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
Returnable Items Only
Pair of Monumental Empire Style Candle Wall Sconces Candlestick, Italy, 1970s
By Palladio
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of giltwood candlestick wall sconces 1970s in empire style. Each fixture requires two candles. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Clock Pendulum Empire France
Located in New York, NY
Table pendulum clock made in France during the empire period, 1790-1810. Made from gilt bronze. Depicting a man holding a cornucopia.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Old Paris Porcelain Coffee Can & Saucer Lemon Engrisaille, French Ca 1800
By Paris Studio
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful porcelain coffee can and saucer, made by a French "Old Paris" maker, dating to the very early 19th century, circa 1800.
The coffee can is carefully hand pai...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Small Late 19th Century Mahogany Table or Wall Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
English Mahogany Table or Wall Mirror, circa 1860-1900. This small rectangular veneered mirror can either stand on a table or hang on a wall.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Late Empire Pedestals
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of antique Empire Neoclassical Swedish pedestals painted ebony with gold accents.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$4,400 / set
Empire Style “Quiver” Table Lamp in Italian Marble and Bronze, 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An unusual and imposing Empire style table lamp in white Italian Carrara marable, with ornate gilt bronze decoration. Designed in the form of an arrow quiver...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Black Toleware Bucket Bin Container
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Elegant and versatile black metal container featuring an image of a French carriage. This sturdy piece with two handles looks wonderful standing alone or functional holding newspaper...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
19th, Circular Ormolu Bronze French Centerpiece with Mirror
Located in IT
19th, circular Ormolu bronze French centerpiece with mirror (surtout de table)
Diameter cm 75, H 9 cm, 11 cm the highest point (harps)
This splendid French centerpiece has a roun...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1950's Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53067 Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug, 07'10 x 11'06. A dazzling vision of Anatolian artistry, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Sivas rug exudes a regal presence with its radiant col...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Set of Two 18th Century Brass and Iron Fireplace Tools
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of two 18th century brass and iron fireplace tools.
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
$288 Sale Price / set
27% Off
Two French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two sconces have been crafted in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
$13,127 / set
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...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Charming Vintage Enameled Vase with Twisted Rim - Multicolored Ceramic - 2Y144
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming vintage enameled vase is a delightful decorative piece, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space. The vase features a unique twisted rim and is crafted from ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
$156 Sale Price
60% Off
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry 8.0X7.0
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
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Jules Verne's "Hector Servadac" - Second Part, 9th Edition by Ed. Hetzel - 2Y76
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This is the second part of Jules Verne's captivating novel "Hector Servadac," 9th edition, published by Ed. Hetzel. The book is in good condition, with a slightly worn cover and spin...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$160 Sale Price
75% Off
19th Century Empire Console Italy 1810 Marble Top Bronze Fittings
Located in Epfach, DE
19th Century Empire Console Tuscany Italy 1820 Marble Top Bronze Fittings
This extraordinary Empire console from Italy around 1820 combines elegance, master craftsmanship and histori...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Fabulous Empire trumeau mirror with Greco-Roman deity occupying the central frame. Bathed in gold gilt, she is carved with great reverence for beauty and projects off the frame in ¾ ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Charming Small Terra Cotta Flower Pot with Vineyard Design - 2Y157
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming small flower pot is crafted from terra cotta and features a delightful vineyard design. Perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your home or garden.
Material: Te...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$156 Sale Price
70% Off
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
Antique Empire Charles X Inlaid Walnut & Brass Sofa, 1910s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Important sofa in transition style between empire and Charles X. Walnut wood veneer, brass inlays and small parts.
Category
1880s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,665 Sale Price
43% Off
Pair Old Paris 'Vieux Paris' Porcelain Urns, France, 19th Century
By Old Paris
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Pair Old Paris porcelain urns, France, 19th Century. Hand-painted classical form urns. A different landscape scene on each urn. Lovely co...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,238 Sale Price / set
24% Off
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 17cm
Ref.: 87456410
Ref.: 51
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Resin
Vintage 20th-Century Enameled Porcelain Pitcher with Grape & Vine Leaf - 2Y156
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming vintage 20th-century porcelain pitcher features a beautifully enameled design of grapes and vine leaves. The delicate detailing on the vibrant grape clusters and leaves...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$184 Sale Price
75% Off
Elegant French Empire Table Plateau in Bronze with nice patina from the 1810s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant French Empire Table Plateau in Bronze with a lovely patina. Worn in the original mirror glass. (see pictures). Made in France during the 1810s
Wear consistent with age and ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Marble-Top Giltwood Pedestal
Located in Dallas, TX
Empire style marble-top giltwood plant stand, having square top over four carved foliate columns, rising on marble base, ending in paw feet.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$1,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful Czechoslovakian Crystal Beaded Empire Dome Chandelier circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light, will be rewired and ready to hang. We use certified UL US sockets and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Strands and strands of crystal beads from tiny t...
Category
Early 1900s Czech Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base
Located in NICE, FR
We are delighted to present you with this pair of Empire cassolettes originating from the 19th century.
They are crafted from bronze and mounted o...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs with Versacesque Decoration
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Pair of maximalist empire revival style armchairs featuring Versace inspired motifs. The chairs have a classic gondola shaped frame with faux leather naugahyde upholstery. The faux l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Ebonized Empire Recamiere , Austria Ca. 1800's
Located in New York, NY
Fine ebonized Austrian Empire recamiere. Ebonized wood featuring elegantly curved sides and four highly detailed carved lions paw feet with giltwood accents.This fully restored large...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Jules Verne's "Hector Servadac" - First Part, 9th Edition by Ed. Hetzel - 2Y74
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This is the first part of Jules Verne's adventure novel "Hector Servadac," 9th edition, published by Ed. Hetzel. The book is in fair condition, with a slightly worn cover and spine. ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$160 Sale Price
75% Off
Early 19th Century Two Piece Set of Brass Fireplace Tools
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
These Danish fireplace tools makes a wonderful addition to any fireplace surround. This two piece set was found at a market down town Copenhagen, Denmark. This set can be used in any...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,663 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Hanging Sculpture of a Woman by Igor S. Stéphano - Numbered 611 - 2Y143
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite vintage hanging sculpture by Igor S. Stéphano captures the elegance and grace of a woman in stunning detail. Made of ceramic and porcelain, the sculpture showcases vib...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
$185 Sale Price
70% Off
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Ebonized Lamps
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mounted Ebonized Urn Form Lamps, each with two handles and mounted on a stepped base. 21.5" H x 6" W x 4" D. Provenance: From a Park Avenue Col...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 24" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish.
The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th century empire style ebonised console table
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very stylish early 20th century Empire style console table , came out of an apartment in Paris
French circa 1920’s with original marble and ormolu mounts , having an ebonised finis...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Sapele Wood
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Giltwood armchairs. This statement making pair of throne armchairs are raised by patinated Brass casters the scr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
19th Century Empire Style Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century Empire style wall or table mirror. The two part mirror having a gilt frame of Empire design with fully carved supports terminating in a molded top with lower circular ba...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Category
Early 1900s Asian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Les Animaux Vivants du Monde: Tome 1 - Mammifères by Charles J. Cornish - 2Y151
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This is Tome 1 - Mammifères of Les Animaux Vivants du Monde, authored by Charles J. Cornish and published by Ernest Flammarion. The book, containing 384 pages, is in fair condition, ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$353 Sale Price
75% Off
EARLY 19th CENTURY VIENNESE EMPIRE CLOCK
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful clock in walnut root, enriched with maple fillets and with an ebonized wooden base. The decoration of the clock features gilded bronze friezes, inspired by classical elemen...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Blue Floral Faience Funeral Urn - Macabo Design, 20th Century - 2Y20
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant funeral urn crafted from faience features a delicate blue floral design, exemplifying classic 20th-century French artistry. The urn, marked with "Macabo" and "Melchia Ma...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Faience
$333 Sale Price
68% Off
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry
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
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Set of four Early 19th Century Golden and Lacquered Wooden Curtain Holders
Located in Catania, Sicilia
19th Century Set of Four Golden And Lacquered wooden curtain holders. Not easy to find, particular original and elegant useful items.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Lacquer, Giltwood
Pair of Signed, 19th Century, Converted Milkglass Lamps Hand Painted with Ivy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of columnar table lamps, in Empire style, of milkglass. Each a round, faceted column, handpainted with scrolling vines of ivy. Lamped on round, pierced metal bases. Signed, "Pee...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
Vintage Corgi Daily Planet Miniature Helicopter - 1:43 Scale - 2Y220
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a piece of nostalgia to your collection with this vintage Corgi Daily Planet miniature helicopter. Crafted with attention to detail, this 1:43 scale non-military helicopter is a ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$133 Sale Price
60% Off
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
American Empire Expanding Rectangular Wood Side Table with Mahogany Veneer
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire folding rectangular side table with a sliding table top and extendable hinged leaf, resting on a baluster pedestal base ending in 4 flattened scroll legs with casters...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Watercolor Drawing by Jacques Courtade, "La Mort Invitée" N72 - 2Y165
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage watercolor drawing by Jacques Courtade, titled "La Mort Invitée," is an evocative piece that captures the artist's unique style and depth. Numbered 72, this artwork is a...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$444 Sale Price
44% Off
Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Candlestick Column Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Austrian Patinated Bronze Candlestick Column Bouillotte Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 35.5" H (to finial) x 25" H (to light socket) x 5" W...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Gravure "La Charette" by M. Lallane after Troyon, Circa 1860-1880, 2Y113
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite gravure, titled "La Charette," was created by the skilled artist M. Lallane after the renowned painter Troyon, dating back to the late 19th century (circa 1860-1880). ...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$235 Sale Price
70% Off
Antique book "Retour en Chrétienté" - Collection by J. Servel - 2Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore the insightful collection titled "Retour en Chrétienté" by J. Servel, a notable work reflecting on religious themes. Published by Édition du Chalet, this book is an essential...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$95 Sale Price
80% Off
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Spanish Regency / Isabelina Mallorquín Dresser, Chest, Floral Inlay
Located in Madrid, ES
Often referred to as "Mallorquín" or "Catalana" style, this type of commode or dresser evolved in the early to mid 19th century in the Spanish province of Catalonia, taking design influences from various European...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$2,735 Sale Price
50% Off
Lot of 6 Vintage 45 RPM Vinyl Records - Break Machine, Apache, A-Ha - 2Y10
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Expand your collection with this lot of 6 vintage 45 RPM vinyl records, featuring a diverse selection of artists and hits. Each record offers a unique s...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Plastic
$104 Sale Price
80% Off
French Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, Circa 1875
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, France
Charming French Tole Lamp on a frosted lucite base. Wonderful patina on this vintage piece. Certainly a statement piece in any home libr...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
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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