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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
Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th Century Internal measurements cm 13 x 10 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gilded, Mirrored, Period Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of period, hand carved, gessoed, and 22-karat gold gilded, Second Empire, French sconces. Each with gilt bronze arms, and inset with original, mercury glass mirrors. Each with...
Category

1860s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Italian Large Empire Crystal & Gilded Iron Antique Chadelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This grand 19th Century Italian Empire chandelier features a dramatic gilt iron frame adorned with tiers of cascading, faceted crystals, combining neoclassical opulence with timeless...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

19th Century Oval Gilt Florentine Mirror, Original Mirror Plate, AT ca. 1810
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning gilt 19th century Florentine wall mirror from the period around 1810 in Austria. Arftully handcarved out of softwood, this large mirror was part of the inventory of a small ...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Softwood, Giltwood

Vintage Two-Arm Brass Wall Sconce – 1940s Decorative Design - 2Y62
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of classic elegance to your interior with this vintage two-arm brass wall sconce. Dating from the 1940s, this beautifully crafted piece features ornate detailing and timeless style. Its warm brass finish exudes a vintage charm that can enhance any room. Type: Wall Sconce (Two-Arm) Sub-Type: Interior Lighting Material: Brass Style: 1940s Vintage Maximum Power: Less than 40 Watts Decorative Features: Ornate brass design Dimensions: Height (without bulb): 23.5 cm (9.3 inches) Width: 18.5 cm (7.3 inches) Weight: 630 grams (1.39 lbs) Condition: Good; some areas require polishing. The lamp holder is slightly damaged (see photos). This vintage brass wall sconce...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Elegant pair of Gilt Candlesticks with Caryatids. French Empire, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful pair of gilded candlesticks with dark patinated caryatids in bronze. French empire, circa 1820. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Baker Furniture Regency Burl Wood Writing Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Regency or Neoclassical style writing desk or library table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous burled walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48"...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Baby Angels 5.8X5.5
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

Lot of 3 Vinyl Records - Emmio Marricane, Juliette Gréco, Joza Vlahovic - 2Y16
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore this diverse collection of 3 vinyl records featuring a range of musical styles from different artists. This set includes works by Emmio Marricane, Juliette Gréco, and Joza Vl...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Plastic

Round Silver Detachable Base Saucière, Gilded Inside, Swedish Late Empire 1830s.
By Johan Petter Grönvall 1
Located in Knivsta, SE
Round Silver Two-Piece Saucière with Detachable Base, Gilded Inside, Swedish Late Empire 1830s. Silver stamps on the piece date the piece to 1831. A silver bowl used for serving sau...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver

Beautiful Murano-Style Glass Trinket Dish in Violet-Pink - 2Y86
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Very good Description: This stunning trinket dish is crafted from glass, likely originating from Murano, Italy, although the original label is missing. The dish showcases...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Empire Set of Four French Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Open Salt Cellars-Venner
By Isabelle Venner
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Empire, sterling silver (.950), footed open salt cellars with matching spoons and liners, Paris, circa 1900, Isabelle Venner, maker. Each ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold

Pair of Italian Bronze and Cammeo Appliques from the 1800s
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of bronze appliques made in the 1800s, each of which has a pair of original hand-sculpted cameos with different scenes / views Both lights come with wiring and wiring, which ...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Hand-Carved Wooden Elephant Figurine – Rustic Artisan Craft - 2Y178
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of rustic charm to your home decor with this petite hand-carved wooden elephant figurine. Perfect for collectors or as a thoughtful gift, this piece showcases the beauty ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Mid Century Cut Crystal & Metal Delphin Dolphin Centerpiece Compote Bowls 10"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of rare mid 20th century French Empire / Neoclassical compote bowls featuring cast metal pedestal bases in the shape of delphins / dolphins / fish, painted in off white, balanci...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Copper and Brass 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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Zabihi Collection Distressed Antique Lavar Kermanshah 19th century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Highly decorative 19th century Persian Lavar Kermanshah rug. 4' x 6'4''
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Lot of 3 Classical Vinyl Records - Beethoven, Luis Mariano, Strauss - 2Y18
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Enhance your classical music collection with this lot of 3 vinyl records featuring renowned composers and performers. This set includes works by Beethoven, Luis Mariano, and Strauss,...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Miniature Vase "Tentsin Porcelain Hp" with Floral Decor - 2Y56
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming miniature vase, marked "Tentsin Porcelain Hp," features an elegant floral decor. Its intricate design and delicate size make it a lovely addition to any collection or a...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

19th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Lovely French Empire Style Console Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning french empire style console table ,20TH CENTURY, with a polished burr wood veneer and black stone top, the rectangular surface raised on fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Enameled & Crackled Terra Cotta Jug in Beautiful Color - 2Y158
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique vintage jug, made from terra cotta, features an elegant enameled and crackled finish in a beautiful color. A charming addition to any...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Large Swedish Ceiling Chandelier in Classicist Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid brass with an antique finish. Hangings from finely ground crystal. Measures: Diameter 76 cm, height 114 cm.  
Category

20th Century German Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Empire Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Empire mantle mirror (c. 1800) exhibits calculated restraint in the surface decoration, the gold gilt molding is largely plain and smo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Elegant Syrian Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet - 2Y29
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover the beauty of this elegant Syrian jewelry box, featuring intricate marquetry and a luxurious red velvet interior. This rectangular, flat box is ideal for storing jewelry, ke...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Carved Italian Giltwood Three-Arm Sconce by Randy Esada Designs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Carved Italian giltwood three-arm sconce by Randy Esada Designs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Set of 5 Green Vintage Crystal Liqueur Glasses - 2Y174
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant set of 5 liqueur glasses is crafted from fine crystal, featuring a beautiful green hue that adds a touch of sophistication to any setting. Ideal for special occasions or...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Antique Gilt Metal and Tole Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique gilt metal and tole table lamp, made in England and dating from around the 1920’s. It is of superb quality, with fine and intricate details. The tole shade is or...
Category

1920s British Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Reproduction of "Aquarelle de Didier Boulais – Le Port de La Rochelle" - 2Y65
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This beautiful reproduction of an original watercolor by Didier Boulais captures the serene and picturesque view of the Port of La Rochelle. Signed by the artist, this piece exudes t...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Vintage French Empire Blue Tole Metal Gold Swan Painted Urn Form Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Blue Tole Metal Gold Swan Painted Urn Form Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 31" H (to finial) x 23" H (to light socket) x 7" W x ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fine Old-Paris Porcelain Saucer with 'En Grisaille' Decoration, French Ca 1810
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful porcelain saucer made by a French Old Paris maker, dating to the early 19th century, circa 1810. The saucer is very well painted "en grisaille" with a deer ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Baker Furniture Regency Burl Wood Writing Desks or Library Tables, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Regency or Neoclassical style writing desks or library tables By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous burled walnut, with original brass hardware. Eac...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Gilded Wood Empire Pier Mirror
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique 19th century gilded wall mirror for sale. It's made of solid wood, and has beautiful carved wood and details throughout, and balls at the top. The wood is gilded, and shows w...
Category

19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Empire-Style Wrought Iron and Marble Table Lamp by Maitland-Smith, 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A sculptural Empire Revival table lamp by Maitland-Smith, crafted during the 1980s with the brand’s signature attention to materiality and classical detail. The design draws direct...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron

Large and elegant Table Lamp in Empire style - Early 20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Large, beautiful table lamp of gilded and dark patinated bronze, in classic Empire style from the early 20th century. The lamp with a black lacquer shade with gold on the inside give...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Style Brown Marble Corinthian Column Brass Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brown Marble Corinthian Column Brass Table Lamp. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 28" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light socket) x 6" W x 6" D. {3-Way...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Genovese Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
An Italian crystal chandelier in Empire style made with a guilded structure adorned with swags of crystals that glitter beautifully when lit up. This particular chandelier is free fr...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Genovese Empire Style Chandelier
Genovese Empire Style Chandelier
$2,773 Sale Price
40% Off
French Empire Gueridon Side Table with Tripod Columns Brass and Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful French Empire style gueridon table from 19th century. Beautiful black fossil marble over a mahogany body. A simple apron showcases the deep toned wood. Three columnar leg...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th century Swedish serpentine mahogany chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish serpentine mahogany chest of drawers circa 1880. Fine quality elegant Swedish 19th century commode fitted with 4 graduating drawers which open on the key, whic...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Vintage Tole Columnar Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Single tole Empire style columnar lamp, having a round central column with marbelized finish, wrapped in foliate spiral decoration, raised on graduated p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Empire Paris porcelain vase, early 19th century circa 1810
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Paris porcelain vase or planter, early 19th century work, Empire period circa 1810. Modern cornet-shaped model enhanced with a refined gilt stars and palms pattern on an unusu...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Late-19th Century Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

19th Century French Empire Marble Top Oval Side Table, Circa 1800
Located in NICE, FR
Presenting you this Empire gueridon in mahogany from the Napoleon I period. Boasting a veined black marble top resting on four spindle legs ending in gilded bronze claws, this guer...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Empire Danish Glass Cabinet, Bookcase in Mahogany with Bronze Details
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant late Empire 4 doors glass and wood cabinet, bookcase in mahogany. Pair of locking paned glass doors sitting atop pair of locking wood d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Lithograph by François Boucher "Vue des Environs de Beauvais" - 2Y169
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique lithograph by François Boucher, titled "Vue des Environs de Beauvais," offers a glimpse into the picturesque landscapes of Beauvais as envisioned by the renowned 18th-ce...
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

1820s Rare and Elegant Empire Walnut Sicilian Console
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An original conditions Walnut console hand-crafted in Sicily in 1820s. The elegance of saber feet it's typical of the Empire period as the gilded friezes...
Category

Early 19th Century Sicilian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Austro-Hungarian Empire 1880 Budapest Vesta Tinder Box In .900 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An Austro-Hungarian mechanical vesta tinder case. Beautiful antique fusee vesta tinder case, created in Budapest Hungary around the 1880. It was crafted during the Austro-Hungarian ...
Category

1880s Hungarian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Side Table Scagliola Inlaid Top Iron Base Handmade in Italy by Cupioli Available
Located in Rimini, IT
This table can be used as tea table, side table, lamp table it has multiple uses. The top is manufactured in scagliola art inlay, same technique of the "Paliotto" of the 16th century...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Late 20th Century Louis XVI Period Mounted Cabinet Vitrine
Located in Miami, FL
An extremely high quality and elegant French late 19th century Louis XVI period mahogany and ormolu-mounted cabinet vitrine which is finished on all sides. The cabinet is raised by t...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Wynwood Flex Steel Empire Carved Cherry Wood Glass Display Curio China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Empire Style Carved Cherry Wood Glass Display Curio China Cabinet by Wynwood Flex Steel. Item features a carved wood backsplash, spiral carved columns, original label, 2 drawers, 2 a...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cherry

Pair of Antique Swedish Empire Candlesticks Made by Hand in Solid Birch
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of Swedish empire candlesticks from around 1840 to 1850. The candlesticks are made by hand with a frame in solid birch with elements of birch root in the candleholders and foot....
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Birch

Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 21" H (to finial) x 15" H (to light socket) x 10" W x 10" D. {3-...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Marble Gueridon Table With Turned Wood Column & Brass Paw Feet
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful French 19th Century Marble & Mahogany Gueridon Pedestal Table With Turned Wood Column Over a Tripod Base Terminating With Brass Paw Feet. Would make for an excellent hal...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

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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