-Arm Candelabra. Each candelabrum features a tall central shaft issui...
Marble, Ormolu
$1,850 / set
Pair Empire Style Bronze Candle Holders
Located in San Francisco, CA
each heavy candle holder surmounted by a shallow candlecup with flared lip raised on a gadrooned support above a ring of stylized leaves; all over a cylindrical base adorned with app...
Bronze
1920s Antique Indian Agra Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Wool, Cotton
$253Sale Price / set|68% Off
Deshoulières Limoges Empire Tea Set, 15-Piece Fine Porcelain Set
Located in London, England
This Empire-style tea service, from Sologne, is a real jewel of the 20th century. Composed of 15 pieces in fine porcelain, each element is delicately decorated with fine gold, testif...
Gold Leaf
Pair Warren Kessler Empire-style Cut crystal and Brass Duck Mounts Table lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Warren Kessler Empire-style Cut crystal and Brass Duck Mounts Table lamps with adjustable height harpers. Measures: 9.5" in width, 6" ...
Crystal, Rock Crystal
French 19th Century Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Stunning three-piece mantel clock set in Siena marble and bronze, French Empire period. The main piece at center features a cast bronze hound sitting uneasily upon the plinth. Roman ...
Marble, Bronze
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
Pair French Empire Period Cast Brass 2-Light Candelabrum, electrified, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
formerly oil lamps and retaining their pump primers atop the bases, having precisely cast urn-form bases issuing two arms with sockets and wax candlecovers
Brass
Empire mid 19th century danish flame mahogany cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Danish 2 part tall mahogany cabinet circa 1860. Top section with scrolled cornice and applied swags, double doors with shaped panels open to reveal 3 adjustable pine sh...
Mahogany, Pine
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau Lustre
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, Wire
Fabulous Demi-Lune Console, Jardiniere, Mirror available, 1810, Empire, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful demi-lune console, usable as jardiniere, made around 1810 in Austria, an original of the Empire era. This wonderful wall console has a faceted mirror in the lower area. Th...
Sheet Metal
Wonderful French Empire Dore and Patinated Bronze Cherub Putti Wreath Clock
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire doré and patinated bronze Cherub Putti wreath clock, not currently in working order, back cover is missing as is bel...
Bronze
A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful painted serving tray. Empire, early 19th Century. Made in painted tin plate. Some minor color loss and wear damages, but overall in good condition in relation...
Tin
1956 Biswanger French Empire Carved Mahogany Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1956 Biswanger Mirror Co. French Empire style Carved Mahogany Trumeau Mirror. Measures 16.5" in width, 33" in height.
Mirror, Mahogany
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
Bronze
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
Aubusson French 1800 - 23" x 13"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Wool, Feathers
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8", Animal Print Style , Authentic
Wool, Feathers
Vintage French Empire Style Partners Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Westfield, MA
This remarkable vintage partners desk by Maitland Smith showcases the grandeur of the French Empire style, reinterpreted for modern sophistication. Crafted from richly grained mahoga...
Ormolu
Large French Empire Coastal Scenic Painted Oval Tole Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Empire salver or oval metal tray decorated with an outstanding border. The tray features painted medallions and edges and has two hand grips. The painted coastal scene depicts...
Metal
Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful onyx and gold gilt bronze inkwell [ink well] box in the Empire style, circa 19th century, Europe. In addition to its intended use, piece makes a gorgeous standalone decor...
Onyx, Bronze
French Empire Style Wall Mirror With Faux Marble Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French Empire style wall mirror attributed to Maitland-Smith. It has a brass eagle crest and faux marble columns. The mirror itself is cased in mahogany. It is unmarked and...
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
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. 1810s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. Made in France during the 1810s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
20th Century Seven Lights Italian Solid Silver Candelabra Empire revival
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Magnificent Empire style candelabra in solid 800 silver The base is square with lion paw-shaped feet. Two frames with the typical palmettes of the Empire style frame a second smaller square decorated with 4 central flowers. The stem of the candelabra is a statue of a woman (goddess) with her hair gathered and holding a cornucopia in one hand ending with the main candle holder. The candelabra has 7 lights. The arms of the candelabra, made with the casting technique, have candle holders and wax collectors also made with the casting technique and finely chiseled. The central candle holder stands out for its height which surpasses all the other candle holders, making the candelabra slim and balanced in shape and proportions. A classic example of high quality Italian silverware suitable to be placed in elegant and prestigious homes. Made in Milan - Italy by Fassi silverware Silver 800°°/°°° Candelabra Empire...
Silver
A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Brass
Antique Crystal Empire Style Italian Chandelier, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian chandelier in the Empire style, dating to the 1950s. The chandelier features a finely worked metal structure with classic Empire lines, richly adorned with hand-cut ...
Crystal, Metal
19th c Second French Empire Pair of Silver Plated Brass Candlesticks
Located in Savannah, GA
This classic pair of antique French candlesticks are hand crafted of silver plate and brass Details include downward tapering on fluted shafts supported by a round heavily embossed f...
Silver Plate, 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
$13,428Sale Price / item|20% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a captivating blend of Art Deco charm and Empire sophistication, our lead crystal chandelier is a testament to opulence and craftsmanship. Crafted in-house, we offer the ...
Crystal
Timothy Outlton, Empire Style, Wall Sconces, Steel, Crystal, 1990s
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Niermann Weeks style three light crystal and metal wall lights by Timothy Oulton. Each in the Empire style with aged metal and crystal design. Part of a large collection of...
Crystal, Metal
1900s Antique Decorative Khotan Samarkand Rug-6'2'' X 4'4''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is a 1900s Antique Decorative Khotan Samarkand Rug. This rug is made of wool on a cotton foundation. It is tribal and traditional
Wool, Cotton
Antique Empire Painted Globe Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
An antique Empire style brass lamp with a hand painted glass globe. A slender central column topped with an urn finial has two sockets that light with brass chain pulls. A blush and ...
Brass
19th Century Miniatur Mantel Clock, Gare La Bombe, Cupido, France, Gilded Bronze
Located in Greven, DE
Pendulette "Gare La Bombe" France gilded bronze first half 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 20 x 15 x 7 cm Description: Antique miniature mante...
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Brass & Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp" Table Lamps, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass & Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp Style" Table Lamps by Wilmar - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light so...
Brass
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Farmers 6X5.6
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
Blue Marbleized Empire Wastebasket
Located in New York, NY
Blue marbleized empire wastebasket. Faux marble painted empire style wastebasket on gilt paw feet. France, 20th century Dimensions: 9" L x 9" W x 9.88" H.
Metal
Antique Napoleonic French Empire Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Wine Cabinet Armoire 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality French Empire Napoleonic period Mahogany & parcel gilt wine cabinet/armoire, circa 1810. Made of the finest mahogany this cabinet has the shape of a secretaire ab...
Bronze
$1,750
French Empire Fauteuil
Located in Sharon, CT
Impressive black armchair of typical French Empire form, beautifully upholstered. Subtly incised palmettes where the arm rails meet the seat. Original b...
Wood
Dutch Marquetry Empire Settee, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Offers mahogany frame with inlays in satinwood of flowers and foliage along back crest, "S" scroll arms and slipper feet. Features upholstered seat, back and inside and outside arms....
Cotton, Twill, Upholstery, Satinwood, Kingwood, Mahogany
$1,208Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Candlesticks Empire Pattern by WMF Art Nouveau Silverplated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Beautiful pair of antique candlesticks by WMF are stunning examples of silverplated pewter craftsmanship, made during the Art Nouveau period around 1900. They are part of the "Empire...
Silver Plate, Pewter
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Wool, Feathers
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
Picture Frame with enamel on a sunburst guilloché Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Embrace a timeless treasure that echoes grandeur: an exquisite oval-shaped photo frame, sculpted from 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver. Its translucent enamel adorns a sunburst g...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Gold Leaf
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Fluted Design, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders with loose candle cuffs, made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candlesticks have downwardly tapering, fluted shafts, supported by a round footplate. The base is particularized with palmettes and leaves. The Parisian décor pieces represent the First French Empire time...
Metal, Bronze
Cube Side Table with Tempered Glass Top, Engraved Square Block Center Side Table
Located in St Petersburg, US
Seljuk-inspired engraved travertine cube side table, meticulously designed by Haand’s renowned designer Barakli. Measuring 40x40 cm (16x16 inches), this stunning piece combines histo...
Stone, Travertine
French 19th Century Double Arm Empire Brass Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A two-arm Empire brass wall sconce of French design, 19th century. Perfect for a small space that needs some extra light and still looks sophisticated when it's off. The narrow diamo...
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow - 19'' X 19''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French Aubusson tapestry pillow. 19'' x 19'' x 6''.
Wool, Feathers
Rare flashlight for a candle in brass from a Swedish Baron. Empire period
Located in Knivsta, SE
Extremely rare flashlight for a candle in brass from a Swedish Baron. Empire period around 1830. Provenance Baron Ehrenkrona, Hulterstad Manor, Mjölby, Sweden. The flashlight in bra...
Brass
Mantel clock from the French Empire of the early 19th century 'Apollo, playing
Located in Berlin, DE
A mantel clock from the Empire period (1790-1820) in France. Made of patinated, gilded bronze. The Greek god Apollo plays the lyre while his feet rest on a gilded stool. Large pendul...
Gold, Bronze
Fine Pair of 19th c. French Empire Bronze and Crystal Centerpieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a stunning pair of 19th c. French Empire bronze and crystal centerpieces, perfect for adding an elegant touch to any home or special occasion. The intricate design a...
Crystal, Bronze
19th - 20th Century French Pair of Antique Empire Porcelain Cassoulettes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of small Cassoulettes made hand crafted porcelain, in good condition. Each of the Parisian Athenians are composed with four gilded bronze maidens, particulariz...
Metal, Bronze
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children at Play 7X7.8
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
French Restauration Antique Mahogany Cylinder Roll-Top Desk circa 1830
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FINE RESTAURATION PERIOD ORMOLU-MOUNTED FLAMED MAHOGANY BUREAU À CYLINDER France, circa 1830 Item # 403ZGP18C An exceedingly fine bureau à cylinder from the Restauration period in F...
Marble, Brass, Ormolu
Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Crystal
$3,000
Antique Chinese Runner
Located in New York, NY
Rare short and narrow antique soft blue Chinese runner.
Wool
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